MEETING RECAP
Dynamic Lakewood Rotary!
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, February 2, 2025
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Dynamic Lakewood Rotary!
Joe Quinn
This was an unusually busy meeting at the Rotary Club of Lakewood on the last day of January 2025. Was it the famous pot roast lunch at Tacoma Country and Golf Club? Was it because President Carl Bronkema was suddenly called out of town, causing President-Elect Tom George to be dragged out of the dugout to pinch hit? We had more guests and visiting Rotarians than you could shake a stick at, and so this poor scribe could not keep up with all the names and goings on. It was fast and furious.
Zoomers today included at least Bud Montgomery, Carole Wier, John Magnuson, Rachel Mazoff and Ralph Johnson, our longest-tenured Lakewood Rotarian. The Setup Committee was recognized and then the bedlam of Guests and Visiting Rotarians (all rolled into one) began in earnest. I apologize for butchering—or completely missing—names but here goes: Ben S. of one of the three Gig Harbor Rotary clubs introduced Carmelita, who I think he said was a Rotarian in the Philippines, but she was speechless so we got no explanation. Visiting Rotarian Chris Serface, the current President of Tacoma 8 (aka our farm team) and I believe also President of Tacoma Little Theater, was with us today. Also from Tacoma 8, Doug Edger (spelling?) introduced a prospective member, who is with Banner Bank, and whose name I totally missed.
The onslaught continued, with Suzanne Johnson of Puyallup-South Hill Rotary introducing two new members of their club. She introduced Janine, a financial officer at Good Samaritan Hospital and also Corey Munson, a CPA. Suzanne said that they like to bring new members to other clubs in the area (probably to show them how great a Rotary meeting can be).
Bill Wiggins introduced Elijah, the Next Step student from Clover Park HS that he and his wife Becky are working with in our mentoring program. Elijah told us he is Filipino, that he wants to be a biomedical engineer, and that he loves fostering “culture” at the high school. West Pierce Fire Chief Jim Sharp introduced Assistant Chief Ryan McGrady, adding that Ryan might need an application to join Lakewood Rotary. Linda Disney immediately pledged to email him one!
Terry Roarke introduced his friend and UW classmate Don Hansen, who Terry noted is a Past President of Tacoma 8. Terry claimed that Don just retired at the age of 88.
Patrick Smith, Lakewood Rotarian and Lakewood Police Chief, introduced three of his Captains in the police force: CPT Pete Johnson for patrol, CPT Jeremy Prater for Professional Standards, and CPT Andrew Gildehaus for investigations and major cases.
President Tom (going slightly out of order on the usual agenda) noted that the Paul Harris desk was staffed today by Debbie McVicker and that Linda Disney was on the raffle table and acting as Sergeant at Arms. The Photographer today was Bob Zawilski and the Scribe is the beleaguered Joe Quinn. All three of our LR dignitaries were with us today but we are omitting their names as they get way too much publicity.
Wendy McGowan was called upon to give the Sunshine Report. She said Gayle Selden has told her that long-time member Bill Price is at St. Clare Hospital in an “end of life” situation, as Gayle put it. Prayers for Bill and his wife Pat Price.
Next, Past President Mary Horn came forward and asked all Puffins present to come forward for a presentation. Mary asked Chief Smith and his three captains to step up and receive a nice Lakewood Rotary check. At the roast of President Carl Bronkema in December, the Puffins raised over $3,000 and decided to give the money to the Lakewood Police charitable programs. CPT Jeremy Prather explained that the department’s officers’ foundation has two parts: the Fallen Officers Fund and the Make a Difference Fund. Shop with an Officer is a major event. In the last ten years, they have given away more than $150,000. At that juncture, Mary presented the Lakewood Police with a nice check in the amount of $3,055.00 from the proceeds of the fines at the Roast in December.
Speaking of money, then President Pro Tempore Tom called for volunteers and got some. Becky Wiggins ratted on her husband Bill who just turned 70. Bill said there was a trip to Cabo to remember too so he gave $70. Kris Kaufman said he had an interesting month with some health adventures, and turning 83, he decided to throw in $100. Bob Martin and his wife Sue are happy and proud to have two molecular biologists in the family who are both working overseas right now so he gave $50 in their honor. Rob Erb said he was ratting on a certain future LR President, who left his Rotary badge on the table, so Tom George sheepishly donated $100. Tom did mention that LR may actually have an outbound student this year for Youth Exchange; it has been quite some time since we sent a student out, although of course we have regularly hosted inbound students from various countries.
Program: Anne Enquist, Program Chair, introduced our program speakers for the day. But first Anne thanked both West Pierce Fire and Rescue and St. Clare Hospital for the excellent treatment after she recently fell and fractured her leg and her heel. Anne introduced the leadership team, which includes Mimi Johnson, an RN, Dr. Kim Moore, MD, who is the Chief Medical Officer at both St. Clare and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma, and last but not least the President, Matt Metsker, who worked as a clinician for 17 years as a Physician’s Assistant.
Mr. Metsker said that St. Clare is licensed for 106 beds, but of course accommodated more patients during Covid. The hospital has room for 25 in the ER and has 5 operating rooms and a complete gastrointestinal suite. St. Clare has two CT scanners and one (old) MRI. They admit about 20 patients per day, but also see about 100 in the ER every day on average. Their clinics provide outpatient services to about 150 patients daily.
Recently, St. Clare has won many awards within the 10-hospital group made up of Virginia Mason and Franciscan hospitals in this region. For instance, they won best teaching hospital. Recently, the hospital was recognized for decreasing the appropriate length of stay by 24 hours, a full day less in the hospital. They have recently increased their capacity to do endoscopes, so now they can perform endoscopies and colonoscopies five days a week. What fun! The team is very proud of the robotic orthopedic surgeries they do often at the hospital.
Mr. Metsker spent some time discussing the future needs and prospects of the hospital; he delved into the details of the upcoming remodel of the Sterile Procedures area. They will have a temporary structure to sterilize all instruments and necessary equipment during the remodel, at a cost of over $400,000!
Mr. Metsker then called up Mimi and Kim to help him answer questions from the Rotarians who promptly sent up numerous softballs for the leadership team to answer. ‘
Thanks to Anne Enquist for a most informative program.
The Drawing: Even the raffle was exciting at this meeting. Ron Irwin pulled out the red chip, ignoring the rude Rotarians yelling “White”, so he won a lot more than $5 (but the actual number will be disclosed later—at least $250).
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, February 13th at 5:30 pm Rotary on Tap at Lakewood Elks Lodge.
Peanut Butter, Beer and Compliments - Oh My!
By Stephen SaalfeldEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Monday, January 27, 2025
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On this 24th day of January, President Carl rang the bell promptly at 12:31 according to this writer’s clock. So we were already waaay behind schedule. However, we all rose and did the usual meeting starting stuff including Eric Warn’s invocation and a salute to Old Glory led by Mark Silva.
January 24th, is National Peanut Butter Day. In honor of this momentous day, I share with you a rhyme my kids learned in preschool. I recommend reading it with a British accent as that really classes it up:
A peanut lay upon the track, his heart was all aflutter.
Around the bend came Number 10…
Toot Toot! Peanut butter.
Yes Rotarians, that is the kind of highbrow prose you can expect in this week’s bulletin so buckle up and strap on that crash helmet because as you can tell, Number 10 brakes for no nut (or in this case anthropomorphized legume).
Walt Richardson shuttered the bugs and I scribbled the notes that are gradually transforming into today’s bulletin. Note that Walt’s photos are guaranteed to be more accurate than any of the nonsense I report today.
GUESTS
Angela Connelly introduced Angie Dahlen of Battlefield Addiction.
VISITING ROTARIANS
Angela also introduced Roma from Enumclaw Rotary and Stephen from a club that shall remain unnamed (mostly because I didn’t hear the club’s name and additional research doubles my Scribe fee). President Carl also introduced Jim Merritt first as a visiting Rotarian before he spilled the beans: Jim is officially defecting to Lakewood Rotary from Tacoma Rotary 8. They may be the 8th club in the world, but we get pot roast on the last Friday of the month, so I believe Jim made the right choice.
The projector was running hot as we had a large Zoom contingent joining today’s meeting: Bill Potter, Barb Spriggs, Liz Heath, Shiru Osundwa, Gayle Selden, Scott Buser and Ralph Johnson who recently celebrated 97 years of good, clean living (Scribe’s note: Truth be told, I did not verify how “good” or “clean” Ralph’s 97 years on our fine planet have been, but we’re grateful he chose to spend the afternoon with us all the same).
We were graced by the presence of PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda and the aforementioned Zooming Bill Potter (and a reminder that he was only “zooming” in the on-screen sense—I can confirm that he appeared to be mostly stationary throughout our meeting).
SUNSHINE REPORT
Wendy McGowan let us know that after a couple of cancellations, Jan Gee had her long-awaited back surgery earlier this week. She is hoping to be released from the hospital shortly but is battling the pain and discomfort one might expect from back surgery. All Rotarians are asked to send positive energy Jan’s way—we’re all thinking of you Jan!
January 24th is also National Compliment Day. I’m trying this one out on my spouse this evening: “If it was legal to marry food, I would still choose you over pizza.” I expect her to swoon. Or perhaps inform me that I’m making dinner tonight.
PAUL HARRIS AWARDS
Andy Phillips collected the armful of hardware, pins, medals and statues sculpted in his honor in a local park that are customary with one’s first Paul Harris—congrats Andy!
THE PUFFIN-ATION of Tiffany Holmon
Though Tiffany was sponsored by Kamarie Wilson, Mary Horn stepped in for the swearing in ceremony. President Carl read the royal edict, and before we knew it, Tiffany was the proud owner of a shiny red Rotarian badge. In addition, an ecstatic Joseph Walsh handed Tiffany the puffin (that for my money looks an awful lot like an overfed and slightly constipated crow) that has been in his possession for nearly a decade.
Tiffany thanked everyone in the club who have made her feel so welcome from her very first meeting. She has a long history in the field of customer service and reported that she is wired to always give her absolute all and “never half-ass” (I quote her for accuracy even though such an inclusion is sure to bump the rating of today’s bulletin to PG-13). Tiffany is a UW grad, the mother of three boys and lives in Lacey, Washington. All present welcomed her enthusiastically to Lakewood Rotary.
WORD OF THANKS FROM LAKEWOOD BASEBALL CLUB
Jonathan Garcia, the commissioner of LBC came to express his gratitude for our club’s support. He reported that in 2021, there were only 108 kids signed up to play baseball at LBC, but that number hit 262 in 2024. The club has a goal of 300 kids this year and Jonathan thanked Lakewood Rotary for the opportunity our funds have provided for local kids including the 28 players who lacked the resources to sign up, but was sponsored to play thanks to our donation. Jonathan sees the results the club produces when he coached at Lakes HS, and it is not unusual to have half of the kids say they played at LBC.
TURN ON YOUR HEART LIGHT ON FEB 15
John Lowney reminded those present that there are just a couple of rooms left at Clearwater Casino on February 15 for those inclined to croon along to Sweet Caroline and other classics performed by a Neil Diamond tribute band. So if your Valentine won’t Bring you Flowers, Thank the Lord for the Nighttime and since every Girl will be a Woman Soon don’t delay and get that room ASAP!
DISTRICT CONFERENCE IN TACOMA May 30-31
John also let us know that our club has funds for anyone who might be interested in attending the Rotary District Conference that will take place in Tacoma on May 30 and 31. For those who have never been to a district conference, this is your chance to give it a whirl while it’s here in our backyard.
GETTING CRABBY
Sally reminded us that Feb 22 is the Lions Crab Feed. Attendees are encouraged to dress in the spirit of the “Under The Sea” theme. Rumor has it funds are being collected for a red wig and shell bra to complete President Carl’s Little Mermaid costume. Apparently he already has an iridescent tail fin that will be perfect for the occasion.
THIS IS
Linda Disney reminded us that the next Rotary on Tap will take place at the Lakewood Elks on Feb 13
A FINE DAY FOR FINES
Greg Horn reported that he recently asked Mary if there was anything he doesn’t like about him. He swears that she only came up with two things (a few of us put our heads together and came up with a MUCH longer list. Mary—let’s talk). According to Greg Mary complained that
- Greg doesn’t listen, and
- He actually couldn’t remember the second thing, but
- He was proud to report that former President Mary is the new President of the Board for the Lakewood Playhouse. Greg threw some money in the pot to celebrate
Mark Silva grabbed the mic to cough up fifty proud dollars as he recently learned that his daughter is expecting a child in April. Congratulations Grandpa Mark!
SPEAKER: Andrea Suarez, Executive Director of We Heart Seattle
Angela Connelly introduced Andrea. Angela decided to wear her boots to today’s meeting as a homage to Andrea’s willingness to do the hard work she does in Seattle where she truly is boots on the ground making a difference. The two of them met for the first time via Zoom as Andrea was in the midst of taking someone to rehab.
Andrea is a Rotarian who joined a club after they funded her efforts to clean up Seattle (and she quickly pressured Jonathan Garcia to sign up as a Rotarian declaring that if Rotary is funding your work, you really should join).
The highlights:
-Andrea and her fellow We Heart Seattle-ites started by picking up needles (more than 50,000 collected) in Seattle and cleaning up green spaces.
-University Sunrise Rotary funded her work, so she joined their club where she is now a Paul Harris Fellow
-In addition to picking up trash, she makes an effort to talk to homeless people to figure out what they need. If it is a ride to rehab, she gives them a ride to rehab
-They have picked up more the 2 million pounds of trash including finding a dozen or so bodies
-They have helped 250 people get off the street and she gave a shout out to Battlefield Addiction for their great partnership
-Her organizations has logged more than 20,000 volunteer hours much of it done by her Rotary club
-They are looking to expand their efforts beyond Seattle. South Sound clean up party anyone?
Dr. Peter Marsh had his number called, but alas he drew a white chip for $5. The pot is safe for another week.
Linda Disney relayed that only a measly, $172 was collected for the foundation day and asked that I shame you all appropriately. Consider it done:
January 24th is also National Beer Can Appreciation Day. If I’m being honest, I probably appreciate the beer in the can more than the can itself but since National Beer Day isn’t celebrated until April 7th, I think I’ll celebrate anyway. Cheers!
District Governor bill McGregor: Just Show Up
By Donn Irwin
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District Governor Bill McGregor: Just Show Up
Donn Irwin
Following on the heels of last week’s rather “pucky” Key and in keeping with the sports activity of our current President, Carl Bronkema (PCB), this writer will chat about golf. Oh, and will mention a few things about what the Governor had to say as well.
Tim, an employee of Carl’s, knew his boss was out of the office for the day. Tim had the brilliant idea to transfer all of his office telephone calls to his personal cell phone and took it with him to play golf. Carl called Tim on the sixth hole and asked, how is everything going today? Trying to keep his composure and muffle the ambient outside noise, Tim responded, Everything’s great. All under control, boss. That’s great, his boss replied. Could you do me a favor? Sure, Tim said. What do you need? Could you move a little faster? I'm in the foursome behind you.
Speaking of bad boys, the notorious Rob Erb gang was lauded by PCB for their collective efforts in setting up our meeting and specifically for having both national anthems up on the screen so we could sing along by following the bouncing ball. Besides Mr. Erb, the gang included Tom George, James Osundwa, Terry Roarke and Rick Selden.
1-17-1773 – Captain James Cook is the first to cross the Arctic Circle
The guy capturing the images was Walt Richardson and your scribe for the day, Donn Irwin.
Congratulations to all of you once again as the Paul Harris table took in $890.00 for the day!!
PCB called on the Puffins to stand and be recognized, I believe three Puffins stood.
Connie Coleman-Lacadie introduced Syl Wies of the American Red Cross and Chad Smith.
Greg Rediske introduced Tiffany Holman (Tiffany should be a new member next Friday)
Our speaker’s wife, Barbara McGregor joined us as well. It appears our only visiting Rotarian was Bill McGregor himself.
1-17-1821 – Mexico permits James Austin and 300 families to settle in Texas.
PCB was lamenting that his golf game is so bad, he had to get his ball retriever regripped.
Zoomers: Barb Spriggs, Carole Wier, Charles Heberle, Tori Murphy and Dave Swindale with Joe Walsh coming on late.
Steve Enquist presented three folks with Paul Harris awards: DGE Tony Camoroda, AG Bill Potter and Terry Roarke.
PCB asked his golf instructor: You think my golf game is improving?
His instructor said: Yes. You miss a lot closer now.
1-17-1871 - 1st cable car patented, by Andrew Smith Hallidie in the US begins service in 1873.
There were a few announcements. Don Daniels reminded everyone to get busy selling those Wine a Lot raffle tickets and again asked for two more volunteers to help him – especially in March. Scott Casebolt thanked the Puffin crew for their work on the Presidential Roast and let the club know that the Puffins have selected Shop with a Cop as the place that the $3,055.00 dollars they raised will go. The money has to go through the Lakewood Police Officers charity so he asked for a motion for that to happen. A motion was made, seconded and we voted to approve the expenditure.
Now that PCB is older, he was heard to exclaim: “I’ve been playing golf for 50 years and I swear that the holes are moving.”
1-17-1893 - Queen Liliuokalani is deposed by an American coup, Kingdom of Hawaii becomes a republic
Connie Coleman-Lacadie announced the number of responses from the survey the club members were asked to participate in. We had a 47% response. She will be passing along the results of the survey to the Board. It appears we have gotten a few speakers from the survey as well. Connie also brought a motion for the group to authorize a down payment on the McGavick Center for our upcoming event. The motion was granted and approved. Bill Potter got us to pass and approve a motion and payment to the Lakewood Baseball Club for $2,500.00
1-17-1920 – 1st day of Prohibition in the US and
1-17-1929- Popeye makes debut in a comic strip.
On the eve of a Presidential Inauguration for the US, where future and former Presidents will gather, Lakewood Rotarians today were treated to our own brand of governing royalty. PDG Horn, current DG McGregor, incoming DG Camoroda and AG Potter were all in attendance.
AG Potter was called upon to introduce our speaker – DG Bill McGregor. Here is what Mr. Potter had to say:
Born in Vancouver, B.C., his family moved to Tacoma, WA when he was 4 years old. DG Bill has been a Rotarian since 2007. He has served as President of the Lacey Rotary Club, and was the Assistant Governor in Area 130, which includes Lacey, Gateway, Hawks Prairie, and Yelm clubs. Bill and his wife, Barbara, are Paul Harris Society members and Major Donors. In addition to his contribution through Rotary, DG Bill has served on many non-profit boards. He currently serves on the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association board. DG Bill has a degree in Transportation Logistics, is certified as a Public Port Manager, was involved with Ports in Washington State for over 42 years, and worked at the executive level with the Ports of Tacoma, Olympia and Grays Harbor.
In 2000, he moved back to Lacey and went to work for Saint Martin’s University as the Director of Facilities Management. In 2006, he was appointed to the Port of Olympia Commission and held that position until he retired in December 2021.
DG Bill and his wife Barbara have been foster parents for over 40 years. They have opened their home to children for a night, for weeks, for months, and in several instances, for multiple years. They have five children, 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. (Lots of potential for future Rotarians!)
District Governor McGregor mentioned that this wasn’t the first time he had attended one of our meetings. He shared that he came to a meeting where Rod Koon spoke to us about the Port of Tacoma (and his book on the subject). Mr. McGregor just wanted to be sure that Rod was accurate in his recounting of the Port’s history. Evidently, he was.
Our speaker thanked PDG Greg Horn and wife Mary for their hard work and contributions in getting “dacdb” up and running (and keeping it that way). He then called upon incoming DG Camoroda to come forward and thanked him for his support and involvement in all things Rotary.
DG McGregor spoke to us about the “Magic of Rotary”. This “Magic” highlights the impact of Rotary in our communities and around the world. Unlike a card trick, Rotary’s “Magic” isn’t illusional, it is real. Rotary is made up of people of action. We provide humanitarian aid in times of crisis. Our ability to cross borders and work with others is our magic – think Polio Plus and clean water. Bill touted “Just Show Up”, a book by Hall of Fame baseballer Cal Ripken Jr. Cal holds the major league baseball record for consecutive games played (2,632). Like Cal Ripken, DG McGregor believes that by showing up Rotarians demonstrate to others that we are committed.
The Governor encouraged us all to volunteer within our club and he touted the upcoming District Conference. He also told us of a newly chartered club in Lacey that was started by a woman in the health care field that couldn’t make regular meeting nor attend via Zoom. The Governor didn’t state how the charter was structured but was very excited about the club and the fact that it was chartered with 54 members! Evidently the new club will have members attending the District Conference.
The Governor showed a video about the upcoming Conference and encouraged us to attend. This year’s Conference will be held at the Marriott in Tacoma. The dates are May 29-31.
With that he ended his remarks. PCB called the meeting to an end and the raffle drawing ensued. Bob Martin won the right to pull out a chip. A red one would have awarded him $536. Alas, he drew a white chip worth $5.00.
1-17-1934 – NY Giants award MVP pitcher Carl Hubbell with a huge $18,000 contract.
Birthdays and Anniversaries were handled by Chris Kimball. Chris called on those birthday guys and gals to come forward and try to name a tune from scrabbled words to a song. Joe Quinn, Steve Enquist, Bill Potter, Greg Horn, and Brianna Cooper were the only ones out of 16 that came to the meeting. Their attempts to unscramble the words and get the song title was entertaining. I believe Bill Potter was the only successful participant. The other birthday folks are listed below along with club and wedding anniversaries.
1-17-1966 - NBC picks up 'The Monkees' TV show
Birthday folks not mentioned above:
Troy Wilcox, Jim Bisceglia, Clayton DeNault, Gary Fulton, Ralph Johnson, Steve Mazoff, Donna Phillips, Jessica James, Linda McDermott, Brandy Paxton, Patrick Smith, Bill Wiggins
The above birthday folks share their day with some famous (and infamous) people – Founding Father Benjamine Franklin, gangster Al Capone, actress Betty White, singer Eartha Kitt, actor James Earl Jones, boxing great Muhammad Ali, attorney Robert F Kennedy Jr., former First Lady Michelle Obama and NBA basketballer Dwayne Wade.
Club Anniversaries – years in Rotary in parenthesis: Philip Lindholm (1), Joel Vranna (2), Linda McDermott (3), Dwight Williams (3), Jessica James (4), Carl Bronkema (4), Angela Connelly (6), Barlow Buescher (9), Jason Whalen (19), John Caulfield (24), Dave Betz (26), James Guerrero (29), Leon Titus III (33), Rob Erb (35), Dave Reames (43), Jim Bisceglia (51).
Wedding Anniversaries: Jim & Penny Rooks – 38 years. Phil & Judy Eng – 40 years.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, January 24th - Rotary Club Meeting, Andrea Suarez - Executive Director of We Heart Seattle - Trash Clean-ups and Homelessness Support
Friday, January 31st - Rotary Club Meeting - Little Free Pantry day - Matthew Metsker - CEO at St. Claire Hospital
February 8th, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 District Council Meeting - Zoom
February 21-23, 2025 – President-Elect Learning at SeaTac DoubleTree Hilton
March 2025 – Rotary Winter Get-Away, possibly Oregon coast
Friday, April 12th – Lakewood Rotary Wine & Beer Festival Fundraiser at McGavick Center
May 29, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - District Council Meeting - Marriott Downtown Tacoma
May 30 – 31, 2025 - Rotary District Conference - Marriott Downtown Tacoma
June 21-25, 2025 - Rotary International Convention - Calgary, Canada
June 27, 2025 - Installation Banquet for our new president, Tom George, and board at the Country Club
June 30th, 2025 - End of Rotary year: Annual Dues due
July 1st, 2025 - new board takes office, beginning of Rotary year
Rotary, Hockey, and other Shenanigans
By Gregory J. RediskeEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, January 12, 2025
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Before Carl Bronkema became President of Lakewood Rotary, I knew the following things about hockey: Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, The Miracle on Ice, and Rodney Dangerfield’s quote: “I went to a fight the other night, and a hockey game broke out.” Oh, and I knew we had an NHL team in Seattle, the Kraken. That’s not much, given that President Carl is such a fanatic about the sport. I decided I should do some serious investigation into this apparently violent competitive activity. Included in the recap of our meeting from January 10 at the Pavilion will be some knowledge that I acquired through exhaustive research. You’re welcome.
Along about 12:30, give or take, His Hockey-ness started the away game/meeting at our Ft. Steilacoom Pavilion with the invocation of President-elect Tom George. Tom’s thoughts included the plight of the people near the Palisades fire in LA. Treasurer John Lowney has set up a payment portal on our website www.lakewoodrotary.com to donate to a Rotary fund to help those folks. $20 - $1,000.
We get nose jobs all the time in the NHL, and we don’t even have to go to the hospital. Hall of Fame defenseman Brad Park
Sunshine: Carl didn’t get a nose job (this time) but an old hockey injury has laid him low, or lower: a hurt foot in a walking boot. Barlow Buescher further reported that former member Cheri Loiland’s husband K C passed away. And Charles Heberle’s wife Amythyst also passed away. Our condolences to all.
New Member: Carl inducted our newest member, sponsored by Bob Zawilski: Shelia (Lia) Knight. Lia is mostly retired from a career in media, including 30 years in syndicated network radio. Now she’s ready to travel and make a difference in her community. She came to the right place! Welcome aboard, Lia.
My dad had this thing - everyone in Canada wants to play hockey; that's all they want to do. So when I was a kid, whenever we skated my dad would not let us on the ice without hockey sticks, because of this insane fear we would become figure skaters! Norm MacDonald
All hockey players are bilingual. They know English and profanity. Gordie Howe
Announcements:
--Don Daniels needs at least two people to help, starting next week, with the business of handing out and tracking this year’s raffle tickets (drawing for $5k on April 12).
--John Lowney has organized an outing on Valentine’s Day weekend called Guns and Roses. Not the rock group, but “guns” for the tour of a destroyer in Bellingham, and “roses” for Valentine’s Day. February 15 will start with a tour of the Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton, followed by lunch at Anthonys, and then travel to the Clearwater Casino in Poulsbo. If you wish, for $15 you can buy tickets to the Neil Diamond Tribute Show on Saturday night. On Sunday, join along for a tour of the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport. (Former Lakewood Rotarian Admiral Jim Russell is honored there.) Call 866-609-8700, use booking code #25100 to secure your room at the Casino. For more information, call John (253-318-4897).
Hank Kerns passed out “Save the Date” cards for the Wine and Beer Festival on April 12: “Sip, Savor, Celebrate”. Early bird pricing ends March 20: sign up now at www.lakewoodrotary.com
Tickets are $125 each, with the food from All Catering including: Carved beef, Yukon potatoes, baby green salad, asparagus, vegetable medley, Wild caught Sockeye salmon, vegetarian lasagna, rice pilaf and bread (two buffet lines). Mmmmmm….It was moved, seconded, carried to approve the $8,000 downpayment check for the catering.
Fines: or whatever members’ generosity/guilt payments are called these days.
--Tony Camoroda did his version of Rat on a Rotarian (ROAR), insinuating that Steve Enquist was endangering the life of Anne by leaving her in the car while he shopped at Costco - without even cracking the window!! Anne ratted even more: Steve turned 77 on the 7th, which she said was worth $100.
Joe Quinn turns 79 soon, and paid $79, while Steve Mazoff moved on to the decade after that, along with a trip to Florida, for $100. Not to be outdone, Mary Horn ratted on the man she sleeps with (causing a number of Rotarians to gasp for a second….”me”?!?) She meant to say PDG Horn, who turns 80 this month. We assume $80 was offered up, now or later.
Scott Buser retired last week, with something special coming our way in the future to commemorate the great news.
Chuck Hellar announced the memorial service at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, N 36th and Gove, Tacoma, WA at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 1 for Jack Waechter.
Jack Waechter
Mark Blanchard told a long story about a teleporter that resulted in a cat returning from his journey as half cat/half building, with the cat possessing 6 tails. A sculpture depicts the event and has an infinity room inside. A must-see near the glass museum in Tollefson Plaza. Mark and his son Tom are builders of the sculpture, overseen by Steve Laberge. It comes down Sunday night, after being there the last month.
Why is a puck called a puck? Because “dirty little bastard” was taken. Martin Brodeur
I will personally challenge anyone who wants to get rid of fighting to a fight. GM Brian Burke
Half the game is mental; the other half is being mental. Former Maple Leaf Jim McKenny
Program:
Rose Stevens introduced former Marine Brandon Simmons. Brandon has had careers in painting and construction, and now converts buses for housing/travel. He noted that the homeless in our midst all have individual stories to tell, but most have issues getting showers, doing laundry, getting haircuts, and the like. So he started the Skoolie Foundation to provide these things. At first the project was entirely funded by Brandon. He remade buses to provide individual shower access; he got volunteer barbers to give haircuts; he got volunteer nurses and dentists for health screenings; he provided hygiene kits and lunches and even pet care. His Empowerment Bus costs about $80K and is solar powered with 300 gallons of water storage and propane to heat the water. He has facilitated the start-up of new businesses, dependent on the business commitment to provide some of these services. Tacoma South Rotary and Harkness used this organization for their last fundraiser and paddle wave ($47K). He continues to need help with supply donations, grants and fundraisers from businesses. Partnerships include LASA, Tacoma Rescue Mission, St. Vincent de Paul, and Nourish, among others. He is also working with many local school districts, including Clover Park. Last year they provided 600 free haircuts. This year, the goal is 18,000. Next week on their Facebook page, they will be sharing live video of the Friday to Monday renovation of a bus. Fascinating stuff!
I was a multi-millionaire from playing hockey. Then I got divorced, and now I am a millionaire. Hockey Hall of Famer, Bobby Hull.
By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of an NHL playoff series. Steve Rushin
The Drawing: Mary Horn won! $5.00.
And finally……
Hockey players wear numbers because you can't always identify the body with dental records. Bob Plager
A Christmas Carl – What a Little Dickens!
By Horn, Gregory S.Edited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, December 22, 2024
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London Rotary - December 19, 1843
A Christmas Carl – What a Little Dickens!
AI
Bob Cratchit, PP Ron Irwin, and a ghost of Christmas past - PP Paul Reeder, were in a PUB enjoying a Smoking Bowl. They discussed how they could raise rents on little old ladies residing in their tenements. Jacob Marley came in and “tut tutted” them with an admonition to be more generous and kind-hearted, especially at Christmas. “Why should we? Old man Ebenezer Scrooge ain’t generous!” Exclaimed the AI generated Cratchit, Scrooge’s CPA!
Burping the smoky haze of spicy port wine, Cratchit excused himself, explaining he needed to take care of his kid, Tim. He also had to get back to the office as Scrooge expected him to work on Christmas day, without extra pay.
The AI Dickensian Scene morphed into Friday’s Lakewood Rotary Roast of President Carl. Or did it? What did we really witness? A Plenty of Puffins Portrayed Players Performing Parts of a Christmas Pageant: Past, Present and Portentous.
Jacob Marley, Ebenezer’s Partner, represents an AI moral guide. I think PP Mark Blanchard was an AI Marley. If not, he is the sort with a boundless propriety that Ebenezer needed. But is President Carl really Scroogesque? Number 4 Hockey, golf, tennis, lacrosse, cricket, track, baseball, internet dating, basketball, fencing – doesn’t sound Scroogey to me. There was a “Donna” – running late. A “Becky” golf partner – Bah Humbug! South of the border internet dating.
Ow!
Now here is a tribute to my note-taking ability: “GPA inspector threatening shutdown.” Perfectly understandable, right? There’s more: a basketball championship involving cross-body checking, high-sticking, nose-bleeds, Canada being a Province of Sweden, some guy named Gretsky, Kraken Swag, and Tiny Tim – not Herbert Khoury. (That Tiny Tim died at age 64 and was buried with his ukulele and one tulip.) Nevertheless, “God Bless Us, Every one.”
Hmmm
Santa’s Helpers and Such
Tom & Jerry Experts: Rick & Gayle Selden, Joe Quinn
Credit Card Processors/Script Sales: John Lowney, Don Daniels, Becky Wiggins
Foundation: Dick Ferrell
$2 Raffle/Sgt at Arms: Debbie McVicker
Tech Team: Rob & his minions; Tom George, James Osundwa, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Troy Wilcox
Bulletin: Ole
Photographer: Walt Richardson
Flag Salute: Scott Casebolt
Invocation: Mark Silva via Zoom
Special Guests: Alfonso & Alberto Bronkema (sons), Victoria Bronkema
2024 Puffins and their ………………………………. Sponsors
Casebolt, Scott A. (SCOTT) Jim Sharp
Cooper, Brianna (BRIE) Angela Connelly
Githaiga-Osundwa, Margaret Wanjiru (SHIRU) James Osundwa
Lindholm, Philip (PHILIP) Mary Horn
Murphy, Tori N (TORI) Veronica Bronkema
Ripley, Linda L (LINDA) Mary Marlin
Silva, Mark (MARK) Zoom from Hawaii Clint Johnson
Smith, Patrick D (PATRICK) Christopher Kimball
Stone, Phyllis (PHYLLIS ) Eric Warn
Walsh, Joseph Coleman (JOSEPH) Jan Gee and Anne Enquist
Wiggins, Rebecca (BECKY) Angela Connelly
Wiggins, William S (BILL) Becky Wiggins
Wilson, Kamarie (KAMARIE) Gayle Selden
Other tidbits:
Phyllis Stone: Acting President
Philip Lindholm: Fine Master
Chief Patrick Smith: Escort for Carl
Tori Murphy: Narrator
Addenda from the Agenda
Guests included wives, daughters, one mom, one son, one sister.
Jim Merritt was a visiting Rotarian from Tacoma 8. Back amongst us was Anne Enquist mostly recovered from her surgery. President Carl started $1,000 in the red. He holed out some slap shot putts to ease that pain. A new member posting name is: Shelia (Lia) Knight. Mark, Mary, David, Connie and Barlow. I will see you those five and raise you a Gary Fulton, Leon Titus, Wendy McGowan, Lowell Johnson and Donnnn Irwin. If there is any reason to wonder why I name those five, I challenge you to get to know each of them – they are truly remarkable people. Your life will be richer for knowing them.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Who Reads This Stuff?
Ole
The Case of the Missing Puffins
By Gayle SeldenSunday, December 15, 2024
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The Case of the Missing Puffins
Gayle Selden
The December 13th meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood was in one of our alternative locations, the grill room down in the basement of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. As I descended the stairs I was greeted by Chuck Hellar as the solo person working a desk. I was rather late to the meeting so I missed our Paul Harris desk person and anyone else who may have been there.
In 1977, President Elect Mel Neighbors created the name for the newest members of our Lakewood Rotary group. New members for one year are referred to as Puffins and in more recent years those new members have carried a stuffed Puffin to meetings until the next new person is inducted into the club. In the year of President Mary Horn there were so many members being inducted the stuffed puffin was flying around barely spending any time with new inductees. Seeing that as a problem I donated a stuffed Puffin that was from the collection of Ted Weir. This second puffin was smaller than the original, a little sun faded and had a clear plastic collar. And now it seems both of those puffins are missing in action.
President Carl Bronkema called the meeting to order and welcomed all of us. He introduced Philip Lindholm for the invocation and Jim Merritt, visiting Rotarian from Tacoma 8, to lead the pledge of Allegiance. Carl then thanked Connie Coleman-Lacadie for working the Paul Harris desk and Chuck Hellar for being the Sargent at Arms. Tom George, James Osundwa and Rob Erb seemed to handle the set up quite well. Phil Eng was “phileng” in as a photographer. Myself, Gayle Selden, took up the duties as a scribe/investigative reporter.
Kris Kaufman introduced a guest but said their name before he was close enough to the microphone. Welcome whomever you were! Kamarie Wilson introduced neighbor Craig Guppy who attended our last Rotary on Tap at Mis Tres Amigos after seeing it on Facebook. Assistant Chief Ryan McGrady joined Chief Jim Sharp. Visiting Rotarians included aforementioned Jim Merritt and Marshall Meyer from Clover Park Rotary and our speaker of the day.
President Bronkema spent a lot of time on Zoomers today greeting many on the screen. He gave extra ribbing to John Caufield whose Boston Bruins has lost to the Kraken the evening before. John gave $100 for the mention of Boston.
Wendy McGowen had a full sunshine report mentioning Marie Neiditz’ lovely service, Jan Gee who is recovering from surgery, Wynn Hoffman who is recovering from surgery, Sharon Rediske who is recovering from surgery and Liz Heath who is recovering from surgery. Donna Phillips broke her wrist but no surgery was reported. Also mentioned was Bill Price who is fully blind and suffering with Lewy Body dementia. Pat Price did mention they are expecting their first great grandchild.
Greg Rediske led us in Birthday and Anniversary Celebrations. Best line was a zinger to John Korsmo celebrating 34 years of being a Rotarian and coming back to a meeting after 34 weeks away. Birthdays in attendance included Chuck Hellar, Phillip Lindholm, Jim Sharp, Becky Wiggins and Dwight Williams. Greg asked some questions that were part of the Christmas Dinner program. We learned more about Frosty, Gene Autry and Chestnuts. We also learned the reindeer in Jingle Bells is not named Bob.
Tori Murphy was given her blue badge for completing all the requirements for full membership. Including attending a board meeting. Which is wonderful as she is slated to be one of our newest board members.
President Carl then called up Greg Rediske, John Lowney, Tori Murphy, Don Anderson, Dwight Williams and Barlow Buescher. He asked us to vote to approve them. He asked for a motion and then a second. A confused bulletin writer asked for a point of clarification as to the understanding that there is a two week wait from board announcement to vote.
The Mandela effect is a phenomenon in which people collectively misremember facts, events, or other details in a consistent manner. And apparently the announcement of a new board slate and a two week wait that many of us thought existed is one of those Mandela effects. According to our by-laws in Article III Section II it is written “Not less than two months prior to the date of the election, the president shall appoint one nominating committee co-chaired by the two immediate past presidents who shall name additional members as they see fit. At a regular meeting not less than one month prior to the election, the presiding officer shall ask for nominations by members of the club for president-elect, secretary, treasurer and three members of the Board of Directors. The nominations made shall be placed on a ballot, in alphabetical order, under each office, and shall be voted by voice vote, or if necessary, by written ballot. The nominating committee will provide a slate of nominees to the Board and Officers prior to a formal club announcement and vote.” So, the word prior has turned into two weeks in many Lakewood Rotarian heads.
We had clarification that Barlow Buescher will be President Elect, Greg Rediske will be Secretary, John Lowney will be Treasurer and Tori Murphy, Mark Silva and Don Anderson will be directors. The was moved and voted in the affirmative! Thank you so much to these members for serving on the Board. Also thank you to Tom George, Carl Bronkema, Connie Coleman-Lacadie, Dwight Williams and James Osundwa for continuing their service.
President Carl and Mark Herr will be starting their Saturday morning at the Wreathes Across America event. Other members will be spending their Saturday delivering bikes to kids in the community. Bill thanked Greg Rediske and Leeanna Albretch for their work getting us ready for the delivery. Gayle Selden reminded members about the break bag delivery on Monday morning at the Clover Park Axillary Center at 9219 Lakewood Drive. 1000 bags delivered in 120 minutes. Lots of volunteer activities in this week before.
Bill Potter also thanked those who participated in the Lakewood Holiday Parade and helped us advertise the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
President Carl then called John Korsmo out to fine him. Carl had no reason so John stood there. Until Carl suggested $5 per missed meeting. In an unlikely move, John offered his own information. He is proud to have both kids working in the company. Son Beau is engaged. And John did admit he might’ve missed a President or two so he donated $100 for Carl and $100 for Mary Horn.
Charles Herberle was in the room and donated $100 in honor of the upcoming Puffin Roast. Wendy McGowen paid $100 in honor of her daughter’s genetic research on Orange Cats and the arhgag36 gene.
Steve Saafield gave all a lesson in text news verses call news in explaining it would be the first Christmas without his oldest. Barb Spriggs announced she sold her BMWZ3, which she won at a casino, and replaced it with a Mustang Mach E.
Bulletins are a great source of information for the club. Back editions of “The Key” are available on Lakewoodrotary.com. It was there where I found a break in the case of the lost Puffins. The last mention of the puffin was in Greg Rediske’s April 15th edition. It was on this day that we inducted three new members. And on this day Linda Ripley, Mark Silva, Scott Casebolt, Philip Lindholm, Tori Murphy and Kamarie Wilson all were in possession of the puffins. Critical reading let me know that Tori Murphy and Scott Casebolt seemed to end up with a puffin a piece. However, there was a record that Kamarie Wilson lamented handing over the puffin so soon. The last know whereabouts of two puffins together at the meeting was April 15th.
I contacted Kamarie to see what she remembered from the incident and whom she remembered handing the puffin off to. . .after that meeting Kamarie had the original puffin—not the Ted Wier one-and took it to the Wine Fest. There, she handed off to Brie Cooper who had just become our newest member. So, it was a secret handoff that was not witnessed by the membership. Did Brie still have Puffin #1?
John Korsmo introduced our speaker Marshall Meyer, General Manager of the Lakewood Water District. John is one of three elected Commissioners of Lakewood Water. The other two are Greg Rediske and Gary Barton. John explained the job of the commissioners and the water district. I misheard John say they worked on keeping Peatmoss out of the water supply. I later learned we are not making Scotch with Lakewood water as he actually said Pfas.
Marshall has been the general manager for the last year and prior to that he was the engineer. Marshall has been with Lakewood Water District for a long tenure. The Lakewood Water District was started in 1943. It currently services 62,000 retail customers and 5 wholesale customers. The Lakewood Water District monitors is responsible for hydrants, a lot of piping, providing 14K in water per day to its customers (double in the summer), testing and monitoring wells and water quality tests.
Marshall explained the hydrogeology of the area and the water resource area. He showed diagrams of the geology and our wells and what depth the water is pulled from. We got to see the cable tool drilling that is used now as well as in the 1940s. 141 Acre foot of precipitation provide the water for the 18 square mile Lakewood watershed. Right now, some of our shallower wells are offline due to Pfas (not peatmoss).
The precipitation and water levels of American Lake and Gravelly Lake are studied to help diagnose the amount of water available in the watershed. They are noticing a long, slow decline in the level of water in both lakes and amount of precipitation. This is a trend they are watching closely.
Pfas that have been mentioned re”peat”edly are found in scotch guard, Teflon, makeup and the firefighting foam used at JBLM (most notably at McChord). Our shallow wells have some Pfas present and are not used for water. Deeper wells have not had pfas detected. There is a carbon filter system that can be used to remove Pfas (think big Brita system). Those systems cost 100K so will be added when needed. My table mate, Chief Jim Sharp, said its been over 30 years since firefighting foam with Pfas has been used by West Pierce.
The big project that Lakewood Water district is working on is having Western State Hospital as a customer. Western State has been providing his own water from two wells on the property. Those wells could become part of the Lakewood Water system but they need significant upgrades. They will help provide water rights for 10 more years of growth of use for the watershed.
Lots of questions from the floor. Most interesting was that Lakewood Water put out for a vote whether to add Fluoride to the water. The votes were split 50/50 so it was decided to not add Fluoride. Our school district and the health departments work in this area seem to help long the proven help to tooth care for our youth.
Hopefully, I didn’t water down any of this information.
Don Anderson won $5 in the raffle. So, the pot grows but not the peatmoss.
As the meeting was called to an end I was having a brief conversation regarding finance council information with John Lowney. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted a plastic collar on a small faded puffin in the hands of Tori Murphy! One half of the mystery is solved. The second puffin who last was seen with Brie Cooper is still in the wild. A quick email to Brie and I learned she had handed it off. The person who has it might be the most seasoned investigator in all of Lakewood Rotary. The last known holder of Puffin #1 is Chief Patrick Smith! Hopefully, Chief Smith will illuminate us as to where that puffin now resides. It is possible that the imposter puffin is a deep cover Lakewood Police Detective. More to be discovered next week at the Puffin Roast.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, December 20th at Noon - Annual Roast - hosted by The Puffins
Friday, December 27th - No Rotary Meeting
Friday, January 3rd – No Rotary Meeting
Friday, January 10th -noon Rotary Club Meeting at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park
Puffins and Rafts and Circuses, Oh My! (Or When By-Laws Attack)
By Stephen SaalfeldEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Saturday, December 7, 2024
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Ring my Be-eee-eell! Ring my Bell!
Prior to President Carl ringing in our first meeting of December, those who weren’t overly distracted by their chicken and mushroom soup were treated to the dulcet tones of none other than Joe “The Iron Fog” Quinn as he serenaded us all briefly with a few lines of “Silver Bells.” Turns out Mr. Quinn knows his way around the weight room AND a microphone. But we saw now evidence of how strong his “air guitar” game is so maybe we can get him singing “Born to be Wild” next week.
President Carl rang the bell at 12:30 sharp and the December 6 meeting was off and running. Clint Johnson did the invocation reminding us of the approaching holiday season and to keep our hearts open to those “lost or hurting.”
Jim Bisceglia led the flag salute. We saluted the flag.
No less than five puffins rose to be recognized and it turned out they were all seated at the same table! Surely that is some kind of finable Rotary offense, but no one took note beyond this writer who was too busy scribbling notes to cry foul (fowl?). Then again, it is said that puffins are very social birds that often nest in large colonies (sometimes called a “circus”) so perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised to see them huddled together. Had these five been airborne, we could have appropriately referred to them as a “whirl” and if they were at sea (or perhaps tossed into the lake—that could be fun…) they’d be a “raft of puffins.” Maybe next week?
Making the meeting happen
Today’s meeting was brought to you by the letter “J” as in James Osundwa who is always there to iron out technical difficulties. But James was, of course, joined by some of the usual suspects, including Tom George, Dick Ferrell, Barlow Buescher, Rob Erb and Rick Selden.
“Here’s a story of a lovely lady…”
For whatever reason, we had more Zoomers on screen than a Brady Bunch family reunion: Ralph Johnson, Shiru Osundwa, Scott Buser, Patrick Smith, Steve and (“mostly upright”) Anne Enquist, Charles Heberle and Dave Swindale. Dave “Zoomed in” from Honolulu. When he reported that it was about to rain in paradise, the lack of sympathy from his “colder than a raft of puffins” fellow Rotarians shivering in Lakewood was evident.
Ready for Your Close-up?
All Glamour Shots in today’s Bulletin are courtesy of Phil Eng.
When Rotarians Visit
Angela Connelly introduced and welcomed Michael McGavock of Tacoma Sunrise Rotary and Gig Harbor Rotarians David “didn’t smell like” Bacon and Meg “seemed to be wide awake in Seattle” Ryan. Meg shared that Saturday, April 1st (no foolin’) the Gig Harbor club will hold their auction fundraiser. We’re all invited, but no word if Tom Hanks will make the trek south from his houseboat in Seattle (a reference which only makes sense if you’ve seen the movie).
It’s Always Sunny in Lakewood
For a gloomy day overlooking the lake, we heard a lengthy sunshine report: Memorial for Marie Neiditz will be at Little Church on the Prairie, Saturday, Dec 7, 2 p.m. Sharon Rediske is home recovering from a five-hour back surgery. Rob Erb let us know that Wynn Hoffman had a hospital visit but is recovering. Bill Potter let us know Liz Heath is recovering at the Lutheran Home after a long surgery recovery that included another hospital visit recently.
The Spirit of Paul Harris
Tom George presented Paula Olson with a pin, a certificate, a medallion and perhaps an Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony for her Paul Harris. I don’t believe we were told which number PH this was for Paula, so I’m just going to say it was her 631st. I’m pretty sure that’s a record—thanks for your generosity, Paula! And if my guess is wrong, I’m sure we can count on you to donate the difference to ensure we don’t soil the reputation of this storied publication.
We voted on something?
Past President Mary Horn called forth our new slate of officers. I wasn’t quite sharp enough to get all of their titles, so I went ahead and made up those I wasn’t sure about: Soon-to-be Past President Carl Bronkema was there along with Tom George (Secretary of Mashed Potatoes, or possibly President), Dwight Williams (Duke of Alternative Milks, or possibly director), Mark Herr (3rd round draft pick out of Kalamazoo, or possibly director), Greg Rediske (Over-the-Counter Drug Czar or maybe Secretary), John Lowney (either Treasurer or 1327th in line to the Rockefeller fortune), Tory Murphy (Left Shark, or maybe incoming director), Don Anderson (Best Boy Grip in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, or possibly incoming director), Barlow Buescher (Magician’s Apprentice or President-Elect) and Mark Silva (Werewolf #7 in the Twilight franchise, or possibly incoming director). (Ed. Note: Connie Coleman-Lacadie rounds out the directors, in her second year.)
We then took a vote to approve this cast of characters to run our fair club. And the motion passed unanimously. But someone handed Gayle Selden a mic, and it turns out she ACTUALLY READ our by-laws and this was a wild and inappropriate abuse of power (or something like that) and our approval was unapproved, and we were informed that we will be asked to re-approve our approval (with Gayle’s approval) in two weeks’ time. I’m pretty convinced that it was a simple matter of this group not having had enough time to apply the glitter and puffy paint to the manifesto they had just written in crayon and printed at Kinko’s, but we’ll learn more soon. Thanks to Gayle for keeping us in line.
Community Concerns Committee
Rick Selden shared a request for a $2,500 grant from Caring for Kids to support their auction. This was approved unanimously, and it turned out we actually DO have the authority to do this, so things went off mostly without a hitch. Phew!
Lights and Bikes
Bill Potter reminded us that the Lakewood Parade of Lights is Sat Dec 7. Rotarians are encouraged to come and to bring kids to bring down the average age of the club. Mr. Potter also let us know that the bike delivery will take place on Sat Dec 14, 9 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to show up at Lakewood Presbyterian Church on the 14th to see joyful and deserving kids get some new wheels.
Stephanie Wilcox reminded us that this evening (Friday, Dec 6) is the “Mingle and Jingle.” Mingling required, jingling encouraged. If you are reading this and didn’t go, you missed it.
Fines
President Carl called out Ron Banner for the fine-worthy offense of being named 2025 School Superintendent of the Year for the State of Washington. Ron happily paid a $100 fine as he shared the great work of the district that made such recognition possible:
-Over the past five years, the gap in the grad rate for students in poverty vs. the rest of the student population was reduced from 17% to .1% (yes, that’s less than 1%).
-The overall graduation rate increased from 70% to 94.1%.
-Parents of elementary school aged kids showed up at conferences at a rate of 96% while parents of secondary school students showed up at conferences 91% of the time. Ron expressed how crucial parent involvement is for student success so this is a huge win.
Kudos to Superintendent Banner and the many hard-working educators in the school district who are serving the students of Lakewood so well.
Walt Richardson paid a $50 fine for the new car his wife just purchased. It is one of those new electric Mustangs which, according to the Google machine, can do zero to sixty in 3.3 seconds. Hang on tight, Walt.
Bob Martin expressed his dismay that President Carl knew he and his wife Sue purchased a new Mazda CX5 Grand Touring Reserve just yesterday. He stopped short of vowing to root out President Carl’s nefarious cadre of spies, snitches and n’er-do-wells and paid a $20 fine.
Chris Kimball paid an undisclosed amount (which means, he didn’t say, or I wasn’t paying attention—usually the latter) as he and his wife are brand, spanking, new grandparents! Of course, my choice of adjectives misses the mark entirely as grandparents generally refrain from spanking and lean mostly on sugaring the kids up and dropping them off on their parents’ front porch with bad attitudes and soiled diapers after a few hours of Lord of the Flies-inspired supervision.
Today’s Speaker: Local author Emily Molina
Emily Molina is a local writer who has written articles for a wide range of local publications, but now she is a published author as she came to talk about her new book: Tacoma’s Tall Ship: The Extraordinary Journey of The Odyssey. She is a former international flight attendant, a military spouse and has a passion for history and the sea. She opened her talk by sharing: “I fell in love with an old wooden boat, and I’ve never been the same.”
Some highlights from Emily’s talk:
-The Odyssey was built as a private vessel for the Henry family in New York in 1938.
-As World War II ramped up, the ship was donated to the war effort as a research vessel used to develop sonar technology.
-The ship was renamed the USS Saluda during the war.
-After the war, the ship made its way to San Diego where it was used for training.
-In 1950, the ship was entered in a race from Newport to Ensenada and won, defeating Humphrey Bogart’s boat “Santana”.
-Though the Odyssey was entered in the race a total of 20 times, it never won again after that first race.
-From 1978-2024, The Odyssey was part of the Sea Scout program here in Tacoma
-Odyssey was recently purchased by a Frenchman from Cannes who bought it for $76,000 even though it currently has no main mast. He will get it seaworthy and sail it from San Francisco to France.
-The new owner declared to Emily: “The boat owns her captain and not the opposite.” He is excited to make it a seaworthy vessel once more and knows it will enjoy a life on the sea long past his ownership.
-Funds were raised to repair the Odyssey locally, but ultimately it would have proven too costly and taken too long to be viable. Instead, the Sea Scouts bought a 50-foot Baltic that will get the youth sailing once again.
Emily had copies of her book for sale. If you didn’t get a chance to buy one today, you can find it on Amazon here: Tacoma’s Tall Ship
Greg Horn won the raffle but the white chip he pulled out was only good for $5, so the pot will grow.
Amazonians Among Us
By Stephen SaalfeldEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, November 24, 2024
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Ah, fellow Rotarians. We are in the season of gratitude and I for one am grateful for the fine folks of Lakewood Rotary who are among the most likely members of our community to sport a “SERVICE ABOVE SELF” tattoo, (but probably inked in a discrete spot where it is unlikely to offend the neighbors—with the exception of Greg Horn who I am pretty sure was voted “Most Likely to Water Ski in His Birthday Suit.”)
Publisher’s note: I have. I ran a perfect pass at 34 mph on the slalom course at Ski Park - A LONG TIME AGO.
If you weren’t in attendance at Friday’s meeting, you missed a good one. President Carl called us all to attention with the help of Tom George’s grandson, Easton who swung the gavel with authority as the bell brought everyone to their feet.
Barlow Buescher invocated quite beautifully remind us that Thanksgiving is next week and to be grateful for those who laid the foundation for our own success and well-being as well as imploring us all to do our part to plant the seeds for those who will follow us to create a just and loving society. Can I get an “Amen??”
Paul Harris Desk: Joel Vranna
Sgt at Arms : Leon Titus
Puffins were present and accounted for including Joe Walsh (who is most certainly and ordinary and way above average guy) who Zoomed in with his plush puffin pal (who should probably have a “P” name to make the alliteration pleasantly pleasing).
We were graced by an appearance of the one and only (past President) Dr. Jim Rooks who joined us on his birthday. Jim vowed to give a dollar for every year. I didn’t hear the number he mumbled but oddsmakers have the over/under pegged conservatively at 29 years young.
President Carl called out Donna for ACTUALLY BEING ON TIME for today’s meeting. He admitted he was pretty sure Donna wasn’t aware of the transition to Standard time a few weeks back and urged us all to keep the secret from Donna.
Guests of Rotarians: Tyler introduced his wife Lori.
Visiting Rotarians: We were joined by Doug Hedger of Rotary 8. Doug works at Banner Bank in downtown Tacoma and brought Donny Sheetsley with him. Donnie is new to Banner in commercial banking and is shopping for a Rotary club. We were his first stop and so far, we’re leading all of the other clubs he hasn’t visited.
Donna brought her sister Laura with her. Laura lives in Florida and her claim to fame is that she and her spouse spent 3 and a half years sailing the world on a catamaran.
John “Ole” Magnuson was called out from his Brady Bunch box on Zoom. Olie sported what I think was a fedora, but he said was his “music hat.” By which I think he meant he resembled the kind of musician who might ask you for a “jazz cigarette” and not that it played any catchy tunes. Also Zooming from afar were Joe Walsh, Jim Sharp, Cartole Wier and Steve and Anne Enquist. Anne reports the ankle is healing slowly but gave Steve a shoutout for being a great caregiver.
Sunshine Report: Wendy wasn’t present today, but Barlow let us know a memorial service for Marie Neiditz is coming up soon, December 7th at Little Church on the Prairie at 2:00 p.m.
Paul Harris Awards: Gary Fulton recognized Bob Martin (#3), David Swindale (#4) and Leon Titus (#6) for their most recent Paul Harris milestones.
Announcements: Steve Mazoff thanked the folks who showed up for the bike build. He said 8 in all from our group showed up and that a total of 600 bikes were built. Gayle Selden shared some details about a really important service opportunity, but I missed the details as I did some quick math in my head and realized 600 bikes = 1200 tires and more spokes than I can imagine.
(Ed. Note: Break bag delivery again December 16, 9:00 a.m., CPSD bus area on Lakewood Drive)
Bill Potter reminded all that the Lakewood Holiday Parade is coming up on Dec 7, and that Lakewood Rotary is slated to participate. He encouraged us to conscript handsome Rotarians to be part of the parade. I took the hint and let him know I’m washing my hair that weekend anyway.
Fines: Dwight Williams was called out for his picture in Lakewood Stroll for which he paid $20 and shared some history about Lakewold Gardens.
Don Anderson pitched in $50 for his recent trip to Hawaii. He failed at retirement 10 years ago and decided to spend a couple of weeks in Hawaii to get some practice in for his second retirement.
Bob Martin paid some bucks for a trip to Utah where he visited his daughter and saw some Utah sites (Arches, Bryce, Zion) and weathered 40 mph winds. Bob also shared that his son and daughter (both who work way up the food chain in molecular genetics) visited from afar.
Your Bulletin writer shared that his son (a 10th grader at Bellarmine) qualified for the state Cross Country meet, but suffered a “flat tire” 300 meters in when another runner stepped on his shoe from behind. He had to stop racing to get his shoe situated (Note: When you’re racing, stopping is bad, but sometimes necessary). He finished and vowed to train harder for track season this spring.
Debbie McVicker paid some happy dollars as she reported a surprise visit from her son who managed to squeeze in time with mom between rounds of ferrying cars from Yakima to Tacoma.
Barlow reported picking up our exchange student, Jeffrey, from the airport after his trip with the other 20+ exchange students to California (Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm Universal Studios), and he promptly fell asleep in the car before leaving the airport.
Brie Cooper and her husband took their two daughters to visit her husband’s home country of Jamaica.
Donna shared that Andy’s trip to do the Camino de Santiago in Spain has been one eventful adventure after another including strangers who took him in and fed him when there were no rooms to be found, and a 10-mile ride from a friendly ambulance to get to the next town.
John Lowney admitted he and his spouse spent the week in Cabo for their 25th anniversary. They had a great trip, but John worries his wife is falling in love with Cabo and he may need to convince her living there full time probably isn’t in the budget (especially if he keeps forking over Grants at Rotary).
Tom George paid $75 dollars as he just celebrated his 75th birthday. His daughter’s present was dropping off his two grandkids at his house. No word on whether she ever came back. Hang in there, Tom!
Today’s Program: Dean Allsop—Community Manager on the Public Policy Team at Amazon.
Dean is from Boston, but did his Masters of Public Affairs at the University of Washington. He also did a stint in the Peace Corps in Guatemala and even lived in Lakewood directing some after school programs at local middle schools.
Now Dean is an “Amazonian” (yes, apparently that’s what Amazon employees call themselves). Dean shared Amazon’s mission to be: “Earth’s most customer-centric company and best employer. And to be “Earth’s safest place to work.” I was hoping they would say “the universe” as working conditions on Mars are likely to be rough.
Some highlights Dean shared:
-The “spheres” at Amazon’s Seattle headquarters are open to the public twice a month. You can set up a tour.
-Amazon has created more U. S. jobs than any other company over the last decade.
-Amazon has invested $530 billion in the U. S. ($277 Billion in Washington State) since 2010, and created 3.8 million jobs
-They have 65,000 employees in the Puget Sound region
-They have made a $3.6 Billion commitment to help build more affordable housing throughout our region targeting folks who are in the 30%-80% median income range who are priced out of a lot of housing right now.
-As part of their “Climate Pledge” (and yes that refers to that arena to the north where Kraken lurk), they plan to be net-zero carbon by 2040 and are the #1 purchaser of renewable energy in the world.
-They are working on Project Kuiper which will create a constellation of satellites (hopefully it will look like the Amazon smile on a starry evening) that will provide affordable broadband around the world.
-They have also supported our auction the last two years.
Easton once again hammered on the Rotary bell and our meeting came to a close as Rotarians started to dream of moist turkey and oceans of gravy.
John Caufield had the winning raffle ticket, but alas, only a white chip and a $5 bill to show for his efforts. And he donated it to Easton.
Happy Thanksgiving all!!
Another publishers note: If you attended Friday's meeting (either in-person or via Zoom) you may have noticed our speaker from Amazon was not a the podium but was visiting us via Zoom from his office in Seattle.
Know Your Rotarians!
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, November 17, 2024
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Know Your Rotarians.
J Q
There will be a test at the end of this bulletin, to see how well you know your fellow Lakewood Rotarians. In an effort to get all of you to introduce yourself to any LR you do not know (maybe because they are a brand-new Puffin), in this bulletin all members are referred to by their initials only. At the end there is a brief quiz, in which the full names are revealed, so you can test yourself and give yourself a passing or failing grade. Good luck.
The Invocation/Rotary Moment was ably delivered by SB1 and the Flag Salute was led by BM1 (some of these initials may get pretty funny, but I assure you that is entirely coincidental and signifies nothing). The Paul Harris Foundation desk was staffed by CCL and the Sergeant at Arms was CH.
PCB recognized the IT (no, no IT is not a member!) Team/Set up Crew: Led by RE, the team consists of SB2, TG, WH, TR, RS and JO. PCB called out TR specially and did not believe that TR is really 87 years old. TR seemed a bit surprised too (not that he is really 87, but that PCB would single him out). Puffins were asked to stand and few were present, but this scribe was too slow to write down all their initials, except for SC who was seated next to him.
Our photog today was BZ and scribe was JQ.
PCB recognized all guests of Rotarians. BB introduced Jeffrey, our Youth Exchange Student this year, who is about to set out for Disneyland with the other students. Robin Roberts was also introduced. Robin is a local businesswoman who works on outsourced payroll for clients. Our long-time friend Diane Formoso of Caring for Kids was introduced as a guest.
Diane mentioned that they need volunteers for their Holiday Fair, especially on December 6th and 7th, at Thomas Middle School. On Friday the 6th, Caring for Kids needs volunteers at 3:30 p.m. for setting up and on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. for shopping for the families. This year they will help some 872 families in need. Caring for Kids is now 50 years old; their major fundraiser will be held at the McGavick Center on February 8, 2025. Tickets are only $45. Diane is looking for sponsors and live auction items to be donated.
PCB also acknowledged dignitaries including: PDG GH, DGN TC and AG BP (you all know who I mean, right?)
Sunshine Report: WM was assisted here by BB and by GR. WM said DB is recovering from shoulder surgery, but JG added that DB had to return to the hospital due to some unexpected bleeding. WM gave the sad news that Marie Neiditz passed away recently. Marie, the wife of our member AN, was a wonderful, sweet person that will be sorely missed but fondly remembered. BB said the service for Marie will be at the Little Church on the Prairie on December 7th the time will be announced.
GR added that Johann Drewett, a CPA at Brink & Sadler where ME works, and where TS was a long-time partner, has passed away suddenly. Johann was a Rotarian for many years at another Pierce County club.
Paul Harris Foundation: PCB called up GF of the Foundation Committee to bestow a Paul Harris award upon KR (you may think I cannot spell her name) who received her first Paul Harris.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: CK was called forth to the podium to provide us with the November club and wedding anniversary list and also the list of birthday boys and girls. Highlights included GR, who has been 42 years a Lakewood Rotarian. Key newlyweds included BM2 and his lovely wife Marilyn, who celebrated 55 years of marital bliss.
For fun, CK called up the birthday folks who were present today: RS, JO, TG, and RL who was actually one of the Zoomers (did we forget to say there were Zoomers). CK reviewed (twice) the precise notes of the scale used to sing Happy Birthday—a song that everybody should know right? Wrong! This hilarious exercise revealed three things about Lakewood Rotarians: (1) they cannot follow simple instructions; (2) they cannot sing; and (3) when they do sing, chances are at least 50-50 they will sing off key!! We were wishing there was audio and video of this spectacle, which was complicated by the fact that RL was on Zoom and probably muted most of the time. Lakewood Rotary is definitely not a singing club.
Announcements: Someone announced that Rotary on Tap (ROT) was held on Thursday at Mis Tres Amigos on Steilacoom Boulevard near Fort Steilacoom Park and you should have gone because you could have gotten to know LR Rotarians, young and old, new and not so new (which is what gave the scribe the idea to use these initials today). Just to give one example, PCB added that he learned at ROT yesterday that one very upstanding LR Rotarian (and his wife too) actually sports a tattoo. Who would have guessed that SM, an attorney and very serious person, has a tattoo. (I was afraid to ask him where that tatt is located.)
BP announced that the Bike Build will be held this weekend at the Lemay facility and then the bikes (47 of them) will be stored this year at Lakewood Presbyterian Church on 104th St. Delivery day will be December 14th so do not miss that!
AG BP also noted that on December 7th Lakewood will be holding the Hospitality Festival Parade. Apparently, we have a float in that parade. Ask BP if you can help decorate the float or otherwise.
Community Concerns: JG rose to request motions of approval for two Committee donations (all LR donations of $2,000 or more need member approval pursuant to our bylaws). First, it was moved, seconded and approved unanimously to give $2,000 to Mary Bridge Toys for Kids. This program makes sure that kids in the hospital during the Christmas holiday get a gift. Second, it was moved, second and approved unanimously to give $2000 to the Lake City Community Church for the Lake City Community Garden. They teach gardening in this economically challenged Lake City community; this money will go to purchase ADA-accessible furniture and a barbecue. Apparently, they also intend to teach cooking skills.
Fines/Confessions: After all that business, there was not much time for fines, but PCB did his best. MH1 chipped in $80 for a relaxing trip down South. DD and his wife took a trip to Maui and more, with a stop in Lahaina, which has still not recovered from the fire. Those without insurance (of which there are many) have not been able to rebuild or even to clean up fully. Demolition is still needed. DD gave $100 contribution to the Paul Harris Foundation.
Loss of Control: At this point, PCB almost lost control of the meeting, as Past President MH2 popped up to point out that JW—a very new Puffin—had never taken custody of the Puffin. It just so happened that Puffin BW had the little bird with him today so a ceremonial Passing of the Puffin occurred right then and there (so hopefully an appropriate picture was taken and will appear here).
Fines continued, with MM stepping up with gifts for PCB from a trip to Kauai that MM did with her friend BS (oh, these initials are so bad!). MM gave PCB a rubber chicken, but BS corrected her from her square on Zoom, noting that it was a rooster. I call BS on that because a rooster is a chicken! This is no cock and bull story; that really happened. MM also gave PCB a shot glass and rum from Hawaii (this trick may be cheaper than paying a fine—MM is pretty smart).
The program: KR introduced Colonel Pauline Swiger, who sports a most impressive resume. From her humble beginnings, growing up near the Vermont/New Hampshire border, Pauline started her education at the vocational level. Then she decided she loved being a student and ultimately earned a Ph.D. Her nursing career in the military is without equal. She has served in the Defense Health Agency since its creation in 2013, and served as a nursing head at the facility in Falls Church, Virginia, and here at Madigan. She, her husband, and three kids live in Steilacoom, near KR. Pauline delivered a most interesting and informative program and was especially good at engaging with LR Rotarians.
She explained that the DHA is only 11 years old, having been created by merging the medical facilities of the U.S. Army, the USAF and the U.S. Navy. Standardization was the goal and it is gradually being achieved. She mentioned that the DHA is huge, having a global work force of over 130,000, with 700 hospitals worldwide. The unified medical military budget is about $55.8 billion annually and $11 billion is in the medical supply chain.
Colonel Swiger said that two huge changes in DHA in recent years are the effects of the Covid pandemic and the innovation of electronic medical records. These changes have resulted in marked burnout in the workforce due to stress. The DHA is dealing with that problem with many interventions.
She also discussed departmental innovations such as automated care, the silver cloud and the care companion. Private sector medicine has nothing on this military health agency, which seems very forward-looking. Pauline mentioned that DHA is entirely separate at this point from the even larger Veterans Administration. However, the two agencies have begun to collaborate and even to co-locate. Thank you to KR (and the Program Committee) for bringing forward this most interesting program.
There was a drawing and someone won $5. Maybe we have a picture?
DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS CITED HEREIN:
PCB: President Carl Bronkema SB1: Scott Buser BM1: Bob Martin
CCL: Connie Coleman-Lacadie CH : Chuck Hellar RE: Rob Erb
SB2: Scott Blair TG: Tom George WH: Wynn Hoffman TR: Terry Roarke
RS: Rick Selden JO: James Osundwa SC: Scott Casebolt BZ: Bob Zawilski
JQ: Joe Quinn BB: Barlow Buescher PDG GH: Past District Governor Greg Horn
DGN TC: District Governor Nominee Tony Camoroda AG BP: Asst. Governor Bill Potter
WM: Wendy McGowan GR: Greg Rediske DB: Dave Betz JG: Jan Gee
AN: Andrew Neiditz ME: Mark Edgecomb TS: Tom Sadler GF: Gary Fulton
KR: Kendra Riconosciuto (see, I knew how to spell her name) CK: Chris Kimball
BM2: Bud Montgomery RL: Ralph Lockhart SM: Steve Mazoff MH1: Mark Herr
DD: Don Daniels MH2: Past President Mary Horn JW: Joe Walsh BW: Bill Wiggins
MM: Mary Marlin BS: Barb Spriggs
A perfect score would be 38 I believe. This idea inspired by Dave Covey or DC if you prefer. When Dave wrote the bulletin sometimes he would put every member’s name mentioned in the bulleting in boldface print to show how many were present and participating or recognized by the group. Hope this helps you remember everyone and get to know LR Rotarians. If not, just go to Rotary on Tap (ROT) cuz it is fun and it works well too.
Paul Harris Awards on a Roll
By Gregory J. RediskeEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, November 10, 2024
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As you read this report about Friday’s Rotary happenings, the important thing to remember is that I probably have forgotten something. And as I cannot read my own notes most of the time, there will be little help there. Just know that I mean well….
On time, President Carl was. I think. It was certainly close. Bud Montgomery greeted us all and received Paul Harris money (successfully: $716), Linda Disney sold tickets for $2.00, and everyone lost except for Joel Vranna, and Stephanie Wilcox handed out Christmas Dinner invites. Paula Olson invoked us, while Donn Irwin led the Pledge. Walt Richardson took the lovely pictures herein, which hopefully takes your mind of the inept prose. Rob Erb, James Osundwa, Terry Roarke and Wynn Hoffman did the tough stuff: set up early, take down late. Thank you!
Guests: Connie Coleman-Lacadie introduced Chad Smith, Army retiree and now working for the veterans’ organization called Katie’s Way Plus.
Zoomers: upper left, Carole Wier, upper right, Brie Cooper, left to right, middle: Liz Heath, Steve & Anne Enquist, bottom; Patrick Smith, Ralph Johnson, Gayle Selden. Though they switched places sometimes.
Sunshine Report: Wendy McGowan reported that Linda Ripley is recovering from knee surgery.
Wendy also had a very, very bad report: Marie Neiditz passed away on November 7. A wonderful person; our hearts go out to Andrew and their family.
Paul Harris Awards: Gary Fulton awarded the following:
--Dick Ferrell, #1
--Joel Vranna, #1
--Barlow Buescher, #3
--Jim Rooks, #4
--Wendy McGowan, #4
Gary also reported that last year we took in $26K at the front desk, $17K so far in 2023-24. We have 92 Paul Harris Fellows, 14 Benefactors, 5 Bequest Society members, and 10 Major Donors ($10,000+). All time Lakewood Rotary giving: $1,473,669. Nice.
Lakewood Rotary at Work:
- Jan Gee asked to approve $2000 for the LeMay Bike Build, out of the Community Concerns Committee. Approved unanimously.
- James Osundwa asked to approve $3000 for a World Community Service grant for a literacy project (Rachel Grant) in Kenya. Fourteen schools will get computers among other learning aids. Tacoma 8 and Gig Harbor are participating, $23K total grant. Approved unanimously.
- Greg Rediske asked to approve $2000 (budgeted) for the Lakewood Community Foundation Fund. Started by our club in 1994, with all grants going to the Lakewood community, the endowment has reached nearly $1.5 million. $40K in grants were given this year. Lakewood Rotarians on the 9-member board: President Nicole Hancock, Anne Enquist, Greg Rediske.
I read a romance novel by a Swedish farmer the other day. One line in particular stuck out:
“Her body tensed and quivered as she felt wave after wave surge through it. I should have told her about the electric fence.”
Oh, those Swedes…..So romantic! Lena said to Ole, “You never tell me you love me anymore! Ole responded, “I told you I loved you when we got married. If there’s any change, I’ll get back to you.”
Your Board of Directors at Work: October 29 meeting
- Membership is 132 (129 Active, 3 Honorary); Heather Burgess has resigned.
- Dolly Parton Library has 1403 signups. Funded until 2027.
- Next Step is now counseling/mentoring 8 students, to great effect.
- A global grant partnering with an English Rotary club is in the works.
- We have a grant approved ($6K total) with Tacoma Sunrise
- Setup committee had a broken mixer; new one purchased for $216
- Wreaths Across America is funded, and participants confirmed. Observers welcome
- Our H-Barn commitment of $50K is nearly complete, with credit rec’d for $44K from Partners for Parks
- Next meeting: November 26, 2024, 5:00 at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club, all members are welcome to attend.
Announcements:
--Chuck Hellar says: Break Bags this coming Tuesday, 11/12. Join the fun, 9 to 11 am. (Don’t come before 9, to the Clover Park Schools Auxiliary Services Center, 9219 Lakewood Drive.)
--Stephanie Wilcox: Come to the Dinner/Dance December 6! They will be collecting food, personal hygiene products, and money for the Little Free Pantries.
--Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Linda Disney reminded all of the next Rotary On Tap at Mis Tres Amigos (formerly Hunan Garden building, Steilacoom Blvd by the Safeway), 5:30. Thursday, 11/14.
--Rob Erb said the Wreaths Across America event is December 14 on base. Dress warm. They have enough participants, but welcome observers to the moving ceremony.
Collections and Contributions:
--Greg Horn raved about Trunk or Treat and the signups they got for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. He paid a Scurvy Irwin fine, $5.00. (Ron, not Donn)
--Mo Sarram turned 92! His granddaughter graduated from the U of W, and now is in graduate school, $60
--Rob Erb went to Canada and was almost not allowed in because he couldn’t pronounce his destination, $10. (Osoyoos is a tough one if you’re not Canadian)
--Don Anderson had meetings in San Antonio, tolerating the 85-degree sunny days. $20
--Tyler Parker took the kids to the VA for a concert and had some of the veterans in tears from the kids’ excellent Pledge of Allegiance. $50
--Jim Sharp is forcing himself to San Diego to watch the Cougars, $20
--Ron Irwin noted that Greg Horn’s son Zach has been contracted to build a mold for SpaceX, which would allow the astronauts to come home sooner than February. Airbus is interested in his services, too. Proud, proud, proud. $20
--Bob Peterson rounded out the giving with $100 in advance of his 96th birthday in December. Bob has had some recent health problems but counts Lakewood Rotary as a real joy in his life. (And Bob is a joy to us.)
Program:
PDG Greg Horn introduced Rotarian Treacy Duerfeldt, deeply involved for a long time in the Paul Harris Foundation efforts for our District 5020. He practices what he preaches, and is a Level 2 Major Donor, Benefactor, and Bequest Society member. And he’s headed to Africa to check on a project soon and will hopefully see ours in Kenya as well. He congratulated our club for being top of the heap: not only outstanding with Paul Harris but supporting our local endowed foundation as well. Treacy is a third generation Rotarian, his grandfather benefiting from Rotary helping to get rid of smallpox, and his father contracting polio with permanent issues related. He got his first Paul Harris 54 years ago as a youngster from his dad in Portland, Oregon. He said that much of our polio money goes to monitoring. As a result, our monitoring caught a polio infection in Gaza, resulting in a quick mobilization to prevent a spread. The Pakistan/Afghanistan missions, the only two remaining hot spots, are a safety issue for the volunteers doing the inoculating. In addition to polio eradication, peacemaking is a primary area of focus for Paul Harris. The levels for Paul Harris include: Every Rotarian Every Year ($25); Sustaining ($100); Paul Harris Fellow, $1,000; Benefactor ($1,000 to the Endowment fund by promise; currently at $1.3 Billion, $6B with promises); and Bequest ($10K or more; will or check); Arch Klumph Society (he started the fund), $250,000 or more. And if you have to ask about the Legacy Society, you can’t afford it. The success of the Paul Harris Foundation is measured by impact. An $8,000 well can save 1 million miles of dangerous walking to bring safe water back to a village. Go to www.rotary.org to monitor all things Rotary, including your personal giving.
And finally….Joel Vranna, he of the two jackpot wins in the last year or two, won again. Only this time, it was only $5. He does buy a lot of tickets, though…..Of course, he can afford them after the two big wins!
Calendar of Events:
November 12 Break Bag delivery, 9 am (no sooner than!) CPSD, by the bus barn
November 14 Rotary on Tap, Mis Tres Amigos (Steilacoom Blvd), 5:30.
November 16 Bike Build 9-1:30 4107 192nd Street East Tacoma
November 22 Last meeting in November: bring LCFF donations, eat pot roast
November 26 Rotary Board Meeting, 5:00 TCGC
December 6 Lakewood Rotary Christmas Dinner/Dance TCGC
December 16 Break Bag delivery, 9 am (no sooner than!) CPSD, by the bus barn
December 20 Tom and Jerry Meeting, with Presidential Roast
December 27 No Meeting
January 3 No Meeting
January 10 Regular meeting at the Pavilion in Ft. Steilacoom Park
The Race is On
By Donn IrwinSunday, November 3, 2024
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The Race is On
Donnn Irwin
Hopefully everyone is over the Halloween crazy stuff now. Sugar highs have been conquered and we can all get back to concentrating on the really crazy stuff known as our Presidential Election Cycle……ah me……I need an adult beverage.
The Dodgers are the new reigning World Baseball Champions and what seems to be the never-ending baseball season, has come to a close – this time before November!
President Carl Bronkema (PCB) rang the meeting into existence. Phyllis Stone invocated us and Connie Coleman-Lacadie led us in the pledge. Dick Farrell was all over the Paul Harris desk where he took in $856 for the fund. Wonderful stuff ladies and gentlemen, wonderful stuff!! Gary Barton sold raffle tickets and was the Sargeant-at-Arms.
The “IT” team was recognized for getting us set up and ready to go: Rob Erb, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, James Osundwa and Rick Selden.
Puffins were welcomed and forced to stand and be recognized for their “puffin-ness”. Phil Eng was the man with the camera and Donn Irwin was charged with chronicling the happenings of the meeting. (Good luck with that cuz after this point in the program it got a little crazy).
1894 - Vaccine for diphtheria announced by Dr Émile Roux of Paris
PCB called for the guests of Rotarians to be introduced and we ended up with a stew (aka mixed bag, cornucopia, hodge-podge etc.) of introductions that included guests of Rotarians and visiting Rotarians. So, in no particular order, here is who this writer was able to identify: Kamarie Wilson introduced a woman named Tiffany, DGN Tony Camoroda introduced Stacy Ogle, visiting Rotarian from Tacoma #8 as his guest. Stacy is also the brother of our speaker Todd Silver. Tony C. also introduced Linda Kaye Briggs, also of Tacoma #8 and District Governor in Training. Jim Merritt joined us again (another member of #8). The esteemed Greg Rediske introduced Howie Williams (son of Lakewood Rotary Charter Member Bronco Williams) and Robin Greenleaf – widow of the former Lakewood member that coined the “Greenleaf” fine, Don Greenleaf. Visiting Rotarian Linda Kaye Briggs introduced her guest, Annie Frisbe, who is also a member of Tacoma 8.
Phew!
PCB then acknowledged our Zoomers: Carole Wier, his excellency John Magnuson, Ralph Johnson, Liz Heath and Steve Enquist (not sure if Anne was there). Steve gave us an update on Anne. She is progressing nicely and, I believe, he said she is in a walking boot. Keep getting better girl!
Dignitaries were recognized – PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter.
Wendy McGowan reported nothing. As in no Sunshine. As in this is a good thing!!
There were no blue badges nor any Paul Harris Fellowships to award so PCB moved on.
1950 - Celtics' forward Chuck Cooper becomes first African American to play in the NBA in Boston's 107-84 loss at Fort Wayne Pistons; future Hall of Famer Bob Cousy also debuts for Celtics
Announcements: DGN Tony Camoroda announced that District 5020 is growing. In Lacey there is a group of 55 health care workers filling out the paperwork for a club charter so they can join Rotary International and there is a Rotaract Club now at the University of Puget Sound that was sponsored by Tacoma 8. Awesome stuff.
AG Bill Potter announced that the annual Bike Building event will happen on November 16th at the Lemay facility in Spanaway (Fredrickson). More details to come. PCB encouraged participation and shared that it was an eye-opening event for him.
Barlow Buescher spent some time talking about our exchange student from Taiwan and asked that if any of us have anything planned as far as excursions, events etc. to please think of including him.
1952 - On an atoll of the Marshall Islands, Edward Teller and other American scientists tested the first thermonuclear bomb, its power resulting from an uncontrolled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
PCB called on the attendees to open their wallets for fines/confessions and when he did so it reminded me of a song made famous way back in 1983 by Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart (The Eurythmics) called “Here Comes the Rain Again”. My mind just replaced Rain with Fines. The song would then say this:
Here comes the fines again
Raining in my wallet like a tragedy
Tearing me apart like a new emotion…. you get the notion.
The fines went something like this:
Bud Montgomery – Nephew’s wedding in South Carolina and another Paul Harris he just paid for.
Connie Coleman-Lacadie – Rotary on Tap coming up and a big Thank You for participating in the Lakewood Rotary survey (47% participation).
Angela Connelly – Went on an “expedition” starting in the other Washington where husband Jack was honored as being in the top 100 Irish attorneys in the country. Then on to West Point to see their son. From there it was AZ and CA for more family stuff.
Mark Herr – Trip to Ocean Shores with other Lakewood Rotarians.
Jim Merritt – Contributed to PCB’s trophy cup as a salute to our speaker for saving his life.
Dr. Peter Marsh – Doesn’t matter who you vote for…...PLEASE VOTE.
Dave Swindale – Bought another house.
Phil Eng – Thanked Debbie McVicker for the article in her Stroll Magazine and that he got away for a little Scottsdale getaway.
Rick Selden – Done nothing and haven’t been anywhere; but happy to be at the meeting.
Rob Erb – Happy to see former business neighbor and Rotary 8 member Stacy Ogle.
Greg Horn – Explained the fine names and their related dollar amounts:
$5 Scurvy Irwin (Ron Irwin) – please note this is named after the Irwin not named Donn
$20 A Greenleaf (if it’s worthing talking about….)
$40 A Robin (as in Robin Greenleaf)
$100 A Fulton, as in Gary
PCB called out all of the folks that have their photos in Debbie McVicker’s Stroll Magazine.
Mark Herr (again) stood up to pay for something else but this scribe suffered writer’s cramp trying to scribble all of these fines down and so didn’t catch what he paid for. Never-the-less, thank you for your dollars, Mark.
2012 - Scientists detect evidence of light from the universe's first stars, predicted to have formed 500 million years after the big bang.
Joe Quinn Esq was called upon to introduce our speaker, Todd Silver, which did nicely by saying little and handing over the mic to Todd.
A couple of notes about Iditarod:
Iditarod - the name Iditarod comes from the Deg Xinag and Holikachuk languages of the Athabascan people of Interior Alaska, meaning distant or distant place. It’s not only the name of a trail, but also the name of a former town and a river in the same region.
According to Wikipedia, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, more commonly known as The Iditarod (/a??d?t?r?d/), is an annual long-distance sled dog race held in Alaska in early March. It travels from Anchorage to Nome. Mushers and a team of between 12 and 16 dogs, of which at least 5 must be on the towline at the finish line, cover the distance in 8–15 days or more. The Iditarod began in 1973 as an event to test the best sled dog mushers and teams but evolved into today's highly competitive race.Joe Quinn Esq was called upon to introduce our speaker, Todd Silver, which did nicely by saying little and handing over the mic to Todd.
A couple of notes about Iditarod:
Iditarod - the name Iditarod comes from the Deg Xinag and Holikachuk languages of the Athabascan people of Interior Alaska, meaning distant or distant place. It’s not only the name of a trail, but also the name of a former town and a river in the same region.
Todd introduced himself and gave a brief summary of how and when what some say is “The Last Great Race” got started.
Iditarod started in 1973. Rite in the Rain supplied their paper products. Todd was invited to the race in 1983 and shared the story of how he was ferried out the race route in a plane that was essentially a shuttle transport for the sled dogs. On the plane he had no seat and his fellow passengers, eight in number, were sled dogs. (Sounds like an eight-dog night to me).
Todd shared that the overnight checkpoint that they set up and work is on top of a frozen river and that they use snowmobiles to compact the snow. The space they make provides for 60 sleds and the accompanying teams of dogs. The teams consist of 14 dogs. So, carefully doing the math, I calculate that the checkpoint takes in 60 sleds, at least 60 humans and at least 840 dogs! Said dogs weighing 45-50 pounds apiece and, if you have ever been around them, you know they are nothing but energy bolts that are super charged when it comes to running. They go bonkers when it is time to mush.
In order to take care of all of those dogs, there are 40 volunteer airplanes and pilots that shuttle hay bales, dog food and dogs to various places. The crew at the checkpoint augers into the ice and captures fresh water for the dogs (which is heated, along with their food. The heating equipment is provided by Tacoma’s own Mr. Ellingson).
Todd provided us with a slide show that PDG Greg Horn put together for him and provided us with an extremely entreating and informative program.
Thank you, Todd, – it was great to see you as it has been a while.
If you were born on November 1st, you share a birth day with golfer Gary Player, record producer David Foster, singer/actor Lyle Lovett, model/actor Jenny McCarthy and baseball pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.
PCB closed the meeting after several questions were asked of our speaker. The raffle drawing ticket was pulled by Angela Connelly and the winning ticket was held by Tyler Parker. Tyler pulled a white chip and won five bucks.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, November 8th at Noon - Treacy Duerfeldt - The importance of The Rotary Foundation
Thursday, November 14th at 5:30 PM - Rotary on Tap - Mis Tres Amigos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - 8623 87th Ave SW Unit A Lakewood, WA 98498
Friday, November 15th at Noon - Pualine Swiger - Chief Nursing Officer of the Defense Health Agency
Friday, November 22nd at Noon - Dean Allsopp - Community Engagement Manager at Amazon
62nd Operations Group at McChord
By Paula T. OlsonEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, October 27, 2024
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In a frightening turn of events, Pres. Carl was absent from the podium at this Friday meeting before the most important holiday of the year – Halloween, the day when the ghosts of the dead return to earth. But luckily, Lakewood Rotary had PP Jim Rooks to save us from potential ghoulish goblins that could replace Carl. He called us to order at the right time.
Then he called on Eric Warn for the invocation and Peter Marsh for the Pledge of Allegiance. Contributing to the success of the meeting, Dick Ferrell took contributions to the Paul Harris Foundation and Debbie McVicker served as Sargent-at-Arms and womaned the $2.00 table. Rob Erb led the Dream Team of the set-up crew.
Bob Zawilski took photos, and Paula Olson took notes. (I wouldn’t call what Paula did was taking notes. A first-grader would be proud of her squiggly lines. She had taken a bunch of narcotic pain meds to deal with a painful eye condition and was in Lala land at the meeting. She hoped that mainlining protein by way of roast beef would help. It didn’t.) Three Puffins were present and acknowledged.
A couple of guests appeared: Jennie Weinand with hubby Jim and Stephanie Wilcox with her guy, Troy. James Osundwa brought the Tacoma’s Chief of Police, Avery Moore. Visiting Rotarian from our farm club, Tacoma 8, was Jim Merritt. Royality included PDG Greg Horn and DGE Tony Camoroda. Barlow Buescher had no Sunshine Report, which is always a good thing. Zoomers were recognized, partly by their names on their square.
More people are buying costumes for their pets. Americans spent some $700 million on costumes for their pets in 2023—more than three times what they spent in 2010.
PP Jim called up Gary Fulton to talk about the history of the Paul Harris Foundation and our contributions through the $2.00 table, which was started by Mike McGowan. Charles Heberly was presented with his fifth Paul Harris and Troy Wilcox with his sixth Paul Harris. Congrats, guys!!
Let’s get serious about Halloween. It was started by the Celts 2,000 years ago when, at the end of summer and the harvest, the winter began. At that time the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31st, they believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth and caused trouble and damaged crops.
Greg Horn announced a very scary occurrence: our exchange student, Jeffrey is bored! We cannot allow that to happen. Greg called on each one of us to include him in any activities we have planned or plan one around him. We can’t let him go home to Taiwan without great tales of Friday and/or Saturday frolics in the Pacific Northwest! Call Barlow at 253-229-1662 to connect with him.
Linda Disney advertised for Rotary on Tap which will be at Mis Tres Amigos on November 14 at 5:30 pm. She also put in a plug for the Membership Committee’s membership survey by October 27. It will take five minutes or less. Here's the link: https://forms.gle/ECigSTMC49eUHmB8A . By the time you get this reminder, you’ll probably have to stay up late to do it but that’s okay. You can sleep in late in the morning.
In America, Halloween started as play parties at the end of the harvest where people would tell stories of the dead, tell each other’s fortunes, dance and sing. Immigrants from around the world brought other traditions like wearing costumes and going from house to house asking for food or money. And ta-da, modern day Halloween traditions!!
Exercising his presidential powers, PP Rook dispensed with the fine portion of the meeting to give more time to our speaker, Colonel Patrick McClintock. Jim called on Mary Moss to introduce him. Here are some interesting facts about the colonel.
Colonel Patrick K. McClintock was commissioned in 2001 after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy. He is the Commander, 62d Operations Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord. In this position, he ensures the combat readiness of more than 700 active-duty military and civilian personnel, along with 40 permanently assigned C-17A Globemaster III aircraft to support worldwide combat and humanitarian airlift and airdrop operations. As the provider of the Prime Nuclear Airlift Forces, the 62 OG is the only group in the Department of Defense tasked to airlift nuclear and nuclear-related cargo. In addition, the 62 OG serves as the primary active-duty unit in support of Operation DEEP FREEZE, partnering with Reserve, Guard, and civilian agencies to provide airlift support for the National Science Foundation’s U.S. Antarctic Program. Colonel McClintock has flown around the globe with more than 4,400 flying hours.
In his presentation accompanying by some PowerPoint slides, one of his primary themes was emphasizing the contributions of young airmen. He brought a young female airman with him who clearly showed that the colonel’s comments were sincere. The colonel said that he was grateful for the best reception shown by our club and how together we can achieve great values for the community. Recruiting more talented airmen is necessary to continue the good work now taking place on base.
He talked about the innovations brought by young airmen. One was the development of an app by a 20-year old airman that allows the repair person to have parts delivered to the airplane that they are working on. The app is now used throughout the Air Force. He also talked about two 27-year-old JBLM Air Force captains that designed and executed a 2-week practice mission with their Australian counterparts in Australia. This is something usually done by leaders far above their rank after they have attended war college.
He described the Summit for diversity and inclusion, put on earlier this year and the development of a safe place for resources for mental health. Hiring for Heros is a program to enhance the employment of military spouses and partners. Every time a service member moves, the spouse must redesign him/herself. This program partners with businesses that are open to hiring those folks. Recently there was a great and successful event at McChord. There is also a program to inspire young people to fly and join the Air Force.
He congratulated Mary Moss for being accepted into a program that would pair her with a pilot and put her in the co-pilot seat of a C-17. After she completes the program, she will visit other communities as an ambassador.
The colonel talked about the park on the left side of the McChord gate that commemorates those airmen that were Washington citizens that were taken as POW/MIA. He encouraged us to visit it one day. He talked about Airman Troy May who recently rescued an older woman from Mount Rainier. She had injured herself and he took her on his back and brought her several miles down the mountain. Staff Sergeant Pritchard from Lakewood, who is 26 years old, organized a Diversity and Inclusion program. He was proud to talk about the first all-female crew deployed from McChord.
The Colonel talked about the impact of the pullout from Afghanistan, the work of Operation Deep Freeze on Antarctica. He spoke about how McChord leads all fleets in the number of C-17s and can be seen in all global missions. Most recently noteworthy were the humanitarian efforts in Gaza. McChord Field covers the largest recruiting area for the Air Force.
When Q and A started, he would not say the DEFCOM level that John Magnuson typed into the chat on Zoom citing misrepresentation and misunderstanding when they are said. James Osundwa told the Colonel that this was the first time that he had heard about the contributions of young airmen, and he was happy to see that they were becoming the next leaders.
Thank you, Colonel, for a fascinating look at this part of McChord Air Force Base and the future of our military. Will someone out there grant this good man’s wish to play golf at Tacoma Country and Golf Club? Please?
When do zombies finish trick or treating? When they are dead tired.
How does a witch know the best time to go trick or treating? She checks her witch watch.
Charles Heberle won the raffle and carefully selected a white chip, leaving the red one for the next lucky ticket holder. Charles left for Albuquerque $5 richer.
Publisher’s note: Talks are already underway for a Lakewood Rotary meeting at an away location – the 62nd AIRLIFT Wing hangar at McChord next spring. We did one there about 20 years ago, and it was a huge success. Included was a tour of the C-17 aircraft. It was one of our best meetings ever!
Another publisher's note: Chris Kimball rose to the occasion and took our exchange student Jeffrey a a tour of American Metal Saturday. They started at ??, visited ??. and wound up at the LeMay - Americas Car Museum for the rest of the day.
The Program that Stumped Rotarians
Sunday, October 20, 2024
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The Program that Stumped Rotarians
John Magnuson
The Weather Today
The leaves turned yellow along I-90
A little late this year.
Summer lasted longer and more kindly,
The skies more shiny and more clear.
The Norwegian Farmer’s Almanac says we’ll pay the price
With snow and some deep freezes, some folks swear, by Jesus,
Since 1818 it’s only been wrong twice.
Ole
Norwegian Primstav
Beginning – Let’s Get Ready to Gamble… no, wait – make that Gumball… no? What then, Grumble? Rambo? Sheesh – What then?
With that illumination, your brain should be receptive to The Rotary Club of Lakewood meeting, September 48th, 2024. See above: The Norwegian Primstav. President Carl – in Norwegian: Free Man, brought the gathered to attention, with PE Tom George giving an inspirocation and PP Don Daniels leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
The work done by Rotarians who upset the meeting were shone appreciation. You know who they are – week after week, working to make President Carl look good – Debbie McVicar, Jan Gee, Rob, Wynn, Terry, Tom, Easton. Guests of Rotarians included Jan Gee’s relative Debbie, from Medford. Bill Wiggens a guest of his wife. Barlow brought our 18-year-old exchange student Jeffrey Lin from Taiwan. PE Tom George brought Grandson Easton Easter. Puffin Rotarians stood. In Norway a Puffin is known as a Lundefogl. And even more exciting, a whole bunch of Lundefogls are known as a whirl. Zoomers were witnessed; VIP’s acknowledged – Tony, Greg and Bill, political candidates ignored. Amongst Zoomarians was DG Tony Camorada recovering from a serious tumble. Steve reported Anne is recovering from foot surgery and on the mend. PP Phil Eng was a tardy – not tawdry – photog, Ole manned the Dixon Ticonderoga #2. Wendy McG reported that Linda Ripley had a knee replaced, off meds and sleeping. PP Rose was seen as a returnee from trauma!
Middle – Mid-Life, Middling, Middle Aged, Middle C
Blue Badges doled out for Chief Smith and Phyllis Stone. She was acknowledged as the first new member ever to donate $1000 at the orientation breakfast meeting. PP Gary Fulton deserves that $1K for having conducted the get together for the past 50 or 60 years! PP mark Edgecomb received his 8th Paul Harris. Bill Wiggens sworn in as a new member alongside wife Becky. President Carl had to check Bill’s and Becky’s ID to confirm he is of retirement age, and she is age- bride worthy. Don’t think for a minute your scribe is going to mention they met in Anatomy 401! Bill is a retired Dentist and Clover Park Graduate alongside his mother. Do I sense a program in the making: something about noteworthy Clover Park grads over the years? I can think of several.
Of note: World Polio Day October 24th. February 2025 President Elect Leadership Training. May 2025 District Conference in Tacoma. August 20, 2025, Tacoma Rainiers Rotary Night. The 2024 Christmas Parade will have a Lakewood Rotary presence with presents.
Just fine, thanks. PC’s phone. PP Mark Blanchard’s car met with a Rushing woman – Nyet! – a Russian woman. Barlow thanked Dr. Marsh for his share of the tomato crop. Eng’s took a trip. Mark took a trip and ratted-out Whalens, Johnsons, Korsmos – others? $50! Easton told Grampa, “Pay! Pay! Pay!” Atta boy! Donnnn Irwin’s granddaughter in North Carolina finally got power restored after Helene! Edgecomb’s took a trip on the Orient Express but not the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe!
The Program That Stumped Some Rotarians
John Caulfield introduced Davi de la Cruz of Lakewood’s Parks and Recreation. Davi told of the Tenzler Packwood Douglas Fir 586-Year-Old Tree Ring Thing. It has quite a history in addition to one of the longest titles, having been donated by Northwest Door Company. That company, owned by Herman Tenzler. The Tenzler Library was named for his wife, Flora Tenzler. Pay close attention now because the following facts will be the subject of a True or False Final Exam.
Species name: Pseudosuga Menziesii
Age when felled: 586 years
Year Felled: 1946
Diameter: 12’ 9”
Weight of displayed Section: 9.25 Tons
Year “Born”: 1359
Attending Physician: Jim Rooks, MD
Person Deciding on Location in Park: Ron Irwin
Sheltered With Indigenous Connections Traced: T or F
Turn in your Blue Book at next week’s meeting. Thank you, Davi, for an interesting program.
To make up for Ron Irwin’s bruised feelings, he won the drawing. $5!
Who Reads This Stuff?
Ole
Upcoming Events:
Friday, October 25th at Noon - Col. Patrick McClintock - JBLM Missions, Engagement, and Global Military Involvement Briefing - LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH - Free Little Pantry!!!
Friday, November 1st at Noon - Todd Silver - Owner of Rite in the Rain - Iditirod Race in Alaska
Friday, November 8th at Noon - Treacy Duerfeldt - The importance of The Rotary Foundation
It's Peanuts and G Nuts!
By Gayle SeldenEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, October 13, 2024
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The roaring sounds of LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE started in the dining room announcing the beginning of the October 11th meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood. President Carl Bronkema rang the meeting to order. Yorleny Clapper lead the Rotary Moment reading some poems about silence in honor of those experiencing grief. Tom George led the pledge.
President Bronkema thanked James Guerrero at the Paul Harris Desk, Barlow Buescher at the raffle and acting as Sargent at Arms. Set up team was recognized—cheers to Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, James Osundwa and Rob Erb.
Puffns were recognized and a lot were in attendance but there was no stuffed Puffin among them. The puffin or puffins as there are two or three in rotation appear to have disappeared. Soon an investigation will be started! President Carl called up puffin Kamarie Wilson to receive her blue badge.
Leanna Albretch introduced Tim Stults, Director of Career and College Readiness and Dr. Demetricia Hodges, our speaker.
We had no visiting Rotarians although Steve Saalfeld was called out as one.
12 Zoomers were on the screen including Steve and Anne Enquist. Carl asked for an update.And we got half of it from the technology lag. But we know know that Anne broke her ankle and her heel and it has been too swollen for surgery but they are planning on Monday. Steve thanked all those that have helped him get there place ready for the next six months of Anne being down.
Carl called upon Wendy for the sunshine report. She continued that Anne jumped off her deck instead of falling and that was apparently the wrong choice. Linda Ripley is having her knee replaced. Tony Camorado had a bad fall and had to have surgery to relieve the pressure from his brain. He has returned home and Bill Potter announced there is a meal train to help him as he recovers. Texts and emails are welcomed by Tony.
President Bronkema challenged us to join him at the Tacoma South Putt Putt Tourney on October 18th. The Horns and the Bronkemas are playing. Mark Blanchard is the other half of the winning Alan Billingsly Team. Jim Sharp is part of the West Pierce Team. No others raised their hand to have a team in the group. I raised my hand and spoke without a microphone for a moment but said I had sent in a check for a team but cannot attend so I offered to send anyone to the event who would like to go and I suggested to take Jeffery our exchange student as part of your foursome.
Don Daniels came to the front of the room as a representative from the International Services Committee asking for the club’s support to join a district grant with Tacoma South Rotary for an irrigation project in eastern Uganda. Irrigation is needed to help with the growth of peanuts and G nuts according to Don Danials. A quick google search discovered that G Nuts are a legume. Full of B3 and niacin the G nut can help with brain function. They are a staple food source in Ugandan cuisine. Our $2,000 with Tacoma South and a district grant and a global grant and help from the Ugandan club turns into a $30,000 project. As part of this grant, we will have some boots on the ground in a July 2025 trip to Uganda. The club moved and second the motion to provide the $2,000 to provide irrigation in Eastern Uganda.
Jan Gee donated a condo in Leavenworth to the Wine Fest. The purchaser Hank Kerns could not use it at the time it was needed so he gave it back to the club to reauction it off. After some rapid bidding Mark Blanchard won the three days in Leavenworth for $800. Nice little fundraiser there! Hanks original $1,200 and Mark’s $800.
Carl complemented Linda and Connie on a fantastic Rotary on Tap at Rey Carbon. Complimented the food, drinks and atmosphere. It was a great time make sure you come and join the next one!
Carl called on James Guerrero and asked why he was smiling. He did not realize he was calling attention but did share that he and some of his 60-year-old friends completed the Hood to Coast. Steve Saalfeld talked about missing meetings with three 16 year-olds in the house with none of them driving. He got the sympathy of the crowd.
Mary Horn popped up to tell us our exchange student, Jeffery’s Birthday is next week on the 17th. She had an idea and thought maybe Jeffery and some exchange students would enjoy playing in the Putt Putt tournament for his Birthday and she was looking for someone to sponsor. The room looked at Mary and realized she was not paying attention as Gayle had already offered up a foursome earlier in the meeting. It might be nice to have an adult be part of the foursome so if you are available let Mary Horn know.
Kamarie Wilson was excited to tell us about her completion of the Lakewood Police Citizen Academy and the opportunity to drive a police car through an obstacle course. She also had completed the CERT through West Pierce. Kamarie is really making herself a great community member, we are lucky to have her.
Becky Wiggins paid a fine for missing the puffin meeting. Did you hear that, Carl? The puffins are meeting! Becky learned that if it’s worth talking about its worth $20.
Leeanna Albrecht introduced the speaker, Dr. Demetricia Hodges. Dr. Hodges is leading the cooperative worksite learning program at Clover Park School District.
In preparing student to be future-ready, the district is adding worksite learning as a way to earn credits for graduation. Closing the gap between understanding and opportunity. Answering questions like “When will I use Geometry?” with putting students into jobs that show them how it is used. Providing a well-rounded education with a relevant work experience is the hope of the district.
In order to participate the student must have taken a CTE (Career and Technical Education) course and pass it! The student must be 16 years old, have a high school and beyond plan and a learning agreement. The school district also provides an Orca card and know how to use public transportation so they can get to and from work.
The employer must provide orientation, have a minor work permit, provide a safe working environment and have a meaningful work study plan. The parents will also have responsibilities and be part of the program.
180 hours of work is equal to ½ credit. A student can earn 1 credit per Junior and Senior year. This is a new program and they are looking for business that will hire students. Member John Korsmo’s company, Korsmo Construction, has agreed to hire two students. YMCA and Patriots Landing are also planning on hiring students.
The meeting ended with Bud Montgomery drawing the red chip and winnin $4??. Checks in the mail, Bud!
Apologies to John Magnuson whom I have misspelled his name in all of the times I written the bulletin. I blame it on the fact that I cannot translate Swedish. The Swedish cooking show I watched as a child apparently did not have proper translations! Borg Borg Borg.
Photography 2.0
By Donn IrwinSunday, October 6, 2024
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Photography 2.0
Donn Irwin
It all began as it should (well maybe with the exception of the “let’s get ready to RUMBLE music as the current President’s “walk up” music requests) …...the bell rang at 12:30PM and Chris Kimball did the invocation followed by the esteemed Mark Blanchard leading us in the Pledge.
Dateline October 4, 1535 - the first complete English Bible came off the press.
Puffins were asked to stand and be recognized.
October 4, 1582 saw the introduction of the Gregorian calendar.
Next, PCB asked for guests of Rotarians to be recognized: Jan Gee introduced Joe Walsh as a guest. Five minutes later he was a Rotarian. Terry Roarke introduced his wife, Walli and Joe Quinn, Esq. introduced his bride, Kirsten. Our speaker and fellow Lakewood Rotarian introduced his wife, Tanya and a long-time compadre of his, Dave Larson. Walt introduced someone else but, alas, this scribe didn’t catch the name.
The Crimean War started on this day in 1853.
Visiting Rotarians were called upon to stand up and be recognized however, there was only one – the very recognizable Dave Harkness from Rotary South.
PCB said hello to our Zoomers : Ralph Johnson, Carole Wier, John Magnuson Barb Spriggs, Bill Potter and Steve Enquist.
As I looked in the mirror to see gray hair, wrinkles, and dimming eyes, I said, they sure don't make mirrors like they used to!
Little Ms. Sunshine, Wendy McGowan, was called upon to deliver the poorly named Sunshine Report. Wendy had a lot to say. Rose Stevens had wrist surgery; Mike Murtha had knee replacement surgery. Linda Ripley is going to have knee replacement surgery and Anne Enquist broke her ankle whilst doing some gardening. Yikes! A busy week for us Rotarians and, evidently, for the bone surgeons in the area.
PCB has no fewer that 5 Blue Badges to hand out again this week yet none of the recipients came to the meeting…. hmmmm.
Alas, on October 4, 1970 Janis Joplin passed away from an accidental overdose of heroin.
Joe Walsh was called upon to come forward and become Lakewood’s and the world’s newest Rotarian. PCB read him our induction doctrine, gave Joe his introduction packet with his invoice for dues tucked neatly into the folder and then gave him the microphone. (Note to PCB….be very careful giving microphones to past Presidents, past District Governors, District Governors-in-waiting AND actors). Joe thanked all of us for the support for him and the Lakewood Playhouse. He also thanked us for the opportunity to give back to the community through his future work in Rotary.
The Space Race began on October 4, 1957 with the launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik.
The honorable Greg Rediske came forward to announce birthdays and anniversaries:
Birthday celebrants included those not in attendance as well as those present.
Mark Herr, Angela Connelly, Gael Whalen and Charlie Hyde were not at the meeting but PP Mary Horn was there physically and Barb Spriggs was there as a Zoomer.
Club Anniversaries included Linda Disney at 2 years with Lakewood and a total of 7 years in Rotary; Rose Stevens 14 years; Bob Zawilski 27 years; Andrew Phillips 3 years in Lakewood and 38 total years in Rotary; and the irrepressible Chuck Hellar (past president of Tacoma 8) has 11 years in Lakewood and 57 years as a Rotarian.
I went to the doctor with fluid on the knee. He said, "You're not aiming straight."
The wedding anniversary folks were Dave and Barbara Reames (23 years), John and Pamela Lowney (25 years) and Howard Stephan (Jeannie) a mere 54 years.
PCB turned the floor over to those folks wanting to make announcements….to no one’s surprise Dave Harkness popped up, grabbed a mic and gave us all an invitation to join in the putt putt golf event at Harkness Furniture that Tacoma South Rotary puts on every year. Last year the event raised $86,000. The event takes place on Friday October 18. See more info below.
Linda Disney let us know that Rotary on Tap happens Thursday 10/16. Sally Saunders thanked those Rotarians that helped with the H-Barn Hoedown.
Special note from the President – We don’t get the TG&CC room for free so even if you don’t eat there is still a charge – don’t forget to pay.
Adding to the President’s Cup (aka fines):
Chris Kimball attended a conference on the Big Island of Hawaii (actually called Hawaii) and, along with possibly learning something, managed to get in some zip lining. This, of course, cost him some money. Barlow Buescher confessed that he had a lovely time in Portugal and Spain – that cost him as well. Chuck Hellar visited his son and daughter-in-law in The Big Apple. Again, it cost him more. Finally, Dave Swindale purchased a new vehicle. Dave bought himself a Porsche 911 and, according to him, has NOT had the machine over triple digits as yet. This confession added to the cost of the car.
Dr. Peter Marsh introduced our speaker, Lakewood Rotarian Walt Richardson. Peter let us know that Walt has been a Lakewood guy since the 5th grade. He had a successful small business, retired, took up bicycle riding and photography.
Pho-to-graph: a picture made using a camera
Pho-tog-ra-phy: the art or practice of taking and processing photographs
1839: daguerreotype announced to public
1851: Fredrick Scott Archer introduces wet collodion process
1888: George Eastman launches Kodak Camera
Walt started his program by letting us know that he has 41 years in Rotary. He got started in photography when he was 12 and did some photographing for the Navy while he was serving. After getting out of the Navy, he had to start making a living so he started a small business (the man did a bit of advertising work). He retired and took up photography again but as a hobby.
Walt shared with us that photography is sort of like mining. You start with a raw product and then refine it. In today’s world you use software to do the refining.
As I watched Walt’s slide show and listened to his descriptions of what we were seeing where the photos were taken, I realized that he was saying things like “this one particular shot was a two-mile round-trip hike”. Another photo shoot was a “ten-mile hike….ONE WAY!!”. Yikes! You don’t just take up photography as a hobby, you take up hiking as well.
Walt shared a large quantity of the beautiful photographs he has taken in Germany, Alaska, California and Washington state. While showing the photos Walt explained the different techniques he used to enhance the picture and explained focal points that he tried to achieve so that the viewers eyes would focus on certain areas and then move on from there.
Unfortunately, in order to really get the program, you had to be there. I’m hoping that our “Key” photographer, Mr. Z has a picture of some of the photographs that Walt had on display so that we can publish one and use the great line – “a picture is worth a thousand words”. That really cuts down on my typing.
Thank you, Walt, for a great presentation.
PCB rang the bell and Chuck H pulled the winning raffle ticket, the one held by PP Mary Horn. Mary stuck in her thumb (and forefinger) and pulled out a white chip worth $5.00. There were 13 chips in the bag. One red and twelve white. The pot was worth $374.00.
If you were born on October 4th, you share birthdays with the likes of Susan Sarandon, Alicia Silverstone, Charlton Heston, Anne Rice, Rutherford B. Hayes, Buster Keaton and Frederic Remington.
I don't mean to brag, but I finished my 14-day diet in 3 hours and 12 minutes.
Here is the scoop on the Rotary South Mini Golf Extravaganza
Get on the bus! Join us for dinner, drinks, a live band, and golfing fun as we raise funds for this year's Raise the Paddle beneficiary, The Skoolie Foundation. The Skoolie Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to offering hope to those experiencing homelessness in the South Sound through their Empowerment bus mobile hygiene stations made from converted school buses.
We're trucking back to the 70s, so dust off your bell bottoms and shake your groove thing for a good cause!
Friday, October 18, 2024 at Harkness Furniture on South Tacoma Way
Doors Open/Cocktail Hour - 5 PM
Dinner - 6 PM
Tee Time - 7 PM
Other Upcoming Events:
Thursday, October 10th at 5:30pm - Rotary On Tap! - Ray Carbon - 6112 100th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Friday, October 11th at Noon - Bill McGregor - Lakewood District Governor Visit - All Things Rotary!
Friday, October 18th at Noon - Davi De La Cruz - City of Lakewood Parks Development Project Manager - Relocating the Tenzler stump to Ft. Steilacoom Park
Friday, October 25th at Noon - Col. Patrick McClintock - JBLM Missions, Engagement, and Global Military Involvement Briefing - LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH - Free Little Pantry!!!
Let’s Play Lakewood Rotary Squares!
By Horn, Gregory S.Edited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, September 29, 2024
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Let’s Play Lakewood Rotary Squares!
Last week, Lakewood Key writer and publisher, Paula Olson, mentioned that President Carl “kept the Zoomers in their squares.” So that got me to thinking…. what if Carl abandoned the normal Friday procedure, and ran the meeting with the Zoomers? It would be like Hollywood Squares, with the stars in their little square cubicles. Instead of host Peter Marshall asking questions of Paul Lynde, George Gobel, Charley Weaver, and Rose Marie, it might go something like this:
President Carl: John Magnuson, do female frogs croak?
John: If you hold their little heads under water long enough they will.
President Carl: Ralph Johnson, if you’re going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?
Ralph: Three days of steady drinking should do it.
President Carl: Carole Wier, according to Anne Landers, there are two things you should never do in bed. What are they?
Carole: Point and laugh.
Visiting Rotarians: Mike Boltz from University Place-Fircrest, and another Mike from some Rotary Club somewhere arrived late.
Guests of Rotarians: Lia Knight, guest of Bob Zawilski; Jennie, guest of husband Jim Weinand; Sarah from Good Neighbor Village, guest of Angela Connelly; Song Shin from McGranahan Architects, guest of Angela Connelly; Lori, wife of Tyler Parker.
And then: the unthinkable happened! Another phone went off! Actually, it was a watch and it wasn’t Dick Tracy’s, but almost-District Governor Tony Camoroda’s. He paid $20, but not before extracting the same from President Carl for momentarily forgetting about LFP Friday. Carl thanked Steve “Pain in the Ass” Mazoff and paid $20.
Zoomers: they’re listed in this here bulletin elsewhere.
Paul Harris Awards: Steve Enquist presented Mark Herr with his first, and Jim Sharp with his second.
Sunshine from Wendy McGowan: Rose Stevens broke her wrist!! Surgery Tuesday.
And back to our show:
President Carl: John Magnuson: True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.
John: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes
President Carl: Barb Spriggs: It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics, what is the other?
Barb: Tape measures.
President Carl: Liz Heath, according to Movie Life magazine, Ann-Margaret would like to start having babies soon, but her husband wants her to wait a while. Why?
Liz: He’s out of town
Announcements:
Tacoma South Rotary’s annual Putt Putt fundraiser at Harkness Furniture is Friday, October 28. We need at least 3 foursomes. Very fun! See Greg Horn.
The Harvest Hoedown happened, happily. It was Saturday, September 28. Dave Betz secured Tom George, James Guerrero, Bob Martin, Mark Blanchard, and I think Don Daniels to help with the set-up.
The Puffins Are Coming!! Mark Blanchard warned all Puffins to clear their calendars as much planning is afoot for the big Roast of President Carl in December. All “dirt” is welcome.
Connie Coleman-Lacadie warned all of a club survey coming soon.
Gayle Selden requested that a Rotarian volunteer once a week every week to take Jeffrey, our exchange student from Taiwan, out to dinner. Mary Horn and Angela Connelly raised their hands. Everyone else, contact Barlow Buescher to schedule. And Tom George kept the exchange program in the news by promoting our need for at least one more family, May to June or whenever you can. Think about it! It is the opportunity of a lifetime.
Financial Generosity and Forced Hand-overs:
More Rotarians published by Debbie McVicker! A couple of typos cost Debbie dearly, $20. Those with the free publicity were asked to make it not free with a donation of their choosing: Quinns, Horns, Engs, and Veronica Bronkema.
Scott Buser celebrated 49 years of marriage and a visit to a granddaughter in California, $100.
Tyler Parker appeared for the first time this year, and was pounced upon for it. Publisher’s note: Sadly, we lost our only twenty-something member recently, as Tyler turned thirty. He is still bringing our median age down, though.
Gael and Jason Whalen were similarly noticed and recognized, I think for Jason’s newest job, $20. Jason commented, “It’s in Auburn, where they still like me!”
Angela Connelly has what must seem like a million sons, but so far nothing but granddaughters since! Seven so far, for $70, in honor of the recently-arrived #7.
David Swindale used his African Safari Wine Fest purchase, along with stops in Iceland, Amsterdam and Munich. He returned with thoughtful gifts: a miniature puffin, and the practical gift of paper money: Euros and a South African bill with Mandela on it. He drank all the beer, at Oktoberfest, with none to bring back. $100
Terry Roarke and Walli visited Newfoundland, where he took the Screech Challenge, kissing a fish and drinking rum. $20
Mark Blanchard celebrated his 48th wedding anniversary, and his birthday on 9-11, which he has celebrated as a Crappy Birthday since 2011. $119.
And more Lakewood Rotary Squares:
President Carl: Rose Stevens, Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?
Rose: His feet
President Carl: Shiru, in what state was Abraham Lincoln born?
Shiru: Naked and screaming like the rest of us.
President Carl: Ralph Johnson, diamonds should never be kept with the family jewels. Why not?
Ralph: Because they’re so cold.
Program:
Fire Commissioner and Puffin Scott Casebolt reported that Jim Sharp started his fire career as a dispatcher, then as a fireman in University Place, then Assistant Chief at the merger of the fire departments, and Chief in 2013 for West Pierce. Jim described a ballot measure for November, called Prop 1. The proposal, currently used by many other fire departments in the State, changes the fire protection component to a fee (Fire Benefit Charge (FBC)).
Currently, our property tax includes an EMS levy, a regular levy, and a Maintenance and Operations (M&O) levy. If approved, Prop 1 will reduce the regular levy immediately by a third and do away with the M&O levy. In its place will be the FBC, which is not a tax but a fee. It will be calculated by the size of the structure, use of that structure, and risk factors. Jim used examples from three recent fires, a residence, a multi-unit dwelling, and a commercial building:
Residence Multi Unit Commercial
Fire vehicles used 12 19 40
Personnel 24 36 78
Unit Hours 20 75 315
Staff Hours 29 145 619
In this example there was 401% more staff time for Multi than Residential, and 2033% more for Commercial. And yet property tax does not address this inequity. Moreover, a $500,000 valued home and $1.5 M valued home of the same size have paid markedly different M&O taxes, but will be about the same (M&O portion) with the new FBC. The change would start in 2025, if approved by the voters. You can email FBC@westpierce.org with questions, or to get an estimate of the charge to your business or residence. Jim also explained that multiple vehicles often show up to an emergency situation. The interest is in getting their as fast as possible, and this often means a fire truck is the closest. The truck can depart if another higher priority call comes in.
I love programs from Jim Sharp!!
Raffle: 13 white, 1 red, $329. Next week it will be 12 white and 1 red. But Rick Selden did get $5 for his effort!!
Help for Military Families
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, September 22, 2024
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Help for Military Families
Paula T. Olson
Well, you could tell it was another Friday in Lakewood with the booming music, followed by a bell ring and a whistle that heralded another Rotary meeting with President Carl at the helm. Clint Johnson gave an ode to Fall in his invocation and Greg Horn did a masterful job of leading us in the Pledge to the Flag. Chuck Hellar manned the Paul Harris desk collecting a whopping $546, Mark Edgecomb served as Sergeant at Arms, and the IT Dream Team kept the Zoomers in their squares and the internet buzzing. Walt Richardson took pictures, Paula Olson took notes and the meeting went off without a hitch.
We had some guests. Clint Johnson introduced fellow Court Commissioner Phil Thornton who is running for Superior Court Judge. Clint noted that Phil was endorsed by every living judicial officer and lots of organizations, but the best endorsement of all was his. I don’t know, Phil, that could be a blessing or a curse. Becky Wiggins introduced husband and wannabe member Bill Wiggins as her guest for the fourth time. He said he was still reading the application. Funny guy, huh? Puffins stood to be recognized. Zoomers included Sally Saunders, Liz Heath, Barb Spriggs, John Magnuson, and Jim Sharp. Royalty was in the persons of Greg Horn, Tony Camoroda, and Bill Potter.
Chris Kimball announced Birthdays, Member Anniversaries and Wedding Anniversaries.
Birthdays: Bob Zawilski, Gayle Selden, Greg Rediske, Mark Blanchard, Dave Coleman, Clint Johnson, Mary Jo Strom-Copland, Andy Phillips, Tony Camoroda, and Debbie McVicker. Member Anniversaries: Sally Saunders – 1 year, Mark Herr – 2 years, Bob Martin – 3 years, Leanna Albrecht – 6 years, Eric Quinn – 10 years and Walt Richardson – 40 years. Wedding Anniversaries: Brie and Claude Cooper – 10 years, Kris and Rosemary Peterson – 31 years, Heather and Todd Burgess – 31 years, Walt and Tanya Richardson – 32 years, Greg and Mary Horn – 48 years, Mark and Joanie Blanchard – 48 years, Scott and Kathy Buser – 49 years, Wynn and Margie Hoffman – 56 years, Rick and Sharon Selden – 56 years, and Sam and Sybil Hunter, an amazing 67 years. Congrats to all.
Why was the robot couple’s anniversary in the fall? They were autumn mated.
After announcing all these statistics, Chris did his usual “let’s razz the birthday boys and girls.” Bringing Clint, Dave, Tony and Greg up to the front, Chris asked how many members did each of these bands have at their heyday. Greg had the Beatles. He guessed wrong at 5. They had 6. Clint had the Rolling Stones and an argument ensued over whether they had 5 or 6. Clint got a second chance to guess the Partridge Family. Five was wrong; they had six. Dave got the Jackson 5. They had 5 until 1983 when they had 6. Tony got the Moody Blues. He guessed four, 17 and was finally right at five. Rush had 3, ZZ Top had 3, Triumvirate had 3. Deep Purple had 5 and the Glenn Miller Orchestra did not have 50 but 18. Whew!
Tom George of the International Service Committee presented a request for $5,000 to go to a school in Nepal for 136 underprivileged children. As low-income kids, they are outcasts and their school needs lots of repairs such as a new roof. Tacoma 8 is kicking in $5,000 as well as the District. Motion made to approve the funding request, seconded, and all in favor. Sounds like money well spent. The Partners announced the date of the Holiday Party as December 6th. Details to come later. Tony Camoroda had brought bling from the zone conference in Spokane to Mrs. President and Mr. President Carl. He got a frig clip to remind him about the meetings, a stress golf ball, a four-way test coin, a Calgary announcement, an apple tree seed, and a Montana pen. Tony also kicked in $100 for his birthday. John Lowney jealously asked if Tony had cleaned out his desk. Membership is a top priority for the incoming guy.
Why do birds fly south in the Fall? Because it’s too far to walk.
Jan Gee from the Community Concerns Committee asked for $2,000 for a joint community project of providing food baskets to families identified by the school district as needing help for Thanksgiving. It is led by the First Baptist Church. Motion to approve made, seconded and all in favor. Linda Disney announced that Rotary on Tap will be at Rey Carbone Restaurant on October 10th or 11th, which ever day is a Thursday. Come one, come all.
What did the apple say to the pie baker? Use cherries instead.
Our Youth Exchange student needs homes for the third and fourth quarter of his visit here. Volunteers to host please step forward. Mary Horn will do DACdb training sometime soon. Chuck Hellar and Mark Edgecomb ratted out John Lowney for winning $1,200 at a casino. John tried to downplay it by comparing winning to fishing. You spend more time and money trying to catch something but he still kicked in $50. Prez Carl ratted out Dave Coleman for his phone going off at the last meeting. Dave said it was Carl’s fault it went off because Carl didn’t remind Dave to silence his phone. Dave paid $80 for his 80th birthday plus $10 for general principles. Greg Horn paid $50 for being married to Mary for 48 years and 2 days. Mary said Greg should pay her $50 for staying with him but she relented and matched his $50. Donna Phillips was on time for the meeting today and announced that she had turned over a new leaf. She got a crazy urge to go through her 1,000s of emails and discovered a couple of interesting things. She had three days to get to Frankfurt, Germany for a conference at which she was a presenter. She got there and it was a great conference but challenging travel. She was saddened to discover that in 2023, she was a presenter at a conference in Asia but since she just opened the email a week or so ago, she didn’t get there. She brought Carl back 20 euros and German Chocolate. Donna, you gotta get the award for procrastination. I thought I was bad.
What’s an octopus’ favorite party? Oktoberfest
Dave Anderson introduced our speaker, Mary Tobin, the Program Coordinator at South Sound Military and Community Partnership or SSMCP as its fondly known. Mary is a veteran and a military spouse. There are 50,000 people working at JBLM and about 70% live off base. The local military brings in about $10 million for the local economy but there was no coordination between the bases and the community. In 2011, that was fixed by the creation of SSMCP. SSMCP projects encompass land use, infrastructure, traffic, community relations, child care, housing affordability, and economic development. Mary said that there were about 50 members of the partnership including regional leadership. Of its many priorities, developing employment opportunities for military spouses is a big one. Since it is DOD’s policy for active duty military to live off base, those families need services. A study was conducted to explore issues facing military spouses for employment, which is the number one stressor for military families. Mary said that about 20% of active duty military think about leaving and won’t recommend the service to others. That makes it difficult to recruit new military members.
In terms of the employment of military spouses, it was only recently that careers that require licenses could be transported from the state in which they were obtained to Washington State. Within 30 days, those licenses can be used here for jobs. But this only affects about a third of all spouses. So SSMCP hired a consultant to identify the specific barriers to employment for spouses. A survey was conducted where only about 200 responses were expected and they got 600 responses. Fifteen recommendations were developed and taken back to military spouses for their vetting. Four challenges were discovered for these families. Number one was child care with 90% of military spouses having children under five years of age. Number two was finding suitable jobs. Many employers believe that a military spouse will only be in the job for a short time but in reality, there is far less military movement than in the past. Number three was finding out about resources to help with employment, and the fourth was to obtain sufficient income to help support the families’ basic needs.
Mary spent the rest of her presentation discussing the child care issue, stating that we live in a child care desert where there aren’t enough child care providers for the number of children needing care. The lack of child care is a national problem and creates a $6.5 billion loss. Unfortunately, child care has not been factored into community planning and various issues make opening new child care facilities more difficult. Zoning restrictions is a primary one and once Lakewood leaders learned that restrictions caused only 4% of needed child care to be provided, changes in zoning restrictions brought that number up to 48%. Seattle too improved their restrictions to add 20% more child care providers. Mary used maps to show us the various areas in Pierce County where there is simply insufficient child care. Mary urged us to ask our leadership and legislators to prioritize child care expansion.
Thank you, Mary, for a very interesting presentation. There was $280 in the raffle pot, Linda Ripley won and got herself a fancy white chip and $5.00 that she threw in Carl’s cup.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, September 27th at Noon - Jim Sharp - West Pierce Fire Chief - What is a Fire Benefit Charge?
Friday, September 27th at 7:30pm - Godspell - at The Lakewood Playhouse
Friday, October 4th at Noon - Walt Richardson - Photographer Extraordinaire and Lakewood Rotary Member - Walt's Show and Tell!
Thursday, October 11th beginning at 5:30 pm – Rotary on Tap at Rey Carbone Restaurant. All are welcome!
Interim Lakewood Library is Open!
By Wendy Jo McGowanEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, September 15, 2024
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Right on the dot of 12:30, President Carl rang the bell, blew the whistle as the music (?...he seems to think that is real music) blared from the speaker near me.
His Honor welcomed the Rotarians, Friends of Rotarians…and those who would like to become Rotarians! Philip Lindholm provided us with “a Rotary Moment”, followed by James Oswunda who led us in the pledge to our flag.
Connie Coleman-Lacadie was man-ing (woman-ing) the Paul Harris desk and Linda Disney was noted as the Sgt. at Arms, gathering our coins at the $2.00 table. We left the check-in table to find a seat, with high hopes of winning the pot. Or at least the white chip.
The only guest of a Rotarian that I caught the name was that of Stephanie Wilcox, wife of Troy and super-leader of the Partners in Rotary. The President did acknowledge the Zoomers: Carole Wier, Ralph Johnson, Sally Saunders, Rick Selden and John (Ole’) Magnuson. Others who were noted were PDG Greg Horn and AG Bill Potter.
The Blue Badge recipient of the day was Philip Lindholm.
Then came the announcements. It was announced that the Harvest Hoedown at the H-Barn (which is in Ft. Steilacoom Park) will be held on September 28th at 7:00 p.m. Kids and all are welcome as there will be live country music, family activities, dancing, and food trucks (beer and wine will be available).
It has been Fellowship Week in Lakewood Rotary. “Party Planner”, Phil Eng, told us about the recent Reeder Rotary Roadster Romp which ended on Whidbey Island. The turnout was terrific: Rick, Sharon and Gayle Selden, Greg and Sharon Rediske, Greg and Mary Horn, Don and Lisa Daniels, Steve and Ellen Mazoff, John and Pam Lowney, John and Bonnie Magnuson, Mark and Anne Silva, Bob and Sue Martin, Bob and Marilyn Zawilski, Mary Marlin, Barb Spriggs, Paula Olson, Jan Gee, Sally Saunders, and, of course “The Mother of this Invention”, Jan Reeder!!!
The gang did a real “walk-in-the-park” which was spent at the notable Sculptor Park. Everyone took unique pictures, some of which became “prize winners”. The group toured a glass blowing factory and visited a luscious candy store. And, if I got it right, the two Johns (Magnuson and Lowney) were a real “show stopper”, performing a duet. Really? Didn’t realize there was such talent among us.
The second Fellowship event this week took place at the infamous Yen Ching restaurant in Lakewood. The turnout for Rotary-on-Tap this past Thursday was even better than the Romp. Yen Cheng’s has been serving up the best Chinese food for more than 50 years. They did not disappoint once again. Thanks to Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Linda Disney, with the help of Mark Edgecomb, all put on a great evening.
President Carl fell a little short on collecting fines this week. The only real “dough” came out of the pocket of Bob Zawilski who was fined $77.00 for “over-sharing”. It seems it was Bob’s 77th birthday. Philip Lindholm did pay dearly for a month’s trip in Europe this summer. And, lest I forget, John Lowney topped it all as he bought his son Brian, a Paul Harris last week as he announced that he attended Brian’s installation into the Bethel Rotary club. John is one “proud papa” with Brian becoming the superintendent of the Bethel School District.
I’ve promised each time I write the bulletin I will add to “the bull” a little “moment from the past”. As you can see from the photo below, this is from years and years and years past. The young boy in the photo is someone you know as our treasurer and, if you can believe it, was our president in 1999-2000. Yep, that’s John Lowney. I’ll bet you can’t guess who the gal in the photo is. Send me a text to 253-279-5494, if you have any idea.
I’ll buy the winner a raffle ticket next week.
Today’s program was one we have all been waiting for: “What’s Going on at the Lakewood Library?” Brie Cooper introduced Gretchen Caserotti, Executive Director and our own Elysha Ryan who is an employee of the Pierce County Library System also. Gretchen has spent her entire working life in the library system and provided a detailed account of what has happened during the last several years since the Lakewood “Tenzler” Library had to close due to the deterioration of the “old” building which is located across from the Clover Park High School.
Calling her a “super star”, Gretchen turned the program over to Elysha to lead us on a virtual tour of the new library located on Gravelly Lake Dr. and Alfaretta St. As we entered the main door we were delighted to find a well-lit area. She continued to the energy-efficient Study Room and reading area clad with adult materials. Artwork from the old Tenzler building was installed in this area, making former library attendees feel right at home.
Next we entered the Teen Area, then on to the Children’s Area which is filled with safe and comfortable furniture.
Then came the Meeting Room…an area for all kinds of activities, meetings and community get-togethers.
In each area we found computers galore and dozens and dozens of plug-ins where one can bring along their own personal computer, hook it up and get right to work or pleasure.
Elysha’s presentation was ended with an enthusiastic applause. Gretchen stepped back to the “mic” to take questions from our club. She discussed a plethora of lessons that had been learned from the time the roof failed at the old library until the opening of the new building: everything from a “need to move faster” to “the importance of long-range capital funding”.
A recent Tacoma News Tribune article that revealed the final cost of the new structure was $2.9 million encouraged Greg Horn to ask Gretchen: “What is the true cost?” She responded that the estimate in 2011 was $4 to $5 million. So far the estimate is $9,500,000 and counting. This includes the land and remediation of the soil, as the site was contaminated by the old Chevron station
The Friends of the Lakewood Library invite you to come see for yourself soon.
The dinner bell rang and the raffle ended this long and informative meeting. We were out the door and on to the rest of our day….me to meet friends for an enlightening game of bridge!
Reeder Roadster Romp Report - Special Edition
By Paula T. OlsonWednesday, September 11, 2024
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Reeder Roadster Romp Report - Special edition
Paula Olson
I’m reporting from the reservations line (not to be confused with the standby line) of the Port Townsend Ferry dock on the annual Reeder Roadster Romp to Whidbey Island. Thanks to Phil and Judy Eng with indispensable help from Bonnie Magnuson (okay, hubby John helped a little), it was a great success for about 30 participants.
Afterward, we congregated up the hill and around the corner to The Coupeville Inn and got settled in our rooms. Next we went across the street to the Coupeville Community Center for social time and dinner. Phil Eng outlined our next day’s travels and served up pizza, salad, and lots of delicious desserts. The troops mounted a near mutiny when General Eng tried to get us to report for duty in the parking lot at 8:30 am on Monday. After vigorous debate, we settled on 9:30 am with the lure of a new raffle ticket.
Monday morning in the parking lot, Bonnie Magnuson outlined the highlights of our day starting with the Sculpture Forest, onto the Greenbank Farm, and then the town of Langley. If you haven’t seen the Sculpture Forest, it’s a must stop next time you come to Coupeville. As you can see by the pictures, many sculptures fitted the personalities of the rompers. Gayle Selden challenged the photogs to a picture contest and a shiny extra raffle ticket for the best picture. Look below for the winner and runner up.
Next stop was the Greenbank Farm with lots of acres of farm stuff and little stores. With a caravan of about 15 cars, we all got there despite Bonnie missing a turn and having all 15 cars back track a bit. The lady rompers spent some money on arty & crafty stuff with some longsuffering husbands alongside. The cheese shop was spectacular and the wine and pie store almost better. Four single gals went in on a loganberry pie (it was cheaper to buy the whole pie divided by four than four single pieces. We must have saved $.50 and got bigger pieces) It was totally delicious for breakfast Tuesday morning. Yeah, we broke down and gave Greg Horn a piece because he looked so pathetic with his yogurt and toast.
Onto Langley after some changes in plans. General Phil warned us that we have a great dinner ahead “Don’t eat too much at lunch so you’ll be hungry!” “Yes, dad,” we all chorused. Many of us ended up Prima Bistro, a French meets Pacific Northwest restaurant upstairs over a great shop. We all forgot dad’s words of advice and ate too much. After a little more shopping, we went back home to Coupeville to pass out for a few minutes before dinner back at the community center.
Phil hit it out of the park with a chicken and steak dinner from the Front Street Grill down the hill. The chicken was delicious with a wonderful sauce and the steak was a perfect medium rare along with fresh veggies and mashed potatoes from real potatoes. After dinner, the real fun began with three birthday people coming up to the front of the hall: Bob Zawalksi, Sue Martin, and Greg Rediski. Jan Gee was ready with her true or false trivia game and questions for the celebrated three. The first question was a stumper, asking if it true that there are professional fart smellers in China who diagnose illness based on the scent. After Bob gave his best answer, the room chimed in. Based on the raucous deliberation from the peanut gallery, it seemed half the peanuts were right. It is true. Several similar questions followed. Then cake and cupcakes were presented with candles and best wishes.
The highlight of the evening was the raffle. A table of intriguing gift bags were waiting for 10 lucky ticket holders. Things started to get ugly when Lisa Daniels (on instructions from Don) stole the big bottle of Tequila and margarita mixer from the hands of a happy Sharon Rediski. We all thought the last winning ticket holder would steal it again but Mary Marlin was happy with her fuzzy blanket. We listened to birthday songs for John Lowney and John Magnuson penned by Greg Rediski. No, it wasn’t their birthdays but the songs were worth listening to. Neither one will make the top 50,000 but we all got a few good laughs.
The end of the evening was voting on our next venue for RRR 2025. Suggestions came slow and tenuous but included Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton, Oregon passionately presented by Don Daniels, Hood River, OR, Pacific City, OR, Walla Walla, WA and some other places. Oregon Gardens was the winner with Don helping Phil to do some research on accommodations. We left happy and ready to head home on Tuesday morning.
If you haven’t been on a RRR, I strongly recommend you do. We all had a great time in a beautiful location with good friends. And what happens on the RRR, stays on the RRR. None of it could happen without the hard work of Phil Eng, Bonnie Magnuson, Wagon Master Rick Seldon and others. All the RRRs of 2024 send our sincere thanks.
Love is in the Air!
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, September 8, 2024
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Love is in the Air!
By Joe Quinn
Following his strict agenda, President Carl Bronkema (PCB, like the dreaded pollutant), turned on his “Prelude Music” at 12:27. At 12:30, give or take, PCB rang the bell, blew the whistle and did whatever else was necessary to get Lakewood Rotarians to be quiet, so he could start the meeting. He welcomed all Rotarians, Friends of Rotarians, and those “who would like to become Rotarians.”
PCB called for a special video as a memorial to the upcoming September 11th date. This was a compendium, created in 2021 on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, of firefighter memorials at various fire stations in the region, complete with bagpipes. Very moving. PCB asked Jim Sharp—West Pierce Fire Chief—to remind us of any upcoming ceremonies to be held next Wednesday. Jim said the West Pierce Fire and Rescue memorial will be held at the headquarters of the fire department, just off Bridgeport Way near 37th Street in University Place at 5:30 p.m. on 9/11.
The usual suspects were thanked and recognized: Bud Montgomery at the Paul Harris desk (where he collected $1240 by the way), Gary Barton as Sergeant at Arms, and the family dream team or setup crew led by Rob Erb and including Scott Baird, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden and James Osundwa.
PCB made the Puffins stand up and several were present to be recognized. The photog today was Bob Zawilski and the Scribe writing this screed is Joe Quinn. (By the way, remember Mr. PCB that traditionally all Bulletin Writers enjoy total immunity from presidential fines, sanctions, and other insults.)
Gary Barton introduced Visiting Rotarian Dennis Bushman of Gig Harbor and also Jim Merritt of Tacoma 8. Jim was given the usual ration of you know what for not joining our club, because he visits often. Jan Gee introduced Joe Walsh, the Producing Art Director of Lakewood Playhouse and soon-to-be Lakewood Rotarian. Applause rang out.
PCB welcomed all the Zoomers and then called on Rick Selden, who was back with us today. Rick said a few words of thanks and said it has been a long journey, dealing with wife Sharon’s illness, but on a brighter note, he said they just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. A little bird told me that Gayle Selden, their loving daughter and member of this club, posted erroneously on Facebook that it was only their 55th! Sorry Gayle, there goes your inheritance for that egregious error! Rick donated $100 and said he was also donating enough to finish his next Paul Harris award.
Gary Barton provided the comic relief at that point, stating that he owed someone a refund of one dollar from the raffle money. Numerous wags raised their hands to claim the cash.
Not one to be outdone on the humor front, PCB then held up the Rotary Citation earned during Mary Horn’s year as President; Carl said this was not the usual type of citation he received from the cops! Carl then held an informal auction of a $100 gift certificate from Harkness Furniture. We believe this was donated by Dave Harkness to our Wine and Beer Event. I think ultimately he got $100 from Rick Selden, but it was like pulling teeth from these tightwads. Carl is a good dentist.
PCB acknowledged our three dignitaries who we think were all present today: PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda, and AG Bill Potter.
Sunshine: Wendy McGowan said all is well.
PCB wanted to award six blue badges to six current red badge members but none of the six were present today! Greg Rediske will be calling them about perfect attendance! Not!
Stephen Enquist awarded her sixth Paul Harris to Barb Spriggs, who was back with us today. Barb said she is still working—along with Shiru Oswunda—with her Next Step mentee. Steve also explained the points system, which enables Paul Harris Fellows to give a PH award to relatives or friends. Steve said 87 of our approximately 125 members are Paul Harris Fellows.
Anne Enquist announced that the deadline is passing for buying tickets to Godspell at the Lakewood Playhouse. This exclusive Rotary event for us and Clover Park Rotarians will be held on September 27th and costs only $23 today. Joe Walsh said there will be a Q&A session immediately afterwards to chat with the cast.
Don Daniels announced for Partners for Parks the Harvest Hoedown at the H Barn in Fort Steilacoom Park, to be held on September 28th from 4-7 p.m. There will be live music. Don said he needs five Rotary volunteers to help on that day. Contact Don to help.
Linda Disney said Rotary on Tap will be held at Yen Ching on South Tacoma Way at 88th Street, in the Champions Bar, on September 12th—this coming Thursday.
It was noted that many Rotarians will be out of town this week to Whidbey Island for the Reeder Roadster Romp.
Jan Gee called for a vote to give $2000 to Clare’s Closet from the Community Concerns Committee budget. They provide clothing to patients departing the hospital at St. Clare’s who need clothing for any reason. The program helped 330 patients last year alone.
Bill Potter mentioned the Nourish Luncheon, which only costs $20 and said to see him for details. (You will have to, as the scribe missed the date and time.) And maybe the $20 was a fine he paid for making a commercial announcement. It must cost more than that; after all, it is a fundraiser.
Fines: Your faithful scribe offered up $20 to honor our (absentee) President. Not because he showed up to run the meeting again. No, no. It was because he finally finished his Youth Protection Screening process. He showed nothing was amiss on his Criminal Background Check and he is NOT listed on the National Sex Offender Register! Yay Carl. Very proud of you and thankful that we scribes—the Fourth Estate—enjoy total immunity in all we say and do!
Steve Mazoff donated $20 just because he was happy to see Rick Selden and our PCB matched that Greenleaf. Dave Coleman gave $80 due to a birthday in that amount. Barb Spriggs threw in $20 as she was happy to be back visiting. Rob Erb, acknowledging the immunity of bulletin writers, donated some money in honor of last week’s scribe—Donn Irwin—but I am not sure of Donn’s transgression. (Probably picked on PCB.)
Gary Barton, who continued to have problems with those hard-to-use microphones, donated $40 and from what we could hear, it had something to do with going through the Ballard Locks or some locks or unlocking the mic or the safe with the raffle dollars in it.
THE PROGRAM: Our program today was about a Humanitarian’s Journey & the Peace Bus. Our speaker was Kwabi Amoah-Ferson, ably introduced by Veronica Bronkema.
A fascinating guy, Kwabi told us about his life as a humanitarian, who started down that road while working his way through grad school. His life changed when he consulted with a mentor at his college. The professor told him not to ask: “What do I want to do with my life?” Instead, he said, ask: “Who do I want to be?” Right then and there Kwabi said he decided to be a humanitarian.
At some point, Kwabi traveled to London, where he met Brian Ha, who apparently had camped out in front of Parliament for 10 years (!) to demonstrate for peace in the world. This impressed him and so he wanted to devote his life to humanitarian causes.
He started by hanging out at Wright Park in Tacoma with a couple of handmade signs every Saturday morning, just to talk with passersby about how to achieve peace in the world. Eventually he was able to buy a small bus (looks like a VW bus) and repainted it blue, placing a Peace sign on it. Eventually, he used the Peace Bus to venture to other cities like Seattle and San Francisco to personally hold forth with the public about peace. A friend told Kwabi that there was a man in the Netherlands he needed to meet as the man had the same vision.
Kwabi told us about his trip to Europe where he had interesting experiences. In Belgium, an old man approached him, gesticulating and shouting in a language Kwabi could not understand. Probably it was French. Kwabi tried to tell him he was totally lost, but the man could not understand English. A young woman came along and, as she could speak both English and French she quickly translated. The man was excited and trying to tell Kwabi that he was so delighted, because Kwabi was the first black man he had ever seen in his life! Hugs were exchanged all around.
In 2019 Kwabi started distributing socks in downtown Tacoma including the Hilltop. Then he decided that giving socks to immigrants down near the Southern border would be a good humanitarian effort. After all, everybody needs socks, he reasoned. Kwabi and his friends took the Peace Bus and a truck full of socks down through Oregon and California, giving out some to the poor along the way. He tried to contact Border Patrol officials to ask them some questions about immigration. They turned him away more than once. Eventually, however, they asked for a picture of the Peace Bus. He sent them a picture and that seemed to pave the way for a ride-along with the border folks to go into the areas where the immigrants were, shortly after they crossed the border.
Because of that successful venture, Margaret Larson of King 5 TV decided to interview Kwabi. Publicity like that helped to get the word out about his efforts. Soon, Kwabi was notified that he had been nominated to receive the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize! He had never heard of it. It seemed to him as a sort of lifetime achievement award and he is the youngest person ever to receive it. That prize included a trip to Oslo, Norway to the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize and other prizes. He found that fascinating and he even got to meet the Prime Minister of Norway.
Kwabi and friends even ran a Santa program, where kids who sent letters to Santa were given gifts by Kwabi dressed up as Santa Claus. Although lots of letters were received, all kids got a gift. They delivered to over 200 kids and 98 houses! Unusual presents included a hamster and-- for one five year old girl—a pan. Turned out that it was an Indian family whose restaurant had to close during the pandemic. The girl wanted the pan so she could cook at home to continue her training to work in the Indian restaurant someday.
This was a fast-moving program and 1:30 came quickly this time. Carl asked if Kwabi wanted to keep talking (as he was clearly not done) and he said yes. Carl allowed the “early leavers” to go about their business and did the drawing before that. John Lowney won, but only $5.
Kwabi continued for several minutes after that, and several Rotarians stayed to listen. To learn more go to https://www.thepeacebus.org This scribe eventually had to leave, but I hope someone asked Kwabi this question: “How do you survive and do all these good works without a job?” He must support himself somehow.
And that is why this Lakewood Key is entitled “Love is in the Air.”
There was a drawing and lucky! Lucky for us, it was only $5.00.
Love is in the Air!
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, September 8, 2024
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Love is in the Air!
By Joe Quinn
Following his strict agenda, President Carl Bronkema (PCB, like the dreaded pollutant), turned on his “Prelude Music” at 12:27. At 12:30, give or take, PCB rang the bell, blew the whistle and did whatever else was necessary to get Lakewood Rotarians to be quiet, so he could start the meeting. He welcomed all Rotarians, Friends of Rotarians, and those “who would like to become Rotarians.”
PCB called for a special video as a memorial to the upcoming September 11th date. This was a compendium, created in 2021 on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, of firefighter memorials at various fire stations in the region, complete with bagpipes. Very moving. PCB asked Jim Sharp—West Pierce Fire Chief—to remind us of any upcoming ceremonies to be held next Wednesday. Jim said the West Pierce Fire and Rescue memorial will be held at the headquarters of the fire department, just off Bridgeport Way near 37th Street in University Place at 5:30 p.m. on 9/11.
The usual suspects were thanked and recognized: Bud Montgomery at the Paul Harris desk (where he collected $1240 by the way), Gary Barton as Sergeant at Arms, and the family dream team or setup crew led by Rob Erb and including Scott Baird, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden and James Osundwa.
PCB made the Puffins stand up and several were present to be recognized. The photog today was Bob Zawilski and the Scribe writing this screed is Joe Quinn. (By the way, remember Mr. PCB that traditionally all Bulletin Writers enjoy total immunity from presidential fines, sanctions, and other insults.)
Gary Barton introduced Visiting Rotarian Dennis Bushman of Gig Harbor and also Jim Merritt of Tacoma 8. Jim was given the usual ration of you know what for not joining our club, because he visits often. Jan Gee introduced Joe Walsh, the Producing Art Director of Lakewood Playhouse and soon-to-be Lakewood Rotarian. Applause rang out.
PCB welcomed all the Zoomers and then called on Rick Selden, who was back with us today. Rick said a few words of thanks and said it has been a long journey, dealing with wife Sharon’s illness, but on a brighter note, he said they just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. A little bird told me that Gayle Selden, their loving daughter and member of this club, posted erroneously on Facebook that it was only their 55th! Sorry Gayle, there goes your inheritance for that egregious error! Rick donated $100 and said he was also donating enough to finish his next Paul Harris award.
Gary Barton provided the comic relief at that point, stating that he owed someone a refund of one dollar from the raffle money. Numerous wags raised their hands to claim the cash.
Not one to be outdone on the humor front, PCB then held up the Rotary Citation earned during Mary Horn’s year as President; Carl said this was not the usual type of citation he received from the cops! Carl then held an informal auction of a $100 gift certificate from Harkness Furniture. We believe this was donated by Dave Harkness to our Wine and Beer Event. I think ultimately he got $100 from Rick Selden, but it was like pulling teeth from these tightwads. Carl is a good dentist.
PCB acknowledged our three dignitaries who we think were all present today: PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda, and AG Bill Potter.
Sunshine: Wendy McGowan said all is well.
PCB wanted to award six blue badges to six current red badge members but none of the six were present today! Greg Rediske will be calling them about perfect attendance! Not!
Stephen Enquist awarded her sixth Paul Harris to Barb Spriggs, who was back with us today. Barb said she is still working—along with Shiru Oswunda—with her Next Step mentee. Steve also explained the points system, which enables Paul Harris Fellows to give a PH award to relatives or friends. Steve said 87 of our approximately 125 members are Paul Harris Fellows.
Anne Enquist announced that the deadline is passing for buying tickets to Godspell at the Lakewood Playhouse. This exclusive Rotary event for us and Clover Park Rotarians will be held on September 27th and costs only $23 today. Joe Walsh said there will be a Q&A session immediately afterwards to chat with the cast.
Don Daniels announced for Partners for Parks the Harvest Hoedown at the H Barn in Fort Steilacoom Park, to be held on September 28th from 4-7 p.m. There will be live music. Don said he needs five Rotary volunteers to help on that day. Contact Don to help.
Linda Disney said Rotary on Tap will be held at Yen Ching on South Tacoma Way at 88th Street, in the Champions Bar, on September 12th—this coming Thursday.
It was noted that many Rotarians will be out of town this week to Whidbey Island for the Reeder Roadster Romp.
Jan Gee called for a vote to give $2000 to Clare’s Closet from the Community Concerns Committee budget. They provide clothing to patients departing the hospital at St. Clare’s who need clothing for any reason. The program helped 330 patients last year alone.
Bill Potter mentioned the Nourish Luncheon, which only costs $20 and said to see him for details. (You will have to, as the scribe missed the date and time.) And maybe the $20 was a fine he paid for making a commercial announcement. It must cost more than that; after all, it is a fundraiser.
Fines: Your faithful scribe offered up $20 to honor our (absentee) President. Not because he showed up to run the meeting again. No, no. It was because he finally finished his Youth Protection Screening process. He showed nothing was amiss on his Criminal Background Check and he is NOT listed on the National Sex Offender Register! Yay Carl. Very proud of you and thankful that we scribes—the Fourth Estate—enjoy total immunity in all we say and do!
Steve Mazoff donated $20 just because he was happy to see Rick Selden and our PCB matched that Greenleaf. Dave Coleman gave $80 due to a birthday in that amount. Barb Spriggs threw in $20 as she was happy to be back visiting. Rob Erb, acknowledging the immunity of bulletin writers, donated some money in honor of last week’s scribe—Donn Irwin—but I am not sure of Donn’s transgression. (Probably picked on PCB.)
Gary Barton, who continued to have problems with those hard-to-use microphones, donated $40 and from what we could hear, it had something to do with going through the Ballard Locks or some locks or unlocking the mic or the safe with the raffle dollars in it.
THE PROGRAM: Our program today was about a Humanitarian’s Journey & the Peace Bus. Our speaker was Kwabi Amoah-Ferson, ably introduced by Veronica Bronkema.
A fascinating guy, Kwabi told us about his life as a humanitarian, who started down that road while working his way through grad school. His life changed when he consulted with a mentor at his college. The professor told him not to ask: “What do I want to do with my life?” Instead, he said, ask: “Who do I want to be?” Right then and there Kwabi said he decided to be a humanitarian.
At some point, Kwabi traveled to London, where he met Brian Ha, who apparently had camped out in front of Parliament for 10 years (!) to demonstrate for peace in the world. This impressed him and so he wanted to devote his life to humanitarian causes.
He started by hanging out at Wright Park in Tacoma with a couple of handmade signs every Saturday morning, just to talk with passersby about how to achieve peace in the world. Eventually he was able to buy a small bus (looks like a VW bus) and repainted it blue, placing a Peace sign on it. Eventually, he used the Peace Bus to venture to other cities like Seattle and San Francisco to personally hold forth with the public about peace. A friend told Kwabi that there was a man in the Netherlands he needed to meet as the man had the same vision.
Kwabi told us about his trip to Europe where he had interesting experiences. In Belgium, an old man approached him, gesticulating and shouting in a language Kwabi could not understand. Probably it was French. Kwabi tried to tell him he was totally lost, but the man could not understand English. A young woman came along and, as she could speak both English and French she quickly translated. The man was excited and trying to tell Kwabi that he was so delighted, because Kwabi was the first black man he had ever seen in his life! Hugs were exchanged all around.
In 2019 Kwabi started distributing socks in downtown Tacoma including the Hilltop. Then he decided that giving socks to immigrants down near the Southern border would be a good humanitarian effort. After all, everybody needs socks, he reasoned. Kwabi and his friends took the Peace Bus and a truck full of socks down through Oregon and California, giving out some to the poor along the way. He tried to contact Border Patrol officials to ask them some questions about immigration. They turned him away more than once. Eventually, however, they asked for a picture of the Peace Bus. He sent them a picture and that seemed to pave the way for a ride-along with the border folks to go into the areas where the immigrants were, shortly after they crossed the border.
Because of that successful venture, Margaret Larson of King 5 TV decided to interview Kwabi. Publicity like that helped to get the word out about his efforts. Soon, Kwabi was notified that he had been nominated to receive the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize! He had never heard of it. It seemed to him as a sort of lifetime achievement award and he is the youngest person ever to receive it. That prize included a trip to Oslo, Norway to the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize and other prizes. He found that fascinating and he even got to meet the Prime Minister of Norway.
Kwabi and friends even ran a Santa program, where kids who sent letters to Santa were given gifts by Kwabi dressed up as Santa Claus. Although lots of letters were received, all kids got a gift. They delivered to over 200 kids and 98 houses! Unusual presents included a hamster and-- for one five year old girl—a pan. Turned out that it was an Indian family whose restaurant had to close during the pandemic. The girl wanted the pan so she could cook at home to continue her training to work in the Indian restaurant someday.
This was a fast-moving program and 1:30 came quickly this time. Carl asked if Kwabi wanted to keep talking (as he was clearly not done) and he said yes. Carl allowed the “early leavers” to go about their business and did the drawing before that. John Lowney won, but only $5.
Kwabi continued for several minutes after that, and several Rotarians stayed to listen. To learn more go to https://www.thepeacebus.org This scribe eventually had to leave, but I hope someone asked Kwabi this question: “How do you survive and do all these good works without a job?” He must support himself somehow.
And that is why this Lakewood Key is entitled “Love is in the Air.”
There was a drawing and lucky! Lucky for us, it was only $5.00.
A Toast to Ralph
By Gayle SeldenEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, September 1, 2024
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I should have known something was amiss when Tom George greeted me at the sign in desk dressed a little more formally. A nice blue tie adorned his pressed button up shirt. He also seemed a bit more harried than usual. I soon learned with the rest of the meeting attendees that Tom was our President for the day.
President Elect Tom George rang the bell to start the meeting. Paula Olson shared a Rotary moment by honoring Labor Day and those who are in dangerous jobs. Tom called up Ralph Lockhart to do his rendition of the Toast to the Flag. Ralph has been performing that for many years. He’ll soon be moving to Arizona full time, so it was nice to start the meeting off with his fun Flag tradition. Thanks for your 40 years of Rotary service, Kerosene! (Kerosene is Ralph Lockhart’s nickname.)
Tom George acknowledged Chuck Hellar at the Paul Harris desk, Leon Titus at the Raffle table and the set-up crew of Rob Erb, James Osundwa, Wynn Hoffman and Tom George. Tom giggled as he thanked himself, he seemed almost surprised he was on the set up crew. He announced me, Gayle Selden, as the bulletin writer who is firmly set in taking a first-person approach to this bulletin. And our photographer, Walt Richardson who always takes care to catch the best angles.
Leon Titus introduced visiting Rotarian, Andrea Suarez, from University District Sunrise (Seattle). Andrea founded the We Love Seattle program that works with homeless issues. She was recently named Rotarian of the Year of her district, District 5030. She was a guest of Angela Connelly who always provides the best introductions.
James Osundwa waved down Tom to introduce Adia, his and Shiru’s daughter.
Wendy had no new Sunshine, but someone in the crowd asked how Sharon was doing from Zoomer Rick Selden. We then had a fun couple of moments watching Rick try to unmute himself getting closer and closer to the screen. I must say our family needs as much laughter as we can get so it was a nice distraction. Both Dad and I need to take breaks from trying to understand words like neurocognitive. We appreciate all the support and care we are receiving but honestly, it’s very difficult to talk about. So that is why sometimes there is no sunshine report from the Selden family.
Tom had a whole bunch of blue badges he wanted to hand out but apparently Carl had possession of them. He asked Mary to come up and tell us about the Rotary Citation our club received. Mary praised the board and members who did all the work to get this award.
Mary also instructed the members to sign up for activities to take our new exchange student, Jeffery. Sign up to take Jeffery on a Seattle or Tacoma adventure, have him over for dinner and a game night, or help him learn the game of tennis. Amelia, our last exchange student, just reached out to me to see how Jeffery was settling in. Last year I took Amelia to Bumbershoot, a music festival I had never attended. We had fun dancing in the rain to music I had never heard before. Allow yourself to try something new with the exchange student as your excuse to experience a new thing. You will not be disappointed.
Tom then decided to go straight to fines and asking if anyone wanted to add to Carl’s cup. Jan Gee grabbed the mic, Tom got a little excited and then she proceeded to make a Community Concerns announcement instead of paying a fine.
Jan and Mary Moss told us a bit about the Lakewood Multicultural Association and their plan to bring the community together and celebrate the trailblazers that shape it. The Community Concerns committee proposed a $2,000 donation to the Lakewood Multicultural Association. It was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Steve Enquist presented Paul Harris awards to Angela Connely (her 2nd), Donn Irwin (his 5th), Chris Kimball (his 7th with the correct pin this time) and Scott Buser was recognized as a Major Donor many times over.
After all the announcements were done, Tom got back to fines. Ron Irwin stood with $1 and some T- Shirts and ask Chief Sharp to tell a story. Station 21 picked Ivan as their station mascot and Jim thoughtfully brought Ron two shirts with a very buff Ivan holding some extraction tools. Ron tried to make Jim pay a fine—for bringing him some shirts! The crowd was not having it and Jim and Ron both said they were making $50 Foundation fines. Ron pocked the $1 he was planning on paying.
Jim must’ve felt guilty and said he had been to Vegas and Napa and had moved his son. Although he lost all his money to Vegas gambling and Napa wine purchases by Brandee, he still gave another $50.
Dave Swindale donated in honor of Food for the Little Pantry project and Bob Zawilski said more money would be welcome.
Rob Erb tried to accuse a fellow bulletin writer of abuse of power. . .but the pen is power we never abuse as writers of The Key so calling out Donn Irwin was unnecessary. But Donn got up name dropped someone that took Rob to the Boeing Classic Golf tournament and Rob paid $20 for a longer story than Donn’s pants. Zoomer and pontificating bulletin writer John Magnussen offered to start a fund so Donn could buy a whole pair of pants.
Don Anderson paid for his 48th wedding anniversary. Becky Wiggens threw in $20 for knowing the person who Donn dropped the name of earlier. Kris Kaufman celebrated a family picnic in the Olympic National Park where 86 family members were present. He also suggested we all check out the Ivan exhibit at the Lakewood Historical Society. Clint Johnson rounded out the fines by paying for 3 weeks in Europe and he did not rat out the other Rotarians who joined him on that trip to lessen his fine.
The honorable Clint Johnson introduced Ron Slye, Professor of Law from Seattle University. Ron has been a professor since 1997 and concentrates on international law. He had a long resume that this bulletin writer thought she might get a copy of but didn’t. He is Anne Enquists favorite former colleague so that makes him the tops.
Ron taught us about the International Criminal Court in specific regards to the Russia/Ukraine war and the Israel/ Palestine conflict. 125 states (out of 195) participate in the International Criminal Court. Notable nonmembers include the United States, Russia, Israel, China and India do not.
The jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court includes War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity, Genocide and Acts of Aggression. The court can prosecute any act of committed by a national of member states or on the territories of any state party.
In the case of the Ukrainian invasion by Russia there are four indictments coming out of the ICC. They include charging Putin and others of War Crimes (unlawful deportation of civilians). There are also War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity charges on Russian military leaders for the attacks on civilian population. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could not be considered an aggressive act as there are special rules as only members states of the ICC can be charged with aggression.
As Palestine is a member state there are inditements on members of Hamas who coordinated the October 7th attacks. Bejamin Netanyahu is being charged with war crimes even though he is from a non-member state as the crimes occurred on member site of Palestine. The charges stem from the deliberate starvation of the civilian population in Gaza.
Not the same as the Geneva convention, the ICC is a separate treaty. It helps support the Geneva convention. And although Putin will not show up for his trial he now has to monitor his travel and avoid member states as he should be arrested. If found guilty of the War Crimes he would expect sanctions from member states.
Sudanese leader Al Jazeera was found guilty of crimes and should have been arrested while in member Kenya’s country. He was not and that put the court into question the courts efficacy. The ICC doesn’t have its own military or police, so it relies on its member states to detain those on trial.
When asked why the US wasn’t a member its large worldwide military presence gives it high exposure. But the US government still supports the actions and jurisdictions. Even though the US is not a member there have been suspects apprehended by the US government.
Dwight Williams was the lucky winner of $5 in the raffle.
And with that Tom got through his first Lakewood Rotary meeting.
Relevance
Sunday, August 25, 2024
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Relevance
John Magnuson
If you are new to Lakewood Rotary there is a chance we have not met, yet. “We” as in Zoomers. As such, “We” may make references to stuff you haven’t been introduced to yet. For example: The Greenleaf, The Easter Pancake Breakfast, The Wild Game Dinner, etc. As this week’s bulletin writer, I will tell you a reference to the “weekly bulletin” is inaccurate because the bulletin, or bull, is actually “The Key.” Neither here nor there in importance, other than you have much to learn, Grasshopper (Puffin.) You probably already know one of Rotary’s tasks is the worldwide elimination of Polio. Another, for 20 years, is the Rotary Peace Fellowship program.
Pay close attention: You Northies have discovered a cure that ends all diseases, as we know them. All diseases, mind you. Imagine, an end to all suffering known to humankind brought about by illness! Dwell on that amongst yourselves: you Northies are about to bless the world with the news that disease, malady, sickness – however you name it – gone for good and forever. Wow! Are there enough Sainthoods to go around for all of you Northies?
Southies: wipe that look of envy off your faces, Southies, for you have discovered a way to end all wars, conflicts, hostilities now and forever! N.O.M.O.R.E.W.A.R.S! Can you imagine? Well, you Southies have just learned you hold the key to lasting and global forever peace! And you are about to share it with the world, but first you must convince the Northies that everlasting peace is more virtuous and of more wonderful consequence than what they propose – a world without disease.
Here is the dilemma: you can’t have both. You can have a world without war – The Southies position, program, - call it what you will but as set forth by the Southies it is a world of forever peace worldwide! If you are a Northie you are setting forth a world without disease, now and forever! Who wouldn’t want that? You must convince your Southie or Northie counterpart of the virtue of your position. There is only one correct answer. No compromise. It is “either” “or” and it is binding!
Here are the rules for this discussion: All of you lawyers, Judges, Colonels, Generals, Doctors, Professors, Scientists and Politicians can change nothing in what is set forth in the foregoing. No “What ifs,” no “But’s,” no “We need to make a change…,” If any of you so much as even tries to revise the hypothesis, you are out. You are neither a Northie nor a Southie, you are a cipher, vapor, and PP Ron Irwin will be your personal purgatoryesque supervisor, so think before you speak!
We will need your decision forthwith. The situation is dire. Get busy!
Friday’s meeting, and it was a doozie! Please pardon my brevity.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance – Phyllis Stone and Dave Coleman
Visitors – Angela Connely introduced a guest/visiting Rotarian Michael Holloway from Tacoma 8.
Set-up Special Ops – Same team as always.
Puffins – A plethora of Puffins was not present. Taiwanese International exchange student Jeffery was introduced along with Barlow’s grand-nephews.
Announcements - Rick gave a hopeful update on our dear Sharon. Note to new members: be advised to meet and love the Selden family. Yes, that is your assignment. It isn’t a task but a labor of love!
Business – Reeder Roadster Romp coming soon. There are a couple of openings – see Phil. This year’s event will be a tour of Whidbey Island. PDG Greg Horn was seen in a hospital gown. Floating Board Meeting aka Family Picnic was hosted by lots of folks; Steve, Rick, Bud, Bob Martin, Greg. See top picture.
PP Joe Quinn introduced General Keith Dayton as Friday’s speaker. He recently presented his perspective on the conflict in the Middle east – to wit: Palestinian Israeli war. Friday’s presentation dealt with the Ukrainian Russian conflict. His many years in the Pentagon and as an advisor qualifies him as an expert of such matters. His US Army years number from 1970 – 2010. Doing the math results in lots of numbers.
The general says the conflict is portrayed as Russia being the aggressor and Ukraine as victim. The collapse of Ukraine appears inevitable if matters continue on the present trajectory. Russia can afford to conduct the war slowly but the Ukraine is broke and relies almost entirely on US support and some other NATO countries for contributions of obsolete munitions, armor and aircraft. Russia outmatches Ukraine military resources and manpower by at least three to one. The Ukraine conscripts are untrained whereas the Russian Army is a thoroughly trained military elite by comparison. The US is involved in a proxy war with Russian and the effort is to weaken Russia. It is having the opposite effect. The US is almost exclusively supplying the materiel and capital to wage this war. China is observing every move America makes in order to gauge our strength. China and Russia have a committed alliance.
Russia’s goals don’t seem to extend beyond the Crimean territory. Their interests center on seaport access. The Ukrainians want reparations from Russia which they won’t get so long as we are funding them. Where is the motivation? Ukraine is not part of NATO and Russia is adamantly opposed to such a step. That would lead to a much broader and vigorous conflict ending in the prompt destruction of the Ukraine. And, escalation of war footings into NATO Alliance countries. The US wants a weakened Russia and a change in the Putin regime. The Ukraine has always been a corrupt government, and they suffer terribly from the lopsided conflict. 300,000 dead and 350,000 wounded with no way to replace those soldiers. The Russian casualties don’t even seem to matter because there are hundreds of thousands more where their losses came from. Looking at a map of the conflict year over year shows minimal change in territory. Tiny Ukrainian incursions are quickly reversed or bypassed by Russian superiority.
The worst outcome the US could foresee is a Black Swan event – probably caused by Russia’s nuclear capability. That would force the US to cease Ukrainian operations – read that as support. That would send a signal to China as to what limits the US is willing to endure. Read that as the US defense of Taiwan against China. Read that as against China which means also against Russia. Zero sum game!
Bits and pieces: F-16’s are not a solution but merely a waste of resources. The Ukraine is running out of conscript able men. Russia is willing to slow-walk the war because they have everything to gain and nothing to lose. The General liked a historic quote by Roberrt E. Lee when asked about the confederacy’s pointless offensive at Gettysburg, “We were too weak to surrender, so we had to attack!” Ahhh, the pointless, fruitless, Godawfulness of war! – Excuse me the editorial point here. JWM
What does it mean that more global economy countries drop the US dollar as their monetary standard? That is one of the objectives of NOW – New World Order. So, who is “winning?” In the words of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, “Beware the military industrial complex.” The US continues to weaken itself in some sort of mass denial. For example; the strategic petroleum reserve – once so mighty, is vastly diminished. Mid-year 2004 there were 4.1 bm bbl in reserve, 2000 days. Mid-year 2023 there were 347 mm bbl or 17 days in reserve! Why? Can anyone quantify the risk of a malware meltdown? Can the US Navy defend Taiwan in a war conducted on the high seas? What happened when General Milley recommended a cease fire in 2023 only to have the president “clarify” what he meant – essentially no cease fire and goodbye Milley? These are harrowing times we live in.
Thank you, General, for your candor.
PP Ron Irwin increased his net worth by $5 with a white chip.
Who Reads This Stuff?
Ole
Upcoming Events:
Friday, August 30 at Noon - Ron Slye - Professor of Law - International Criminal Court with respect to the Russia-Ukraine War
Friday, September 6 at Noon - Kwabi Amoah-Forson - Humanitarian & Influencer - A Humanitarian's Journey: Kwabi Amoah-Forson & the Peace Bus
Reeder Roadster Romp to Whidbey Island – September 8, 9, 10th. Contact Phil Eng
PhilEng@Live.com as there is some space available
How to Keep Your Brain Normal as You Age
By Donn IrwinEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, August 18, 2024
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Fairly newly minted President Carl Bronkema (PCB) started the meeting off at precisely 12:30PM after the collective was subject to some unintelligible musical soundtrack. The esteemed Eric Warn gave us a “moment” and Jim Bisceglia led us in the pledge.
The Players making it all happen for us:
Dick Ferrell at the Paul Harris table and the unstoppable Chuck Hellar at the raffle desk/doubling as Sgt at Arms.
On this date in 1501 – Michelangelo was awarded a contract to create a statue of David.
Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke and James Osundwa set us up and kept us going. (Their leader, one Rob Erb, was doing family duty in another state south of here…. perhaps PCB could get a Greenleaf out of him at next week’s meeting, just sayin’).
On this date in 1812 – The British capture Detroit
A colony of penguins stood up and were recognized. Publishers note: Donnnnnn, we call our newer members Puffins, not penguins.
We had one visiting Rotarian – Pat Skinner from Sumner Rotary.
Guests of Rotarians included: Walli Roarke, Ellen Mazoff, Kirsten Quinn (Joe’s better half), Johanah Kang (Eric’s better half) and Sally Vogel (both of these ladies were introduced as guests by Eric Quinn Esq).
On this date in 1896 – Gold was discovered in the Yukon Territory
We were happy to see Carole Wier IN PERSON for a change and not on Zoom. Welcome back to the PNW Carole.
Zoomers for the meeting were a couple of Johns – Lowney and Magnuson. They were joined by Scott Buser and Patrick Smith.
Wendy McGowan reported that there was no sunshine – no news is good news!
PCB acknowledged our PDG Greg Horn, DGE (District Governor Elect) Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter
On this date in 1898 – The roller coaster was patented
Announcements, Fines, Birthdays, Anniversaries and other such stuff:
Club Secretary and Lakewood Rotary know-it-all, Greg Rediske, was called upon by PDG to give us all a reminder of how old we are. Greg updated us on this month’s birthday boys and girls as well as reveal the months wedding and club anniversary celebrants. Mr. R had those birthday people that were present step forward and then asked them to name the movie that the sound bite he played on his phone came from. Most of it was intelligible…. some not so much but it was fun exercise in any case. Here are the results as best as I could tell:
John Magnuson – When Harry Met Sally
John Lowney – 2001 A Space Odessey
Wendy McGowan – Pygmalion, er Pygmalion……no…. My Fair Lady
Terry Roarke – who knows?
Carole Wier – Wizard of Oz (not Kansas)
Wynn Hoffman – I know what you’re thinking……Dirty Harry
On this date in 1927 – Babe Ruth hits first home run out of Comiskey Park in Chicago
The memorial service for Bob Hammar will be on Sunday, August 25th at University Place Presbyterian Church at 2:00PM
The Lakewood Rotary Family Picnic (formerly Floating Board meeting) is at 4:30 p.m. August 22nd at Holly Hedge Estates, 7201 Holly Hedge Lame SW. Family and friends are welcome, but registration deadline is Tuesday, August 20. Please go to the Lakewood Rotary website - Lakewoodrotary.com, click on Make A Payment then click on Rotary Family Picnic 8/22.
Bud Montgomery paid $81.00 into the Paul Harris Foundation in honor of his 81st birthday last month.
On this date in 1930 – “Fiddlesticks”, the first color sound cartoon is released by ex-Walt Disney Studio, Ub lwerks
Chuck Hellar Rated On A Rotarian (R.O.A.R.) by letting PCB know that Bill Potter has a new vehicle parked in his driveway…. Bill has a new Ford 150. (Should that be worth $150.00?).
Connie Coleman-Lacadie – took a vacation of more than five days for the first time in years. She visited Maine and Massachusetts. Apparently she did not realize you could fly between those two states, so she round-tripped it to Seattle in between.
PCB called out his wife for getting low net in a golf tournament in BC. Not sure who paid the fine on this one but do believe that PCB also went on this golf trip but obviously forgot to fine himself….
Bob Martin paid some money ($29) in honor of a couple of fellow Lakewood Rotarians that help get his stalled boat out of the lake.
On this date in 1960 – Cypress granted independence for Britian
On this day in 1962 Ringo Starr joined the Beatles
Eric Quinn got up and re-introduced his wife Johanah and Sally Vogel as our speakers for today’s presentation. Both of these women have PHD’s in neuropsychology and have known each other for a long time.
The two women introduced themselves and gave a brief summary of their backgrounds and then got right into the presentation.
Normal aging: We reach height of cognitive performance at the age of 30-40. Normal signs of aging after that are things like misplacing your keys or walking into a room and can’t remember why you are there, maybe even forgetting the name of someone you just met – but you figure it out quickly and move on.
Mild cognitive impairment warning signs - misplace your keys frequently and can’t find them. Often losing your train of thought mid-task and forgetting the name of someone you have known for a long time.
According to the Mayo Clinic: Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities. In people who have dementia, the symptoms interfere with their daily lives. Dementia isn't one specific disease. Several diseases can cause dementia.
Dementia generally involves memory loss. It's often one of the early symptoms of the condition. But having memory loss alone doesn't mean you have dementia. Memory loss can have different causes.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, but there are other causes of dementia.
Sally and Johanah note that dementia has cognitive changes that affect your daily life: scheduling, finances, shopping, socialization and medication management for example. Often these changes are so subtle you and others around you don’t realize what is happening.
Neuropsychological evaluations test functions such as language, attention and problem solving and include behavioral observation. Clinical reviews are performed and a report is written to help people figure out what to do moving forward.
Johanah and Sally provide 5 top tools for slowing brain aging:
Exercise, healthy diet, good sleep, lower stress and engage (be active and keep learning – engage in the arts (music dancing and art).
Many questions followed with the presenters offering to stay after to answer more of them once PCB called the meeting.
On this date in 1969 – First performance of the group Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
On this date in 2012 – First official water shortage declared at Lake Mead
On this date in 2022 President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law.
The raffle drawing was won by none other than Greg Rediske and he drew a white chip for $5.00.
If you were born on August 16th, you are famous…. along with these other folks – Madonna, Steve Carell, T.E. Lawrence, Forrest E. Mars Jr. (Mars Candy) and Angella Bassett to name a few.
Do you think Ole reads this stuff?
And from the Scribe Donnnnn himself - The incoherent prattling can be blamed on eating three cookies. The fact that the scribe is allowed to write this stuff at all can be blamed on the knuckleheads that let him on the committee.
I thought that the presentation was very interesting. Plus, I’m happy I remember some of it.
Best,
Donnnnnn
Just Venmo Me . . .
By Stephen SaalfeldSunday, August 11, 2024
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Just Venmo Me…
Steve Saalfeld
Though August 9, 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of Gerald Ford taking the reins after President Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace, I’m here to assure you that President Carl Bronkema is not a crook.
At 12:30pm, President Carl Bronkema called the weekly gathering of Lakewood Rotarians to order. Chris pinch hit for Shiru with the invocation and Gary Fulton saluted the flag.
Sgt At Arms: Jan Gee
Photographer: Walk Richardson
The set up team was acknowledged, though it was a skeleton crew of Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke and James Osundwa pulling together to ensure the meeting went off without a hitch. And this observer can confirm it was indeed a hitchless endeavor.
President Carl acknowledged today’s bulletin writer (Steve Saalfeld—hey, that’s me!) and announced that when he and I were wee-high to a Puffin in our earliest days of Lakewood Rotarianism, he thought I might be up there being presidential before he grabbed the gavel as he noticed I have yet to meet a microphone I didn’t like. I assured him that him being in the top spot well before me is a sign that our club has way more common sense and wisdom than we initially thought.
This day in history (1854): Henry David Thoreau’s transcendental meditation Walden was published. Thoreau’s book was all about self-reliance, though modern scholars have revealed that his mommy did his laundry and brought him sandwiches while he was “roughing it” in a cabin by the lake. In his defense I know I feel much more self-reliant when I’m wearing a clean pair of underwear and have a belly full of pastrami on rye.
Guests of Rotarians: Jim Weinand introduced his wife Jennie. It is possible others were announced but this writer didn’t catch the names as the microphones passed hands and I daydreamed of winning an Olympic gold (Is “Pizza Eating” an Olympic sport yet? I think I’d have a shot…). There were no visiting Rotarians, but a jolly crew graced the zoom screen not unlike an opening sequence of a Brady Bunch episode: Linda Disney, John “Ole” Magnuson, Bud, Carol Weir and Kim Prentiss. Alice was nowhere to be seen however and rumor has it she and Sam the butcher may have finally eloped.
Rotary dignitaries were recognized: PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda, AG Bill Potter
Wendy McGowan assured us that “all is sunny” followed by a report from John Lowney that Sharon Selden is looking good on the road to recovery.
It was at this moment that President Carl uttered the sacred words. The portal whirred and lightening crackled in the gray skies over American Lake. We all gazed in wonder as Phyllis Stone, Liz Heath and Asif Kahn transformed into red-badged puffins before our very eyes.
Liz Heath looked at her red badge with a touch of dismay lamenting “I have to start over again?!?” Liz joins us after her beloved Tacoma Rotary North club dissolved. Liz is a past Tacoma North president and continues to work as a consultant to nonprofits. She declared Lakewood Rotary the friendliest club she encountered (pat yourself on the back Rotarians—keeping Ole on Zoom was a great strategy). Liz grew up near the one and only Chuck Hellar and still joined our club.
Asif Kahn went to medical school in Pakistan and came to the U. S. to do his residency in internal medicine in Chicago. He came to the great Pacific Northwest in 2004 and worked at Good Samaritan Hospital, but eventually started his own practice. Asif is board certified in addiction medicine providing treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. His wife is also an internal medicine physician and they have two daughters—one in college and the other a junior in high school.
Phyllis Stone was born in Laclede, Missouri (and if anyone doubted her story, they became true believers when she pronounced it “Miz-zur-uh”—her story checks out folks). Phyllis let us know that Laclede is the hometown of U. S. Army General John “Black Jack” Pershing who is said to have mentored Dwight D. Eisenhower, George S. Patton and Douglas Macarthur. Phyllis is the daughter of an engineer and school teacher. Not to be outdone by General Pershing, she breezed through high school graduating at the age of 16. Her parents weren’t keen on sending their prodigal daughter off to college so young, so she worked at the phone company eventually training to be a flight attendant. She eventually took a fancy to a passenger on one of her flights and married that fella, a military pilot. He taught Phyllis to fly and before long the two of them were piloting Air Force planes in the wild, blue yonder. A visit to the area convinced her husband that Lakewood was the place for them and they arrived in town with a carsick hamster in 1968. Phyllis became an accountant and these days volunteers at Christ Lutheran Church.
Asif was handed the puffin, and those present warmly welcomed our new Rotarians.
This day in history (1995): If you found yourself hankering for some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream on Friday, it is probably because deep in your soul you realized today is the day we lost Jerry Garcia, now forever immortalized in as “Cherry Garcia.” I was really hoping someday I’d have an ice cream flavor named after me, but since they already have a “Chunky Monkey” flavor, I’m not sure what it would be called.
Announcements:
Ann Enquist reminded us all that we need to sign up for the Lakewood Family Picnic (formerly known as the floating board meeting—the “floating” is now optional). $20 for adults and $10 for the 18 & under crowd. A pretty good deal considering it includes a steak dinner and boat ride so you can still “get your float on.”
A reminder to all that Bob Hammar’s memorial service will take place at 2pm on Aug 25 at University Place Presbyterian Church.
This day in history (2010): After a dispute with a passenger, JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater cursed the passenger on the PA system, announced “I’m done”, grabbed two beers from the beverage cart and deployed the emergency exit slide, where he promptly slid to freedom. However, he quickly realized he forgot his bags, scrambled back up the slide, grabbed his luggage and once again slid to freedom.
Ed note: After fact checking this story, the last sentence is completely the product of Mr. Saalfeld’s fertile imagination.
Fines
Bob Zawilski and his wife spent a week on the North Shore in Minnesota surrounded by “friendly, considerate” Minnesotans, followed by two weeks on a Great Lakes cruise celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary. He proposed a fine for President Carl who forgot to remind everyone of the need for Little Free Pantry donations in July. There is especially a need for personal hygiene and feminine hygiene products. Bob chipped in $100.
Jim Winer paid a fine for his trip to Hawaii.
Gary celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary AND 40 years as a Rotarian with another $100.
John Lowney regaled us all with a fish tale as his dreams of a freezer full of Chinook salmon were dashed when Chinook season was closed. With nothing to do, he and his fishing buddy turned their boat to Neah Bay were they managed to catch 12 sea bass (John paid $1/fish). They then decided they’d go find some Chinook just for fun and caught and released a dozen. I got lost in the details of John’s well-spun, fishy tale, but more fish were caught and there was also a maritime adventure in the San Juans. John pitched in $50 fishy dollars.
Eric Warn matched Bob Zawilski’s $100 for the Little Free Pantry.
President Carl paid a $20 fine for playing in the Airmen’s Golf Tournament. He spotted Mary Moss there and noticed she could generally be found near the front of the tequila line.
Mary reported that it was a very “nice tequila bar” and that her team won. It wasn’t clear whether her team’s victory was for golf or if there was some kind of tequila drinking competition that went unmentioned, but in either case, we raise a glass to her team on their (*hiccup*) success.
This day in history (1936): Jesse Owens notched his fourth gold medal at the Berlin Olympics. Hitler had planned the games to be a show of “Aryan superiority.” Hitler’s Nazi dream was dashed as Owens cemented himself as one of the best athletes in the world.
Speaker:
As Bill Potter took to the podium to announce our speaker this week, an unidentified Rotarian in the back row, shouted that Bill needed to move President Carl’s collection cup so they could see Bill. When some smart aleck suggested that perhaps he was calling Bill short, Mr. Potter, always quick on his feet, replied, “No, he called me worth viewing.”
Bill introduced Derik Moon, Client Banker at Key Bank who was here to tell us all about Peer to Peer (or P2P for the shorthand crowd) Money Transfer and his quest to “get people off checks.”
The Pacific Northwest is home to the OG of P2P money transfer as PayPal was created here. P2P eliminates the need to have cash on hand for purchases or to settle a debt with a friend or acquaintance.
Derik focused on PayPal, Venmo, Cash App and Zelle as those tend to be the most popular P2P apps. PayPal is now owned by Ebay and is less common for small P2P transfers. However, PayPal has the highest limit at up to $60,000/day—particularly useful for paying for those antique Pez dispensers on Ebay.
P2P offers users convenience, but Derik shared some key P2P issues:
-Traditional payments offer more protection to users.
-Refunds are harder to come by on P2P if a mistake is made.
-Human error is a major factor in P2P
-Scams are common with P2P
Some tips for P2P users:
-Be sure you know who you’re sending money to.
-Use multi-factor authentication for security
-Set up alerts for any transaction so you can catch potential errors quickly
-Ensure you keep your P2P apps up to date on your phone so you always have the latest/greatest security features on your apps
At the conclusion of the Q&A, I let Derik know that I received his email and purchased the Amazon gift cards he requested and would deliver those to him after the meeting.
Lorna had the lucky ticket for the drawing, but came up with a white chip good for $5.
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, August 14 at 4:30pm - A Night at the Ballpark! Pierce County Rotary Clubs 8th Annual Mandatory Fun Night! - Cheney Stadium in Tacoma
Friday, August 16 at Noon - Johanah Kang & Sally Vogel - Neuropsychology, Normal Aging vs Atypical Aging, How to Keep Your Brain Normal As You Age
Thursday, August 22nd at 4:30 pm – Family Picnic at Holly Hedge Estates. Steak dinner is $20 for adults, $10 for under 18. Boat rides and fun. See club website to pay.
Did you know………
By Gregory J. RediskeEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, August 4, 2024
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Did you know………
…..that Don Daniels has been a Rotary president twice?!? Fife Rotary (‘90-‘91) and Lakewood Rotary (‘17-‘18). So you’d think he’d have had the whole thing down by now, but…..it took him until 12:31 to start the meeting!! That was probably because the Club Secretary was harassing him for not inducting the two scheduled new members, making some lame excuse that it was the “honor of the actual President”. The fact that Don managed to survive the clearly overbearing Secretary’s diatribe was quite impressive, actually. We need a new secretary…
Did you know….that the only three generation Lakewood Rotary family is the Seldens: Ed Selden, Rick Selden and Gayle Selden.
The Players:
Steve Enquist, Paul Harris Desk ($1618 collected….possibly a best ever)
Debbie McVicker, ticket sales/Sgt at Arms
Set up, Rob Erb, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman
Invocation/Thought: Tom George
Pledge, Joe Quinn
Photos, Joe Quinn
Guests of Rotarians: Bill Wiggins (Becky Wiggins); Liz Heath (Greg Horn); Phyllis Stone (Eric Warn). The latter two were supposed to be inducted: wait until next week!
Zoomers: Carole Wier, Ralph Johnson, Barlow Buescher, Rick Selden.
Dignitaries: PDG Greg Horn, DG-elect Tony Camoroda, AG Bill Potter
Sunshine: Wendy McGowan noted a thank-you from the Seldens and confirmed that flowers were sent to the family of Bob Hammar. Bob’s memorial service will be August 25 at 2:00 at University Place Presbyterian. Acting President Don recounted how Bob would donate two weeks in his home in Tahiti every year to various Rotary clubs (including ours), raising untold thousands of dollars.
Did you know…..the Lakewood Rotarian who has been a member the longest is Ralph Johnson: 62 years. Joined August 3, 1962. And still going strong via Zoom!
Fellowship Events:
August 14: Pierce County Rotary Clubs 8th Annual Night at the Ballpark. Tailgate at 4:30, Rainiers first pitch at 7:05, vs the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Call Bill Potter ASAP!
August 22: Rotary Family Picnic, aka Floating Boad Meeting. Steak dinner at Holly Hedge, with boat rides on Lake Steilacoom. Bring the family! $10 for 18 and under; $20 for over 18. Go online at LakewoodRotary.com, Make A Payment
September 27: GODSPELL at the Lakewood Playhouse. Just $23! Only a few tickets left. See payment instructions above.
If you were lucky enough to get a centerpiece at the Grease Movie Night, please return the milk shake glass to Stephanie Wilcox. Thanks!
Did you know…..that a $20 fine in Lakewood Rotary is known as a “Greenleaf”. Past President Don Greenleaf (1976) told then-President Ron Herbel (1984), “If it’s worth talking about, it’s worth $20.” Other fine names: $5.00 (The Scurvy Irwin (Ron, that is)), $17.95 (The MFLF (Mighty Fine Liberation Front), courtesy of Dave Covey), $40 (The Robin, after Don Greenleaf’s wife and former Rotarian, Robin), and $100 (The Fulton, as in Gary).
Membership Changes: The following resigned from membership in Lakewood Rotary within the past month: Mike Brown; Bob Cammarano; Jacob Cuthbertson; Bill Price; Pat Price; Cheri Loiland.
Did you know…..that in 1981, Mike McGowan enlisted famed economist Milton Friedman to speak at the Fifth Avenue Theater in Seattle. Net proceeds were $65,000, helping us toward our eventual fund raising of $253,000 for the Renal Dialysis Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital (in memory of member Cap Peterson).
Fines:
Rob Erb was accused of signing up our actual President, Carl Bronkema, for the Airman’s Golf Tournament/Fundraiser, thus being absent today. $20 (Speaking of the absent president, Joe Quinn our Youth Protection Officer reported that in filling out his Youth Protection form, Carl wrote as references his mother, wife, and son. That’s all you’ve got, Carl?!? Should we be worried?!?)
Joel “Mr. Lucky” Vranna paid $50 to have Greg Horn tell a story. In 1978, Greg’s financial advisor suggested Greg buy a used Rolex he knew of for sale for $400. Greg offered $300 and got it. It wasn’t waterproof, so he bought another used Rolex for $505, that was waterproof. 37 years later, a man in Florida flew Greg and Mary to his home to examine the watch, and paid Greg $95,000. Today, it is worth $300K plus. The other more expensive watch was given to Greg’s son, who lost it. It is worth more than the first one. Greg matched Joel’s $50 fine, I think.
Yorleny Clapper ran over a piece of cement on a Lakewood road, stopping her from moving. The Lakewood Police were extremely helpful and polite. I think she paid for that, to honor them.
Chris Kimball attended another car show and won first place with his Pantera. His was the only Pantera entry. But he won!
Becky Wiggins got her cast off! $20
Tom George’s son produced a commercial for U S Bank aired at the Olympics. $20
Click here it view it.
Wendy McGowan continued her “attack” on Mark Herr to note his running for office, and Mark continued to be generous, $40.
Mary Horn contributed $20 to honor Dick Ferrell for his amazing job of providing lunch for us last week.
Did you know….that at its peak, the Lakewood Rotary Easter Pancake Breakfast served over 3500 people in five hours. The event ran from 1961 to 2004.
Our Program:
Becky Wiggins gave a glowing, tear-inducing introduction of our speaker, Art Dahlem. Becky is thrilled to volunteer at Battlefield Addiction, which was founded by Art, and operated by Art and his wife Angie. Art was an addict for 17 years, nearly destroying his family. At the age of 37, 13 years ago, he used his knowledge of the “streets” and all things addiction to help families of addicts, and addicts. Their ultimate goal is to connect families again. What tears the family apart is the fighting about what to do. Services are free, and their interest is to “help”, with “help” being defined as improving the lives of those involved. This program has helped over 2,000 family members so far. Art believes that taking away consequences (not charging a crime for drug possession, etc.) makes their job much harder, and leads to increased homelessness. The State of Washington is filled with good people, who unfortunately don’t have the “street” knowledge to effectively deal with the issues: they have produced a series of bad ideas and decisions. There is a gap between lawmakers and families of addicts, a gap needing common sense solutions. Art and Angie are having numerous meetings with local and state legislators. The drug “game” is different in the last few years: these drugs kill (fentanyl). The State MUST do anything and everything to stop the flow of these drugs into the state. It needs to be addressed as poison, not just a drug. Great program, excellent questions and testimonials. Battlefieldaddiction.com
Did you know…..that the only parent/child presidents in Lakewood Rotary are Jim and Greg Rediske, Mary Lou and Ben Sclair, and Rick and Gayle Selden.
The Drawing: Nobody had 0900, but Bill Wiggins, husband of Becky, had 0947…..and Bill picked red!! $250+!!
Above: Bill WIggins
Did you know….that two major league baseball players have been Lakewood Rotarians. Cap Peterson (Giants, Senators, Indians) and Ron Herbel (Giants, Padres, Mets, Braves). Ron has been recognized for having the lowest lifetime batting average in Major League history for players having over 100 at bats: .029 (he was a great pitcher, though!).
And lastly: Did you know…..that you get a makeup for reading the bulletin and telling the secretary that you read it? (gnsrediske@msn.com). You could have 100% attendance, like Leon Titus, who attends about 5 or 6 meetings per year, but religiously informs the secretary that he read the bulletin! Stay informed! Stay entertained! Read the Lakewood Rotary Bulletin, aka The Key!!
Flexible Rotarians!
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, July 28, 2024
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Flexible Rotarians!
By Joe Quinn
Because there was a slight mixup, most of us did not know until July 25th that the Tacoma Country and Golf Club was unable to accommodate us today. But about 40 or more Lakewood Rotarians showed up anyway at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, to hold our weekly meeting. This proves how flexible Rotarians are! Our new President, Carl Bronkema, bravely stepped up and took all the blame for the late notice. He even fined himself.
Bob Peterson gave his usual patriotic invocation for “we the people” to enjoy. The English professor would say, no doubt, that when “we” is the object of the sentence, it should be “Us the People”, but that just sounds wrong, right? Terry Roarke led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag (which, somehow, someone brought to the Pavilion from the Country Club).
Then PC told us “a little bit about yesterday”: yes, the club did notify Rotary a long time ago about the nonavailability of our usual room during the Member-Guest tournament, but somebody forgot about it until Thursday. The amazing and memorable thing about this is that the club members pulled it together admirably with numerous folks pitching in to make the meeting happen. Carl thanked many people but most notably: How about Dick Ferrell making those tacos—with beef or chicken-- with all the accoutrements, with almost no help at all?
Gary Fulton (Paul Harris), Mark Edgecomb (raffle) and Don Daniels (lunch collection) were stellar at the front desk.
Most of these Family Dream Team members were there to set up: Rob Erb, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, and James Osundwa. They even set up the Zoom and we saw Ralph Johnson on there. Phil Eng was our photographer and Joe Quinn on Bulletin.
Guests included Phyllis Stone, introduced by Eric Warn. Phyllis may be a new member soon. James Osundwa introduced Joy, who he said was his sister, and he also said she now works in Saudi Arabia. Liz Heath, who is transferring to LR from Tacoma North was introduced, and is sponsored (if she needs one) by Bill Potter.
PC, being politically correct, introduced dignitaries Bill Potter, ADG, and Greg Horn, PDG.
Wendy McGowan was not here to deliver the Sunshine Report, but Chuck Hellar was called upon to eulogize long-time member of LR and also Tacoma Rotary #8 Bob Hammar, who passed away recently.
Chuck said Bob Hammar and his wife Mary have been long-time friends of many of us and will be sorely missed. Chuck spoke eloquently of Bob, as he knew Bob since at least 1985 through the bank where Chuck worked and then because Hammar’s Uniforms was a client of Chuck’s office supply company. Bob’s business was in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma. Chuck called Bob “determined, energetic, persuasive, and bullish” (bullheaded) as a successful businessman. Others have noted that Bob was inquisitive and always asking questions; he had a memory like a hawk. Not a shy man, Bob let you know what he was thinking, in a loud voice. He was fun and had a hearty laugh. Bob joined Rotary around 1985 and transferred to Lakewood in 2015. One person who could keep Bob in line was his wife, Mary, who many of us know and love. Keep Mary in your thoughts and prayers. Bob, thanks for all the good times. Rest in peace, my friend.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: Chris Kimball had a little fun with those recognized in July. Some notables: Joe Quinn, oldest club anniversary, having joined in July 1987. Wedding Anniversary: oldest was a tie, Anne and Steve Enquist, tied with Steve and Anne Enquist at 51 years (only Chris would say it that way!). Birthdays: the following showed up today: Phil Eng, Bud Montgomery, Dick Ferrell and Lowell Johnson. Chris tricked them ably with songs sung by groups named after various fruits. Yes!
Announcements: PC said that Don Daniels will be President Pro Tempore next week as Carl is playing in a golf tournament at McChord AFB. We now know where his priorities are!
Phil Eng, Fellowship Chair, said he had a plethora of announcements. August 22nd will be the date of the Floating Board meeting at Holly Hedge. Steaks butchered by John Lowney for $20 and only $10 for kids. Boating on Lake Steilacoom. You can pay online. This year’s Reeder Roadster Romp will be September 8th through 10th and there may still be openings so call Phil. September 27th we will be going with Clover Park Rotarians to see Godspell at the Lakewood Playhouse. Connie Coleman-Lacadie added that there will be no Rotary on Tap until September.
PC and Bill Potter mentioned the all-Pierce County Rotary Clubs’ tailgate party and Rainers baseball game on August 14th. Tailgate is at 4:30 and first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Tailgate or Game Only is $16 per person. So doing both will only set you back $32 per person (which is logical, right?) Or you can add a Rainiers hat to that for $6 more. RSVP by August 1st. This is the 8th annual “Mandatory Fun Night.”
Confessions and Contributions: Jim Bisceglia ponied up $20 for a trip to the Oregon Coast. Joel Vranna coughed up the same amount in honor of Dick Ferrell who stepped right up to act as chef today. Phil Eng threw in $100 for Judy’s recent and successful hip surgery, and for his own cataract surgery (he said he sees now better than at any other time in his life). Jason Whalen offered up $7 because he just accepted a new job as the City Attorney for the City of Auburn. Steve Mazoff jumped up to tease his neighbor for not being able to hold a job, since Jason just went to work for Pierce County less than a year ago—another $7. Mark Edgecomb contributed $20 for a trip to Europe, but also mentioned that his Dad recently passed away. Peter Marsh chipped in $5 because his cell phone rang during the meeting and Bisceglia ratted on him. Joe Quinn gave $40 to the PC cause, cuz he also went to the Oregon Coast and then on to South Lake Tahoe for a week visiting their older son and family. Liz Heath kicked in $10 in honor of Barlow Buescher, who spoke about our Little Free Pantry at the Pierce County Coalition for the Homeless. Bob Peterson closed out this lucrative session by noting that he has visited all 50 states and so he gave $20 for that.
THE PROGRAM:
Terry Roarke introduced Tiffany Speir, the Planning Manager for Long-Range and Strategic Planning for the City of Lakewood. Tiffany talked about what Lakewood is doing to comply with the new state law about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on single family lots. This law is part of the Growth Management Act, which is designed to manage growth by encouraging greater densities in urban areas, while discouraging growth in rural areas.
She explained that the State requires cities now to allow ADUs but does NOT mandate that cities force landowners to add ADUs on their residential properties. Ms. Speir also defined “middle housing units”, which include duplexes, triplexes, and other greater density housing such as townhouses. Under the new law, Lakewood must allow (but not require) 2 ADUs on legal lots, and that can include any combination of attached or detached ADUs.
Tiffany also discussed changes to the city’s Shoreline Master Program regulations, especially pertaining to protective buffers around and along the city’s many lakes and streams. The changes include some buffers being increased to 100 feet or even 150 feet back from the ordinary high water mark. It is important to note, however, that these changes only impact prospective development proposals or new structures on existing properties. Existing uses and structures within the increased buffer lines would be “grandfathered” (perhaps Tiffany did not use that word but that is a commonly accepted term for the concept she described.) One example from the handout would be the increase to 150 feet for “Type F Waters”, which means “fish-bearing”. That new buffer size will apply to Boyles Lake, Lost Lake, Carp Lake, Emerson Lake, Flett Creek, Ponce de Leon Creek and any other unnamed Type F Waters.
Ms. Speir also mentioned that the above changes to the comprehensive plan of the city will be the subject of a public hearing on August 19th.
She also discussed “short term rentals” (STRs) of which there are now about 146 in Lakewood. These are rentals of less than 30 days. Lakewood will be doing more regulating of STRs. In many resort areas, the local government is beginning to regulate Air BNB’s, which may be what this is about here.
Just in passing, Tiffany mentioned that now more than 50% of the population of the city of Lakewood would be considered BIPOC, which means “black, indigenous, or people of color.”
In responding to a smart Rotary question, she also noted that the new state law does not override private covenants that are recorded in many subdivisions or other developments such as condominiums. Thus, if your neighborhood has a covenant restricting each property owner to one single family residence on their lot, then the new city regulation or current state law cannot invalidate that covenant.
This was a very informative program by Tiffany Speir. Thanks Tiffany, and thanks to the City of Lakewood for letting us use the Pavilion with very little notice to the city.
There was a drawing and lucky Mary Marlin won again! Lucky for us, it was only $5.00.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, August 2nd at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC – TBD
Wednesday, August 14th – Pierce County Rotary 8th Annual Mandatory Fun Night at the Rainier Stadium. Rainers v. Sugarland Space Cowboys. Tailgate at 4:30 pm, First Pitch at 7:30 pm. Tailgate or Game - $16.00; Tailgate and Game - $32.00. Add a hate for a total of $38.00
Thursday, August 22nd – Floating Board Meeting/Family Picnic at Holly Hedge, Lake Steilacoom. Tickets available at Club Website
Sept. 8, 9, and 10 – Roadster Romp to Coupeville Inn, Whidbey Island. Contact Phil Eng for details
Friday, Sept. 27th – Godspell at Lakewood Playhouse. Joint event with Clover Park Rotary. Get tickets at Club Website. Must reserve by July 31st.
We Heard the R.O.A.R. Today
By Wendy Jo McGowanEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, July 21, 2024
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Not sure about this “Prelude Music”…in fact, I’d hardly call it “music”…just noise. Was it President Carl who made this selection? He surely has a “deaf ear, or two”. But, he was timely with calling us to order. He asked Yorleny Clapper to give the invocation, and that she did, as we bowed our heads and listened to her beautiful words. Rob Erb then lead us in the pledge to our flag.
The president listed the names of those who made this meeting possible. At the Paul Harris desk was Bud Montgomery and Gary Barton filled the shoes of Sgt. at Arms. The Dream Team: Scott Baird, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, James Osundwa, and Rob Erb were thanked for the work they so diligently do each and every week. President Carl then welcomed the Puffins who stood proudly. Not to be forgotten, Walt Richardson, with his trusty camera, was photographer-of-the- day and ‘yours truly’ was honored to be the scribe, even though the prez hasn’t figured out how to spell my name!
There was a great deal of confusion as to the visiting Rotarians and Guests of Rotarians. Most confused was Gary Barton. Somewhat flustered, Gary gave up and announced that “Nobody was a guest nor a visitor!!! (I do know that a guest, Phil Watson, guest of Jan Gee, sat at my table.) Renee Soerink was also a guest. John Magnuson, one of two speakers for the day, introduced his wife, Bonnie and John Wilcox (the other speaker). Greg Rediske introduced his wife, Sharon. And, Bud Montgomery introduced his wife Marilyn. Former Rotarian, Dr. Asif Khan, was introduced as today’s guest. Asif will soon become a member of Lakewood Rotary.
Now that “that” has been “sorted”, PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter were acknowledged. I followed with the Sunshine Report, reading a heartfelt and detailed message from Rick Selden about his wife, Sharon, telling us how she is coping with an unusual illness.
At this point in the meeting, President Carl read a thank-you letter from Wreaths Across America, then jumped right on to announcements. Tony reminded us that the Rotary Tailgate, “Sugarland Space Cowboy” will be held on August 14. And John Lowney let us know that the Floating Board Meeting, as it has been called for years and years, will be held at Holly Hedge Estates on Thursday, August 22. There will be some “floating” on Lake Steilacoom as well as “steaks prepared by John himself” will be on the grill, along with sides and beverages-of-your-choice.
And, of course, we couldn’t adjourn the meeting without time for Carl’s Cup. Tom George fessed up to trip to Phoenix where it was 107 degrees. $20 into the Cup! I then waved my hand in the air to garner Carl’s attention. When he called on me, I took the mic and held up my Official Pierce County Voter’s Pamphlet asking, “Has anyone received one of these?” Dozens of hands were held high. “Has anyone read it cover-to-cover?” Most of the hands went down. I then said, “It’s time to R.O.A.R.” A lot of chuckling ensued, as did a bunch of blank stares.
For those who don’t know what R.O.A.R. is, especially newer members and surely Puffins, I explained that it stands for Rat On A Rotarian! I said, “Turn to page 77. You’ll find a smiling photo of our own Mark Herr. If you read Mark’s Statement you’ll find his quote “I am the person, not the politician, needed in Olympia”. Yep, he is running for the 28th Legislative District, State Representative! I then suggested that this is worth “a Greenleaf” to add to Carl’s Cup. We all looked around for smiling Mark…not to be found. So, next week Mark, come prepared!!!
I was on a roll. I think Carl hoped I’d sit down. But, I held another publication high in the air…my copy of “Stroll Lakeside”. I’d read it cover-to-cover when I received it this week. On page 16 there is an article about Joe Walsh and the Lakewood Playhouse. Of course, Joe had been our speaker a few weeks ago, so I decided to read the article. It was then that I noticed, in small type, “Submitted by Resident Anne Enquist”. I wondered if Anne was thinking of changing careers. It was a fun read however. Informative. Well-written. But, I couldn’t resist bringing this to the attention of other Lakewood Rotarians. Time to R.O.A.R.! I just made a little suggestion that Anne grace Carl’s Cup with a Greenleaf, or two. Sneaky??? Anne reminded us that Washington is a community property state and greased the Cum with a Greenleaf from Steve's wallet. Note: A Greenleaf is a S20 bill, named in honor of past Lakewood Rotary president Don Greenleaf who said, "If it's worth talking about, it's worth $20." This was in a bygone era where $2 and $3 fines were the norm.
Last, but not least…the Program of today. Greg Rediske introduced speakers John Magnuson and John Wilcox. The two Johns teamed up many years ago as two of the University of Washington crew team members. John Magnuson was remembered as the 1962 Athlete of the Year. As John began his story, he held up a rowing seat, saying “This is what your butt looks like after hours and hours of rowing!.” Leave it up to Ole!
The two Johns have remained friends all of these years. Jmag (John Magnuson) began with his thoughts about his friend. John Wilcox, he explained, is a consummate writer for the magazine SWEEP. He went on to explain that the sport of rowing is the most underfunded sport at the U of W, yet one of the most expensive to run…especially during years of the Olympics. But, Magnuson said that John Wilcox had the ability to garner money from the likes of the Nordstroms.
The two men discussed the 2013 book “Boys in the Boat” and the more recent movie “Boys in the Boat”. Both Johns admitted that the book ‘changed everything’ when it came to men’s crew. Wilcox said he was surprised that the book was not listed in the top 10 on the New York Times poll. The two also agreed that one is not better than the other, that they are different from one another, and the two genres can’t really be compared.
I have to say…this was one of the most interesting, informative and insightful programs I have experienced during my three-plus years as a Rotarian. Thank you to the two Johns!
P.S. I recently read about the International Rotary Convention held this past May in Singapore. It took me back to my husband Mike McGowan’s years in Rotary and a trip we made to Nice, France, to attend the 1995 International Rotary Convention. He and I loved all things Francophile, but this convention was more about the world than one country. Maybe I’ll attend another one someday, but here I will share a bit of a Lakewood Rotary history and some of our friends we shared it with.
The photo below was taken when Mike and I invited the other Rotarians attending the convention for dinner and an evening at our Relais & Chateaux, located in the hills above Nice.
Greg: PHOTO GOES HERE
Above photo: Seated: Paul Reeder, Mike McGowan, Norm Tremaine. Standing: Ann Tremaine,
Jan Reeder, Wendy McGowan, Dave Sclair. Photographer: Mary Lou Sclair
Important note: Next June you won't have to travel to Nice, France to attend the Rotary International Convention. It will be nearby, in Calgary, Alberta June 21 through 25, 2025. Wouldn't it be fun to drive to Vancouver, Canada than take the train through the Rockies to Calgary? More information to follow.
Celebrity Visit by Amy Clancy
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, July 14, 2024
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Celebrity Visit by Amy Clancy
Paula T. Olson
And we’re off!! A disembodied voice was heard over the crowded room, “Is this Carl’s first meeting?” And the answer was yes, Carole, it is! President Carl Bronkema’s first meeting of his tenure as President of Lakewood Rotary Club. He chose this drum beat song that was most certainly not “We are Family” and that belted out, signaling the time to stand. The zoomers continued to talk amongst themselves until finally, they got the message.
President Carol thanked James Guerrero for manning the Paul Harris desk, Mary Marlin for the $2.00 table, the Dream Team for meeting set up, including Rob Erb, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, and James Osundwa. Bob Zawilski took photographs and Paula Olson sliding in right before the bell took notes for the bulletin, getting her sub Joe Quinn off the hook.
Gary Barton was supposed to announce our guests and visiting Rotarians but he had just stuffed a muffin in his mouth. Barely understandable, he extolled the merits of the muffin and encouraged us all to have one if given the chance. What was in that muffin, Gary, that made it so irresistible that you had to eat it before your announcement? Gary started to read the names of our guests. Problem was none of those folks were present. It got sorted out. Turns out Gary was reading the list from an earlier meeting. Someone really has to watch Gary when he goes muffin on us. Guests included Amy Clancy, Sam Hunter’s daughter, along with Sam’s wife Sybil. Also joining us as a guest was Jennifer Healey introduced by Tony Camoroda. Liz (last name unknown) is a potential member and we are excited to have her join us. The only visiting Rotarian was Jim Merritt who thanked us for the flowers and good wishes the club sent on the death of their son. Zoomers included Carole Wier, Barb Spriggs, Kendra Riconosciuto and others. So good to see your lovely faces on the screen.
President Carl acknowledged dignitaries: PDG Greg Horn, DG-elect Tony Camoroda: and AG Bill Potter. Wendy McGowan read the beautiful note from Jim Merritt’s wife Claudia, thanking us again for the flowers. Wendy also noted that Bill Price is in the hospital. John Lowney shared that Sharon Selden has been having some serious health challenges the past few weeks that have stymied the doctors. Rick and Gayle have been busy taking care of her but it now looks like a diagnosis is on the horizon and hopefully appropriate treatment to get her back to normal. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sharon, Rick and Gayle!
Carl introduced this big golden-trophy-looking thing as “Carl’s Cup,” not to be confused with an athletic cup. Now, as a girl type person, I have no knowledge about these athletic cups but I always thought they were a little smaller and didn’t have a long stick attached. Anyway the guys seemed to understand and the idea here is to put money into the cup, kinda like PP Mary’s Cookie Jar. So first donation was Anne Enquist for a trip she and Steve took to England and Ireland. She also talked about the Dinner and a Movie event on July 21st with a deadline of July 17th to sign up. It’s $85 per person for the movie “Grease” and a buffet at the Tacoma Golf and Country Club immediately after. Decorations will be by Stephanie Wilcox and you know they will be spectacular and Greg Rediske is going to be a DJ and spin some oldies music for our listening and dancing pleasure. Forty people have signed up and there’s room for plenty more.
Greg Horn talked about the extra Bulletin he sent out about Gordy Quick and the tech challenges he encountered when he went to attach the official obituary with more details about Gordy’s extraordinary life. Be sure to read it. Prez Carl called out Jason Whalen to put money in the cup for his trip to Hawaii, Donnnn Irwin put $20 in the cup commemorating Carl’s first official act of canceling the July 5th meeting, which would have been his first meeting. Debbie McVicker traveled to four states and kicked in $10 for each one. Scott Buser congratulated Pres Carl and contributed some cash. Steve Mazoff honored Jason Whalen’s daughter’s graduation from high school and Cat Frederickson paid $20 in honor of spending a week with all four of her children. Tony Camoroda paid $20 for the pleasure of going with Rose Stevens and Steve Mazoff to stock the Little Free Pantries. He talked about the time and effort that took. Bob Peterson honored the new President with $20.
Sam Hunter introduced our speaker: daughter Amy Clancy a former journalist and news anchor for KIRO Channel 7 News. Amy is Sam’s middle daughter. She worked for KIRO for 32 years, starting out as a coffee girl, later becoming an investigative reporter, and ending as a news anchor and producer. After leaving KIRO, she worked for the Seattle Police Department for three years as the communications director and is now the Communication Director of the City of Tacoma.
Amy began her presentation by playing the video of her former colleagues at KIRO on her leaving her position. They talked about what Amy meant to them and her fine work and professionalism while she was at KIRO. Amy talked about her experience working with former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best and past Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan. Amy took the job days before the death of Geroge Floyd which set off protests through the city and the country. A section of Capitol Hill in Seattle nicknamed “CHOP” enclosed protesters and kept police out during this time. When it came time to clear it, Amy talked about the hours that Chief Best and Mayor Durkan spent on the phone discussing the ways and means of such an action. Mayor Durkan issued the order on July 1, 2020 at 5:00 am and Amy’s department created a social media graphic to explain why that was happening.
As the Director of Communications for the Seattle Police Department, Amy learned that there are far more good people in law enforcement serving the people than bad people. She wanted to embed photographers so people could see what it was really like; what the officers saw that people did not see.
Now as the Communications Director for the City of Tacoma, her theme is “if it’s true, put it out there.” Don’t make people have to do a request for public documents; give them the documents if they ask for them. Amy talked about the 54 separate logos for Tacoma and her efforts to create a style guide.
Amy ended her presentation with a video of a Seattle Municipal Judge who was claiming fee exemptions for commuting as a carpool driver. Amy’s group followed the judge and filmed him repeatedly coming to work alone. He was forced to repay thousands of dollars and was not reelected to his position. Amy’s point was that the government works for the people.
In answering questions from members, Amy talked about Tacoma’s $26 million budget shortfall, providing services to people that could be provided by other agencies, and what a great City Manager Elizabeth Pauli is. Amy commented that the City Manager position is a good one because that position is accountable to the City Council. Amy also talked about the number of city employees who reach out to homeless people, referring them to different resources.
Thank you, Amy, for a fascinating look at the job of communicating the news and the working of municipalities.
Tony Camoroda won the raffle and pulled out a white chip. Sorry, Tony. Better luck next time!
The Rotary Meeting That Wasn't
By Gregory S. HornEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Thursday, July 11, 2024
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Our July 5 meeting was not held because it was the day after July 4, and it probably would not have been well attended. Everyone got to enjoy a four-day weekend and take a quick break from the world of Lakewood Rotary.
For those of you addicted to receiving your weekly bulletin and are feeling left out, this bulletin is for you.
Recently we celebrated the life of one of our great members, Gordy Quick. Gordy, along with his lovely wife Juanita, truly stood out from the average Rotarian, if there is such a thing as average Rotarian. (Statistacally, half of all Rotaians are below average and half are above average, but I'm not being paid to reach a math class, so I'll move on.
With all the things we do for others in this world, we undoubtedly leave a mark on some. Gordy and Juanita left a much larger mark than most.
Gordy served as president of Lakewood Rotary in 1987-88.
Along the way, Gordy and Juanita served as team leaders for a Group Study Exchange (GSE) to Germany in 1989. The Dynmamic Duo volunteered 11 times to lead Rotary groups to help and teach in Thailand, Mexico, Latvia, Fiji, Jamaica, and Russia.
Gordy was selected as District Governor of District 5020 in 1993-94.
Gordy was named the Alumnus of the Year by the University of Nebraska in 1999.
Rotary International's Meritorious Service Award. For those who don't know, this is Rotary's highest award. There are 528 Rotary districts around the world, and each year each district may nominate just one person. Out of the possible 528 nominees, just 100 are chosen. In 2008, Gordy was honored with the Meritorious Service Award by Rotary International.
I recently received a PDF from a person in Thailand. This is proof that through Rotary, one (or two) people can truly make a difference. Thank you, Gordy and Juanita.
The Year is Gone
Monday, July 1, 2024
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The Year is gone
When one asks
“How quickly is it that the year so goes?”
One need only know,
The days same number that the scented rose does grow.
Ole
aka John Magnuson
Presidentus Terminus
And so, President Mary’s term ends. Alas, so soon? Wait! Did we get our money’s worth? How many new members? 16, maybe more? A strong board of directors with fulfilled work. Director Barlow Buescher related that all his subcommittees spent every allocated dime! It doesn’t get better than that. A slate of officers stepping in without a hitch – trained, uniformed, drill team, polished, deployable, all their shots, fresh batteries – hut, twoop, threep, fourp!
Quaedum Numquan Mutant
Proclaiming that she was foreclosing on the dinner bell, thus ringing it one last time, the meeting began with the Pledge. PP Scott Buser led us in the invocation. Mary thanked everyone who helped including the DCMMSUT -Duncan Cook Memorial Meeting Set-up Team.
Just for the fun of it and so you get an idea of what bulletin writing is like, the following are my notes. Your assignment is to put it together and hand it to Editor and Publisher Paula so she can evaluate your bs – bull skills. Here goes: guests, Eloise cooper, st. pats. Gabe sachwitz, p, tom Easton, easter, yak. Names introed by James os. Get names. Mary’s son Zach, Zack? Bday bach, married, vips g horn, Tony DGE,Bill Potter AG Wendy grinchis, Elijah, MMcG award incentive, katie kaiser Kayser?, MMcG incentive to Geo Fox from Harr prep, did she say heart transplant?
So, write that up as it took place and submit it to EIC Paula and fill out a Rotary Bull Employment Application. I can assure you, there is no finer calling in Rotary than to be a Bull Writer. (Skip ahead for the answers.) Guests Eloise Cooper and Gabe Sachwitz were introduced. James Oswunda introduced Pauline Wantate and Winnifred Kalika of Sunrise Rotary Club of Kampala, Uganda. PM noted the marriage of son Zack. Or was it Zach? Zachariah? Zackery? Of all the years I have known this fine young man, most of that time was seeing him upside down, 6 feet in the air, behind a boat, I don’t know the proper spelling of his name. I hope his bride learns it.
Yeah, that’s the ticket! In the interest of space, we honor VIPS TonyGregBillPDGDGEAG. Wendy read some heartfelt notes of appreciation from students who benefited from the Mike McGowan Incentive Award. Both Elijah and Kate were gracious and noted their plans for their academic futures. Bravo!
Angela Connelly introduced Becky Wiggins of Battlefield Addictions as a new Lakewood Rotarian. Of note is her claim that she has already read Fifty Years of Fun and Fellowship by Secretariat Greg Rediske. If you haven’t read it yet, the book is a concise recollection of the fun that cemented Lakewood Rotary through its first fifty years. If you are a new Lakewood Rotarian, read the book, take the multiple-choice tests at the end of each chapter. Think: what can I do to make the next 50 years more fun and fellowshipper than what the old people did?
PM noted the amazing outpouring of support for the distressed family last week. $3,800 was raised. Clever donations included a “Costco run” by Bob Martin. PP Rose Stevens’ name was mentioned as the progenitor of support for the family. Then I wrote an amazing statistic (I think it was the same time as my cat jumped in my lap at my desk and buried her claws…) anyway, 17,151,310 kids need assistance. They go to Foss. Hmmm…. Somebody Snopes that turkey!
Scott, Randy and Heather all got Blue Badges. PP Greg Rediske was thanked for the musical production evening featuring Lakewood’s skilled musicians: Eric Quinn, Chris Kimball, Scott Casebolt, Phillip Lindholm. Mo Sarram noted a public health program graduate – whose name I missed. Mo related the need to sponsor teenagers into public health education where job opportunities abound. Jim Bisceglia honored the memory of Gordy Quick once more. We have included extensive bio on Gordy with the bulletin. Tom and Easton learned more about Chinese educational systems, but I got no details. I was gobsmacked looking at Easton! Whatta cutie, and I have four such dumpling grandsons! Donnnn Irwin admitted travelling to Idaho to check out future residence for him and Deb. He dragged Rob Erb along to make certain it was a good neighborhood. They both ponied up $20, which didn’t even pay the bill for the mustard served at the soiree! James and Shiru also took a road trip through Idaho and then on to Montana and Wyoming. That makes 15 states for them and yielded $20. Aren’t they just about the prettiest places on earth, James? My Dad grew up in northern Idaho so there is a soft spot in my heart.
Pauline and Winnifred from Kampala, Uganda Sunrise Rotary reported difficulty their citizenry is having with certain medical testing. Many cancers are going undetected because of cultural distrust. Updated medical equipment is needed in their hospitals to modernize testing for
prostate, ovarian, cervical and breast cancers. They sold foot race “kits” to assist in fundraising efforts. The race is held in August.
Bonum Progressio esse Bee
Dr. Peter Marsh welcomed his guest, Kathleen Clerc of Pierce County Beekeeper’s Association. Proclaiming her twins’ expectancy, a convenient place to rest her arms, she launched into an enthusiastic and entertaining presentation of the state of bees in Pierce County. She declared how busy the club is – busy bees, they is - anchored by 94 year young Harvard Robins. Harvard rents his hives to various agriculture in eastern Washington to enhance pollination of crops. He then turns the magical nectar into western Washington’s most delicious honey ever! His shop is directly across I-5 from TCGC by American Lake Gardens.
Kathleen revealed the magic of bee swarms. When the queen feels she has done her work in raising hundreds of thousands of bees, she leaves the hive and her brood follow. They are easy to see and hear. They may swarm to a tree or the eaves of a building or even a car. They are docile unless threatened and a beekeeper is the best suited to deal with the swarm. The honeybees you see buzzing from flower to flower are females gathering both pollen and nectar. The male bees are called drones and they only mate with the queen. Otherwise, they just hang out. Honeybees are not endangered; there is a plethora of honeybees. Recalling dialogue from The Three Amigos, a very intellectual film starring Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short: El Guapo asks Jefe his right-hand bad guy, “Jefe, would you say I have a plethora of pinatas?” The matter is unresolved but indeed what we don’t have is a plethora of native Mason Bees. Mason bees can pollinate 100 times more than honeybees. The honeybee hive cells are perfectly hexagonal. Amazingly, so are the cells of wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets even though they lead totally different existences. Over 2,000 years ago – that is before Greg Rediske served as president of Lakewood Rotary – mathematicians proved that the hexagon was the most efficient structure to meet the purposes of the insects. So, let’s not have any more disrespect for that algebra teacher you had in Junior High, okay? A worker bee travels about 55,000 miles to produce one pound of honey. She must also visit two million flowers to produce one pound of honey.
Ms. Clerc was articulate, well-prepared, amusing and enthusiastic about her excellent presentation. Thank you, Dr. Marsh, for asking her to speak.
Complete the following quiz to win a 5-gallon drum of Harvard Robins’ honey:
True or false – A Mason Bee from the local Masonic Lodge must wear a Fez while gathering quadrangle Nectarines.
Qui Haec Legit Supellectilem?
Ole
Editor’s News Flash:
A wonderful Par-Tee Installation Dinner was held to thank now Past President Mary Horn and to herald new President Carl Bronkema. The food was great, the company even better, and the program stepped smartly along thanks to MC Joe Walsh from the Lakewood Playhouse. When the Past Presidents were asked to stand, half the room rose to their feet. Bob Warfield received the Bernie Ootkin non-Rotarian of the Year award and Dave Coleman was awarded the Russ Klauser Rotarian of the Year award. Most deserved for both. Mary graciously thanks all of us for our support. President Carl is going to be a lot of fun for bulletin scribes. He was grateful to veterans and all First Responders, his golfing buddies, and oh yeah, his wife Veronica and two sons. It’s going to be a great year!
Upcoming Events:
Friday, July 5 - No Meeting - Enjoy the 4th of July long weekend
Tuesday, July 9 - Cocktails with Seamus - Learn to mix and enjoy special cocktails and mocktails all part of the Lakewood Rotary experience hosted by Donna, Andy and Seamus Phillips. Top it off with a sunset ferry ride in Steilacoom. Register HERE
Thursday, July 11 - Rotary on Tap at the Adriatic at Oakbrook - We're planning on partying on the patio! Join us - RSVP here
Friday, July 12 - Are you ready for this? President Carl's first Club Meeting at TCGC - Amy Clancy, City of Tacoma Media & Communications Director
Friday, July 19 at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - John Magnuson - The Boys in the Boat
Sunday, July 21 at 4:00 pm - Dinner and a Movie - Grease at the AMC Theater and an all-American dinner at TCGC. Buy your ticket here.
Friday, July 26 at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Tiffany Spier - Highlights of the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Gordon Quick’s Bio
Gordon Lewis Quick was born on October 25, 1931, in York, Nebraska, to Edwin and Estella Quick (sister June). His first job was picking up corn cobs to use in the stove. His parents were farmers, and he was a farmer. He graduated from York High School (“State Welder of the Year”), where he played football, studied agriculture and chemistry and sang in the choir. For a time he worked at the Fairmont Creamery making cheese, and later at Robert’s Dairy. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska in 1953, and his Masters in 1959, putting himself through school bailing hay and doing other farm work. He was first a teacher of agriculture and chemistry, then principal, then district superintendent. In 1966, he earned his Doctorate in Education. At this point, he was offered jobs at three different universities. Instead, he felt his calling was to work in vocational education, and chose to move to Tacoma, Washington, at the Clover Park Education Center (later Vocational Technical College), in 1966. Gordon headed the departments of Vocational Education, Continuing Education, and Adult Education. He started the Elective High School program in 1972. Gordon believed passionately in the honor of vocation[1]al skills. From 1975-1979, he was an adjunct professor at Central Washington University for vocational education and was a visiting lecturer at the University of Washington.
Gordon spent 20+ years in the National Guard (Second Lieutenant), first joining at the age of 16 in 1947. He was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis of 1960-61, delivering atomic warheads to Japan. Gordon fished every year in Alaska (100 lb halibut), hunted in Okanogan County, built a house in Hood Canal, restored a 1939 Studebaker pickup, bought a boat and at one time owned an apple orchard. In 1998, he went back to school to brush up on his welding.
While serving as Superintendent of Schools in Curtis, Nebraska, in 1962, Gordon became involved in Rotary for the first time. Upon his acceptance of a job with the Clover Park School District, he joined Lake[1]wood Rotary in November of 1970. He became the 32nd president of the club in 1987. He served as a team leader for a Rotary Group Study to Germany in 1989. He volunteered 11 times to lead Rotary groups to help/teach in Thailand, Mexico, Latvia, Fiji, Jamaica, and Russia.
In 1993-94, Gordon served as District Governor in Rotary District 5020. In 2008, he was honored with the Meritorious Ser[1]vice Award by Rotary International, a very rare honor in the Rotary world. He was named Alumnus of the Year by the Universi[1]ty of Nebraska in 1999.
Gordon on becoming District Governor:
“I look forward with great anticipation to the duties of District Governor and meeting with the clubs during the coming year. Ninety-five percent of what is accomplished in Rotary is done at
the club level, so I’m eager to be where the action is. People ask me why anyone would want to be District Governor: all that work, all that paperwork. Rotary International President Robert
Barth summed up my reason for wanting to be District Gover[1]nor with his theme: “Believe in What You Do—Do What You Believe In!” I believe in Rotary and want to work for what I believe in.”
Gordon married Juanita in 1952 and she was there with Gordon at every important moment in their lives from then on. She worked side by side with Gordon on all of their Rotary missions.
Gordon is survived by Juanita, his wife of 72 years, and son Daniel, a retiree as an engineer at Honeywell. Dan’s son died in Iraq in 2006. Gordon passed away on March 13, 2024 at the
age of 92 in his winter home in Las Vegas, Nevada, as a result of pancreatic cancer.
If I had a nickel…
By Stephen SaalfeldEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Monday, June 24, 2024
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I write to you on a beautiful June day from the tree house in my backyard, because, well wouldn’t you be writing from your tree house in your backyard if you had such a thing?
It is possible that these things really happened at this week’s meeting:
Ring, ring went the dinner bell and a roomful of Rotarians roused themselves from their chairs. Today marks the penultimate meeting presided over by President Mary Horn. In one week’s time she’ll pass the gavel to Carl Bronkema. We will fondly remember this year as one of good humor and civility as we lament the scandalous pun-a-minute, coconut-bra-wearing days of former President-Mayor Whalen.
Visiting Rotarian Doug Berger of Bremerton provided the flag salute followed by an invocation a la Philip Lindholm. Bud Montgomery presided over all things Paul Harris and Chuck Heller shook down Rotarians at the $2 table.
Though many of our pre-meeting setting up team regulars were absent, others pitched in to ensure the meeting went off without a hitch—special thanks to Rob Erb for making the technology magic happen.
Photographer: Walt Richardson
Bulletin: Steve Saalfeld
President Mary was pleased with the club photo taken at last week’s meeting and later learned Walt Richardson’s secret to taking pictures of those of us with wrinkles in all the wrong places: Take the photo from a really high angle. There are competing rumors that Walt took that photo from either a hot air balloon or the Hubble telescope. Our crack fact-finding team will sort that out and report in a future Bulletin.
Guests of Rotarians: Angela Connelly introduced Adrienne Corpus-Joy, a Bellarmine grad, parent and Notre Dame alumna. Jan Gee introduced Levi Harris, a guest of our speaker. Greg Rediske introduced his partner in all things Rediske, Sharon.
Visiting Rotarians: Carl Bronkema and Phil Eng ganged up on John Post who let us know he was a member at Rotary 8 for 18 years but quit cold turkey. Now he’s getting the full court press to join Lakewood. Puffinry awaits John! Or is it Puffinhood? Puffilitus?
Doug Berger of flag salute fame visited from Bremerton and Liz Heath of Tacoma North joined us as well.
Those Zooming from afar included John “Ole” Magnuson, Mark Blanchard, Carol Wier from Minnesota, Police Chief Patrick Smith, Michael Lewis, Don Daniels and Charles Heberle from New Mexico.
Andy showed off a sharp looking Steilacoom 4th of July t-shirt and auctioned it off for $30 to John Lowney. All proceeds to support the fireworks show in Steilacoom.
Sunshine: Wendy shared that Mary Moss is battling some health issues and she sent some flowers her way courtesy of Lakewood Rotary.
Greg Rediske reminded us that tonight (Friday, June 21) is Music Night at the Lakewood Playhouse and encouraged folks to come even if they don’t have tickets since there are still some seats available. We were also reminded that Dave Covey’s service will take place at UW shellhouse on Saturday, June 22.
Doug Berger reminded everyone that Gordy Quick’s memorial was taking place in the bar next to our meeting right after the final bell. Doug reported that Gordy was the one who encouraged Doug to join Rotary and all these years later he is still Rotarizing.
A Puffin no more (cured of Puffilitus?): Brie Griffin traded in her red badge for a blue and left her life as a Puffin behind forever.
REMINDER: Your Rotary dues are due. You can pay them on the website or show up at John Lowney’s house any time day or night—he’ll even make you a cocktail and loves it when people pay with nickels (just 3,700 nickels sit between you and another year of Rotary heaven). It’s possible I made up that last part, but the website info is solid.
Announcements:
The club unanimously approved a motion to pay our tax bill to the IRS to the tune of $2,543 (that’s 50,860 nickels for those of you keeping score at home). ?????????????????????????
On a serious note, President Mary reminded the club of Terry and Jessica and their family. In December of 2018, Rose showed up at their house to deliver a bicycle only to learn that the family of six was about to be evicted. Rose and Mary spearheaded an effort to support the family who has now been living in Sahalee. Tragically, Terry was killed in a traffic accident due to a reckless driver. Jessica doesn’t drive and is working on completing her CNA certification and will now face the future without her husband and her four kids without their father. Mary encouraged club members to reach out to Mary or Rose if they’d like to help and let folks know that the family’s rent is $300/month for anyone feeling like they could help alleviate that burden. Spoiler alert: Many Rotarians did indeed feel like they could help. Read on for heart-warming details.
President Mary presented a video put together by the Emergency Management Coalition of Pierce County that featured Fire Chief Sharp and Police Chief Smith. Chief Sharp jumped up to pay a fine in the form of $300 (1) rent for Jessica’s family and asked Chief Smith to join him. Chief Smith happily agreed to put in $300 (2) as well.
Bob Martin put $50 in the cookie jar for his Alaskan cruise that featured a 60 mph zip line ride (and hopefully clean britches?) a helicopter ride to a glacier and a visit to one of the “Most Dangerous Catch” crabbing boats.
Bill Potter expressed $50 of gratitude for good fortune including a trip to Walla Walla to celebrate his wife’s birthday (“ending in a 9” by which I believe means she’ll turn 30 next year), and his excitement that his middle child (the talented Morgan if I remember correctly) will be moving back to the area soon.
Phil Eng kept the gratitude train rolling with a $300 (3) donation for one month’s rent for Jessica’s family.
Brie Griffin stepped up to celebrate her oldest son’s high school graduation and offered $300 (4) to pay one month’s rent for the family.
Ole chimed in from Zoom-land and explained that though landlords get bad press, he’s a pretty good guy and not the “greedy bastard” we all assume he is. He ponied up $300 (5) for another month’s rent.
Greg Horn hopped on the mic to offer another $300 (6).
Angela Connelly donated another $300 (7) for another month’s rent.
Dave Swindell offered another $300 (8).
Doug Berger chimed in for another $300 (9).
Mark Edgecomb knows what it’s like to have a houseful of kids and threw in $300 (10) of his dollars.
Barlow Buescher celebrated his retirement with a $150 donation (as he described it “a penny for every student he’s worked with”) and threw in an additional $300 (11).
Don Johnson celebrated his trip to Pinehurst with a $100 and (I THINK THIS NEXT PART IS TRUE BUT AM CONFIRMING WITH LOWNEY) added $300 for rent (12).
Today’s Speaker: Kelly Chambers, Visiting Angels and Puget Sound Honor Flight
Philip Lindholm introduced our speaker, Kelly Chambers, founder of Visiting Angels, a home care organization that allows ailing senior citizens to age in their own home. Kelly and her husband are grateful for their “blessed life” and wanted to find a way to give back. In fact, she announced she would like to donate $300 (13!!!) to support Terry and Jessica’s family! They founded Puget Sound Honor Flight and just celebrated their 10th anniversary. PSHF is one of 150 chapters across the U. S. that provide “one last mission” for U. S. military veterans. More specifically that mission is to provide a flight for veterans of Vietnam, Korea and World War II with a trip to Washington, D. C. to visit the memorials constructed to honor their service and sacrifice for our country.
Kelly shared a video courtesy of KOMO 4’s Eric’s Little Heroes that tagged along on one of their first trips. It was a powerful reminder to hear veterans describe that they still have “nightmares every night” or that it took “45 years for God to take the hate out of my heart” for the enemy.
PSHF is supported solely by donations and has flown 1200 vets from our community over the past 10 years. Guardians volunteer to accompany and care for the vets and pay $1000 for the honor. There is a two year wait list for veterans and an even longer wait list for prospective guardians.
If you missed today’s meeting, I hope today’s Bulletin will provide you with a reminder of how lucky we are to be in a community where we take care of each other. From the inspiring work of Puget Sound Honor Flight to the baker’s dozen of Rotarians who donated a total of $3,900 (that’s 78,000 nickels, friends!) to cover the monthly rent for the next year and beyond for Jessica and Terry’s family, it was another great day to be a Lakewood Rotarian.
And just when you thought that you might have a chance at the raffle pot because Joel wasn’t around to win again, John Caufield used his X-ray vision to pull the red chip out of the bag, good for $250.
Tune in next week for the final meeting of President Mary’s Reign (of Terror) and buckle up for a year ahead that I’m sure we’ll all remember as “Carl Bronkema’s buckin’ bronc bonanza.”
By Laws and State of the Club Part 1
By Donn IrwinSunday, June 16, 2024
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By-Laws and State of the Club Part I
Donnn Irwin
It all started with one ringy dingy from President Mary’s (PM) bell and we were off to the proverbial races - or, the meeting began – whichever way you want to state the obvious.
And this way also signals PM’s third to the last meeting (pause here for applause).
Incoming Prez Carl Bronkema orchestrated the Pledge and the tie wearing Clint Johnson invocated. Mr. Johnson gave a special emphasis to recognizing our country’s flag because, after all, it was Flag Day. Nice job, Clint.
Putting the meeting together: Set up Dream Team – Messrs. Erb, Hoffman, Selden and Osundwa. Dick Ferrell took the Foundation $$ (240 of them) while PP Mark Edgecomb took in the raffle $$. He also did triple duty as the Seargent at Arms and Cookie Jar Tender – busy boy that Edgecomb fellow.
In 1775 the first U.S. Army forms the Continental Army.
PM took a moment to recognize our Puffin People as well as the day’s photo journalist, Bob Zawilski, the day’s Scribe - one Donnnnnn Irwin and group photo taker, Walt Richardson.
Guests of Rotarians - Angela Connelly introduced prospective new member Becky Wiggins and another guest (whose name I didn’t catch, darn it!)
Visiting Rotarian – Caroline Maina, Past President of a Rotary Club in Kenya. (Somehow, she seemed to know James Osundwa. Wonder how that could happen?).
Sandpaper was patented in 1834.
PM acknowledged our Zoomers – Mark Blanchard and Kim Prentice (good to see you, Kim). President Mary also welcomed PDG Greg Horn, Designated District Governor Tony Camoroda and Asst. Gov. Bill Potter (who evidently was off doing AG things cuz he wasn’t there).
Grover Cleveland became the first U.S. president to get married in the White House in 1886.
Our Sunshine Lady, Wendy McGowan, reminded us of an ice cream social in honor of PDG and longtime Rotarian Gordy Quick. The get together will be held in the bar area after next week’s meeting (6/21). Everyone welcome and bring any and all Gordy stories.
By Law business – The esteemed Secretary Greg Rediske was called upon to shepherd the call to approving the new By Laws. The motion was made to accept them. There was a second and an unanimous vote to accept. By Law business done. (Writer’s note: I hope all club members truly appreciate the work that goes into maintaining these things. Many thanks to those to spend the time to make sure we are in compliance!)
1900 - Having been annexed to the USA on 12 August 1898, Hawaii is constituted as an organized territory.
Announcements (aka pleadings) – Greg R encouraged club members to come have some fun on Music Night at Lakewood Playhouse. Here is a shameless plug for the event:
This coming Friday, June 21, Lakewood Rotary will be hosting “Springsteen on Broadway”, right here in Lakewood! So obviously it won’t be on Broadway, but at the Lakewood Playhouse. And truth be told, Springsteen won’t be there. It will be better! Four musicians, not just one! They will be entertaining with talk and music, just like Springsteen did in New York. All four accomplished musicians are Lakewood Rotarians:
Eric Quinn, lawyer by day, recorded rap artist sometimes;
Philip Lindholm, real estate CEO by day, rock band leader (2 albums) 10 years ago;
Scott Casebolt, retired firefighter and current fire commissioner, and accomplished bagpiper; and
Chris Kimball, financial advisor and drum standout, boasting multiple national tours.
5:00 -7:30 pm. Included--wine, beer, soft drinks; concessions for purchase from the Lakewood Playhouse, Scotch tutorial and tasting by Barlow Buescher. All proceeds benefit Lakewood Rotary, as part of our annual fundraising campaign. Go to https://lakewoodrotarycharitable.square.site/. Tickets are $50 each. 150 seats only. Don’t procrastinate!
In 1922, President Warren G. Harding was the first President to use the radio to speak to the nation. He dedicated the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore the day Congress granted U.S. citizenship to all American Indians in 1924.
ATTENTION: Rotary Dues are due!! Pay up by the end of June. Thank you. The Management.
Phil Ing grabbed a mic and reminded us that there is a Par-Tee on Friday evening, June 28th that will involve putting and shmoozing with incoming President Carl Bronkema while at the same time saying Thank You to outgoing President Mary Horn. There will also be some food and drink involved. Get signed up. Phil, not one to shy away from a mic took the initiative to remind us of the upcoming Floating Board meeting at Holly Hedge on August 22nd and he even managed to plug the upcoming Roadster Romp on Whidbey Island Sept. 8-10.
Rob Erb is looking for some temporary help on the set-up committee. Seems he needs some pinch hitting done for a couple weeks as a few of his crew are actually taking vacations. Give him a shout if you can spare a few minutes extra before and after the meetings. Donna Phillips plugged the Cocktails with Seamus event on July 9th from 6-9:00PM.
June 14 - Baseball legend Lou Gehrig died of ALS, a rare type of paralysis now referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 1941. That same year Boeing broke ground on Boeing Plant II in Wichita, Kansas.
Cookie jar contributions: Clint Johnson paid some money for a trip to Mexico and wondered aloud about men NOT wearing ties. Sally Saunders was coerced into paying a fine because she is a long time Lions Club member (nice work PM). Mark Blanchard paid tribute on this Father’s Day weekend for a trip he took with his then 11-year-old son – they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. What a great memory!
Angela Connelly offered up a $100.00 in gratitude to all fathers. PM told a story of her now husband being in a car accident that involved towing a boat and a woman in the car with him that wasn’t his fiancée (and evidently wasn’t Mary either). This writer doesn’t remember if there was an actual contribution the cookie jar but the story sounded intriguing to say the least. Joe Quinn paid up his IOU for 56 years of marriage as well as paying for two tickets to next week’s music night that he won’t be able to use.
Tonga gained independence from Britain in 1970 (National Day).
PM started the Program portion of the meeting by letting us know that club committee assignments are being reviewed over the next two weeks. She asks that all members review their assignments. She also informed us that the bell she rings each week to call the meeting to order is the bell her mother used to call the family to dinner.
Her recap of her year was to show us approximately 48 slides of some of the events that took place during her reign. The slides chronicled her year from the beginning to now and covered such items as introducing her first new member, cookie jar donations, Foundation gifts, our exchange student from Norway, Youth Protection Training, McGowan Awards, promoting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Ft. Steilacoom Park Improvement, Educational Award, High School Student recognition, and Roast the President Day. (This is a severely truncated list. When put together with what happens over 50 some weeks of involvement, the outcome is pretty darn impressive).
PM also gave shout outs to Barlow Buescher, Partners of Rotarians and Don Daniels among others. She closed with a remembrance to those that are no longer with us and excitement for new addition to the Horn Clan.
Mary then empaneled Linda Disney, James Osundwa, Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Barlow Buescher to give committee reports.
Linda Disney-Public Image Chair, posed the question: “Why should we care about image?”. The simple answer is that it attracts new members and enhances our standing in the community and the world. Linda explained that the way we promote our image is through our website, social media and events. She is looking for people to join the committee that are creative, open minded, are micro bloggers and who like to take pictures.
Connie Coleman-Lacadie is our Membership Chair. She talked about Rotary on Tap, Monday Night Football and Birthdays and Anniversaries.
James Osundwa is our World Affairs Director. He talked about the Rotary Foundation – over $26,000 in contributions and 90 Paul Harris Fellows. Our club has 84% participation in the Every Rotarian Every Year program. James mentioned that Rose Stevens, through the World Community Service program, takes our money and combines it with money from other clubs to improve the lives of folks all over the world.
President Mary ended this part of the program due to time constraints but said that she would give Barlow time in next week’s program. Barlow is our Community Service Chair.
Joe Quinn Esq., closed out the meeting with a call to action – take the Youth Protection Training and Test. He also lauded the Next Step Program.
DDG Tony C had the winning raffle ticket. It could have been worth $250.00 but Tony drew a white chip and got $5.00 instead. PM Mary then herded us downstairs for a group picture. See above.
If your birthday is today, June 14th then you share this special day with the likes of Harriet Beecher Stowe, Alois Alzheimer, Che Guevara and Donald Trump.
Next week:
June 21 - at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Kelly Chambers with Puget Sound Honor Flight. Following the meeting, please join us for a memorial service - a little ice cream social - for Gordy Quick.
June 21 - at the Lakewood Playhouse - Music in Four Parts featuring Philip Lindholm, Scott Casebolt, Chris Kimball, and Eric Quinn - Register HERE
Mary Horn Counts Them Down
By Gregory J. RediskeEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Monday, June 10, 2024
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After this meeting…..only three left for lame duck President Mary Horn. If you thought she was crying at the meeting because she’s almost done, not so: she was near tears only because she’s recovering from food poisoning. What a stalwart! Toughing it out!!
Prior to the clang of the bell, Scott Buser took Paul Harris money, Leon Titus sold raffle tickets by the dozen ($1,398 pot, two chips left), Rob Erb, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, and tech wizard James Osundwa did set up. And then came “We Are Family” for a couple brief moments before the hammering of the bell and Mark Herr’s pledge to the flag followed by Shiru Osundwa’s thought for the day (beautifully said).
As we progressed, Walt Richardson took pictures. Zooming were: Carole Wier, Ralph Johnson, Kamarie Wilson, Philip Lindholm, Rick Selden, Mark Blanchard, John Magnuson and Rachel Mazoff. Bill Potter (AG) and Tony Camoroda (DG-elect almost) were in the house. Troy Wilcox introduced Norwegian exchange student Amelia (she goes home Tuesday!) and Kendra introduced friend Eric Sweigart.
Jim Merritt, frequent guest and Tacoma #8 member, lost his son recently. Services at Bellarmine on June 14.
Gordon Quick: Remembering Gordy will be held immediately following the meeting on June 21, in the bar right next to our meeting place. Ice cream social and remembering Gordy: please attend!
Dave Covey: Memorial service 2 pm at the UW Conibear Shellhouse, Saturday, June 22.
Birthdays and Anniversaries:
Rotary:
Heather Burgess and Gael Whalen have logged one year in Lakewood Rotary; Lua Pritchard, 2; Jan Gee, 8; Mary Moss, 14; Mary Jo Strom-Copland, 26 (8 in Lakewood); John Lowney, 35 total; and Sam Hunter: 41!
Wedding Anniversaries:
Mary Jo Strom-Copland and Russ, 23 years
Ron and Vanessa Banner, 26
Jason and Gael Whalen, 37
Joe and Kris Quinn, 56
Steve and Ellen Mazoff, 59
Bob and Mary Hammar, 67
Birthdays:
Kamarie Wilson was the youngest, Mo Sarram was the oldest: 92 for Mo on June 22!! In the house to be grilled and therefore “known”, a la the Colbert Questionert:
Kamarie, James Guerrero, Jason Whalen, Linda Disney, Chris Kimball, Mark Silva, Don Daniels, Paula Olson, Jan Gee, and Eric Warn.
Announcements:
Jan Gee: Don’t forget to Par-Tee! Installation banquet, 5 pm June 28. Sign up!
Linda Disney: Rotary on Tap, Fan Club, 5:30 Thursday, June 13. Be there or be square
Eric Quinn/Greg Rediske: Don’t forget to sign up for the “Event of the Year”! A Musical Evening in Four Parts, at the Lakewood Playhouse, 5 pm June 21. Lakewoodrotary.com, Make a Payment. And if you don’t have $50, Joe Quinn says he’ll buy your ticket (even two!!).
Mary Horn: Please wear your Rotary gear next week for a club picture, courtesy of Walt Richardson.
Collections/Fines/Cookie Jar Contributions:
Jan Gee: $20 for her birthday and her club anniversary (8 years on the latter)
Scott Buser, $50 for the first birthday of the first grandchild
Don Daniels, $100 (Foundation) for a Tahoe trip.
Chris Kimball, $65 (Foundation) for finally getting signed up on Medicare, and grandson on the way!
David Swindale, Hawaii trip/”white coat” for his audiology daughter (off to New Zealand)
Bud Montgomery, $100 (Foundation) for five months in Green Valley.
John Lowney, $100 for son Brian’s appointment as Superintendent of the Bethel School District
Kendra Riconosciuto $?? for son’s double play in Lakewood Baseball Club competition
James Guerrero, $60 for his birthday joining the 60s.
Yorleny Clapper, $?? for a trip to see her mom, change mom’s meds, and see her recover!
Eric Quinn, $20 for being the MC for the Musical Event at the Playhouse, reminding all that it will be fantastic!
Joe Quinn, $56 for 56 years of marriage, and missing Eric’s event to visit son Patrick in Tahoe (maybe more priority to visiting the grandkids I think…..)
Gayle Selden, $20 for the pleasure of knowing Amelia, and noting the going away party on Sunday June 9 at 1 p.m. at Gayle’s house.
By-laws: No comments today. If any are received, they will be discussed at the next meeting, June 14, when a vote will be undertaken to approve them. Contact the Secretary if you have comments: gnsrediske@msn.com
Youth Exchange:
Tuesday June 11 is the day lovely Amelia heads home to Norway. I feel sorry for those of you who had no interaction with her: she was a delight! (If you get this bulletin early enough, you might be able to pop by Gayle Selden’s home for her going away/graduation party, starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 9.)
Remember Victor, our exchange student from Denmark? He recently turned 30 years old! Here’s a recent correspondence:
“I just returned from a trip to Vietnam with a friend where we spent a few weeks traveling around. I also got to celebrate my birthday there in their capital.
Now I look forward to getting my sailboat in the water. One thing I really learned while I was in Lakewood was to enjoy life and all the water activities you did around the lakes. I think I shared a picture of the sailboat last year, but I am so happy that I got it. I spend a lot of time on the water during the summers and sail to small islands, Sweden and other fun places.
The company I work for was acquired by the American company GE Healthcare last year, so now I am really benefiting from my exchange stay in the US. I have so many colleagues working from all over the states and often get visitors from Colorado, New York and California. Speaking English with Americans always reminds me of my time in Lakewood, the friendly tone and the way most Americans are so good at engaging people, small talking and making a good atmosphere is really remarkable.
If I get a chance to travel to the US next year I will certainly drop by Lakewood. It has been way too long since I have visited you all.”
Rotary’s youth exchange program goes a long way to improving world peace through understanding. How many hundreds did Victor (and Amelia, and so many more) encounter here during their exchange year, and how many hundreds and hundreds since then who were regaled with tales of Lakewood and Americans? It is a win-win and win some more program.
Later this summer we will be welcoming Jeffrey (Lin) Cheng-Yang from Taiwan, born October 17, 2006 (17 years old). He will be arriving between August 21 and August 24 and attending Lakes High School in the fall. We need: home stay families (3-4 months each), and Rotarians and friends to take him places and experience the great Northwest. Keep this in mind and contact Barlow Buescher for more details.
James’ father is an electrical engineer (manager of the air conditioning department in a semiconductor company), and his mother is a facility section manager (repairing household appliances), living in Taoyuan City. He has studied English for 11 years, with ‘good’ command. About himself, James says, “I am 5’6” with bangs like watermelon, big eyes with long eyelashes and I’m so glad to introduce myself and family. I have a passion for sports and music (guitar). I chose (as an elective) to study Spanish because it is very interesting. I can eat almost anything, but I don’t like some fruits that smell weird, such as Durian, Sweetsop and Avocado. Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed watching airplanes. Whenever I see one while walking down the street, I look up its model, take pictures and watch videos about planes on my phone. I hope to fulfill my dream in the future and become a pilot.” (It’s entirely possible that he’d like to see the Museum of Flight, I think……)
Program:
Mark Herr introduced Major General (retired) Ken Farmer, 32 years in the military including being the head of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. His topic was about the last 2-1/2 centuries of innovation in medicine in the American military. The public expects medical access and expertise for their military to be on a par with the Mayo Clinic and other top hospitals, and this is always strived for. Moreover, wars in the last 250 years have resulted in many advancements in medicine that have benefitted not only the military, but the civilian population as well. (It reminds me of all the innovations from the space program that have been incorporated into our daily lives.)
July 1775 George Washington ordered a “hospital for the army”. Ten soldiers died of disease to every soldier killed in battle. Washington’s order to have mandatory smallpox inoculation probably saved the Revolution. Protect the force by protecting the patient.
Mexican War: 1/3 of the force was lost to disease.
Civil War: Bull Run was a medical disaster: evacuations of the wounded from the battlefield went on for as much as a month. Dr. Letterman set a surgery standard of 24 hours maximum in treating the wounded; he ordered improved nutrition, sanitation, and organization of the medical corps. As a result, 10-25% died of their wounds in the first 3 years of the war, only 4% the last year after his changes.
Spanish American War: 280 killed in action, 1,577 wounded, 2,565 died of disease. Walter Reed helped to conquer typhoid and yellow fever, while promoting water purification.
WWI: The allies said to the U.S.: “Send us doctors!!”. The Red Cross arrived. Aviation medicine was born, while learning triage and debridement from the French, and originating blood transfusions, shock treatment and shell shock treatment.
Before WWII: disease deaths were down to .1%, while dying from wounds was down to 4.4% (half of WWI).
Post WWII and Korea: Those dying from wounds was down by half again to 2.4%. Floating Navy hospitals were born.
Cold War: Established the “Golden Hour” standard: treatment within an hour. Burn treatment was markedly improved.
Gulf War: Only .06% died of their woulds. There was much new equipment, including prosthetics.
The wars resulted in doctors having many more severe situations to deal with than would happen in civilian life, resulting in faster innovations and improvements.
Thanks, Dr. Farmer!
The Pot: $1,398, 1 white, 1 red. Joel Vranna, fresh off his Winefest Raffle win of $5,000, chose the red chip. Way to go, Joel!! Joel may have said, “Hey, it’s only $1,400….what’s the big deal?” Donn Irwin might have said, “My luck is like a bald guy who just won a comb.” And then there’s Ole, who won a gold medal rowing at the Olympics. He was so excited, he had it bronzed.
Teacher Appreciation Day
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, June 2, 2024
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TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
THE LAKEWOOD KEY for May 31, 2024
By Joe Quinn
Because today was a day to feature our Educators of the Year at Lakewood Rotary, the scribe decided to make this bulletin all about education. We will try to use a whole lot of unusual words, to send our devoted readers (both of them) running to Roget’s Thesaurus, to find out what the heck we are trying to say. Last week, one of the editors failed to notice that the scribe made a slight error, by typing “horseless” when the word intended was “homeless.” Actually, we noticed a few more grammatical or typographical errors, but only one Rotarian name was butchered. Therefore, the scribe today has included at least five errors to test (remember, today is all about education) the editor to see if he/she is awake.
The Guests were quickly announced, so apologies if I missed anyone. Chris Kimball introduced our police chief, Patrick Smith, who was later inducted into Lakewood Rotary. Shiru introduced a friend, but rather than guess wrong about the spelling, we will skip over that and mention that she is a student at WSU. PM introduced her guests, Jim and Eileen Zimmerman. And we welcomed Ron Banner, our member and Superintendent of Clover Park Schools, and other district administrators, who attended to support their fine educators.
Barlow Buescher mentioned that our Rotary Exchange student—Amelia Babazada—is with us again today, but not for long, so come to a goodbye party on June 9th at Gayle Selden’s house.
Our photographer today is Bob Zawilski and the scribe is listed above.
PM recognized our Zoomers, including Carole Wier and Ralph Johnson, and then of course our dignitaries: PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda (spelled correctly? You could look him up on Dacdb) and AG Bill Potter.
There was no Sunshine Report either because PM forgot to call on Wendy… or I fell asleep for a moment.
Induction: PM inducted Patrick Smith, our Lakewood Police Chief, since March 2023, into the Rotary Club of Lakewood. Patrick, who was sponsored by Chris Kimball, told a couple of good stories about his experiences. One time, he was called to a scene where a young lady had passed away. The paramedics had already left the scene. He was in the process of calling the next-of- kin and expressing his condolences, when he heard an audible gasp right behind him. He quickly turned around and saw that the decedent was sitting up. He bent down to look at her. She then said, “What the hell are you doing here?” He says he responded thus: “What the hell are you doing here? You died a few minutes ago.” Cops have to possess a sense of humor.
Then Patrick told us about the two guys who stole a check for $50,000 out of someone’s mailbox. Apparently, it was an insurance company check made payable to “Bette Davis, on behalf of Billy Joe Davis, deceased.” The not-so-swift mailbox thieves were caught at the bank where they tried to cash the check, because when they endorsed it by writing on the back “Bette Davis and Billy Joe Davis, deceased” the teller got suspicious and called the cops. See how important education is!?
After all that, we welcomed Patrick with open arms into our club.
Announcements:
This is Little Free Pantry day, so if you gave last week, give again.
Connie Coleman-Lacadie reported on some preliminary figures on the Wine and Beer Festival: There was gross income received of about $145,000 and 28,600 of that was from our proud Sponsors. About $35,000 was raised through Raise the Paddle, which as we recall was for the H-Barn Project, to be paid over about three years. The Dessert Dash yielded about $12,000 for the Partners of Rotary. We got lost in the numbers but essentially Connie said the net income will be at least $57,000. Remember that we are still collecting some money for the Dinner and a Movie (Grease) in July and for the Four Musicians event to be held on June 21 at the Lakewood Playhouse. So far about $1100 has been collected for tickets to hear four Lakewood Rotarians do their thing: Scott Casebolt (bagpipes), Chris Kimball (drums), Philip Lindholm (rock and roll) and Eric Quinn (rapper) will knock your socks off! (Well maybe your ears, but there is also Scotch tasting with Barlow Buescher, etc.) Connie said the “projected” net income will be about $66,000 from the total event. Oh, yes, lest we forget there is (are) also Cocktails with Seamus Phillips, but more about that below.
RI Foundation: Steve Enquist presented Paul Harris awards to Kris Kauffman (his first), Mark Blanchard (#4) and Tom George (#7) Thanks guys.
Anne Enquist announced a purely Fellowship event on September 27th. This may be a joint event with Clover Park Rotary. It will be a night at the theater—Lakewood Playhouse—for the musical Godspell. A real bargain at $23 per ticket. Support community theater!
Mark Blanchard, on behalf of the Puffin Committee, asked for approval of a $2,000 donation to Nourish, using the proceeds from the Roast of the President. Moved, seconded and carried with alacrity as PM did not want to hear another word about the roast back in December.
Donna Phillips grabbed the mic and urged us to enjoy Cocktails with Seamus from 6:00 p.m. to about 9:30 p.m. on July 9th at their house in Steilacoom. $65 each for fond memories, along with sandwiches and charcuterie. We may also be able to climb aboard the Pierce County Ferry to Anderson Island for a moonlight cruise. The ferry leaves about 10:20 p.m. to go over and pick up the last returnees to the mainland. The dock is just a walk from their house. Another real bargain, assuming you do not take your car.
Linda Disney advertised for Rotary on Tap, to be held on June 13th at the Fan Club on 83rd in Lakewood, near Oakbrook.
Flyers were handed out for Par-Tee on Friday, June 28th at TCGC. That is the golf theme for the Rotary Installation Celebration where we will honor Mary Horn and then install Carl Bronkema (and the other officers) as our next President. Be there at 5;30 for the no-host social hour, complimentary appetizers and a putting contest. Weather permitting, we will be outside on the back lawn of the country club. $70 per person. Golf attire or business casual. (We call it country club casual.) I believe there is dinner as well. Lakewood Playhouse’s new artistic director Joe Walsh will be our MC that evening.
There was also a flyer for the Rotary Night at the ballpark, starting at 4:30 p.m. on August 14th at Cheney Stadium with a tailgate and then first pitch at 7:05 p.m. Tailgate or game only: $16 per person. Both: $32. Add a Rainiers hat: $38.
Mary Horn said we should take a look at the newly redrafted Bylaws of Lakewood Rotary, especially if we are suffering from insomnia. Greg Rediske, our erstwhile Secretary, did a lot of work on these bylaws, so show some respect for his efforts by at least reading them once. Maybe, like me, he inserted a few intentional typos to see if anybody reads such stuff. Or you can just vote on the bylaws without reading them, like most folks do with their Local Voters Pamphlet and then their ballot.
Cookie Jar.
Mark Herr paid a Chocolate Chip ($100) for a picture of him and his wife in Stroll magazine, published by Lakewood Rotarian Debbie McVicker. Mark Edgecombe paid for a variety of sins such as missing a lot of meetings during the tax season, a wedding, a grandson’s birthday, his own recent birthday, and anything else he could think of, so he does not get fined again this year. All of that was worth $200, but Carl Bronkema was seen grinning as July 1st is coming. $200 must be called a Macadamia Nut Cookie.
Bob Peterson gave a Chocolate Chip too, celebrating 62 years of wedded bliss and 56 years living in the same house.
The Program:
PM introduced Leanna Albrecht of the Clover Park School District to present our program about the distinguished Educators of the Year. Leanna introduced Micah Dill of Steilacoom High School, Miranda Nordlund of Harrison Preparatory School, and Dominique Lowery of Clover Park High School and then she asked them to sit as a panel to answer questions that we might have about education today.
Leanna asked them about what changes and adjustments they have noticed in this post-pandemic world of education. The three teachers had great observations and tips for teachers of today’s students. For example, they all seemed to agree that just being “present” for the kids is critical; it seems that many students just need an adult role model in their lives. Leanna asked each educator to share one success story. Miranda of Harrison Prep said it was very moving to see those girls who she first taught as sixth graders now graduate from high school. The transformation and blossoming of those young people was quite impactful, she said. Dominique of Clover Park said he was able to draw out a rather shy black kid who kept looking at him on the first day of school. The student finally said it out loud, “You’re the teacher.” What he was saying without saying it was: “you look like me” and so the student felt comfortable with him and not nearly as shy. The point: any way you can establish a relationship with the student…do it.
The educators seemed to agree that critical thinking skills are important and particularly the ability to write well. They also agreed that one of the biggest challenges in education today is presented by social media and technology in general. They stressed that teachers need to be engaging and substitute interactive dialogue for lectures, which kids find boring. After listening to these three answer Leanna’s questions, and those posed by our own members, we can see why these three teachers deserved to be honored. Each was given a nice plaque and an even nicer $100 bill, to be used by them personally and not for anyone else!
Leanna added that our fourth honoree, Athena Houseman of Lakes H.S., could not make it due to an emergency.
THE DRAWING: Steve Enquist had the winning raffle ticket number and a one out of three chance to win about $1200. Alas, he drew a white chip and so next week the odds are fifty-fifty, with one red chip and one white chip left.
Breaking News: Youth Protection Alert: The club YPO sent about 50 members a link to take the Youth Protection Awareness test. All members of Rotary are expected to do this once. Only about half of LR Rotarians have so far seen the video and passed the test. Do it!
Note to Editors: There are at least five mistakes, or misspelled words or names for you to find in the above bulletin. Remember that Spellcheck is an imperfect proofreader, as if you use the wrong word but it is a real word in the English language, Spellcheck will not care.
Upcoming Events:
June 7 - at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Ret. Major General Ken Farmer, former head of Walter Reed Army Medical Center speaking on American Military Medicine
June 13 - at 5:30 p.m. - Rotary on Tap - Join us at the Fan Club, 8315 83rd Street, Lakewood RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Click here to RSVP.
June 14 - at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - President Mother Mary will give a State of the Club address, and we'll hear from Committee chairs so you can decide how you want to be involved next year
June 21 - at the Lakewood Playhouse - Music in Four Parts featuring Philip Lindholm, Scott Casebolt, Chris Kimball, and Eric Quinn - Register HERE
June 28 - at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Kathleen Clerc, Beekeeper
Friday, June 28, 5:30 p.m. at TCGC - ParTEE -Lakewood Rotary Installation of 2024–25 Officers and Directors Register HERE
August 14 - PC Rotary clubs night at ball park. Tailgate at 4:30 game at 7:05. Contact Tony at (559) 905-0466 or tonyc.rotary@gmail.com.
Hope for the Unhoused with Pierce County Community Village
By Paula T. OlsonEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Monday, May 27, 2024
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Ever walk into a crowded room that you know well and feel funny. Somethings off, odd. You’ve been there countless times before but not felt this feeling. That was me on Friday. I said hello to several people, got my lunch and sat down at the table. I looked around but couldn’t shake that unsettled feeling. Then about 12:28 pm, I started to hear unusual sounds, and the feeling got stronger. Finally, as Past President Jason Whalen came to the podium and the music played a little louder, I realized what was going on. President Mother Mary was absent, there was no “We are Family” by Sister Sledge playing, and Hawaii Guy was leading the meeting with Aloha music playing in the background. As I learned later, Mother Mary was still on the sick list and had to call in a sub.
PP Jason brought us to order on time. He said he was almost late for the meeting because he didn't know the bridge across Steilacoom Lake was closed. Chris Kimball led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and then did double duty by giving an invocation. Rob Erb announced a moment of silence for those who had given the ultimate gift, their lives, for our freedom. PP Jason thanked Chuck Hellar for manning the Paul Harris table, Linda Disney for what she did, and the Dream Team for meeting set up: Scott, Rob, James, Rick, Wynn and Terry. Jason didn’t get the memo that I, Paula Olson, was writing the bulletin, but I don’t fault him for that, as he came through for PM Mary in her hour of need. Walt Richardson took pictures.
Wendy McGowan gave the Sunshine report, filling us in with the details of Mother Mary’s cold and lack of voice (bronchitis and laryngitis) and Kris Kaufman’s injury to his right leg that sounded ugly. Get well, both of you, especially Mary. The club needs you!! After announcing that donations were accepted that day for the Little Free Pantry, Jason reminded us that donations would be accepted as usual next Friday, the last Friday of the month and the meeting where we bring donations. Leading a meeting is much harder than it looks, folks.
Steve Enquist awarded Wendy McGowan her third Paul Harris. Way to go, Wendy!
Above: Wendy getting her 3rd Paul Harris award
Tony Camoroda represented Lakewood Rotary at the JBLM Family Scholarship Fund award ceremony where 32 students and five family members were given scholarships. This was twice as many as 2023 because donations reached over $37,000, and we were a part of that. Yahoo and congrats! Tony also asked if anyone knew of an accountant-type person to help the Tacoma South Club. They started out with 19 members and have already added nine to their ranks, but no treasurer. Let Tony know if anyone knows someone to fill in until they get one of their very own.
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Above: Tony C talking about the difference Lakewood Rotary made with the JBLM Scholarship Fund
The meeting then turned to that time when the Cookie Jar dominates. Fill-in Jason said that Mother M said he had to raise $1,000 (or what, Mary? Would you spank him if he failed? Just wondering.) Mark Blanchard started off with giving some cash for spending time in Hawaii without kids or grandkids. Just the wife. He also married off his youngest after spending six months fixing up the house.
Above: Mark B looking well rested after a Hawaii vacation with no kids and seeing one son get married
Gary Fulton got his ninth hole-in-one on the sixth hole. He said he’s played golf for 72 years. 72 divided by 9 equals 8. Wow. that’s one every 8 years! He kicked in $100. Jason asked everyone to buy the rest of the wine from the Wine Festival so he could get it out of his trunk. $20/per bottle. Zoomer Dave Swindale had his hand up but nothing to report. Rob Erb in his nice red shirt was a complete wall when John Magnuson reported something. Or at least I was told it was John reporting. Not having x-ray vision, I had no clue. John might have paid $100 but I don’t know.
Angela Connelly informed that her son is getting married in a week and another son is coming home from West Point for 10 days and then he starts his internship with the White House. Donna Phillips reported that her oldest son Dan was given a residency at a Cherokee Nation reservation as an optometrist. They are building a new 83,000 sq. ft. laser teaching facility for eye surgery, and she was $100 proud. Don Daniels returned from one week in Nashville, filled with music, sightseeing and alcohol.
Jim Bisceglia asked if he could donate wine for the Little Free Pantry "Probably not," was the answer, but Jim gave some money for something else. Greg Horn gave $20 for a quiet house because of Mary’s inability to speak, and the club booed him so vigorously that he had to change that to $20 for PP Jason so elegantly running the meeting. Chris Kimball proudly announced that his son wrote an article that was published in National Review magazine. Scott Casebolt celebrated his 66th birthday and 42nd wedding anniversary by donating $110 to the cookie jar.
Jan Gee heartily thanked everyone for the success of the Wine and Beer Fest and especially the volunteers. Set up and take down happened in record time and all went very well.
Debbie McVicker informed us that her daughter is graduating from nursing school in Florida, and she hasn’t killed her husband of 29 years, so they are celebrating their anniversary. Good call, Debbie in keeping him alive for the next 29 years.
Above: Debbie contributing to ther cookie jar
Sub Jason reported that he went to China to visit Lakewood’s sister city and had a great time discussing economic development and other stuff that he’ll tell us more about some other time. His youngest daughter came in sixth in the state and is under threat of doing better or not coming home. Nice way to motivate the kids, Jason!
Onto the program. Angela Connelly introduced Myron Bernard as the Deputy Director of the Tacoma Rescue Mission and the spearheading organization for Pierce County Community Village.
Above: Angela preparing to introduce our speaker, Myron Bernard. It also looks like she was hawking Jason's wine, but Jason did that later
Above: Myron Bernard, Deputy Director of Tacoma Rescue Mission
Myron introduced his team: Frank Jackson, TRM Faith Engagement Officer and Sarah McKinney, TRM Development Officer.
Above: Tacoma Rescue Mission team Myron, Frank and SarahThis project has been successfully done in 21 cities across the country after it started in Austin, TX. Myron started his presentation with a quote from Mother Theresa and an expression of gratitude to see us joyfully donating money to good causes. He noted that the Village project aligns with the principles of Rotary. Giving a little history, Myron said that the Tacoma Rescue Mission started in 1912. He then led us in an exercise to mentally go back to first grade and draw a house. Then go back and draw a home. Notice the differences between the two drawings? A home may have a fireplace, people, a dog or a cat. His point was that there is more to housing than just a house.
There are about 1,000 unhorsed people in Pierce County. Twenty percent of the shelter residents have nowhere to go. The eligible people for the Village will be chronically homeless for more than five years and over 55 years old. These people ar not appropriate for a shelter, whose health is impacted by using drugs to stay awake all night to prevent being assaulted or robbed. They have needs beyond a place to live, and must rebuild their relationship with society. The rules will be to pay rent, be a good neighbor and obey the law.
Most people believe that to help these folks you give them a house first, but most leave after a short time. What they really need is a home and a community. That is what the Village will be for them. Myron showed us a nice video with an overview of the project./ The City of Lakewood has committed funds to the project. It will be located at the intersection of 176th and Spanaway Loop Road. It consists of of 90 acres. Myron showed us drawings of the different facilities and living units. The plan includes a community garden, preservation of wetlands and park areas, and places where residents can work and create things to sell. Each unit will be for a single person. They hope to raise $19 million over four years.
Myron noted that people have raised environmental concerns such as the habitat for the Western Gray Spuirrel, which was last seen in 2008 over a half mile away. Others argue that the project will destroy the environment. It's the classic there: Great idea, but must not here. If not here, then where? If the Tacoma Rescue Mission doesn't use the area, other developers will come in, destroy the wetlands, build homes that the homeless would never afford. The project intends to preserve as much of the natural environment as possible.
Club members had some questions. It will be open 24 hours a day, and the Community Market will be open 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Instead of rules keeping drug users out, the focus will be on respecting privacy of the home, using long-term solutions in dealing with drub usage, and developing a partnership with Multicare. Myron noted that in the past 25 years Pierce County has changed a lot and those changes are primarily because of three number of people who have moved in and created more traffic. Not all of those people are good people, and they create problems. More people on the streets. It's gotten too expensive to rent a place and there's not enough places to rent tor the number of people living here. Muron commented on a book by UW Professors Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern called "Homeless is a Housing Problem." Please read for much more information on the causes of homelessness. Someone asked why not do this at JBLM. Simple reason: can't buy land that is not for sale. For a more in-depth look at the project please paste PierceCountyWA.gov/Village into our browser.
Above: Site plan of Pierce County VillageThank you, Myron and your team for an informative and hopeful presentation.
Speaking of hope, Jim Sharp won the raffle and he charged up to the front with his raffle ticket with visions of new toys in his head. Busted! He drew a white chip for $5.
Farewell Amelia Babozada!
By Wendy Jo McGowanSunday, May 19, 2024
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Farewell Amelia Babozada!
Wendy McGowan
As the boisterous music, “We are family” faded, I looked toward the podium expecting to see President Mother Mary. In her place stood Carl Bronkema. I was sure the installation had yet to take place. That was still more than a month away. Was Carl getting in “a practice session” or had Mary actually turned the gavel over to her successor? We all discovered that Mary had a bad cold and had ‘called in the back-up’. Oh, are we in for a year……(sigh)! Carl was having a hard time ringing the dinner bell…..(sigh).
The Dream Team members, consisting of Scott Baird, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, and James Osundwa were each honored. Rob Erb had shown up early to corral the troupes, but had to leave before the gong.
The Zoomers were recognized: John Magnuson, Ralph Johnson, Dave Swindell, Mark Blanchard, Kendra Riconosciuto and Greg Horn…the latter was fussing with his camera equipment, so we could only see Lake Steilacoom on the screen…no Greg! Acknowledgements were made to PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda, and AG Bill Potter.
Carl asked the Puffins to stand. They obeyed as good Puffins do. Bob Zawilski was noted as the photographer for the day and it was announced that ‘yours truly’ was the bulletin scribe. The Cookie Jar tender was to be Gary Barton, yet no Cookie Jar was in sight.
Chris Kimball rattled off the many birthdays, Rotary anniversaries and wedding anniversaries. Please note Bob Hammar came out on top in two categories:
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS
John Caufield, May 27, 1965, age 59
Julie White, May 7, 1963, age 61
Scott Casebolt, May 14, 1958, age 66
Bob Martin, May 9, 1951, age 73
Rob Erb, May 12, 1950, age 74
Bill Price, May 1, 1943, age 81
Kris Kauffman, May 15, 1942, age 82
Charles Heberle, May 25, 1940, age 84
Bob Hammar, May 5, 1932, age 92
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Cat Frederickson, 5/5/2023, 1 year
Shiru Osundwa, 5/5/2023, 1 year
Wendy McGowan, 5/14/2021, 3 years
Gary Barton, 5/3/2019, 5 years
Anne Enquist, 5/18/2018, 6 years
Troy Wilcox, 5/1/2015, 9 years
James, Osundwa, 5/7/2021, 3 years
Clayton DeNault, 5/25/2012, 12 years
Monica, Cordell, 5/1/2020, 4 years
Jim Sharp, 5/12/2010, 14 years
Gayle Selden, 5/18/2007, 17 years
Bill Potter, 5/28/2004, 20 years
Tony Camoroda, 5/20/2022, 2 years
Philip Eng, 5/1/1994, 30 years
Gary Fulton, 5/1/1984, 40 years
Bob Hammar, 5/23/2023, 45 years
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Yorleny Clapper to Patrick, May 29, 20 years
Mark Silva to Anne, May 2, 22 years
Debbie McVicker to Tim, May 18, 26 years
Dan Livingston to Leah, May 2, 26 years
Scott Casebolt to JoAnn, May 30, 42 years
Jim Weinand to Jennie, May 29, 47 years
The “Sunshine” Report should have followed next, but our S.P. Carl overlooked me. A few moments later I reminded him. (Sigh!) When I finally had a chance to speak, I informed the meeting attendees that my trusty partner, and dutiful reporter, Greg Rediske, filled me in on the details of Donn Irwin’s recent surgery. It sounded rather serious and quite gruesome, so I put a card with my kind words in the mail to help him along the way. In addition, a phone call to Donn and seeing him here at the meeting today, I am assured that he is recovering nicely. I soon found out from John Lowney that Peter and Sue Marsh have endured the loss of their loyal friend and companion, their dog Sullivan, better known in the neighborhood as “Sully.” I sent them an appropriate card and our best wishes. Since the meeting, I discovered an email from Kris Kaufmann. He headed it with “Injury Report” and went on to say that he had managed to tear up some muscles in his right leg, thus putting him out of commission for awhile. At that time, he was contemplating a Zoom attendance.
There were dozens and dozens of Rotarian guests today as eight Mike McGowan Educational Incentive Award recipients were present as well as their parents, and many Clover Park School District administrators. It was enlightening to hear from each student, especially about their future plans and what university they were going to attend.
I, too, was able to add “my two cents worth” to this Educational Incentive presentation, as I told them a story about “Dreams” and presented each student with a copy of a little book entitled “Carpe Diem”, which translates as ‘Seize the Day.’ The book is full of stories about well-known graduates from universities around the U.S. and what “wise words” they had to say in a speech at their alma mater’s graduation ceremonies.
Another important event took place at the meeting today. It was our foreign exchange student, Amelia Babazada’s last day with us. Amelia shone brightly as she extended her farewells. Proudly, she announced that today, May 17th is her country’s (Norway) Independence Day. She filled us in on the wonderful things she experienced while in the United States.
Probably the funniest insight Amelia shared with us is that she was astounded that American students can wear p.j.’s to school. She garnered a resounding laugh from the audience, until she explained that students must dress up in Norway when they attend school. She revealed that one of her favorite times at Lakes High was meeting new people. In addition, while here, she enjoyed getting to know other exchange students. Two things she discovered: is that America is so big and that her village, Krisienstand, is small and boring. Another laugh burst forth from the audience. Amelia thanked our club, and especially Gayle Selden, for making her time here so wonderful…even though there are no “Vikings” or “Thor” here. We will miss her.
A few announcements were heard. Peter Marsh promised that his tomato “starts” are ready and available. Joe Quinn paid $20.00 to the Cookie Jar for a “start or two.” Gary Fulton fessed up to a “hole-in-one” on the 9th green this week. (not sure what the Cookie Jar gained).
The best is saved for last: The Wine & Beer Festival is sure to net pretty close to $65,000. Congratulations, Lakewood Rotarians!!!
And, Carl closed the meeting, reminding us that Installation is Friday, June 28th. The dinner will be a buffet and a putting contest is on the agenda. Carl encouraged us to wear our best golf attire. I’m not sure I have any in my closet. I’ll make a trip to the TC&GC golf shop soon! (Sigh!).
As I promised in my previous bulletin, each time I write I wish to educate the club on its history. The bits and pieces come from Greg Rediske’s book, “50 years of Service and Fellowship.” To be sure, I have Greg’s permission. I’d like to tell you about what I believe is the largest fund raiser ever of this club.
In 1980, Lakewood Rotarian and National League baseball player, Cap Peterson, died of end-stage renal disease. Cap was much loved by this club and his death hit the members hard.
When Cap was getting his treatments one day at St. Joseph’s Hospital, members and friends, Mike McGowan and Ron Herbel (another national league baseball player) were visiting Cap. They were disturbed by the quality of care available. After Cap died of a staff infection due to the treatments, Mike and Ron resolved to do something about it.
In September of that year within Lakewood Rotary, “The Friends of Cap Peterson Committee” was formed. None of those members are with us today, but the committee voted to approve the raising and spending of $175,000 towards the construction of the $1.5 million John A. Kennedy Renal Dialysis Center. It was a lot of money for a Rotary Club with an annual income of about $25,000. The committee vowed not to discontinue the current giving, but to add to the fundraising and additional $25,00 per year. Many members thought it folly.
Mike McGowan proposed bringing in the internationally renowned economist, Milton Friedman, to speak at The Fifth Avenue Theater in Seattle. Friedman had won the Nobel Prize for Economic Science in 1976, had authored 20 books, and had received 13 honorary doctorate degrees. Mike and others in the club sold the event to banks and other financial institutions and multiple corporations. On September 22, 1981, Friedman spoke. This event alone netted over $65,000 (on a gross of $104,783, less a speaker fee of $20,000 and other expenses) in just one afternoon..
The bottom line: the Rotary Club of Lakewood ended up raising over $253,000 (remember the original commitment was for $175,000), in just over 18 months. On March 18, 1983, our club had its Friday meeting at the John Kennedy Renal Dialysis Center. Mission accomplished.
Upcoming Events:
May 24 - at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Steve O'Ban and Duke Paulson "Tiny Home Village in Austin"
May 28 - at 5:00 p.m. - Board Meeting at TCGC Meeting starts promptly at 5:30 p.m. Dinner may be ordered by no-host.
May 31 - at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Honoring Educators of the Year from Harrison Prep, Steilacoom, Clover Park and Lakes High Schools.
June 7 - at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Ret. Major General Ken Farmer, former head of Walter Reed Army Medical Center speaking on American Military Medicine
June 13 - at 5:30 p.m. - Rotary on Tap - TBA
Save the date: Friday, June 28, 5:30 p.m. at TCGC - It's a PAR-TEE!
Lakewood Rotary Installation of 2024-25 Officers and Directors
Earthlings, extraterrestrials and kids. Oh, my!
By Stephen SaalfeldEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Saturday, May 11, 2024
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Dear Rotarians—This week’s bulletin’s features the literary stylings of the one and only me. And if you are convinced that when any scribe describes their writing as “literary stylings” no jury will convict you of assault when you punch said scribe in the face next time you see them walking down the street, you are correct. So next time you see me (John Magnuson for those who don’t know me) I’ll expect to dodge a jab or two.
Now, if you’ve never scribed for a Rotary meeting before, you may not know that a scribe is handed an agenda for the day’s meeting before they put pen to paper. But in my short time attempting to do this job, I’ve learned rather quickly that the order of the agenda has nothing to do with the order of what happens during the actual meeting. So, if my account doesn’t match what you saw at today’s meeting, you at least know why.
President Mary started our meeting off at 12:30pm with the usual feel-good music and ring of the dinner bell. The flag was saluted followed by a beautiful salute to our mothers by Paula Olsen. For those of you who eschew the Gregorian calendar for a system that consists of tracking Netflix releases and the time until the next run of Haley’s Comet, this is your reminder that Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday. Honor the mothers in your life accordingly.
Bulletin: Steve Saalfeld (posing as John Magnuson sans solid writing skills and mystifying Scandinavian references)
Visiting Rotarians: Tom Glenn from Tacoma Sunrise Rotary. Tom had an announcement about their upcoming fundraiser June 1. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Guests of Rotarians: Jim Weinand introduced wife Jennie, Scott Buser brought wife Kathy. Chris Kimball reported that he dodged a speeding ticket for doing 140 mph on Bridgeport Way by offering to buy lunch for police chief Patrick Smith, who was sitting next to him at today's meeting. I suspect that the wise officer got a free lunch tend then followed Chris home to ensure he made his ticket quota today.
While the sunshine was abundant outside on this 80 degree day, Wendy McGowan assured us there was no additional sunshine report.
Tom George asked the club to consider a grant request of $4,400 (give or take) for our club’s international project which was approved without a fuss.
Paul Harris Awards: Anne Enquist was celebrated for her 4th PH which, as we now know, comes with a special pin and a kiss (at least when your husband is presenting).
Above: Special treatment from Foundation chair Steve for Paul Harris #4
Chuck Hellar got a pin and a handshake for PH #6 as did Dave Coleman for PH #7. No word on whether liplocking is the “new normal” for your 4th PH.
Above: Paul Harris recipients Dave Coleman, Anne Enquist and Chuck Hellar
Joel Vrana was not present to collect his Rotary raffle win at the Wine and Beer Festival when his ticket was drawn, as he was driving cross-country with his siblings to see their mother in North Dakota. He got a very late night phone call from President Mary at 11:00 p.m. our time to inform him he had the winning ticket. Ka-ching. $5,000 richer. He generously donated $1,000 to the cookie jar (that’s a lot of Oreos, baby) to celebrate his good fortune.
Above: Lucky Joel Vranna, grand prize winner of the Wine & Beerfest Raffle
President Mary had Rotarians who attended the Rotary District Conference last weekend at Semiahmoo to stand. Carl & Veroinca Broinkema, Paula Olson, Jan Gee?, Greg Horn, Connie Coleman-Lacadie, Mary Marlin, Tony Camoroda and Bill who???? Plus a few more all fessed up.
We learned that a Casino Night fundraiser there raised over $10,000 for polio prevention. And more impressively, District President Caleb Summerfelt reported that he set an ambitious goal to raise $1 million for The Rotary Foundation / polio from our district only to see the generous folks of 5020 SMASH that mark as $11,279,366 was raised. Sounds like another day to be proud to be a Rotarian.
Linda Disney found herself wishing she had signed a liability waiver as she handed Jan Gee a golf club to tell us all about the upcoming Installation dinner. Miraculously, no one was injured as Jan yelled “Fore” and took a mighty swing as she told us about the “Par-tee” on June 28th where we’ll celebrate President Mary’s reign and ring in the year of Carl Bronkema. Rotarians are encouraged to wear golf or other sports gear or come business casual as Carl is known to swing a club or two for fun himself.
Kendra Riconsciuto was reminded that when one enters a Rotary meeting late after a long absence, there is a 100% chance you will be noticed. Loudly. By everyone. But it was all love as we all welcome back the “prodigal daughter” missed by all.
Phil Eng announced this year's Reeder Roadster Romp Sept. 8-10 to Whidby Island. All are welcome to an adventure with their 2-seat, 4-to-the-floor automobiles. Or regular automobiles would be fine, too. Even if they are automatic transmissions. Even if they are hybrid or all electric. The tradition started about 25 years ago when Lakewood Rotary Past President Paul Reeder tossed out the idea of driving somewhere in his new roadster for a fun weekend. Several others in the club had roadsters and joined him. Fast-forward 25 or so years. Paul is gone, but the tradition lives on. Roadsters are not required, but a sense of adventure is.
Rob Erb is looking for a volunteer from our club to attend the JBLM scholarship ceremony on May 19th at 1300 hours (1:00pm for you civilians). We’d love to have a rep from our club as we provide some scholarship dollars for these deserving students.
Rotarians were reminded that for a mere $75 (tax included) there are still some hanging baskets courtesy of Sterino Farms for purchase. Perhaps a great Mother’s Day opportunity for you last-minute shoppers. Publisher's note: They are all gone. 8 or 10 were snapped up immediately following the meeting.
Cat Frederickson announced that the Longshoreman’s Union is stepping up to support the firefighter’s union at Boeing who are currently on strike. She threw $100 into the cookie jar.
Tom Glenn from Tacoma Sunrise shared flyers for their fundraiser, Portholes to the Future, that will take place on June 1st from 5-9 pm at a warehouse in the Tacoma Tideflats: 501 East 11th Street near the Murray Morgan Bridge. For $75/person of $125/couple, guests will enjoy events ranging from giant Jenga and mini golf to corn hole and axe throwing. Plenty of drinks will be served which always helps my cornhole game, but I have yet to experiment with whether alcohol will improve my axe throwing. Perhaps it's time I find out. Tom Glenn then threw in $20 to Mary's cookie jar to thank the Longshoremen for their support of the Boeing firefighters.
President Mary attempted to put the puffin in the hands of Brie Cooper only to find that Brie has been lugging the furry fellow around already. The Puffin was slightly miffed that it’s whereabouts are not a higher club priority and the rumor is it too will be striking with Boeing firefighters.
As tracking presidential faux pas are the solemn duty of every Lakewood Rotary Bulletin scribe (it’s in the writer’s oath somewhere after reminding Whalen to keep his shirt on), I should also note that President Mary was fined for attempting to fine Mark Silva for grabbing the wrong badge - it turned out he grabbed his Puffin badge and was supposed to be handed his shiny, new blue badge. Mary Contrary paid Mark’s $5 fine for him to atone for her sin.
Dwight Williams threw in a happy $100 as he had just returned from Columbus, Ohio to see his daughter graduate from medical school. He reports that the commencement speaker gave the strangest speech he has ever seen, which included asking the audience to stand up and dance and giving a speech that no one could follow. No word on where we can expect Dr. Seuss’s next commencement address.
Our speakers this week were artists Susan Russell Hall and Terry Rishel along with Lakewold Gardens Executive Director Susan Warner.
Above: Susan Russell Hall and Susan Warner Terry Rishel
Susan Russell Hall describes herself as a “lifelong artist” who knew early on she wanted to do art her whole life even when her mother told her that to work as an artist “you have to work 5 times harder than everyone else.”
Terry Rishel is a professional photographer who spent 20 years photographing Dale Chihuly’s work including his efforts in Venice. He also shared about taking pictures in the Redwoods in California and being admonished that he shouldn’t just look up. He should also look down to see the Redwood root systems showing through the ground. He learned that Redwoods have short, shallow roots and don’t thrive alone. They need a community of trees to be strong. Don’t we all?
These three fine citizens came to tell us that the Museum of Glass is celebrating 20 years of Kids Design Glass (KDG). KDG invites kids from the community to design a glass creature. Each month one is chosen, and the glass artists will create one for the child and one for the museum. They are gearing up for a fantastic exhibition where these fantastical glass creations (with names like Lock-Ness Pig, Happy Melting Ice, Crystal Horn Dragon and Night of the Living Dead Pig) will be placed among scenes that include Terry’s photographs and Susan Russell Hall’s encaustics (a process that dates back to the ancient Egyptians done with wax and a blowtorch).
Encaustics. Now that’s a new word to add to your Funk & Wagnal’s dictionary. They are gearing up for an exhibition and city-wide celebration of the arts in Tacoma in 2026.
Wine & Beer Festival Auction update: While the totals are still being settled, our Beer and Wine Festival has raised right around $151,000, which many unreliable sources think could be a new record. Final totals to come.
Drawing: Jan Gee (who thankfully had put her golf club aside) drew a white chip good for $5. Next week we’re down to four white chips and a pot that is in excess of $902!!
Above: Jan Gee almost $900 richer. Almost.
Point:
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Counterpoint:
Happy Mothers Day everyone!
Den Tredje Mai
Sunday, May 5, 2024
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Den Tredje Mai
John Magnuson
As the celebrations on Den Tredje Mai wind down, comparisons are made to “green beer” on St. Patrick’s Day and “Corona beer and a wedge of lime” on Cinco de Mayo. So today we have one of Swedish Glory Month’s most important festivities – Aquavit, on Den Tredje Mai holiday.Okay kids, select the most correct answer:
- President John Lowney chose to hold Friday’s meeting on Den Tredje Mai knowing that Swedish members of Lakewood Rotary would be thrilled to celebrate one of Sweden’s most important historical events.
- Some criminal reason of no importance.
- Some forgettable Norwegian reason.
- PM knew she wouldn’t be here today so can’t be blamed.
| AQUAVIT |
Ordinary Norwegian | Danish Stuff | Icelandic Hoohaw |
Swedish Medicinal |
| ALCOHOL CONTENT | A whole bunch | 12.00879 Perculnamidules |
Made in Reykjavik | Smooooth |
| FLAVOR | Asphalt | Perculnamidules | Moss | Licorice rose buds |
| VOMIT | Lots | Use: Cleanse Hot Tub | Vomit is taxed | Kraks inte tillatet |
| TOMORROW POSSIBLE? | Very few folks | Just keep drinking | Sex with Reindeer | Die and go to Heaven |
I looked back many years to the turn of the century and read the Lakewood Rotary Key bulletins of the time. Needless to say, there is a strong tradition of celebrations over the years. Being alongside Puget Sound means the aquatic and maritime festivities have always taken centerstage. The coronation of a Kung och Drottning to preside challenges young and old alike. Contests of strength and beauty are not limited to standard perceptions; one must compete without smelling bad. Cooking lutefisk followed by eating it followed by the antidote for lye is always fun to watch. It is a race against time as the stomach lining dissolves. Cow-pie frisbee, ax catching, the dynamite light, catch and toss contest – all fun for the family and the crowd pleasing finale: Guess the deodorant – anchovies, pickled herring, or sardines.
Something must be done about….
I wanted to give this update about thoughtful President John Lowney’s suggestion we not have a traditional bulletin this week. He proclaimed, “We all know who sets up the meeting, we see the photographer, sick folks probably won’t be there, we know the folks at the ‘We Smile as we Take Your Money Table.’ Someday folks may even read the stuff in the bulletin – and it will say who wrote it.” So in an attempt to keep President-for-a- Day Lowney happy and you reader(s) satisfied with relevance, we have the following: Give it your best shot. It is a timed exercise. You have 5 minutes to complete it and mail it to:
Secretary/Commissar Greg Rediske
Greater Lakewood Central Power Concentration Policy Group
Lakewood, Washington 98499
Contest Rules – simply draw a line from the Rotarian’s name to the task with which they were associated at the meeting. Good Luck!
| Rick | Collect Fines | |
| James | Photos | |
| Rob | Bull Scribe | |
| Ole | Invocation | |
| Walt | Set-up | |
| Bob | Putt - Putt | |
| Terry | Set-up | |
| Wynn | Take Roll | |
| Scott | Serve Warrants | |
| Barlow | Hair Length Requirement | |
| Tom | Airplane Stuff | |
| Greg | Set-up | |
| John | Pledge | |
| Wendy | Set-up |
How DO we do it?
An announcement was made as to the rousing success of the festivities held last week. Once again, Lakewood Rotary comes through at the last minute. The members of the Procrastination Committee are to be commended. Jan Gee wanted to give a huge heartfelt thank you to the hard working volunteers who did the set up and take down in record time because everyone pitched in. A special shoot out goes to Steve Saalfeld’s son and daughter who worked especially hard. A full report coming as soon as the dollars are officially counted.
Guests of Rotarians included: Jenny Weinand, Kathy Buser, Brandon Simmons. Brandon introduced friends that undertake conversion of old school buses into housing for the homeless. Becky and Bill Wiggens of Battlefield Addiction also welcomed. President Pro Tem Lowney said hi to his friend, Ed Rodriguez on zoom.
Visiting Rotarians were: My dear friend Jim Merritt from Tacoma 8 who will be joining us shortly, I hope. New members, puffins and Zoomers are like “…lions and tigers and bears, oh my…!” were sort of introduced.
My we are a busy bunch!
Anne Enquist announced dinner and a movie night. Grease is the featured film and dinner is at TCGC where food of the fifties will be served. You will note how politely I avoided any reference to greasy hamburgers and fries. I didn’t write that! Dress in your fifties attire if it fits! Sunday July 21st 5:00 PM at Lakewood AMC.
Greg Rediske said tickets are still available for a music event at Lakewood Playhouse on Friday June 21th, 5:00 PM, ($50 per person), featuring Eric Quinn’s Rap songs, Scott Casebolt, Piper, Phil Lindholm’s Rock Group and Chris Kimball on drums. Included is a scotch tasting with Barlow Buescher.
Donna Phillips announced cocktails with Seamus at her house in Steilacoom on Friday July 9th, 5:00 – 8:30, $65 per person. Seamus will demonstrate cocktail recipes and a charcuterie board provided. The sunset promises to be amazing and an optional twilight cruise on the Steilacoom Ferry boat. (Ask about being dropped off on McNeil Island for a private camping trip.)
PP Jason announced wine for sale out of the trunk of his car. What the …? Is your nickname Bugsy? Mother’s Day Flowers available somewhere, somehow for $75. Sound on the system was intermittent, sorry.
A Program on Boeing by Rich White
Steve Enquist introduced Rich White, a senior manager and lobbyist for Boeing Commercial Aircraft Division. He is responsible for governmental and public relations for the company and has been for 21 years. He immediately “addressed the elephant in the room” the door blowout of a 737 in January. I found his presentation somewhat repetitious while still informative. I googled Rich and his work. The synopsis of everything he told us is very current on his web page. He asserts that safety is discussed with every process, procedure, manufacture, job description. He ran through the history of the Boeing family and their emigration to America. He even mentioned the involvement of George and Dick Pocock who worked on the very early models of pontoon planes.
He pointed out that a 20 year rolling forecast shows demand for aircraft returning to pre-pandemic levels. Global travel is still below that level but GDP corelates with increasing demand over time. He remarked that 15% of employees are veterans. He reported hearing the assertion that the Boeing work culture is “Profitability over Safety ”but insists that such is not the case and that nothing is wrong with Boeing that Boeing cannot fix. Including multiplier effects, Boeing created over 200,000 jobs both within the company in the northwest and with suppliers.
If you are interested in more information about Rich or Boeing, check out the website. It doesn’t say when he rowed at the UW but then neither does mine.
Chris Kimball won $5. He almost cried!
Who Reads This Stuff,
Ole
Upcoming Events:
May 9 - Rotary on Tap at 5:30 pm at Foley's on the Green - RSVP here RSVPs are not required, but appreciated
May 10 -at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Susan Russell Hall, Terry Rishel, and Susan Warner "Earthlings and Extraterrestrials: 20 Years of Kids' Design Glass"
May 17 - at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Leanna Albrecht + Amelia Babazada - double header with students receiving scholarships from the Mike McGowan Awards and a goodbye from our beautiful exchange student Amelia
May 24 - at Noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Steve O'Ban and Duke Paulson "Tiny Home Village in Austin"
May 28 - at 5:00 p.m. - Board Meeting at TCGC Meeting starts promptly at 5:30 p.m. Dinner may be ordered by no-host.
Is It Real or Is It Fake, Or Enhanced Artifically, Or...?
By Donn IrwinEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Monday, April 29, 2024
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You have to ask yourself, is this real or is this fake as you read this recounting of the Lakewood Rotary Club’s weekly meeting for April 26, 2024. You have to do that anyway when this scribe writes so this shouldn’t be much of stretch for any of you.
President Mary (PM) rang the school bell at 12:30 with background music playing compliments of Sister Sledge.
Making it all happen: Chuck Hellar was at the Foundation Station, Barlow Buescher handled the raffle tickets with an assist from Don Daniels who was also collecting Wine & Beer Festival raffle ticket money. Bob Peterson guided us through the Pledge, Yorleny Clapper gave a thankful invocation, the Dream Team (Tom George, Scott Baird, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden and Rob Erb) set us up and tore us down. Walt Richardson took the pictures and Donn Irwin acted as scribe for the day.
Barlow B and Greg R tended the cookie jar offerings.
1912 – First home run hit at Fenway Park in Boston
Jan Gee brought a guest – Loujanna “LJ” Rohrer as did Linda Disney but I didn’t get the name. Jim Weinand introduced wife Jennie as his guest. (Bet Jim has a bit more spare time since April 15th has come and gone).
There was nary a visiting Rotarian.
1941 – The first use of an organ being played at a baseball stadium (Chicago Cubs)
Our voyeurs, er, zoomers were: Carole Wier, Kendra Riconosciuto (glad to “see” you) and Ralph Johnson.
PM recognized our “dignitaries” – PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter.
Wendy McGowan reported that there was no “sunshine” but that Dave Covey’s Celebration of Life is happening Saturday, June 22nd at 2:00 PM. Go the Conibear Shell House (named after Hiram Conibear – the first Husky rowing coach) at 3896 Walla Walla Road, Seattle. (This reporter did a little digging and, according to my source, the shell house is just on the north side of Hec Ed Pavilion (or whatever they call it now).
1952 – Patty Berg shoots a 64 – best competitive round of golf by a woman.
A short video was shown highlighting the World Health Organization’s 50th Anniversary of fighting disease.
Speaking of anniversaries, this day is also the 58th anniversary of Lakewood Rotary. (Carrying the anniversary thing a bit further, as I write this on Saturday afternoon 4/27 Deb and I are celebrating 39 years of marriage).
1954 - Mass trials of the Salk polio vaccine begin (over 400,000 participants)
Congrats to Elysha Ryan on getting her blue badge.
A standing ovation for brand new member Brie Cooper (Angela Connelly sponsored Brie but the person standing next to the newbie looked a lot like Rose Stevens….). Brie averred that her lineage is from Lakewood, that she has three kids and that she loves people. PM announced that Brie has already been to a board meeting – even before becoming a full-fledged member of the club.
PM went over the highlights for the Wine & Beer Festival happening Saturday evening: Attire = comfortable; Buy = raffle tickets and auction items, drink = wine, beer, soft drinks and water; Raise the Paddle = H Barn.
1961 – Roger Maris hits the first of his record-breaking 61 homers in a season.
Jan Gee explained the volunteer happenings for the Wine and Beer Festival and then switched hats to request approval from the club at large to give a $2,500 donation to Communities in Schools. The motion was “so moved”, a second was voiced, and the vote was for approval to spend the money. Congrats once again to all of the folks that make up Lakewood Rotary for your generosity.
Steve Enquist prodded us to get nominations in for the Bernie Ootkin (non-Rotarian) and Russ Klauser (Rotarian) Awards. The committee is looking for three nominations each.
1977 – Studio 54 opens in NY
Gayle Selden grabbed a mic and reminded us all that Rotary impacts in many different ways – not the least of which is through the Exchange Student program. Our current exchange student has had a life-changing experience since she has been here and Gayle confessed that the same thing has happened to her. All this was a preamble to exhort all of us to strongly consider hosting our incoming exchange student.
1983 – John Elway is picked #1 in the NFL draft
Mary Moss was called out by PM for being given a prestigious award – inducted into the Civilian Hall of Fame at JBLM. Ms. Moss confessed that she did not expect this recognition and is very grateful and humbled. It did cost her some money though. Congratulations Mary and thank you for the donation to the cookie jar.
1986 – Chernobyl nuclear reactor explodes
Speaking of donations to the cookie jar, Head Honcho of WPF, Jim Sharp paid up for taking some well-earned time off. He took a cruise with his wife that included the “drink package”. Evidently, he got his money's worth – he paid a fine of $1.00 a drink that amounted to $100.00. Appears as though it was a fun trip, either that or he doesn’t remember much of it!
PM called upon Anne Enquist to introduce our speaker, one LeighAnne Thompson. LeighAnne is Associate Director of Law Library Digital Innovation and the Associate Director of the Technology, Innovation Law and Ethics (TILE) Program and Adjunct Professor.
Her presentation – What is ChatGPT and How It Is Changing the World.
LeighAnne opened her presentation by giving us examples of what AI, ChatGPT for instance, can do.
Ask ChatGPT – Find me a recipe for chocolate chip cookies with no brown sugar = took 10 seconds.
Ask ChatGPT to write a haiku – took 5 seconds
What does GPT mean? G = Generative; P = Pre-trained and T = Transformers
ChatGPT summarizes complex things in very few words. It is a statistical text predictor and learns patterns and structures by using billions of words, looking forward and backward at data, to build answers to inquiries one word at a time.
LeighAnne cautioned that when prompting ChatGPT, do not put any confidential information into the inquiry as GPT WILL REMEMBER it.
She posed the questions: Who is using this tool. The short answer was – she is, as well as her students.
ChatGPT increases efficiencies (benefit) BUT has a big risk in that it makes stuff up (called hallucinations).
The big picture risks to using it include copyright content, the use of vast amounts of energy, deepfakes…. the list goes on.
The above is a brief summary of the presentation as the subject matter is extensive and, as the presenter stated at the beginning of her talk, she could talk about it all day.
LeighAnne closed her talk and took questions.
This is scary stuff!!
Less scary was the drawing in which the holder of the winning ticket, one Greg Rediske, drew a white chip from the pouch and was awarded $5.00 for his troubles.
I do attest and aver that I didn’t make any of this stuff up. I did research the historical data and birthday info and therefore do not lay claim to be it being factual nor accurate.
As you can tell by the quality of the writing, I did not use an enhancement tool (say, ChatGPT) of any kind whist writing this epistle.
2022 – Dr. Anthony Fauci of the CDC announces that the country is out of the “Pandemic Phase” of Covid – for the time being.
If you were born on April 26th, you share a birthday day with the following people:
President James Monroe, actor Lionel Barrymore (think – It’s a Wonderful Life), author Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird), Anne Margret, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, PGA golfer John Daly, actresses Penelope Cruz and Jessica Alba.
Publisher's note: If you were wondering about today's banner photo at the top, here is the low-down. PM & my son Zach builds very precise molds for the aerospace and outerspace industries in his Tacoma facility near the 11th Street Bridge. He has built molds for windows and window frames for Blue Origin's earth orbiter called Orbital Reef that will be launched soon. He uses ChatGPT in his work, and was wondering what it would look like if he told ChatGPT to draw a picture of what it would look like if astronauts were outside the orbiting space station washing windows in outer space.
In less than 30 seconds, Chat GPT created the image and also added the earth and moon in the background.
.
Students Show the Future is Indeed Bright!
By Stephen SaalfeldSunday, April 21, 2024
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Students Show the Future is Indeed Bright!
Steve Saalfeld
Rotarians—I write to you from the future! Or it might be the past. You see as I connected with President Mary before Friday’s meeting, I read the heading at the top of the meeting notes she handed me and saw that the date read “Friday, April 12, 2024.” Now for a moment, I breathed a sigh of relief and was about to hand off my pen and notepad since I knew I was signed up to scribe on Friday, April 19. Alas, it was but a clerical error and if I had to guess it was probably Greg’s fault (Geez, Greg!).
So regardless of when I’m writing from, you’re reading this in the future. So tell me…how is it? With any luck you’ll be replying from your flying car in your silver body suit and throw a stock tip or two my way. I’m poised to buy low.
The good news is Tax Day is behind us. Though maybe that’s bad news for anyone reading this who thought it was April 12. Good luck President Mary!
President Mary rang the dinner bell at 12:30 pm sharp and welcomed the motley crew of Rotarians gathered on a gorgeous Friday afternoon. The shining sun glistened on the lake over my right shoulder. It made one a wee bit hopeful. And the fact that we had a cadre of super-charged student leaders with us heightened that sense of a brighter tomorrow. The flag was saluted followed by an Earth Day-themed invocation by Clint Johnson. President Mary reminded folks that she and Greg will be helping with the Owens Beach cleanup on Saturday and when she asked who else will be joining them zero hands flew into the air. Sounds like Mary and Greg will have the beach to themselves. Might I suggest a picnic for two?
Meeting details:
Paul Harris Desk: Linda “Don’t call me Walt” Disney
Sgt at Arms: “Heavenly” Chuck Heller
$2 Table: Don “The Collector” Daniels
Photographer: Walt Richardson
Bulletin: Steve “Total Hack” Saalfeld
Family Dream Team: Scott Baird, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa, Rob Erb
We learned that our club has sold $11,000 for our Wine & Beer Festival raffle—and were reminded that there is still time to boost that total, so sell those tickets ASAP! Puffins were asked to wave to the crowd (not to be a curmudgeon, but back in my Puffin days, we had to stand while we walked uphill in the snow. We’ve really gotten soft).
Then there was that poignant moment when Puffin Mark Silva gave the puffin to Puffin Kamarie Wilson. She looked absolutely delighted with her new responsibility.
It is possible (and I’ll even admit CERTAIN) that I missed the name of some of our guests, but I can tell you Greg Horn introduced his pal from Idaho, Marshall Davis. Marshall was welcomed to our meeting in spite of the dubious company he keeps. Various VIPs and shady characters of ill repute were recognized: PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda, AG Bill Potter. The sunshine report was truly all sunshine as Wendy McGowan reported that “no news is good news.”
Mary invited Rob Erb front and center and he presented a large (literally and figuratively) check for $2000 to Summer Barbino, the Donor Request Coordinator for the Lewis McChord Family Scholarship Fund.
Paul Harris: Steve Enquist handed out some hardware to Dwight Williams for his 3rd Paul Harris (along with a certificate recognizing his commitment to donate $1000/year moving forward) and Clint Johnson received a pin for his 5th Paul Harris.
President Mary was called out along with Angela Connelly and Rose Stevens for being pictured in Stroll magazine. The article told the tale of the delegation she was part of that ventured to Texas to tour a community for houseless individuals that is a model for a program in our local community. President Mary paid a fine, but marveled at how clean the facilities were there and how happy the residents there are as they benefit from a place to live in community where they have mentorship and means of earning income.
Hands in the Cookie Jar: Chuck Hellar was called out for his recent trip to “cold, windy and rainy” Florida. Chuck reported this might his last trip down there for reasons that have nothing to do with hurricanes and alligators. Clint Johnson admitted to some recent sojourns to Puerta Vallarta as well as birthdays for a couple of granddaughters and happily paid a fine. He encouraged us all to ask John Korsmo about the 9th hole on the golf course in Mexico. This writer wants some details, so somebody track John down ASAP.
Donna acknowledged a trip to Arizona, but wanted to make sure folks knew about the auction item she put together that as far as I can tell includes a British bartender, a drunken ferry-ride and a good chance of waking up with a headache on a freighter bound for parts unknown the next morning. Another reason to buy your Wine and Beer Festival tickets now if you haven’t already!
Your erstwhile reporter grabbed the mic briefly to pay a fine for a trip to California where he learned that one should not swim in the waters off Coronado when it rains in Tijuana. You’ll be happy to know we did NOT swim in those poop-infested waters (one of the few phrases that makes one think swimming with sharks might be okay if the poop will keep its distance) and headed north to the (hopefully) sewage-free waters of Encinitas. I also shared that my daughter was named student of the month for Curtis Jr HS and will be honored by our UP/Fircrest counterparts next week.
STUDENTS OF THE YEAR introduced by Leanna Albrecht:
Clover Park High: Deepak Chaudhary—sophomore, leader in and out of class who tours new students and was flown to the Air Force Academy for a leadership program
Steilacoom High: Susan Anderson—senior, National Honor Society Pres, Yearbook editor, choir, aspiring music teacher headed to WWU
Harrison Prep: Wendi Valdivia-Torres—National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society President, Environmental Awareness Club President, IB student with many awards to her name
Lakes High: Dylan Pant—senior, 11 AP courses in high school and perfect marks in every class, will compete at DECA nationals soon. One of 161 Presidential Scholars in the nation.
Leanna asked the students to answer some questions about their school experience. Lots was said, so I’ll offer you the highlights, though the lowlight was Leanna reminding the students several times how gosh darn old all of us Rotarians are and that our school memories are lost to us among the dusty cobwebs in our skulls (or something to that effect).
What’s different about school now?
Technology, information at their fingertips, emphasis on quality of learning, though it was noted that technology comes with social media and the bullying so many students endure. The great degree of communication between students and teachers was also noted.
What are you most proud of?
Opportunities to represent school in the community, volunteer and advocate, being a page in Olympia for one. Opportunities to celebrate students’ heritage at school.
Biggest challenges in school?
Students seeing schools as “a prison” and not recognizing the opportunities it offers, the aforementioned social bullying that happens online, pressure and behavioral health challenges and students lost to suicide, sometimes unhealthy academic competition among students.
How can the community and groups like Rotary support schools better?
Invite high school students to volunteer in the community and help solve common problems—seeing students as a valuable community resource, helping students see the value of school in preparing them for the future, helping students to find scholarships, especially lower income students and to motivate and mentor students.
Who impacted you most in school?
Teachers, classmates, family, friends. One student remarked on being shy and how her friends helped her find the courage to speak up and ask questions while another praised Ms. Casey Eck—her music teacher who works so hard (even when she’s home sick with COVID) to prepare students and another remarked on the way his immigrant parents inspired him to work hard.
Plans after high school?
Wendy has her sights set on a degree in biochemistry at either UW or NYU. Susan was accepted to all 10 schools she applied to and is bound for Western Washington University where she plans to study music education. Dylan is deciding between PLU and UW and is interested in computer science and exploring ways that technology can help people access education and aid those experiencing natural disasters, as he witnessed after earthquakes in Nepal. Deepak plans to do Running Start courses locally.
For those of you not present at the meeting, I can tell you that the sun seemed to shine a little brighter on the lake after hearing this thoughtful group of young leaders share their hopes and dreams with our humble club. In fact, DGN Tony Camoroda spoke up to honor and congratulate these students on behalf of all of the clubs in our district.
So, as I sign off fellow Rotarians, I encourage you to reach out to a young person in your world. Recognize the challenges they face so different from the time when you and I were in school and lend them some of the light and hope they will need to make this world a bit better for all of us.
And the winning ticket went to…..Steve Enquist! Alas, a white chip was drawn. The pot has reached $700+, so buy a ticket next week.
Till next time.
Was It A Hat Trick? A Trifecta? A Threepeat? Or Was It A Triple Play?
By Gregory J. RediskeEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Monday, April 15, 2024
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The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Lakewood Rotary nine that day:
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play,
They thought, "If only Mary could but get a whack at that—
We'd put up even money now, with Mary at the bat."
(apologies to Ernest Thayer’s Casey at the Bat)
And to the plate strode Mighty Mary, to save the day one more time!
She whacked that bell so smartly, and off to another meeting sublime.
There are only two seasons: Winter, and Baseball (Bill Veeck)
Guests:
Lua Pritchard introduced Cheryl Lee, former Rotarian elsewhere and the new Executive Director of the Korean Women’s Association.
Carl Bronkema introduced Tori Murphy, Gayle Selden introduced Kamarie Wilson, and Scott Casebolt introduced himself in the absence of the vacationing Jim Sharp: all guests who were about to become Lakewood Rotarians.
Angela Connelly brought Jessica Langley (a friend not seen since college!) from Coffee Oasis
Philip Lindholm introduced Nick Moore from Terry Wise and Associates.
And perhaps it was Angela who introduced Brie Cooper, about to become a Rotarian in a week.
Visiting Rotarians:
Jim Merritt, Tacoma 8
Erin Chanfrau, currently directing INCORRUPTIBLE at the Lakewood Playhouse, Clover Park Rotary
Zooming: Carole Wier, Ralph Johnson, David Swindale, Jim Rooks.
Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal. George Will
MARY HITS A TRIPLE!!!!
Three new members in one day! The Puffin pass started first: now pay attention:
Linda Ripley handed off to Mark Silva to Scott Casebolt, then Philip Lindholm parted with his puffin and it went to Tori Murphy by way of who knows who, while Scott passed his to Kamarie Wilson, who “begrudgingly” passed it back to Scott. Got that? The ol’ hidden Puffin trick, played to perfection.
After Mary’s words of wisdom and induction ceremony, we heard from the new Puffins:
Scott Casebolt spent 33 years with Tacoma Fire (medic, hazmat, etc., and volunteered in New York on 9/11), then became Fire Chief in Tangent, Oregon for 5 years, and is now on the South Sound 911 Board, a faculty member at Pierce and now recently elected as one of our fire commissioners. Married 44 years with two daughters. And he is a virtuoso on the bagpipes.
Kamarie Wilson is the manager at Home Street Bank in Lakewood, is a member of Steilacoom Kiwanis and the Lakewood and the Steilacoom Public Safety Advisory Boards, and has three boys: sons age 13 & 8, and her husband of 19 years.
Tori Murphy spent six years in the military as an MP (where she met her MP husband), then went to college to earn degrees in psychology and criminal justice. She is a certified hostage negotiator and works for Veterans Security Service as an account representative (which is where former members Christian and Ryan were from, and Christian still is from).
Welcome!!! It should be noted that the only sponsor on the floor was Gayle Selden, which explained how substitute sponsors Carl Bronkema and Greg Horn were given pictures of the real sponsors to display in front of them so no one would be confused. As if the Puffin pass didn’t confuse everyone enough. (Veronica Bronkema and Jim Sharp were the missing ones.)
The biggest thrill a ballplayer can have is when your son takes after you. That happened when my Bobby was in his championship Little League game. He really showed me something. Struck out three times. Made an error that lost the game. Parents were throwing things at our car and swearing at us as we drove off. Gosh, I was proud. Bob Uecker
Announcements:
Winefest is April 27, and approaching fast. Mary Marlin displayed the expensive and beautiful necklace donated by Sean at Diamond Designs Unlimited. Ticket sales began the day at 192: getting closer, but a ways to go. Next Friday is the new and very real deadline. Jan Gee is still searching for volunteers for the night of April 27. Still could use some auction items, and the raffle is coming due: $5000 prize.
Rob Erb asked for a vote on $2000 from the Military Appreciation Committee for scholarships for the Lewis-McChord Family Scholarship Fund. Zero “no” votes were recorded.
April 20: Earth Day. We are scheduled to help at Owens Beach for cleanup, 9-12.
Family Fines or whatever we call them to make them seem more palatable that “fines”:
Hank Kerns spent two weeks in Antigua and other places that my hearing aids selectively didn’t pick up. But part of it was with a host family from Hank’s year as an exchange student!! $100
Bill Potter proclaimed that “every day when Sue’s still there is the best day of my life,” and then produced $100 to commemorate 30 years of marriage. (Yes, Sue reads our bulletin…..)
Gary Barton visited his brother in Denver and skied a couple double black diamonds and lived to tell the tale. $50
Barlow Buescher traveled to Texas to see Charlene Miseli (former member) and husband Jay, in order to see the full eclipse. $40
Bob Martin took a break from physical ailments to relax in Puerta Vallarta where he “dried out”. Meaning from the rainfall, we expect, not the other drying out. $50
Rob Erb was recognized for 47 years of marriage previously, and rounded it up to $50
A big thanks to all of Lakewood Rotary for the $3000 donated to the Lakewood Baseball Club this year. They have given out about 50 scholarships so those kids could play this year. That and an increase in many costs have made our donation critical to this season even happening. And on that subject, I am coaching again after a couple years on the sidelines, working with my granddaughter and 12 other 4-5-6 year olds in T-ball. Sometimes I feel like the Dodgers’ manager trying to talk to Ohtani through his interpreter when I speak with the 4-year old. Their diction is not so great…The other day, we were working on running the bases. Not really HOW to run the bases, but WHERE they are. Despite my erudite instruction, there remained some difficulty in understanding the general direction of first base. So I took the player who was having the most difficulty, and using my best coaching technique, instructed this player to follow another player who seemed to know where first was: “Follow him, he’ll show you the right way”. Then the two of them took off for parts unknown, somewhere between 1st and 2nd before veering into right field. At least the second kid was following my instruction perfectly.
I hit a grand slam off Ron Herbel and when his manager Herman Franks came out to get him, he was bringing Herbel's suitcase. Bob Uecker (Ron Herbel played 9 years in the Major Leagues, before becoming President of Lakewood Rotary in 1984. Bob Uecker hit exactly one grand slam in his career.)
Program:
Angela Connelly was demoralized many years ago when it became clear how many homeless teens were out there. Coffee Oasis started 27 years ago to fill this need. Our speaker, Mike Parejo, transitioned from a career as a church pastor to Coffee Oasis, in Tacoma at South 14th and Tacoma Avenue. Their mission: Restore community through compassionate youth programs and coffee business. They are the only agency providing housing services for teens. There are 200 to 300 homeless teens in Pierce County (hard to know because of the “couch surfing”). 20% report being trafficked and 33% have been victims of violence. The coffee business provides opportunities for the youth, as well as raising money for their care. They have a 12-bed shelter. Their drop-in centers serve 20-30 youths per day. There are 6 locations, but only one in Tacoma. Since 2013, they have helped 549 achieve permanent housing. In 2023 alone, 87 achieved housing, 144 accessed housing through Coffee Oasis, and they had 3232 bed nights last year. The kids can only stay a maximum of 150 days, so the clock ticks in getting them on their feet and on their way. Want to get involved? Go to thecoffeeoasis.com/get-involved. They are currently renovating a new housing project for 16 to 20 year old women (who can stay there a maximum of 2 years), and there is a May 8 fundraiser specifically for this. On October 2, their major fundraiser will take place at Historic 1625 Tacoma Place. Last year, they raised $300,000. Go to: thecoffeeoasis.com/coffeecorks.
April 26: Angela Connelly, Rose Stevens and you (?) will be leaving from Rotary for a private tour of the facility. Go with them!
And lastly: Scott Casebolt started his membership off right with the winning ticket, #8902. But he only got it sort-of right: he pulled a white chip worth $5.00, not $662.
Oh, somewhere in this favoured land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light;
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout,
While here in Lakewood joy reigns supreme, as Mary said “over and out”!
(However, in Mudville, mighty Casey did, in fact, strike out….”)
Earthquakes and Other Disasters
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, April 7, 2024
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Earthquakes and Other Disasters
By Joe Quinn
President Mary Horn (PM) opened the meeting right on time with music, bells and whistles as is her wont. Or is it want? Anyway, she did it the way she always does…with alacrity.
The usual suspects: Making this meeting possible were the following wonderful volunteers:
Flag Salute: Rob Erb
Rotary Moment: Scott Buser, who waxed eloquent by quoting from Ralph Waldo Emerson
Paul Harris Desk: Dick Ferrell
Sgt. At Arms/Raffle Desk: Greg Horn, or Jan Gee or both
Family Dream Team/Setup Crew: Rob Erb led his crew: Scott Baird, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, James Osundwa and Terry Roarke
Puffins: PM made them stand or wave
Photog: Walt Richardson
Scribe: Joe Quinn
Cookie Jar Tender: John Lowney
Zoomers were welcomed by PM and she acknowledged our usual dignitaries: PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda, and AG Bill Potter. If you were never in the military, we will explain these abbreviations for you: Past District Governor (PDG); District Governor Nominee (DGN), who takes office as DG in July of 2025 is DGN Tony; and AG is Assistant Governor.
Sunshine: Wendy had no bad news for us, which is good news. She said the memorial for LT GEN William “Bill” Harrison, our first mayor, will be held on April 6th as this is written, but that was yesterday as this will be published on Sunday, so sorry if you missed it. Bill was a great leader and did a wonderful job as our first mayor of the new City of Lakewood. LT GEN means lieutenant general, which is a three-star general, outranking Major General, which is a two-star general. The American military is so logical!
Hilarious Skit: At that point in the meeting, the trio of Anne Enquist, Stephanie Wilcox and Ron Irwin presented a brief skit to remind us to sign up for the Dinner and a Movie—a Rotary Auction item that costs a mere $85 per person. It is scheduled for July 21 at the AMC for the movie Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The 4:00 p.m. movie will be followed by a dinner with burgers and the like at Tacoma Country and Golf Club. The three thespians did a nice job recreating a 1954 hypothetical event at some mythical high school, complete with Anne’s poodle skirt, Stephanie’s really red lipstick and Ron Irwin, who I swear was wearing his old Elvis wig! It was “neato mosquito” as Anne so aptly put it. Don’t miss this retro gala. Sign up now on the website or send a check to John Lowney.
Membership Growth is Critical: Did you know? Next week the plan is to induct new members Scott Casebolt and Brianna Cooper. Insiders, including the Lakewood Key investigative reporter, know that Scott was recently elected to a fire commissioner position at West Pierce Fire & Rescue. Scott is a retired Tacoma Fire officer and served for many years as an elected fire commissioner at another Pierce County fire district.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: PM announced a correction about the two Major Projects. The H-Barn project is set at $50,000 and the Nourish project is for $100,000. PM said she, the board, and the committees learned a lot about ways to improve communications to the club members about our major project plans and proposals. Next time the process will include two weeks’ notice to the club about any major projects to be submitted, followed by a vote. PM said the goal will be greater transparency. She said this new process should be memorialized in the bylaws of the club.
NEW LAKEWOOD KEY FEATURE: THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
In an effort to increase transparency in Lakewood Rotary, as to what our leadership is doing for the good of the club and the community, we at the Lakewood Key are establishing what we hope will be a regular, recurring feature of the weekly LR newsletter. Well, maybe irregular, as in whenever the Prez feels like including a message. It will be a column written by the current President as a message to members (sort of a Fireside Chat, a la Franklin D. Roosevelt) on a matter of her/his choice. We propose to call it The Bully Pulpit, an oblique reference to another President—Teddy Roosevelt. I know, I know, the Bulletin is already full of Bull!
THE BULLY PULPIT:
As your current President, I wanted to say a few words about the Major Projects that the Lakewood Rotary Club has recently approved for the use of your money and the funds we raise through our various fundraising efforts. As noted above, we voted recently to move forward with two major project efforts to fund worthy initiatives in our city. Yes, $150,000 ($50,000 for H Barn, $100,000 for Nourish), is a lot of money and of course it is more than we can expect to raise in one year, despite our most valiant efforts. However, to clarify what we plan to do, both of these projects will be paid for over multiple years. I believe the first payment to the H-Barn project will not be due and payable until at least two years from now. Thus, spreading the contribution of $150,000 over three or four years is well within our usual capabilities. As noted above, the board is committed to a more formalized process in the future for presenting plans for funding major projects. As your current President, I have approved this message and hope to submit many future columns for publication in the Bully Pulpit! Maybe you will all lobby to have my likeness placed upon Mount Rushmore. (Greg made me put that in here as a late April Fool’s joke.)
Paul Harris Awards: Stephen Enquist came forward to award three Paul Harrises as follows:
Don Daniels, his fourth PH award, Rob Erb, #7 and Jim Weinand, #8! Congratulations and thanks from the RI Foundation.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: Greg Rediske announced this month’s birthdays and both wedding and Rotary anniversaries. Just the highlights: Of the seven birthday boys and girls, the only one in attendance was Donn Irwin, aged 75 this month. As a reward, Greg forced Donn to tell a bit about himself. Donn was at a loss to relate his greatest accomplishments, but we can assure you that he is way too humble. Donn grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but then the family moved to Lakewood, but it was in California. Anyway, this former Tacoma 8 member eventually found where he really belongs—Lakewood, WA. As for Rotary anniversaries, one notable was Chris Kimball with 23 years counting his time at Tacoma 8. Bob Cammarano, another Tacoma 8 alum, had the most marital years with 69. Was there a Rotary 8 theme here or what? Greg also mentioned that LR member Morris Northcutt has a new album out so get it on the internet.
District Conference: Last week to sign up for District Conference at Semiahmoo on May 3-4. There may still be rooms left. They have 223 attendees so far.
Earth Day: Earth Day will be celebrated on April 20th with a beach cleanup at Owen Beach at Point Defiance Park.
WINE AND BEER FESTIVAL: PM called upon Linda Disney to report on the big event to be held April 27th.at McGavick. Linda said as of this morning we had only sold 165 tickets, but John Lowney and others said that number increased today. We need at least 300 attendees. Deadline to sign up is April 12th so let’s get with it! How else can we fund our major projects, Community Concerns Committee donations, scholarships and international service projects? Zoomer Bill Potter gave a quick report on the major projects.
Community Concerns Committee: Jan Gee stepped up to ask our approval for a grant of $2500 to the organization known as Grave Concerns. This group pledges to place gravestones identifying those interred at the Fort Steilacoom Park cemetery. Yes, there is a small one there not far from the dog park in the middle of FS Park. These are graves of patients who died while at the historic Western State Hospital; many of these graves have not been previously marked or identified in any way. Unanimous approval of course.
Rotary on Tap: Mark Herr announced that the next Rotary on Tap event will be on Thursday, April 11th at the Adriatic Restaurant, which is located at Oakbrook Golf and Country Club.
Reminder: the World Affairs Seminar 2024 is held from June 22 to June 28 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This is one experience that IS open to the children and grandchildren of Lakewood Rotarians so see if you have someone to nominate. Ask John Lowney if you want to know what his grandchildren experienced, as at least two of them have attended in the past.
RYLA: Leanna Albrecht is accepting applications for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and she could use some help to review applications.
Cookie Jar: Troy Wilcox put $50 in the cookie jar for his and Stephanie’s 24th wedding anniversary and because next week Steph has a birthday. Gayle Selden said that our exchange student—Amelia—and her parents really enjoyed a trip to the Washington Coast to view the wonders of Olympic National Park. Ruby Beach never disappoints. But Amelia especially enjoyed the Town of Forks with all of its Twilight fame and memorabilia. We think Gayle put something in the jar for that. Gayle also said Amelia is finished at the Wilcox home and will be staying next with the Murthas. Barb Spriggs announced that she is moving to West Richland to be near family, but she pledged to Zoom in to LR meetings occasionally.
THE PROGRAM: Greg Horn introduced our speakers, Serena Rotondo and Nathan Johnson. It was noted that Serena is actually a “graduate” of our LR Next Step program as she was mentored by Anne and Stephen Enquist some 6-7 years ago. Nathan comes to West Pierce after having served as the Emergency Management Manager for the City of Yakima. Nathan first answered the question: “What is Emergency Management?” He described the term as a framework to deal with disasters. It involves community partnerships and collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions. The Emergency Management team at West Pierce develops and maintains plans such as a Continuity of Operations Plan to ensure that fire and EMS operations can continue as effectively as possible in spite of a local or regional disaster. He explained that West Pierce is a member of an Emergency Management Coalition, that also includes the cities of Lakewood, University Place and the Town of Steilacoom. Pierce County Emergency Management Department is of course also connected in there somehow.
The Coalition fosters Emergency Shelter Plans and trains staff so that the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is adequately staffed during an emergency. An EOC is like a remote command center with good communications equipment, but the EOC is only operational during an actual emergency or disaster.
Serena Rotondo said the Coalition was formed in 2020 by the above-named member agencies. There is an interlocal agreement between the agencies. The Coalition gets grants to finance the program, presumably from the federal and/or state governments. The parties to the ILA train together often, as they need to know each others’ participants to make things work smoothly in a disaster scenario. (We know these disasters happen. The East Coast of the U.S. had a wake-up call with a 4.8 earthquake just a day or two ago, so they dodged a bullet, as there were few if any damaged buildings or injuries.)
Nathan and Serena urged us to peruse the Coalition’s website. See www.westpierceemergency.org. They also discussed the Fort Steilacoom Park brush fire that occurred last summer, because that led to emergency alerts that some of us received on our cell phones by text. The Coalition uses alerts and warnings like that and it even includes evacuations as needed. In the FS Park fire unified command was established as soon as the size and scope of the fire became known. Later, a multi-agency after-action review was conducted to go over what worked and what could be improved upon. They explained the concept of “Code Red”, which some of us signed up for, as that enables the text alert feature in the event of a significant emergency.
Finally, they explained the various evacuation levels, which are more or less uniform throughout the U.S. Level 1 means “be prepared” in case the emergency escalates; Level 2 means “be ready” and Level 3 means GO NOW. During the Caldor Fire near South Lake Tahoe, we know personally that an event can be upgraded from Level 2 to Level 3 on very short notice! As usual, Rotarians had some incisive comments and questions.
The Drawing: With 10 white chips and 1 red chip it was not surprising to see Dwight Williams winning $5 instead of $619.
As the meeting closed, Bob Peterson gave $25 just to show appreciation for all of his good friends in Lakewood Rotary.
When walking into the meeting Mary Marlin gave me this quote by Benjamin Franklin: “If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Well said Ben.
The New York Times’ Spelling Bee is a good morning ritual== a word game to keep your mind active and engaged to start the day. Today the pangram (where you have to use all 7 letters) was “logophile”. I had to look it up. It means a “lover of words.” Guess I must be a logophile. I love a lot of words. The more the better.
The word of the day: Write! Write it down! Right?
By Wendy Jo McGowanEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Monday, April 1, 2024
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But, before we go any further, Mother Mary had an agenda. We all heard “We are family” and then the dinner bell.
I, too, have an agenda. I’m a rather new Rotarian and still have a lot to learn. However, my husband, Mike, was a Lakewood Rotarian for 50 years, so I remember a great deal of our club’s history. Recently, I have delved into Greg Rediske’s book “50 years of Service and Fellowship”. It has brought back so many good memories. Occasionally, when I am with other Lakewood Rotarians I am surprised that so many of the current members do not have those same memories. To be sure, I have Greg’s permission, so I will tell you. You will find them in italic amongst the bulletins I write. I hope you find them as interesting and fun-loving and historical as I do.
Mary introduced the Zoomers, from far and near, for showing up and went on to thank those that made the meeting possible: Scott Buser overseeing the Paul Harris desk, Mark Edgecomb at the $2.00 table along with acting as Sgt. at Arms. And we never forget the “Dream Team”: Scott Baird, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa…all led by Rob Erb. What would we do without them?
The president recognized the Puffins and asked them to stand. However, not many were present.
Mark Edgecomb was the Cookie Jar tender, as treasurer John was nowhere to be found. Walt Richardson (photographer) and I (author) were acknowledged as the twosome who are responsible for this bulletin.
Guests of Rotarians included Chris Kimball’s wife, Vicki. Gayle Selden introduced Kamarie Wilson who is a VP and branch manager at Homestreet Bank. Our two speakers of the day introduced their wives: Greg Rediske: Sharon and John Magnuson: Bonnie.
We did have one Visiting Rotarian. I do believe Jim Merritt, from Tacoma Eight, should join our club, as we see him frequently. How about it Jim?
President Mary acknowledged PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter.
I was next on the agenda to give a report on the Sunshine. Joe “Strongman” Quinn recently had shoulder surgery. I sent Joe a “happy” note and a great deal of sympathy, as I had shoulder surgery about 15 years ago. When I took a place at the table today Eric Warn revealed he’d had skin cancer surgery this past week.
The announcements came “hard and fast” and I’m sure I didn’t get all of the details. Rose Stevens asked for our vote to give $2,500 to partner up with Tacoma South Rotary to build two educational training centers in Nepal. The “ask” passed. Rose reminded us of our earlier help to a village in Nepal (toilets and a cardiac center).
Where was the first Lakewood Rotary meeting held? (Answer: The Lakewood Terrace Restaurant. Today, the building is occupied by the Lakewood History Museum. The Terrace was THE place to take someone you want to impress or have a romantic tete-a-tete with a special someone. The moment you entered you heard the piano bar, played by an expert who knew all the cocktail lounge standards.
President Mary filled in for Leanna Albrecht. Leanna is accepting applications for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. She would like another Rotarian or two from our club to help review applications.
Mary then reminded us of the District Conference in Semiahmoo on May 3 & 4. The resort has released a block of rooms at a cost of $219. She also encouraged us to add Earth Day (April 20) to our calendars. Be sure to sign up to help at Owens Beach for a beach clean-up.
Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Gayle Selden came to the “mic” to rev-up our efforts toward the Wine & Beer Festival, being held at the McGavick Center on April 27th. This is our one and only fund-raiser for the year. As of today, they have approximately 100 people signed up, but to reach our goal we will need 300-350! They explained how to use the QR code at each table to purchase your tickets. The deadline is April 12th.
Bill Potter, Major Projects head, shared that the committee chose The H-Barn Project for our club to raise funds for, but did explain that Clover Park Rotary selected Nourish.
Recently, you have learned about the first Lakewood Rotary Major Project, the Easter Pancake Breakfast, started in 1961. A most interesting donation was made in 1978. The club donated $5,000 towards a piece of equipment used by the fire department, called the Jaws of Life, which is used in extracting people from damaged cars. And, soon after that our club supported the fire department again by purchasing their first rescue vehicle. Do you have any idea what the cost of this was? $42,000. Lakewood Rotary was stepping up with some serious community support money.
Mother Mary proceeded to gather a few more payments to the Cookie Jar. The ones I most remember are: $100 from Tony Camoroda for a recent trip to Sugarland, Texas. Tony claimed it was strictly a business trip and that no fun ensued. However, the $100 he gave is for the birth of a new grandson. Even more memorable, Chris Kimball may be off to driving school for racing his car 110+ mph. At least the Cookie Jar is $100 richer, thanks to Chris!
The best “Bull Writers” of Lakewood Rotary, John Magnuson and Greg Rediske, were the speakers today. (Does anyone think I will ever measure up???). I wasn’t expecting Shakespeare, Charles Dickens or James Joyce from these two, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Greg stepped up to the microphone with the words, “When I was a child I disliked ‘weddings and funerals’. As he grew up, Greg explained that it became important “to write things down” so when a wedding or a funeral came about he could pull out these writings and have a speech already written for the occasion.
Greg went on to say the writings must be a memoir, a story, not merely a litany of facts. Greg talked about his dad, Jim and his father-in-law, Russ Klauser. He told us that Russ made a real effort to write to his mother, Nora, during the war. Nora had saved the letters, so Russ’ thoughts were at-ready…likely for Nora’s funeral and for Russ’ funeral as well.
(Above: Mike McGowan pinning a Paul Harris Foundation award on his mentor, Russ Klauser)
Greg revealed that there are self-publishing resources available such as www.lulu.com and Storyworth. For the timid writer, these resources can help guide one through laborious efforts to get your words “on that blank piece of paper in front of you.”
Then it was John’s turn. He immediately pulled out a weighty tome…yes, that he had written! John revealed that the book’s 400 pages is enough to scare anyone. A wisecrack from Walt Richardson in the audience, “Is it in large type?”
John said he’d been a writer for a very long time and had published four children’s books, yet John’s wife, Bonnie revealed to me on the side that she had to push John to finish this very book as a birthday gift to her. Bonnie and your audience today, John, are everso happy you did finish “the tome”.
Thanks, you guys. I’ve always admired both of you and now I have a turn to write with you. What a treat!
*Please look for more Lakewood Rotary historical tidbits each time I write this bulletin. Wendy McGowan
Red Cross to the REscue!
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, March 24, 2024
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Red Cross to the Rescue
Paula T. Olson
President Mary rang the dinner bell promptly at 12:30 for Friday’s meeting. Dick Ferrell led us in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Shiru Osundwa with the invocation. Mary reminded us that today was the Tenth Anniversary of the landslide in Oso but also that it was World Water Day. She played a short video to educate us that we are lucky to live in an area surrounded by water but others are not so lucky. Water conservation is important as we are not immune to drought.
There were only a couple of guests: our speaker Dan Wirth from the farm club and Megan. Welcome to you both. Zoomers were acknowledged, including Ann and Steve Enquist in San Francisco. Royalty in attendance was PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda, and AG Bill Potter. What did Mommy spider say to baby spider? “You spend too much time on the web.” Wendy McGowan had no Sunshine Report except that her back is still acting up.
Turning to announcements, Bob Zawilski reminded everyone about Break Bag delivery on Monday, March 25th at 9:05 am. Yes, that’s the correct time. If you get there at 9:00 am, you will be horrified to witness Bob shamelessly pawing through the donuts to pick out his favorites. You will never unsee that. Several people raised their hands to say they were planning to help. Bob really needs bag counters, you know, folks that say “one, two, three etc.” Anyone can do that.
Next Friday is the last meeting of the month and Pot Roast Day. Yahoo! Also Little Food Pantry Day so bring food/cash to donate. Especially needed are small jars of peanut butter – not Costco size jars and containers with pop tops for folks who don’t have can openers. Steve Enquist had a Paul Harris to present but because he was in San Francisco, he asked Mary to do it and Mary asked Greg to do it and Greg can’t say no, so he did it. The generous recipient was Chris Kimball with his sixth Paul Harris or his five plus. He got a nice pin with a ruby in it. Very well done, Mr. Kimball!
Why is Mother’s Day before Father’s Day? So the kids can spend all their Christmas money on mom.
April 20th is a day that will be of more and less importance depending on relationship. It’s Mary’s dad’s birthday and Hitler’s birthday. Much most important however, is it’s Earth Day. Come one and all to Owens Beach for clean-up. Take your baths at home as the water is still cold. Connie proclaimed the coming of our big fundraising event, the Wine and Beer Festival. So far a pathetic 73 tickets have been purchased and many, many more of them need to be bought before April 12th to ensure there is enough food. Some very cool auction items are available, especially if people turn them in so they can be purchased. Let’s get with it, members, and turn in those procurement sheets! My mom superpower is being the only person in the house who can see an empty toilet paper roll.
Next in the agenda was Pres Mary’s favorite part of any meeting, donations to her Cookie Jar. Someone announced that Veronica Bronkema was having a birthday and Pres Mom Mary told Carl to get his wallet out to honor his wife. In response, Carl said that he donated for his own birthday and then had the audacity to say, “ok, I’ll pay XX for her birthday.” [The actual number has been deleted for Veronica’s privacy.] After much prodding, Leon Titus admitted that he helped his wife get a new Cadillac for which he donated $100, although the value was truly priceless. [See, Carl, that’s how to donate for your wife.] Mark Herr announced that he is running for a legislative office for the 28th District with April 12th as his campaign kick off. Rob Erb had taken a couple of short trips so he paid $20. Ann and Steve Enquist wanted to ensure that we honored Gary Fulton as a champion blood donor – 28 gallons!! No, not all at once but that is truly impressive, Gary! Greg Horn gave $28 in appreciation. Twenty eight gallons equals 224 pints and 10 days of bloodletting.
Bob Peterson celebrated his great grandson’s sixth or seventh birthday and his wedding anniversary of 62 years. A friend asked me if she should have a baby after 40. I said no, 40 babies are enough. A bunch of people went to Sun River, like Greg and Mary, John Lowney, Ann and Steve Enquist and arguments broke out about who was giving what for which. Dave Swindale turned 63 years old and rounded up his donation to $65.
Our program came next with Scott Baird introducing our speaker, Dan Wirth, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of South Puget Sound and Olympics. His topic was Increased Disaster Responses as Impacted by Climate Crisis. Dan got his BA at Fort Lewis College and his Master of Arts in Intercultural Youth and Family Development at the University of Montana. Dan’s career includes a stint as a counselor, a couple of years in the Peace Corp, Regional Disaster Officer for the Kentucky region. Dan coordinated disaster relief through Hurricanes Maria and Harvey, disasters in Florence, North Carolina, Flint Michigan, and wild fires in Oregon.
Dan’s presentation was a sobering education on the effect of climate change on the world. There has been a six times increase in major disasters since the 1980s costing billions of dollars. In the past five years, the number of major disasters has doubled. In 2023 alone, disasters cost $28 billion. The number of acres burned by fires has more than doubled.
The Red Cross has about five major lines of business including blood collection for which we can sign up on line. The Red Cross also delivers emergency messages to active military from their families, disaster relief, CPR, life guard, babysitting and first aid training. In the U.S., disaster relief primarily consists of helping people after a house fire. Last year there were 60,000 across the country and 1,200 in the Pacific Northwest, 180 in Pierce County. The Red Cross gives immediate financial assistance and also free fire alarms. It is also involved internationally, for example with distribution of the measles vaccine.
The increase in disasters has caused the Red Cross to reassess its priorities as the toll of these disasters falls more heavily on communities already dealing with issues. Forty percent of Americans do not have the financial resources to absorb an unexpected expense in the amount of $400. The disasters that force people from their homes are much harder for people who depend on social services for survival. For example, currently about 3,400 people are still in shelters in Hawaii from the last fire, down from a high of 5,500. The Red Cross makes contact with the family or individual every two days. Last year was the ninth straight year with double digit disasters. Dan stated that his statistics come from various reputable government sites. Closer to home, there were two wildfires in Lakewood in 2023. The fires are occurring in places that have never seen fires, such as the Olympic Peninsula, Spokane and Oregon.
In response, in 2022 the Red Cross started a five year campaign to raise $1.2 billion to help vulnerable communities. That money will be distributed to the U. S. Disaster Relief Fund in the amount of $800 million, international aid in the amount of $100 million, and sustainability in the amount of $260 million. The Red Cross has expanded its staff to 89 persons working on forging partnerships in 27 cities across the country to form a network of local entities ready to respond to disasters. They are also working on enhancing shelter case work with a digital app for new client management systems as well as partnership with International Red Cross and Red Crescent.
The organization is significantly reducing its brick and mortar buildings and upgrading them into more sustainable buildings. As an example of ways to be more efficient and cost effective, they saw that an ice machine used to cool and store blood cost $2,000 a month because water coursed through it to cool the ice. The team found a better ice machine at a much reduced cost. The University Place office lights dim with the amount of light outside.
In response to member questions, 10% of donations go to administration and 90% go to client services. Thank you, Dan for a very interesting and informative presentation.
You know you’re a mom when . . .
you have a secret stash of candy that not even your spouse gets to see.
all you want for your birthday is for people to stop getting a new glass every time they need a drink.
the first thing you say when you walk into a room is, “What’s that smell?”
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, March 26 at 5:00 pm at TCGC - Board Meeting
Friday, March 29 at noon at TCGC - with Tiffany Speir, Lakewood Long Range Planning Manager - ALSO today is Little Free Pantry Friday! All donations are appreciated, but if you are shopping, we're in need of peanut butter!
Friday, April 5 at noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - with Mari Leavitt, Washington State Representative, 28th District
Friday, April 12 at noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - Mike Pajeo with the Coffee Oasis
Saturday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m. - Lakewood Rotary Wine and Beer Festival, McGavick Center, Lakewood. Come and Love the Wine You're With.
Tickets are available online here or pay by check to Lakewood Rotary, c/o Treasurer John Lowney, PO Box 99786, Lakewood, WA 98496. $125
https://fundraiser.bid/LakewoodRotaryWineandBeerFestival
Change is Inevitable
By Gayle SeldenEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, March 17, 2024
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It was a very sunny Friday . . . . full of a spring of anticipation. President Mary Horn (PMH) gathered at the podium as the sounds of We are Family were playing. Rob Erb lead us in the flag salute and Eric Warn shared some inspiring words. PMH acknowledged Debbie McVicker at the Paul Harris desk and Jan Gee at the Raffle table. Sometimes this gets called the $2 table and I have a sneaking suspicion the name derived from the infamous creation of the Rotary Foundation being set as a $2 per week donation per Russ Klauser’s suggestion. This helped members become Paul Harris fellows in a manageable financial commitment. Now since Raffle tickets are sold at $2 each the name $2 transferred from one position to the other. At least that is my interpretation.
President MH then asked the room—Who was just in Sun Valley? No one raised their hand. Realizing her mistake that she was dreaming of skiing in Sun Valley, she corrected herself to SunRiver. She asked everyone who had been on the recent trip to SunRiver. She asked those members to raise their right hand and then reach into their pockets for a $20. We learned it was the best day of skiing Mary had seen and that she was the women’s Ping Pong champion. Joe Quinn paid $50 for the great time. We then learned when Zoomers were introduced that Joe performed a rap song in honor of son Eric’s Birthday that was written with the help of Chat GPT. Sadly, the rap song was not performed for the rest of the membership. Click here if curiosity gets the better of you. XXXXXXXXXX
We met our guests who joined us today including Becky Wiggins from Battlefield Addictions and Jason Scales from LASA. Visiting Rotarians introduced by Jan Gee included Mic McDaniel from Tacoma South Rotary and Mary Minx from Puyallup South Hill Rotary.
Barlow Buescher introduced our Norwegian exchange student, Amelia Babazada. Amelia is in her last couple months of her exchange year. If you want to get to know her better, time is running out! She is playing tennis for Lakes this semester so Gayle will update with some times to cheer her on. Contact Amelia via call or text 253-951-4410.
Barlow Buescher provided the sunshine report and let us know that Wendy McGowan was under the weather. He also let us know the memorial for General Bill Harrison is April 6th. Locatoin will be announced next week. He then invited Rick to share some words about Gordon Quick.
Rick Selden thanked Greg Rediske for the written words he had shared on Gordy. Gordy was a Rotarian for 53 years. As Lakewood Rotary President in 1987-88, he inducted the first women member of Lakewood Rotary. In 1993-94 he led District 5020 as Governor. Gordy had a saying “Lead, Follow or Get out the hell of the Way.” Gordy was awarded Rotary’s Citation for Meritorious Service in 2009. (Note: this is a BIG deal. There are 528 Rotary districts around the world. Each district is only allowed one nomination per year, and a maximum of 100 Citations are awarded by Rotary International from that group each year). With wife Juanita they traveled to six different countries for 13 Rotary projects. The University of Nebraska recognized Gordon in 1999 for his impact on students as a teacher, principal and as school superintendent. Even at age 90+, Gordy would show up to rake soil at the pavilion or any other project that occurred. Each summer, the current club president was always gifted a zucchini out of Gordy’s garden. He loved to share those. Juanita and family are going to take Gordy’s ashes back to Nebraska for internment. When she returns from Nevada in the spring there will be a gathering to celebrate his memory.
Rick reminded us that a great way to honor the life of our lost Rotarians is a donation to the Lakewood Community Foundation. There are envelopes on the table as you enter Rotary for checks. Alternately, you can head to the web and donate at https://lakewoodfoundation.org/donate. Tom Sadler, who passed recently, helped start this fund. On the program from Tom’s service was a quote from Henry Van, “To desire and strive to be of some service to the world, to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind—this is choice which is possible for all of us; and surely it is a good haven to sail for.”
Jan Gee introduced Jason Scales from LASA. Jason talked about the hygiene center that is opening. It contains three washers and dryers, two showers and 2 computer stations. It will be a support not only for the unhoused but for those who might not have as easy access to those amenities if they are sharing an apartment with multiple families. This hygiene center will help maintain employment and give those who use the facility a foundation to be a strong part of the community. The club is giving $7,500 towards the hygiene center’s operating costs. We are all invited to LASA’s Friendraising Breakfast on April 17th at 7:30 a.m. (No surprise - it will be at Clover Park Technical College in the McGavick Center.) Jan Gee will present a BIG FAKE CHECK to Jason at the event in honor of our support. Tickets to the event are free but a monetary ask will be made at the breakfast. Reserve your space here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/42713183-4182-4b44-a837-b7a432e3c285
Mary Minsk from Puyallup South Hill Rotary invited is all to their corn hole tourney May 3rd and 4th. All levels of corn hole players are invited. Check out www.southhillrotary.org for all the ways you can participate. Sponsors get their own corn hole board. Winning teams get bragging rights.
Bill Potter spoke on behalf of the major projects committee and thanked everyone for participating in the temperature check last week of the three projects the committee was researching. He didn’t further elaborate, but I attained some insider information that the Nourish food bank in Lakewood gained 22 1st place votes and 9 2nd place votes; the Outdoor Gym got 20 1st place projects and 14 second place votes and the H barn got 9 1st place votes and 18 2nd place votes. The committee also recognizes that all members did not get to participate in the poll, but it is not a binding vote.
Our speaker got stuck on the other side of Snoqualmie pass today so the Wine and Beer Fest became the topic of discussion. PMH asked me to start us off by talking about live auction items but sometimes when asked to extemporaneously speak a person may absolutely go in a completely different direction. This person may also have very little recollection of what she said. So, instead of a recollection this is more of what should have been said.
The Wine and Beer Fest is April 27th. It is our primary fundraiser for the club. This event invites our friends and community members to come together. How we make money at the event is through ticket sales, through wine sales, raffle ticket sales, selling. live auction items, selling online silent items, with a raise the paddle and with sponsors to the event.
All members of the club are part of the fundraising committee. So, help us find sponsors—or be one yourself; provide or source an auction item, fill up a table with your friends and help get out the word of our event and the items in it.
We have a website you can find either by going to lakewoodrotary.com and pressing the blue button that says wine and beer fest or by directly using this link https://fundraiser.bid/LakewoodRotaryWineandBeerFestival.
Here you can buy tickets to the event via credit card, peruse the live auction catalog as it gets built and check out the online items available which includes our group event Dinner and a Movie and the Kayak Poker Run. (Those items are available to purchase now!) These items are located under the auction tab. There is also sponsor information on the site and those can be purchased there as well. If you do not want to pay credit card fees for your tickets or sponsorship you can bring a check to the Friday meeting and turn it to the smiling face at the desk.
Co-Chair Connie Coleman-Lacade let us know that a new live auction item of a week in Tuscany, Italy will be available. The movie for this year’s Dinner and a Movie will be Grease, with a fun hamburger dinner at the Country club afterward. She also encouraged us to get together with each other to work on live auction items.
Jason Whalen thanked our sponsors that have come in so far. . .Waste Connections, Amazon, Connelly Law, Dickson Frolich Phillips Burgess. Other sponsors include Ed Selden Carpet One, Heritage Bank and Phil and Judy Eng. Sponsor revenue helps cover the costs associated with the event.
Jason let us know we have some elevated wineries coming including Structure, Dahlman, Dossier and Gard. He is pushing our wine fest even to former Seahawk Sydney Rice.
Don Daniels reminded us that we all have raffle tickets to sell. Ask your friends and enemies for a small donation of $25 to the Rotary club and give them an opportunity to win $5,000. We have 5 weeks of sales left. Don wants to see your tickets in the next 2 weeks. Additional tickets will be sold the night of the Winefest, the drawing will take place there. This raffle puts another $10K into our budget and into the community for next year.
Jan Gee handed out sign ups to volunteer for the event. She says everyone works and whatever Jan says goes! So, sign up or she will hunt you down!
President Horn then busted out the cookie jar. She thanked Scott Buser for $100 for a going to spring training trip. A bearded Don Anderson told a story about a Pierce Transit Bus and his Lakewood City Council life colliding. Apparently, a Pierce Transit short bus did not yield to his vehicle that was moving through a roundabout in Lakewood. He also went to Hawaii and contributed $100.
Puffin Elyse Ryan paid $40 in honor of her daughter’s fourth birthday. That was some generosity! I wonder how much Joe Quinn would owe for son Eric’s recent Birthday using the same multiplicity.
Angela Connelly paid $100 in appreciation of a trip to Austin, Texas she took with her husband Jack Connelly, Rose Stevens, President Mary, Steve O’Ban and wife ?? and Duke Paulson. Duke is from the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The visit to Community First Village gave her hope for the chronic homeless.
Bob Peterson paid $50 for appreciation for 20+ years of being here. . .and by here he meant Lakewood Rotary. He told about how much each Friday’s meeting means to him.
Leanna Albretch paid $50 in honor of guest Betsey’s organization Battlefield Addiction. She said it was an outstanding organization. We learned there is a walk for recovery on May 11th you can sign up and learn more a www.battlefieldaddiction.com/run
John Magnussen let us know that the Zoomers raised $500 to support Winefest while the meeting was happening.
Peter Marsh drew white, and the raffle grew larger.
So we have six weeks to get our tickets, gather our friends and enjoy Lakewood Rotary’s Wine Fest.
Spring Has Sprung!
By John W. MagnusonSunday, March 10, 2024
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Spring has Sprung
John Magnuson
Spring has Sprung
Serendipitously,
Spring springs ubiquitously,
And flowers bloom deliriously.
The Trillium
Mid-summer I look to see,
Where the Trillium went.
Now I remember,
It comes back each Lent.
The Crocus
My wife and I sat admiring our garden,
Then we both squirmed as something tried to poke us.
Sure enough, some aggressive little Crocus!
Yellows
Forsythia, Primrose, Tulips, Daffodils and Witch Hazel,
Saffron harbingers of spring.
Our gardens do relax us.
Until we realize, it’s time to do our taxes!
Ole
Beginning
And with that for you to dwell upon, here follows a recap of the Rotary meeting. PP Mayor Jason Whalen led us in the salute to the flag. Robert Peterson followed with a stirring invocation. PP Gary Fulton at the Paul Harris desk and Gary Barton acted as Sgt. at Arms. PP Bob Zawilski was photographer and PP Ole as scrivener – that is a $17.95 word for scribe or reporter.
PM welcomed Zoomers Carole, Ralph, Ole and Shiru. She acknowledged the furniture moving club of Scott, Rob, James, Rick, Wynn and Terry.
Birthday People Waving Their Arms About
Chris Kimball noted Birthdays and Anniversaries: Ralph and Wendy Lockhart took first prize for 58 years of marriage, Ole, masquerading as PP John Magnuson, won the years in Rotary Trophy for his 48 years of membership. The many, many birthday celebrants came to the front of the room and – wait for it – waved their arms in time to the dulcet tones of a slide whistle. See top picture. And you thought the stories about the planet NUNU were hard to believe! No kidding – waved their…. Well, never mind.
It was announced that PP Tom Sadler’s memorial is March 10th, 2:00 PM at Canterwood in Gig Harbor. Lt. General Bill Harrison’s memorial is April 6th at City Hall. A transfer of the Puffin was made by Chris to Phillip.
Major projects committee
Substitute Chair PP Rick Selden, gave the report on the three choices to be considered. I kept hearing about how long they worked on these possible selections but for some reason, unexplained, we had to urgently vote on them today!? Hmmm? The committee gets to consider them for a long time, but the membership only has a few minutes to consider the suggestions and vote? Where is the urgency in case a member has questions or if someone couldn’t be at the meeting? The presentations were cursory and one-sided at best, with nothing given to me to include in the bulletin as background. I must say, we can do better. Don’t take this as a complaint but it is certainly an observation and do not edit this out!
The three projects are to support the development of a Nourish Pierce County Grocery Store at the corner of Lakewood Drive and Steilacoom Boulevard. Rotary commitment is estimated to be $100,000. Whereas urgency was expressed it may take as much as two years to do this project. The second one to consider is H Barn at Fort Steilacoom. Again, this is a project with many future steps necessary – mostly by the city – but Lakewood Rotary needs to vote to commit $100,000 today.
The third project is an outdoor fitness facility that would be a public private partnership and built at Ft. Steilacoom Park. I didn’t hear a dollar number for this. There was a slick video showing a finished project being used by people resembling PP Greg Rediske in his gym shorts!
PP Rose Stevens showed a video of a sanitary toilet project in Nepal. I am unsure if that is something we participated in, because once more, the report was inaudible.
The Program
Linda Disney introduced author and historian, Dennis Fowler. His books include The Lincoln Guy, Lincoln Raw, Turn, Lincoln, The Dead, and Lincoln’s Angel. Mr. Fowler began by explaining that his approach with a person like Abraham Lincoln is to turn a historical approach into historical fiction. His reasoning, he posits, is to fill in the blanks of an otherwise vapid narrative. He related that outcomes are the same, but the emotion and feelings appear, humanizing the story. Reading some of Lincoln’s Angel it is easy to see his point. The heartache that Abe Lincoln and his wife Mary faced with the sickness of their two sons, the death of one, and Mrs. Lincoln illness, has been written about endlessly, but not with Fowler’s approach. Lincoln’s reliance on Nurse Rebecca Pomeroy is a story of inspiration but not of Lincoln, per se. Army Nurse Pomeroy helped Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln through their darkest hours, during the Civil War. Abe had to deal with a sick and dying family while at the same time, guide the United States through the bloodiest of conflicts. He learned to lean on Nurse Pomeroy as did Mrs. Lincoln even though Nurse Pomeroy had lost her husband to disease and one of her children. She was indomitable and Lincoln declared her, “The most remarkable woman I have known.”
Well-captured and written by our guest today, D. L. Fowler. I wasn’t all that impressed with his presentation. I came home and read a couple of chapters and changed my mind. His story of Rebecca Pomeroy and her remarkable ministrations for one of America’s most important presidents is a fitting parable for today:
International Women’s Day
Thank you, women in Lakewood Rotary. You make this a better Rotary Club.
Who Reads This Stuff?
Ole
Calendar of Events
Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. - Rotary on Tap at Burs, 6151 Steilacoom Blvd., Lakewood RSVP Here
Friday, March 15 at noon - Club Meeting at TCGC with Hunter Abell, President, Washington State Bar Association
Friday, March 22 at noon at TCGC with Dan Wirth, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, So. Puget Sound and Olympics
Tuesday, March 26 at 5:00 pm at TCGC - Board Meeting
Friday, March 29 at noon at TCGC - with Tiffany Speir, Lakewood Long Range Planning Manager
Saturday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m. - Lakewood Rotary Wine and Beer Festival, McGavick Center, Lakewood. Come and Love the Wine You're With.
Tickets are available online here or pay by check to Lakewood Rotary, c/o Treasurer John Lowney, PO Box 99786, Lakewood, WA 98496. $125/each
The Israel/Hamas Mess
By Donn IrwinEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, March 3, 2024
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Due to the rather sobering subject matter of today’s meeting this writer is having a hard time deciding how to begin this missive. Fellow scribe Greg Rediske could possibly brighten things up with a little Scandahoovian humor. Wendy McGowan might pun us and former EIC (Editor-in Charge), the mighty Joe Quinn, could school us on legal issues while Ole might…...well, who knows what Ole (aka John Magnuson) might do. I have come to the conclusion that the best thing to do is simply get on with it so, here goes.
President Mary (PM) shocked the gathered by starting the meeting at 12:25 (I wasn’t even half way done with my salad at the time but duty called so down went the fork and up went the pen). She shared that due to the presentation by today’s speaker and the full schedule in front of her that we needed to get on with it.
Rob Erb led the group in the pledge while Tom George gave us a well thought-out and poignant “thought for the day” or, as they used to say, “invocation”.
Dick Ferrell was at the Paul Harris table while Debbie McVicker was at the two-dollar table (I didn’t see Debbie when I bought my losing raffle ticket as Rick Selden was there taking my money at the time – thanks for stepping in to help Rick). Debbie somehow magically appeared at some point and was also the Sgt at Arms and visiting Rotarians person.
The PM’s family Dream Team set us up and tore us down – Scott Baird, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke and Rick Selden. All led by the esteemed Rob Erb.
PM had all of the Puffins that were in attendance give a wave.
Walt Richardson took photos. Donn Irwin tried to write everything down and present it in a readable format (good luck with that – thank God for EIC’s).
Debbie McVicker was the Cookie Jar tender (busy lady today) along with John Lowney (wait, John wasn’t there so how could he…...never mind, Mr. Rediske came to the rescue once again and assisted Debbie V with the $$).
Random happenings around the world on this this date – March 1 – please see below.
1565 - Portuguese soldier Estácio de Sá founds the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1642 - Georgeana (York) in Maine becomes the 1st incorporated American city.
Somewhere in all of this Scott Adams from Clover Park Rotary (CPR) was called forth to herald the news that CPR is having a fund raiser – called the “Invitational” – and encouraged all of us to come and have fun. The “do-ins” will happen March 8th from 5:30PM to 9:45PM at the McGavick Center. They will have a raise the paddle for Nourish of Pierce County. Easy registration on their website cloverparkrotary.org. Let’s get a couple of Lakewood Rotary tables going.
1781 - US Continental Congress officially adopts the Articles of Confederation
Guests of Rotarians: Rob Erb introduced his brother, Paige. Carl Bronkema introduced Christine Tomlinson (hope I got that right), Angela Connelly introduced what I heard as Bree Cooper, Donn Irwin introduced Dr. Mike Jones (former vet for Ivan the Gorilla and the Point Defiance Zoo as well as Past President of Rotary 8) and Wayne Thronson - retired owner of Tournament Services and former boss of John Magnuson aka Ole. Mark Silva and Linda Ripley were introduced as “guests” but would momentarily become Rotarians.Visiting Rotarians from Clover Park Rotary were the aforementioned Scott Adams as well as Hallie McCurdy.
Then there was the “Sunshine” Report by Wendy McGowan. Gordy Quick is still in the hospital in Las Vegas. Helen Mazoff fell and cracked a vertebra – don’t know if more than one.
1792 - Presidential Succession Act passed
1815 – Napoleon arrives in Cannes, France after escaping exile on Elba and heads for Paris to start the “Hundred Days” rule.
PM welcomed the Zoomers: Ralph Johnson, Mark Blanchard (was it really him or did AI take over his computer again?), Chuck Hellar from Florida and Carole Wier from Minnesota.
Next up, PM called Mark Silva and Linda Ripley to stand in front of us and be inducted into Rotary International and in particular, the Rotary Club of Lakewood WA! The two of them and the rest of us listened as PM went through the initiation process, reminding us all what it means to be a Rotarian and reminding the newbies that there was a bill inside their info packets for this year’s dues – a very important part of the induction process!!
Each new member was given a few minutes to talk about themselves and that is all the time they took. Mark said that Rotary fascinates him and that he has dealt with Rotaract a lot. Linda offered that she will be going to Yellowstone to act as a volunteer until the college students arrive for the summer. Mark was sponsored by Clint Johnson while Linda’s sponsor is Mary Marlin.
Sally Saunders passed the Puffin to Linda who will evidently rotate weeks with Mark. Both of them need to brush up on the care and feeding of puffins.
1869 - US Postage stamps showing scenes issued for 1st time. These pictorials showed a post horse and rider, a locomotive, a shield, an eagle and a ship, the Adriatic.
1872 - Yellowstone becomes the world's first National Park
PM mentioned that the District Conference in Semiahmoo is filling up and that all of the “cheap” rooms in the main building are sold out. More expensive rooms are still available and there are other hotels in the area to stay at.
Mary then called Jan Gee (Community Concerns) to the front so that she could get approval on a grant to LASA (Homeless Prevention) for supplies to support the homeless. The ask was for $7,500. A motion was given, then a second and vote taken. The motion was passed and the grant money was approved.
1875 - US Congress passes Civil Rights Act; invalidated by Supreme Ct, 1883
1893- Tesla publicly demonstrates radio – transmitting electromagnetic energy without wires.
1909 - 1st US university school of nursing established, University of Minnesota
Rotary on Tap was touted - it will be held at Burs on 3/14.
Carl Bronkema was called up to introduce our speaker – Retired Lt. General Keith Dayton:
Keith W. Dayton (born March 7, 1949) is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Army who currently serves as the director of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Dayton served as the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel-Palestinian Authority in Tel Aviv, Israel from December 2005 to October 2010. He has also served as the Director of the Iraq Survey Group, as a senior member of the Joint Staff, and as U.S. Defense Attaché in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia.
The topic: Israel/Hamas Update
The good General led off his update with the not unexpected news that this was not going to be an uplifting presentation.
Getting right to the foundation of the matter General Dayton noted that the Dome of the Rock is where it all starts and ends. (Writers note: The site is a major – if not THE - religious site for Islam, Jews and Christians. If you don’t know much about it or perhaps have forgotten, maybe you could take a few minutes and refresh your memory on the significance of the place. It really helps to try and understand what is happening).
The presentation covered the general state of affairs since October 7th 2023. We are on day 146 (as well as how we got here, going back to biblical times).
Lt. General Dayton covered a massive amount of information, both political and religious, as well as some of the current statistics. Here are some of the highlights:
Israel says that 60% of the aid is being taken by Hamas and that Hamas has approximately 450 miles of sophisticated tunnels complete with Wi-Fi, offices and bathrooms. (Prior to October 7, Israel had estimated only 150 miles of tunnels).
The current situation as to who owns or has the rights to what in the geographical area all started post WWI with the 1917 British Balfour Declaration. (The Balfour Declaration was a public statement issued by the British Government in 1917 during the First World War announcing its support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, then an Ottoman region with a small minority Jewish population. Wikipedia)
General Dayton then gave a brief bulletin point/highlighted history of events including the Oslo Accord/Agreements in 1993 and 1995. These set the stage for Palestinian authority which allowed for limited Palestinian authority in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli settlements on the West Bank are larger there due to the presence of the Israeli military.
Hamas was founded in 1987 and Israel initially supported them but that lasted only about two years. Hamas has a sophisticated army of 24 battalions and a very serious religious fervor. Their goal is to eliminate Jews and Christians. They have a mantra of: First we kill those that go to church on Saturday (Jews) and then we kill those that go to church on Sunday (Christians)0. (Our speaker mentioned this twice during his presentation – I think he was trying to make a point).
Netanyahu is NOT popular in Israel and is only still in power now due to this war.
Public opinion is that Gaza should be controlled by Hamas and the solution to the problem is violence not negotiations.
Our speaker outlined possible solutions such as a multinational kind of police force led by possibly the US, Israel goes back to where they were in 2006 or even Oct 7 of 2023.
Israel’s stance is that “we got nowhere else to go” while Hamas’s take is that Israel is an illegal occupier of “our land” so this is a holy war and Allah is behind us.
The General did a marvelous job of giving us an “insider’s” look at this huge problem and making it as easy as possible to try to understand all of this. He stayed until 1:50 ?? and answered questions, of which there were many.
1932 – Lindberg’s 20-month-old baby kidnapped
1936 - Boulder (Hoover) Dam fully completed
1941 – Captain America comic book character makes his debut
1953 - KTNT (now KSTW) TV channel 11 in Tacoma-Seattle, WA (IND) begins
PM finally stopped the Q&A and did the raffle – three of them. Two for Rotary shirts. Dwight Williams won one shirt and visitor Wayne Thronson won the another.
Then the big money drawing happened, and Dwight won that one as well. White chip = $5.00.
PM rang the bell and we were done.
1953 - KTNT (now KSTW) TV channel 11 in Tacoma-Seattle, WA (IND) begins
1961 – President John F Kennedy establishes the Peace Corp
1969 - After 88 weeks, the Beatles' album "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" drops off the charts
1974 - Watergate grand jury indicts 7 presidential aides
2020 – Washington State announces what is believed to be the second death from the coronavirus while New York state announced its first confirmed case.
If you were born on March 1, you share a birthday with some interesting folks:
1732 - William Cushing, 2nd Chief Justice of the United States, born in Scituate, Massachusetts Bay, British America (d. 1810)
1810 – Frederic Chopin born in the Dutchy of Warsaw
1904 – Big Band leader Glenn Miller born in Iowa
Dinah Shore, Harry Belafonte, Roger Daltrey (The Who), David Niven, Ron Howard (Opie) and Justin Bieber were also all born March 1.
Lakewood Playhouse New Artistic Director – Joe Walsh
By Gayle Selden
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Lakewood Playhouse New Artistic Director – Joe Walsh
Gayle Selden
The last meeting of the month of February has come quickly to Lakewood Rotary. A question often posed if you had an extra hour every day what would you do with it? This February we get a whole extra day. 366 Days in this leap year with our bonus day coming this coming week. What could you do with 24 extra hours?
Rose Stevens was the first greeter of the day collecting food for the Little Free Pantries outside the front door of the club. Connie Coleman-Lacadie was at the table collecting Wine Fest ticket money and encouraging participation for the Lakewood Rotary Wine and Beer Festival. Leon Titus was on the Paul Harris Desk and collected $285. Jan Gee was flashing a lot of money at the raffle table.
President Mary Horn rand the bell for the meeting at 12:30ish. She invited Mark Blanchard to lead us in the Flag Salute and asked Paula Olson for the Rotary Moment. She introduced the famous set up crew, the table crew with Walt as the photographer and Gayle as the bulletin writer. Mary then asked us what made this day special. Immediately, Greg Rediske raised his hand just like the all-knowing Rotary person he is. Unfortunately, he couldn’t speak with a mouth full of lunch. So, President Horn let us know that this day was the 119th Birthday of Rotary. The very first meeting was held in Chicago when Paul Harris asked some business leaders to take an hour to share time together.
Guests at the meeting included Maloo Kaden, introduced by Anne Enquist. Maloo is a Lakewood YMCA Pickleball enthusiast (and water aerobics and tennis and kayaking) and is looking for some new community service opportunities. Donn Irwin introduced a Past President of Tacoma 8 and his wife Don Dolman. Rick Selden introduced Linda Ripley who had her information meeting that morning. We thank them for sharing this hour with us. A good use of time of we agree.
Zoomers were welcomed and Puffins recognized. David Swindale offered up a dog on zoom as an auction item.
Wendy McGowen and Dave Coleman shared memorials for two very special men that were lost this past week. Wendy shared about Lieutenant General William Harrison reading the well written statement from the City of Lakewood. https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewood-mourns-the-loss-of-retired-army-lieutenant-general-ltg-william-bill-harrison/ Bill was 90 years old and spent many of those years in service of others. He helped create, shape and lead the City of Lakewood. You could find Bill at all community fundraisers and events. I often witnessed him sitting in the audience at the Lakewood Playhouse. Bill never let his crippled body stop him from moving. Bill attended the Wednesday meeting of Clover Park Rotary preceding his death. His services are expected to be in April.
Dave Coleman shared the loss of one of our own, Tom Sadler. Dave and Greg Rediske had headed out to Gig Harbor Wednesday morning to take Tom out for lunch. When they arrived, they learned that Tom had passed that morning. Tom had been living in an adult family home to have more care for Parkinson’s. He recently celebrated his 80th Birthday. Dave read the Suburban Times article written by Greg Rediske: Lakewood Community Foundation Fund Loses a Friend – The Suburban Times (thesubtimes.com). Tom was a Lakewood Rotary President who brought a lot of fun to the meetings. He was known to wear lighted glasses while fining members. Tom also had arguably one of the most fun boats to ride during the floating board meeting (you also didn’t know if you’d be in a power boat or a sailboat as he was fond of both). We all had fun while he was captain as he always had a Pepsi in his hand. Tom was a Lakewood community catalyst of his own—in addition to his Rotary service he was a Past President of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, helped found Lakewood Women in Business, and helped create the Lakewood Community Foundation. Tom’s service will be held Sunday, March 10th at 2pm at the Canterwood Golf Course.
Gayle Selden reported she ran into Jayne Shannon on the way into the meeting. Jayne just found out that she has lung cancer. It is unrelated to her previous cancer. After losing Ed to cancer last year, the Shannon family has had more than their fair share of cancer. Please keep Jayne in your healing thoughts. She is looking forward to celebrating her granddaughter’s wedding in Kentucky this September and told Gayle there was no way she was missing it!
Mary Horn announced the upcoming Wine and Beer Festival April 27th. Connie and Linda had auction forms to hand out to those who had ideas for procurement. Live Auction items are a priority. There is the availability to sell smaller items online. Make sure to invite your friends to come and join us. We will be tasting wine, selling the wine tasted, having an elevated dinner. You can get your tickets here: Lakewood Rotary Wine and Beer Festival 2024 (auctria.com)
At the event we’ll have wine sales, hanging flower basket sales (think Mother’s Day gifts), a live auction and a raise the paddle. This plus the sales of our Raffle tickets (Have you sold all yours—might be a good idea to take an hour this week and sell them!). Help fund our Rotary projects for next year by inviting friends, business associates and community members to join us April 27th.
Jan Gee, Chair of the Community Concerns Committee presented Linda Disney, representing STEP with a $1,500 check from Lakewood Rotary for the diaper bank.
The Lakewood Multicultural Coalition has a couple tickets left for their gala. Come join Mary Moss in celebrating our community. Lakewood Multicultural Coalition (lmcc-lakewood.org)
Also, our friends at Clover Park Rotary are hosting Clover Park Rotary Invitational (CPRI) on March 8th. Tickets for this fun event are here https://registrations.dacdb.com/Register/index.cfm?EventID=77721238&NoCaptcha Don’t forget pocket cash for your side bets!
Mary got very excited to jump into a lot of time for the cookie jar. Kris Kaufman gave some money for the 80th Birthday of his first wife, who is still living. It was an odd statement and clarification was needed and we learned his first wife was an arranged marriage. His second he said he arranged. And now we just want more of the story. Is there a third wife? Who arranged the marriage? Was Kris a part of a cult? Hopefully Kris will be a program soon.
Veronica Bronkema paid to recognize Carl’s 60th Birthday and a trip to the Bahamas. Veronica brought Mary a bag of gifts. Carl brought back Covid. Thankfully, he didn’t gift that to Mary.
Bill Potter honored his mother-in-law with cookie bucks for her 90th Birthday and a trip to Tucson. He then immediately offended the women in the room talking about attending a party of women of Rotary age. It was a joke that fell short. Jan Gee said she was taking Bill to a back room with the other swinging singles. I think Jan had the swinging of arms in mind for Bill but one never does know.
Mark Blanchard introduced Joesph Walsh, the new Artistic Director of the Lakewood Playhouse. Mark listed a long list of productions Joe has overseen in his career. From Boston to the UK to Wintergarden, Florida he crafted his director skills and management of the theatre and had to deal with a fair bit of misuse/ misunderstanding of his name.
Joe brought his effervescent energy to our meeting. He talked about his move to the Lakewood Playhouse came in a lot of ways because of the beautiful views surrounding the area. A visit to Steilacoom, the views of the mountains, the weather. But it was the moment he walked into the Lakewood Playhouse theatre that made him feel at home.
Joe had ready Rotary’s mission and tied them all together with the mission of the Lakewood Playhouse. To build community, to provide service to others, to provide connections and to provide a sense of belonging are some of the goals of the theatre. Joe has been working to collaborate with other organizations like the Tacoma Youth Symphony to enhance the theatre and youths experience by bringing youth musicians into productions. Other collaborations with Lakewold Gardens and area businesses are also in the works.
Theater has evolved over time and is continuing to evolve since Covid. It is a unique experience where a group of people sit in a dark room and listen to a story. It’s an intersection of meaningful connections that build community and provide a place of belonging. The whole room was in awe of the presence of Joe and ready to build and support the Lakewood Playhouse.
The Giver is the current production showing and Joe invited us all to see the show for free as a friend of Joe this weekend. I am finishing this bulletin after watching members of the Swinging Singles have the best seat stage side. It was an absolute wonderful production. Let’s get all those seats at Lakewood Playhouse full of Lakewood Rotarians and friends. It is a community gem. I will attest it’s a very good way to spend any extra moments you may have.
For the raffle Joe Quinn pulled white for $5.
Enjoy your extra day this week and make those moments count.
Gayle
Side note: If you’d like to read up on Rotary news and find out about Rotarian generosity for people devastated in Turkey by a most powerful earthquake in almost a century or Champions of Impact or Empowering Women in the Workplace, go to this link:
https://msgfocus.rotary.org/q/12H2XtZxUUWpuIwaHMsW1Z6I/wv
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, February 27 at 5:30 pm - Board Meeting at TCGC
Friday, March 1 at noon at TCGC - with Keith Dayton, Gen. (ret), Senior Advisor to Ukraine 2018-2019, Director, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies 2019-2021
Friday, March 8 at noon at TCGC - with DL Fowler, author, known as the Lincoln Guy
Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. - Save the date! Rotary on Tap, location TBA
Friday, March 15 at noon - Club Meeting at TCGC - with Hunter Abell, President, Washington State Bar Association
Friday, March 15 at 6:00 pm – Lakewood Multicultural Center Gala $75 for dinner. Contact Mary Moss for details.
Saturday, April 27th at 5:30 pm – Second Annual Lakewood Rotary Wine and Beer Festival and Auction at McGavick Center.
Sidney Minutes February 15, 2024
By Horn, Mary JEdited By Horn, Mary JTuesday, February 20, 2024
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The Return of Ole and Friends
By Gregory J. RediskeSunday, February 18, 2024
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The Return of Ole and Friends
Greg Rediski
We writers at the Lakewood Key (aka The Lakewood Rotary Bulletin) constantly strive for semi-perfection in our prescribed duty to inform our fellow members. In pursuit of that, an extensive survey was undertaken, to identify areas of the club, and particularly regarding the Bulletin, that we could improve upon. The results came back that President Mary Horn was just dandy, the club was doing fine, but…….the bulletin needed more Swedish jokes. We heard your concern, and will make every effort to rectify this failing, starting now. (Fortunately, the survey said nothing about NEW Swedish jokes, just Swedish jokes…..)
Ole or no Ole, the meeting started at the usual time with the usual president (Queen Mary) calling upon Chris Kimball for the Pledge to the Flag, and Yorleny Clapper gave the thought for the day. This was after Mary substituted “We Are Family” with the official Rotary anthem. Didn’t sound like it should be a Rotary anthem, but it was, I guess. And here I thought our Rotary anthem was “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall”. I stand corrected.
Connie Coleman-Lacadie took in the Paul Harris money, right next to the collection of men’s clothing for Springbrook (Rose Stevens) and just before Barb Spriggs who was getting $2.00 for a raffle ticket. Setting up today: Wynn, Terry, Rick, James, and David Swindale. (My initial typing omitted the comma between Rick and James, which would be an entirely different Super Freak kind of thing.) Walt Richardson provided great camera work. Mary Marlin brought Linda ?? (and I hope I got the Linda part right. Stupid hearing aids…), while Becky Newton (also our speaker) was visiting from Clover Park Rotary, where she is the reigning Past-President. Ralph Johnson was our sole Zoomer after Carole dropped off, not counting Mark Blanchard’s computer which was signed on without him (he came in person). Tony Camoroda, Bill Potter, Greg Horn and Tom George were at PETS, while President-elect Carl Bronkema was absent from same due to a nasty COVID-19 setback.
Wendy McGowan announced the death of former Lakewood Rotarian, John Forkenbrock. John was 83, and was a member from 2015 to 2022, and was the former chair of the Sunshine Committee. John had quite a few health issues these last few years, but a brain tumor was the final straw. No service information yet.
Ole was taking Geometry 101 for the third time. The teacher was more than anxious for him to pass the class and gave him just 3 problems. The first two were a challenge, Ole thought, but the third! He was overjoyed. He knew the answer! It was so obvious! Geometry wasn’t so hard after all!
(insert triangle picture)
Paul Harris: Congratulations to Dave Betz, and of course the Paul Harris Foundation, for Dave’s qualifying for and receiving his 5th Paul Harris Award. It was given to him, of course, by Steve Enquist. President Mary asked/requested/ordered anyone with an idea for an auction item to turn it into Connie, Hank Kerns, or Mary. This is for the coming Love the Wine You’re With event.
With little fanfare, Mary announced the five events of the day: Flag of Canada Day, International Childhood Cancer Day, Singles Awareness Day, Susan B Anthony Day, and her favorite, National Gumdrop Day. Because I couldn’t read my own writing, I had to look up one of them, and discovered that these were all YESTERDAY’S proclamations. In reality, February 16 was National Caregiver’s Day, No One Eats Alone Day, National Do a Grouch a Favor Day, National Almond Day, and National Tartar Sauce Day. (Just another example of your Bulletin writers going the extra mile to bring truth to the masses.)
Sven offered to help Ole put on his new siding. With their nail aprons and hammers, they began pounding away and were making good progress. Sven noticed Ole would sometimes take out a nail, look at it, and throw it away. Sven asked, “Hey, Ole, dem nails don’t grow on trees! Vhy are you trowing some avay?” Ole responded, “Vell, some of dese nails ain’t no good. Da head is on da wrong end.” Sven’s eyes went wide and he replied, “Ole, you dope! Dem nails is obviously fer da odder side of da house!!!”
Fines/Gifts/Whatever we’re calling them now:
Bob Zawilski: 33 days at sea from LA to Hawaii to French Polynesia to LA. His fondest memory? “Getting off the ship”. They did visit the Maui devastation and made darned sure they got their money’s worth with the free booze on board. $100
Rick Selden had to steady himself after being exposed to the new landlubber Zawilski’s swaying motion but managed to brag on Ed Selden Floor Covering’s 65th anniversary. Rick was 13 when his dad went for it in an area called Lakewood without much else going on. All these years later, Gayle now runs the show and proved its success by producing $100, to match Ricks’ $100.
Jan Gee went to Arizona to see her sisters and get some sun. She saw her sisters, but rain was the order of most days. Laughlin was profitable, however so…..$20.
Rose Stevens went to Austin, Texas with a delegation that included Angela Connelly and Mary Horn. They visited the 80-acre site there built to help combat the homeless crisis in Austin. The average age of the residents is 55, average age of death, 60. Homelessness is a hard life. Steve O’Ban will be giving a program on this in a few weeks. I think Rose offered up $60, while Mary promised to match it. Maybe.
Jim Sharp is finally an empty nester. Even better, his two grandkids are signed up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library! I assume Jim continued his amazing streak of generosity.
Program:
Past President and Mayor of Lakewood Jason Whalen introduced Becky Newton, a Northwest native who has been serving as the Economic Development Manager in Lakewood. There are about 4700 business operating here, about 2800 located in the city limits. About 31,000 people are employed by businesses/entities in Lakewood, about 300 less than pre-Covid. Taxable retail sales in 2018: $10M. In 2023: $14M. Lakewood is getting stronger at attracting business activity. The City has built a website (https://buildyourbetterhere.com/) which serves to market Lakewood’s business-friendly stance. She mentioned some key areas of development:
A 400 unit housing development downtown; a 245 unit multifamily, rent restricted development at Lakewood Station and 50 Townhomes, along with Springhills Suites; Woodbrook Business Park, with hundreds of thousands of square feet; development in the International District totaling 258,000 square feet; a 76 unit apartment complex in Springbook along with 135,000 feet of warehouse space and development of the gravel pit; multiple changes to Tillicum; and an $800 million building project at Western State Hospital (a new 350 bed hospital, administration building).
The City is exploring how to fix the “missing middle” housing problem. JBLM has a $15B impact locally. The poverty rate here is down, to 12.7%, with our median age dropping slightly to just under 36. Questions included the Classy Chassis closing (plans to get permitting after the fire have yet to be received); the dearth of grocery store variety (wishing and hoping); and what to do about the over-saturation of group homes in Lakewood (200 or so; concerns about adequate care being offered for seniors in all these facilities).
In closing, Becky promoted the very fun event coming from Clover Park Rotary on March 18th at the McGavick Center: CPRI (Clover Park Invitational). Tickets are $140 (includes dinner), with opportunities for $50 to $1000 prizes, and a guaranteed good time. Register at:
https://dacdb.com/calendar/event.cfm?EventID=77721238&calclubID=61
Also: their golf tournament is scheduled for August 10.
And with that: Ron Irwin managed to have the winning ticket of #8838. Sadly (for Ron), it was only worth $5 (ironically, the same amount that the fine named for him is), not $300+. Better luck next time.
A bar customer asked the bartender if he wanted to hear a Swede joke. The bartender pointed to a large man at the end of the bar and said, ``He's Swedish.'' Then the bartender pointed to a burly policeman near the door and repeated, ``He's Swedish.'' The bartender finished, ``Now think about whether you want to tell that joke, because I'm Swedish, too.''
The customer replied, ``I guess I won't tell that joke after all. I'd have to explain it three times.''
(Insert Swedish swing pic here)
A Swedish Swing
But wait! There’s more!
Don’t forget to remember the District Conference on May 2, 3 and 4 in Semiahmoo, at the resort near Blaine, Washington. Fabulous place, great entertainment and speakers set up. And it’s only a car ride away! While Canada can be fun, I recently ran into a story in the Lakewood Key about the trip to Victoria in 2006:
I picked up Bob and Marilyn Zawilski at 5 am, only to discover that I was missing a headlight. Not good, given my difficulty with seeing much of anything in the dark. Of course, I didn’t reveal this detail of diminished vision until we were on our way. We then picked up Joel and Donna Feldman, and Florence Covey and were off. It was a driving rainstorm (did I mention it was 5 a.m.??), with one headlight and not too fun. But doable. Then, about Silverdale, the rain changed to a blinding snowstorm, and the road was soon covered with the white stuff. This didn’t bother those in the back so much, as they were happily engaged in conversation. But I could see that co-pilot Bob Z was not quite as comfortable. Perhaps it was hitting those little lane dividers a few times that prompted him to say that he was available to spell me behind the wheel if I was tired. Of course, I wasn’t tired. I just couldn’t see. But why let that stand in the way of a beautiful morning drive! We emerged from the storm unscathed entering the banana belt known as Sequim. There, an observant State Patrolman noticed our one-eyed car, made a U-turn, and pulled us over. Fortunately, he was just making sure we knew we were one headlight short of a matched set, and we managed to get to the ferry on time. But then…..about half way to Victoria, the swells became rather large and the boat movement became quite severe. Then the ship’s captain made a rapid turn, which was certainly different from previous trips. Definitely different. As the turn reached about 60 degrees, the ferry was hit with whatever, causing it to jolt severely. All the chairs in the ferry moved 6’ or more towards the opposite side from where we were, followed by luggage sliding swiftly along, accompanied by some pointed shrieks. I don’t think they were shrieks of delight. At least mine wasn’t. But no lifeboats, no injuries, no one fell overboard, and we made it. We learned a valuable lesson, however: Never should the Rotary President, President-elect and the upcoming President-elect travel together like that, inviting a catastrophic leadership void in Lakewood Rotary.
A Good Neighbor
By Joseph F. QuinnMonday, February 12, 2024
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A GOOD NEIGHBOR
THE LAKEWOOD KEY for February 9, 2024
By Joe Quinn
President Mary Horn (PM) did it again! She ran the meeting backwards, by allowing our Program Speaker to go first at 12:30 p.m. That is the second time in the last few weeks that she has done that! But it was worth it. Actually, the meeting started as usual with a breathless invocation by Clint Johnson, inspired by Valentine’s Day and including a touching poem by President Abraham Lincoln. Apparently, Clint ran all the way from the far parking lot. Our Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mark Edgecomb.
City Manager John Caulfield took the podium to introduce Lt. General Xavier Brunson, the highest-ranking officer at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), who also serves as the Commandant of I Corps, one of the largest segments of the United States Army. Since John is the Lakewood City Manager, Rotary has all kinds of graphics that might embarrass him. The video screen showed a picture of John (looked like a deep fake made by AI) with a long-stemmed red rose in his mouth, surrounded by hearts. PM interrupted his intro of General Brunson, to point out the video and levy a fine. Never to be caught unawares, John said she could have whatever money he had in his wallet or $100. Her choice. She chose safely and took the $100 bill. (There was a prior LR President who would have said, “No, I am like the IRS—you are ordered to pay all of the contents of your wallet, or $100, whichever is greater.”)
THE PROGRAM:
You may have expected our Speaker to give us a detailed report on what is happening lately at JBLM. Instead, he took a different tack. But first, he showed his sense of humor and demonstrated that a modern general in the U.S. Army can have a ton of charisma! His first comment: “All I have in my pocket is Chapstick.” He also said we should get a copy of the Lincoln poem, as it embodied the love for America that Rotarians seem to have, in that it was aspirational. Lincoln showed he had hope, during some of the darkest days of the American experiment with democracy.
General Brunson showed he is well aware of Lakewood Rotary initiatives, when he made reference to the Dolly Parton book program and how great it is that the program places books in the homes of young children.
Although General Brunson’s talk did highlight many facts about JBLM and his role as commander of one of the (only) four corps in the U.S. Army, as he kept speaking he returned often to this theme: The U.S. military member, their families, and all those connected to JBLM truly appreciate their connection to the community, and that community’s support of them and their mission—to preserve our freedom and national security. That was basically his theme. You might liken it to a certain insurance jingle: “Like a good neighbor, JBLM is there!” In his remarks, General Brunson stressed repeatedly that, as a personal matter—and he speaks for many—he really appreciates groups like Rotary and other community members who are there in many ways for the people of JBLM, the largest joint base in the nation, which hosts not only I Corps but also the USAF’s 62nd Airlift Wing.
Oh, sure, he did talk about the concept of integrated deterrence and said, “We go where we are needed.” He mentioned that this corps deals in a military sense with four treaties—those between the U.S. and Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines. JBLM also touches upon or deals directly with 16 municipalities in this region, so good relations exist there too. He noted that only 30% of the military members reside on the base, so the other 70% really do need the surrounding cities and Pierce County (and Thurston County too, for sure) to provide housing and community connection to that 70%. General Brunson “our biggest job” is to take care of our families connected to JBLM. But he stressed that the surrounding communities are so important to handle those chores. He said again: “Don’t stop doing what you are doing. We really appreciate it.”
He said there are 40,000 military in his corps’ command. But there are a lot more people affected when you consider families and contractors. I think he said there are more like 160,000 persons under the JBLM and corps umbrella. Again, he said, “They all need you.” With that thought resonating around the room, General Brunson had to take his leave without taking questions. I am sure you wanted to ask, for example, why do call a three-star general “Lieutenant General”, when a two-star general is referred to as “Major General”. It defies logic but that is the U.S. military for you.
I also had a comment and request for him. Did you know that three times a day, JBLM plays loud recordings of patriotic music for all of us to hear: At exactly 7:00 a.m. you can hear Reveille, at 4:30 it is the National Anthem (the Star Spangled Banner) and at 10:00 p.m. they play Taps. I wanted to request that they get a new recording of Taps, because it is pretty bad. Maybe they could ask LR Rotarian Morris Northcutt to record a simple trumpet version, which would knock your socks off. Seriously, though, it is sure to make you feel patriotic when you hear those tunes blasting from across the street (I-5). So, as he said, keep doing what you are doing!
We felt like ending this bull right there, like we usually do after the Program summary, but that darn PM switched things around again!
In no particular order, PM recognized all those who helped in this mishmash of a meeting:
Linda Disney staffed the RI Foundation desk, where she collected $420.
The Sergeant at Arms was Mark Edgecomb, who also manned the raffle table.
The Family Dream Team (SetupComm) consists of Scott Baird, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa and Chief Rob Erb.
The Puffins were forced to stand up by PM. The photographer today was Walt Richardson and Joe Quinn wrote this tome. PM also recognized Zoomers Ralph Johnson, Carole Wier, John Magnuson and Debbie McVicker.
Guests were introduced, including Jenny Weinand, wife of Jim Weinand. Liz Irwin, spouse of Ron Irwin, rose up and told a quick story of how she and Ron met. Suffice it to say that Ron was so persistent in his pursuit of Liz that you might call him The Stalker. Joel Vranna introduced David Gregg, a retired USAF member who probably has time on his hands.
Gael Whalen was called forward to trade her red badge in for a blue one. Oh, yes, and to pay $5.Speaking of funds, Greg Rediske was minding the cookie jar. David Swindale offered up a fine of $20 just for showing up here instead of on Zoom from Hawaii. Tom George donated $40 for his 41st wedding anniversary, saying he was saving a dollar for next year!
At some point, Wendy McGowan gave the Sunshine Report. Gordy Quick is undergoing chemo for prostate cancer and is in the hospital. Call him. Charles Alexander, a former Clover Park School District Superintendent and LR Rotarian passed away, but no service yet announced. Condolences to Mary Moss whose daughter passed away recently; no service is planned.
Our meeting started as set out above, but we now heard from Tony Camoroda – the District Governor Nominee—and from Bill Potter, our Assistant Governor for local clubs. Tony said the 18 Pierce County clubs met recently and shared ideas. Change is coming, such as renaming PETS, which has always been the acronym of the President-Elects Training Seminar. So now it is going to be called PELT!? Seriously. I guess that stands for President-Elects Leadership Training. He also said RI is planning to settle on one permanent “logo”, which I thought we called the motto, which is changed every year by the incoming RI President. I guess that confuses strangers so a permanent motto is in order. How about “Service Above Self?” Tony also mentioned the Rotary Magazine, which is published monthly and could be used to educate the public about Rotary. How about bringing a copy (after you have read it cover to cover, of course) to a meeting and giving to our guests or even the Speaker.
Bill Potter spoke about the value of inter-club events like the Tacoma Rainiers game with tailgate party last year. He called for a show of hands for an Imagine Monet event at the Tacoma Armory (like the recent Van Gogh event) and a lot of hands went up.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Jason Whalen led off the announcements about the April 27 Wine and Beer Festival. Be there from 5:30 to 10:00 pm at the McGavick. The goal is 350 guests. The live auction will only consist of 10-12 “experiences” so come up with ideas. Jason said he and Gael would again donate the visit to Seabrook. But we need sponsors too, as $30,000 in sponsorships would help a lot with the overhead. Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Hank Kerns then came forward to explain the Buy it Now button during the online auction. Not really an auction in the conventional sense, this button enables you to buy tickets for items like the popular Dinner and a Movie that the Enquists have championed several times. See the web site for the auction. There will also again be a charcuterie; I believe the Partners have led that effort in the past.
Rose Stevens came forward to tell us about the mobile clinic project in the vicinity of Kherson, Ukraine. This idea saves lives! Rose also said the Springbrook Connections needs men’s clothing, particularly in the large sizes. Wow, that is perfect for all of us slightly overweight LR men.
Eric Warn said last call for the February 17th Lakewood Lions Crab Feed Call now.
PM said something about a LR flower sale for flowers to be delivered on May 10th in time for Mother’s Day. She also asked who might be willing to do a local beach cleanup—a family opportunity. April 22nd is Earth Day. Marisa Terry, a student who we sponsored for education in Scotland, is a part of South Sound Surfrider, which apparently does this once a month.
Mary Moss mentioned the Lakewood Multicultural Coalition (LMCC), which is sponsoring a music/dance/dessert dash event on March 15th at the McGavick, would love to see us there. Contact Mary—the President/CEO of the LMCC—at 253 984-6405.
Near the end of our time together, PM called for breakout sessions at each table to brainstorm for ideas about procurement for the April 27th Lakewood Rotary Wine and Beer Festival. Our table came up with a repeat offering of the American Lake Boat Tour. We already have the boat and captain in Joel Vranna. Last year that sold twice, raising $5000. One member also suggested an outing to Top Golf near Renton, This could be a Buy it Now button item; groups of six can rent a space there for an hour or more to play games and share food and drink. Send your ideas to Connie Coleman-Lacadie.
The raffle was won by Dwight Williams for a lofty $5.
CORRECTION: Apparently, the bulletin Editor/Publisher Greg Horn wishes to include the correct phone number for Gordy Quick who would love to hear from you. The right number is (702) 544-2798. I think it was Mark Edgecomb who said, “Reportedly, Dr. Smith really appreciated your thoughtful calls, but you have the wrong number!” PM made sure that husband Greg paid a fine for that.
Friday's Meeting was a Real Kick!
By Wendy Jo McGowanEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, February 4, 2024
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Piglet: “How do you spell love?”
Pooh: “You don’t spell it. You feel it.”
If you are wondering what this conversation has to do with today’s meeting, read on. The words of Christopher Robin, Piglet, Winnie the Pooh, and Eeyore became my favorite storybook characters as a young child. I still remember Piglet’s words: “A day spent with you is my favorite day. So, today is my favorite day.”
At 12:25 on this day I heard a familiar prelude. For sure it was “We are family” by Sister Sledge. Instinct told me Mother Mary was edging toward the “dinner bell.”
Right off, the president acknowledged that the outline for today’s meeting was to be a bit cockeyed, as our speaker was planning “a fast getaway”. However, the president insisted that Philip Lindholm give the invocation. Brand new Rotarian from Puyallup South Hill Rotary Dean Romero-Mewharter led us in the flag salute.
Peter Marsh then snatched the mike and introduced Hugh Weber who was first on the agenda, not last as usual. He is President of Business Operations for the Seattle Sounders. Peter said that Hugh graduated from Bellarmine Prep, followed by University of Puget Sound. He said that Mr. Weber had run sports teams, across the country, for more than 27 years. He has four grown children.
Wikipedia: Longacres in Renton
After several years of losses due to increasing gambling and entertainment competition, the property was sold to Boeing in 1990. Boeing allowed the track to operate for two more years after the sale until the end of the 1992 season; the company demolished its structures in 1995. Boeing eventually built a new headquarters for its Commercial Airplanes division on the property along with a customer-training center; however, the company vacated the property and sold it in 2021 to Unico Partners. Seattle Sounders FC, in partnership with Unico, plans to renovate the site for use as a training facility; it is projected to open in January 2024.
Hugh enlightened us with a plethora of sports facts. At this time, he is involved in the $2 billion development of a sports center in the Renton area. The focus of the center will be soccer as it is a worldwide, growing sport. It is the one sport played in many, many countries, unlike football, baseball or basketball. Soccer has moved from a local, family-oriented, sport to one that is now being run by “big corporate”.
The new center will host the 26th World Cup in 2026 and Seattle will be one of the host cities. The event will become another legacy to Seattle and surrounding communities as did the 1962 World’s Fair “Gateway to the Future”. The center’s focus and field is initially aimed at sports (large enough for football), but it is being planned as a future music venue as well. Sports training has begun at designated sites around the Pacific Northwest.
Hugh went on to speak about revenue, saying ticket sales reap the greatest reward, being the number one contributor to the bottom line.
Mr. Weber then touched upon a subject that got everyone’s attention: Pay Equity. It is a very hot topic today with players like female Megan Rapino and male Lionel Messi in the forefront of the soccer world.
The club members gave a raucous applause, enjoying the fact-filled half hour and would like Hugh Weber to return during or after the upcoming 2026 World Cup event.
Mother Mary called on Bob Martin to give the “Rotary Moment”. Bob’s words set the tone for the entire meeting (thus, my references to Winnie the Pooh). He spoke, not of his life and career in municipal government, but of his recent kidney surgery where the doctors removed “a plug” from his kidney about the size of a wine cork. But, what is more revealing, Bob spoke of his love of Rotary, enumerating a long list of members of our club who contacted him during his recovery. His words: “Rotarians are Something Special.” Thanks Bob.
Now, down to business! President Mary introduced the Rotarians that made today’s meeting possible: Debbie McVicker worked the Paul Harris desk, Leon Titus oversaw the $2.00 table, the Dream Team (Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa, Rob Erb, and Scott Baird) worked diligently. Scott also served as the greeter today and for that he finished the list of duties to earn his “blue badge”. Walt Richardson operated his trusty camera and “yours truly” scribbled away to gather all the tidbits for this bulletin.
I noticed a handful of Zoomers: Carole Wier, John Magnuson, Shiru Osundwa, and Scott Buser. Our Puffin cadre stood to applause and Mary Marlin introduced her guest, Linda Griffin.
Shelby Bell, Suzanne Johnson and Dean Romero-Mewharder were introduced as Visiting Rotarians from Puyallup South Hill Rotary.
Mother Mary called me to the microphone to give the Sunshine Report. I informed everyone that a service for Charles Alexander had yet to be announced and that there would be no memorial for Mary Moss’ daughter, but, as Eeyore said, “A little consideration for others, makes all the difference”. Greg Rediske handed me a typed note about our longtime member, Gordy Quick. Here is what it said, “Gordy has been in the hospital since yesterday and is getting a shunt put in today at 1:00 p.m. His liver has been affected by the chemo, and bile has stopped flowing. The shunt will hopefully “send it to the right place”. He may be out of the hospital tomorrow. The chemo has slowed the cancer. The doctors discovered a hole in one hip, that may or may not be contributing to Gordy’s severe back pain. He still enjoys phone calls, so please do so.” 702-5454-2798.
Greg Rediske, best secretary bar-none, announced partner anniversaries and Rotary anniversaries, yet most fun of the day was Joe Quinn’s “sing-a-long” game. Joe’s great voice belted out bits of popular rock n’ roll songs and those members with February birthdays who had been called to the podium, one by one had to “sing” the next phase of the song. Mick Jagger, Janis Joplin, or Bob Dylan they “ain’t!”
Some Cookie Jar Collections:
Joe Quinn: $20 for son, Eric, actually showing up for the meeting.
Eric Quinn: $60 for “a working vacation” in Vegas.
Mary Marlin: $50 for her birthday (she did acknowledge she’s not 50).
Greg Rediske: $30 for some CDs (Phillip Lindholm gave Greg some CDs of his band but wouldn’t accept any money, so Greg made a contribution to Lakewood Rotary).
Debbie McVicker: for the wrongful spelling of Amelia’s name (our exchange student) name on Lakeside Stroll’s magazine cover.
Greg Horn: $50 for “the H___ of it!”
Raffle Drawing: $250 in the pot. Linda Disney drew a white chip.
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” Winnie the Pooh.
A personal aside: About 20 years ago, I visited my youngest daughter, Megan, in London where she was living and working for C.S. Firstt Boston (a bank). During the day, while Megan was working, I toured London by myself. One day I wandered into the Victoria and Albert Museum. A young woman came up to me and asked if she could assist me in any way. She asked what I’d like to see. I said, “Art”. She said, “Follow me.” On our way to a floor or two above the main entrance, she asked if I knew anything about “Winnie the Pooh”. She was taken aback at my obvious enthusiasm, but pleased to take me the the original drawings of E.H. Shepard when I revealed they were my favorite characters as a child. She led me to a room, asked me to sit down, then she began bringing out the most wonderful drawings, one after another, after another. I left the V and A feeling that “Today is my new favorite day.”
Upcoming events
February 3rd: Caring for Kids “Happy Hearts Auction
February 17th: Lakewood Lions Crab Feed
April 27th; Lakewood Rotary “Beer and Wine Festival and Flower Sale
How to be Prepared for an Unexpected Passing
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, January 28, 2024
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How to be Prepared for an Unexpected Passing
Paula T. Olson
It was the last Friday of the month and pot roast was on the menu. President Mary rang the dinner bell exactly at 12:30 pm. Scott Buser gave a heartfelt invocation talking about some of the Founding Fathers and history of Lakewood Rotary and expressed our gratitude of their leadership. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the cutest future Rotarian, Asa Horn, grandson of PM. Other meeting set up crew included James Guerrero at the Paul Harris table, Linda Disney as the $2.00 table/Sargent at Arms, Family Dream Team included Scott Baird, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa and Rob Erb. John aka “J. Lo” Lowney tended the Cookie Jar, Walt Richardson worked the camera and Paula Olson frantically took notes for the bulletin.
PM had the Puffins stand to be recognized and they are a fine looking bunch of new members. Guests included Asa Horn, Linda Goodwin, Jennie Weinand, Mark Silva, Bri Cooper, Ellen Mazoff, Kris Quinn and Exchange Student Amelia. John Lowney introduced his daughter Shelly Mills and her husband, Vern Mills. Amelia gave us a nice little report on her first semester here in her adopted country and all seems to be going well for her. Sally Saunders took her next step in ascending to Rotary royalty by being awarded her blue badge right after she coughed up $5.00. Wendy McGowan reported that Bob Martin is back!
Barb Spriggs talked about joining the Next Step Mentorship program with the tutelage of Steve and Ann Enquist who have put together notebooks with fancy tabs (Steve’s contribution). These notebooks give a complete run down on how to be a mentor to a high school student preparing for college applications. Noting that some applicants were light on community service, Barb is working with a Harrison Prep counselor to start the first Interact Club at the school. Any young person between the ages of 12 and 18 years can be a member with the intent to focus on community service. This is pretty exciting and we’re anxious to hear how it goes and what the membership can do to support it.
By the time you read this, you’ll have missed the celebrations for Friday, January 26th and there were some special ones: National Spouses Day, National Peanut Brittle Day, National Fun at Work Day, National Big Wig Day, and National Green Juice Day. Too bad PM didn’t tell us.
PM reminded us that Bob Lordahl’s memorial was at 2:00 pm at the Little Church on the Prairie after the meeting. Ray George’s memorial is on January 27th at 11:00 am at Sunset Bible Church. Also passing was Charles Alexander, a past Clover Park Superintendent and Rotarian but his service has not been announced. Anne Enquist talked a bit about the Speaker Program Committee and urged us all to help with getting speakers by making the connection between the committee and a proposed speaker. Give any ideas for speakers to a committee member. On February 9th, we are having Lt. General Brunson who runs JBLM speak. Be sure and come to a very interesting and special presentation.
Steve Enquist brought up Don Anderson to award him a Paul Harris Major Donor, having contributed an amazing $10,000 to the Paul Harris Foundation. Don got a nice crystal thing and two pins. Joe Quinn reminded everyone to take the Youth Protection test. Some people, like Greg Rediske didn’t have to watch the 30 minute video before the test and still get 100%. PM reported that she did it too but wouldn’t disclose her score, only that she passed. PM asked AG Bill Potter to give his announcement and he really didn’t have much to say. Has he ever had much to say? I don’t know, but keep reading and you’ll find out what he came up with later in the meeting.
John Lowney talked about the upcoming World Affairs Seminer in Waukosha, Wisconsin between June 22 and 28th. The topic is Democracy and Governance: Evolving Global Perspectives. Any high school junior or senior is eligible to apply. Priority will be given to a child or grandchild of a Lakewood Rotarian. We pay all expenses. Early Bird registrations end the end of February and saves us a couple of dollars so get those applications to John for the committee’s consideration. Eric Warn said that if we want to keep him out of WSH, we’d better sign up for the Lion’s Club Crab Feed on February 17th. Tickets on line.
If I had gotten my act together sooner, you could have celebrated National Chocolate Cake Day, National Seed Swap Day and National Fruitcake Toss Day on January 27th. Sorry but I don’t go near the computer on Saturdays.
PM’s favorite time of the meeting finally came – Cookie Jar donations. Jim Weinand was first up giving some cash for a two month long vaca in Hawaii. Steve Saalfield reported that his daughter was in Italy having a great time and he’ll kick in some cash as a proud but jealous dad. Barlow Buescher forgot to bring food for the Little Pantry so he’ll contribute $50. Steve said the need out there was great. He refills them every week or more often and they are empty. Scott Buser kicked in a whopping $50 to fill those pantries! Gayle Selden shared a memory recalled by sitting next to Asa Horn. She remembered as a young girl attending a Rotary meeting with her dad when her grandfather was president. It was a special time for her and look how she turned out! Donna Phillips reported for Andy that they went to Mazatlan with Andy’s tennis group and they stayed an extra week. The group is now setting up tennis matches in Japan. We all sang Happy Birthday to Donna and Andy will cover both reasons to donate.
AG Bill Potter finally remembered something to say – his birthday. According to him, it was not reported at the birthday meeting and he wanted everyone to know a) he had a birthday, b) it was a good one, and c) he has great kids who celebrated with him so he donated $100. PM announced that the District Conference is being held at Semiahmoo in May 2 – 4th this year. It has a lot of fun stuff to do, like salsa making, wine tasting, golf tournament, mixology class and indoor and outdoor games. Book early because this one is gonna fill up.
And then came the program. Steve Mazoff introduced Sally Saunders, surviving spouse of Larry Saunders, a former Lakewood Police Chief. Steve told the story about both Sally and Larry were military brats and met in Okinawa. As a married couple, they traveled all over the world. Larry retired from the military in 1998 but returned to do a tour of duty in Iraq. Sally is a member of the Lions Club and now an official Rotarian. She is an RN and a great diagnostician She has been very involved in the Lakewood community since she and Larry moved here many years ago. They helped bring back to life the Springbrook Gardens, Partners for Parks and the H Barn, Habitat for Humanity to name a few.
Sally spoke about how to prepare for the sudden unexpected death of a loved one and she spoke from experience. Larry passed away suddenly even though he had physicals every year giving him high grades for health. Sally thought her life in the military had prepared her for this possibility and spoke of the Doomsday List, a list of what you should have to be ready for this experience. Sally said it’s so much easier to have this kind of information in advance.
Sally shared what she called her mistakes, what she didn’t do right. She and Larry shared both personal and business bank accounts so the bank was helpful to her. But the credit card company was something entirely different. She called the credit card company to find out what bills were due and how much they were on their joint credit card account. She started crying under the stress and the credit card person asked her if she was okay. Sally said her husband had just died and she was upset. Since Larry was the primary account holder, the credit card person said all the accounts are now shut down. Sally couldn’t have any information from them or any access to them. Nothing Sally said weakened their resolve to help her have any information about the account. Sally called her daughter who called management and a high ranking officer in the company called Sally and sorted it all out.
Sally went back to discussing the Doomsday List which is a list of persons to contact, any accounts, like bank, investment, or savings, and passwords, a very important item for computer access to accounts. Since Larry was in the military, Sally was assigned a person who helped her walk through everything she had to do. Don’t forget to ask about that service if a deceased loved one was in the military. Sally said to discuss in advance how you want your funeral or memorial services, buried or cremated, what to do with the ashes, where and how to be buried. She got together with their children and they put Larry in three different spots that were meaningful to him and the family.
Because Larry was a public figure, various organizations helped her organize his service so that she really didn’t have to do much. Her daughter worked with them in Sally’s stead. Sally said she knew she was fortunate to have people around her to do this as she would have found it hard to deal with.
She talked about different assets, like cars. Are they in both of your names so you can take over without having to go to probate to take ownership? Be sure and have a will and consider a trust to avoid probate. The Social Security office in Puyallup is much better than the Tacoma one so go there if you have to deal with Social Security. Have a better filing system than Larry kept. It was one time she yelled at him as she tried to find a document that was not where it was supposed to be.
When it was time for questions, you all know what happened. Half of the lawyer in the room stood up to put in their $.02. Veterans do have special rights so check to see what your loved one might have. Attach a document that distributes personal items to your will that you can change easier than your will. Keep the Doomsday List current. And beware of scammers. Have a family password so that if a scammer calls and says a loved one needs help or pretends to be a loved one, ask about the password. If the person can’t say it, you know it’s a scam.
Thank you, Sally, for a difficult and always important topic and for sharing your experience of dealing with Larry’s sudden passing. We all miss him still.
Looking ahead this week, you’ve still got time to honor National Gift of the Ladybug Day, National Blueberry Pancake Day and National Kazoo Day on the 28th. January 29th, you’ve got National Bubble Wrap Day, National Puzzle Day, and National Corn Chip Day. But here’s the most important of all: National Plan for Vacation Day on Tuesday, January 30th. Do it!!! And the last day of the month, you’ve got National Hot Chocolate Day, National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, and National Backward Day. I wanna hear about all your celebrations!!
You know who won the raffle. Okay, it’s the one that wins it about 85% of the time. Frankly, there’s not much point in buying a raffle ticket as this person always wins. Now the kicker is she doesn’t always get the pot. Sometimes like Friday, she gets the white token and $5.00. Yep, I’m talking about Mary Marlin. And you can’t say it was rigged this time as Asa was the ticket picker outer and he couldn’t be bought.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, February 2 at noon - Club meeting at TCGC - with Hugh Weber, Seattle Sounders
Friday, February 2 at 5:30 pm - Canterwood Golf Club 14th Annual Star Awards presented by the Gig Harbor Rotary Clubs. $65 Register here.
Caring for Kids Happy Hearts Auction – February 3rd
Friday, February 9 at noon - Club meeting at TCGC - with Lt. General Xavier T. Brunson, Commanding General, I Corps JBLM
Thursday, February 8 at 5:30 pm - Rotary on Tap - Save the date and watch for the details.
Lions Crab Feed – February 17th
Test by Bulletin Greg Horn
By Gregory S. HornEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Wednesday, January 24, 2024
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Ipso defacto and whaterver other Latin and anything else paste here
Paste the rest of the story hereWhat Would Barlow Do?
By Gayle SeldenEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Monday, January 22, 2024
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Connie Coleman-Lacadie greeted all who arrived at the Friday, January 19th meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood. She also manned the Paul Harris desk. Barlow Buescher shared a smile at the Raffle desk. Teresa gladly collected your money for lunch. Don Daniels was slinging merch and reminding us to sell our raffle tickets. New year’s smiles abounded the room. The buffet line led to a difficult decision about which soup to choose: turkey noodle or cheeseburger. The turkey noodle sent this scribe back for seconds.
President Mary Horn called the meeting to order and asked Barlow Buescher to share a thought with us. It was so good that I grabbed my pen to make notes. Paraphrasing the end, “We have one life. What are you doing to live it to your potential?” The room was full of silent reflection. Barlow has a gifted way with words, and I appreciate every time he shares that gift with us. Hank Kerns led those of us in the room to the flag salute. Apologies to the Zoomers, the mic was nowhere near the table, but we figured you could all follow along.
Our lone visiting Rotarian from Tacoma Sunrise was Ashley Taulbee, our speaker.
Mary asked all current Board members or Committee members to stand, and she thanked them for their hard work and reminded us a lot happens behind the scenes to make Rotary go. Right now, some bylaw reviews are happening and soon we’ll have a meeting where committees will report their work.
Barlow announced that the Little Free Pantries could use some food so please be generous next week (money and food accepted). Mary and Greg stocked last week, and they had ladies waiting for the bread and other items that were placed in the pantry. The Pantry on Steilacoom Blvd near the old Albertsons/new Safeway in front of Pierce College housing is often in shambles. He asked for volunteers to stop by and make sure it’s clean and debris-free. Jim Sharp immediately volunteered for the task. But if you are near stop by and make sure it looks good.
Don Daniels reminded us about the raffle tickets we were selling to our friends who would love to donate to Lakewood Rotary. $25 gives you the opportunity to get $5,000. The raffle will be drawn at the Lakewood Rotary Wine Festival April 27th. Don needs some help collecting money and handing out tickets at the meeting. Please contact him at 253-370-0583 or ddaniels6@comcast.net.
Don also reminded all that Lakewood Rotary Garments were available to purchase and were being blown out for $35 each. Limited Sizes available. See him and get your merch on. Once we sell this batch, we can work on getting some more.
John Lowney then offered up $5 to hear the sunshine report. And sadly, there was a lot. Bob Lordahl’s service will be Friday, Jan 26th at the Little Church on the Prairie at 2:00 p.m. Former member Ray George passed away and his memorial is Jan 27th at Sunset Bible Church. Wendy had cards for us to sign to send to the family as Ray was a long-time giver to Lakewood Rotary and the community. Former member and past Clover Park School District Superintendent Charles Alexander passed away at age 91 on January 4th, services are yet to be scheduled. Mary Moss lost her daughter to a heart attack. Mary’s heart is broken, and we are encouraged to surround her in love.
On a better note, Bob Martin’s kidney surgery went well, and he is home recovering. Rick Selden also had minor knee surgery and is doing well—he missed the meeting because he was not allowed to shower until Saturday. He certainly puts others before himself, thank goodness.
President Mary Horn then put Gayle Selden in the hot seat for a very cold trip to Dallas, Texas. Sharing of her success in wrapping her friend’s hose bibs to prepare for the freeze. Thankfully no power grid loss occurred this winter.
Gayle also reminded everyone that exchange student Amelia is staying at Troy and Stephanie Wilcox’s. She just tried snowboarding for the first time with Clayton DeNault and loved it. Amelia loves to thrift shop, grocery shop and eat spicey foods. A recent trip to Gateway to India and a four-star entree order was not hot enough for Amelia. Text her at 253-951-4410 and get a visit in! Time is running short!
Don Daniels paid a fine for Lisa’s gambling prowess in Reno. Don enjoys going along for the ride with her. Lisa’s success was not revealed but Don paid $20 for Reno so it must’ve been something good.
Sally Saunders reminded us to buy tickets for the Lions Crab Feed February 17th. Crab (or Chicken), a band and dancing await. Please buy your tickets right away as they need to have caterer numbers real soon. Lakewood First Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse will give you directions to pay. There are always a couple tables of Rotarians in attendance.
Other community events include Steilacoom Kiwanis Wine Festival (the club who helped us with our event) on January 26th, The Caring for Kids Auction on February 2nd, The Gig Harbor Rotary Clubs Star Awards on February 2nd, Clover Park Rotary’s Capri Event March 8th and The Lakewood Multicultural Coalition Gala on March 15th.
This is often referred to as Auction season. You can dress up and head to the McGavick center for an event every weekend! We have so many great organizations doing amazing things. Please support our friends in other service clubs by attending their events. It’s a good community builder and then they have no chance to say no when you ask them to our Wine Festival in April! This scribe is particularly fond of the Multicultural Coalition Gala as our own Mary Moss created the group and started this event. It would be a great way to surround her in love by filling all those seats around her.
Jason Whalen was asked to elaborate on the Wine Festival for the Steilacoom Kiwanis (which he will be attending) and decided to fess up about daughter Alison’s commitment to Boise State University. Alison earned a 4-year full ride scholarship where she will be able to continue running in Division 1! Jason was shamed when he offered $20, as he is saving four years of out-of-state tuition which is well north of 100K. He upped to $50. (Let’s see. $50 divided by $100,000 = .0005%. What a deal!)
Yorleny Clapper wanted to thank Ron Banner and the Clover Park Schools for introducing an after school Spanish speaking program in the district.
Jan Gee paid $20 for a visit to Ithica, NY (to visit grandkids??) in which her return trip took 16 hours due to inclement weather.
Barlow paid a fine in honor of the program and told us of a foster dog that has now found his forever home with he and Karen.
Chris Kimball paid a fine to celebrate his new 200 hp Yamaha V-Max motorcycle that can go 0-60 in 2.5 seconds, with a top speed of 170 mph. Valuable time saver when trying to race to get a milkshake or that extra sugary Frappuccino at Starbucks.
Rose Stevens introduced our speaker Ashley Taulbee, Chief Philanthropist Officer from the Human Society of Tacoma – Pierce County. Ashley began her speech by thanking Bob Zawilski for serving on the Humane Society board for many years. She then asked how many pet owners were in the meeting most hands were raised in affirmation.
The Humane Society of Pierce County was started in 1888 after a logger was found picking on a bear. (Actually, he was kicking it in downtown Tacoma.)That bear and another were fostered and cared for and soon a larger shelter for animals was born. The Pierce County Humane society is an open-admission shelter which means they can accept animals in from the public. It is the largest animal shelter in the state and is not affiliated with another organization or national group.
The Humaen Society does adoptions, reunites pets and owners, provides low cost spay and neuter, vaccine clinics and has a pet food and supply pantry for community members who need help. It has a volunteer network of foster volunteers to house animals until they find their new home.
Did you find a dog and it looks lost? Here are some suggestions of what to do. First tell the dog to go home and follow it to see if they make it there. Use Facebook to post found pets—there are groups called Lost pets or neighborhood groups that may help you find the owner quickly. Scans for microchips can be completed at veterinarian office or Petco or PetSmart. You can file a lost pet report with the Humane Society. On the website you can create an appointment to drop off the pet if it is unclaimed. Usually, a pet is not far away from its home so starting in your neighborhood is the best way to help as it saves shelter space for animals without homes.
They are working on programs to help with what they call neighborhood cats to get them spayed or neutered. If you see a cat with a clipped ear—it has been fixed. Left ear clipped indicates it is a male, right ear clipped a female because females are always right. Just like Bob Barker they are working to control the pet population any way they can. ?????????
Soon the Humane Society will be starting a capital campaign to replace the shelter. They are hoping for sunshine to hit the kennels. They hope that potty and sleeping areas will be separated. They want the shelter to be a less stressful environment for the animals. And that the shelter will be more inspiring for their workers and volunteers. They also would appreciate a building that isn’t half a century old.
The Humane Society houses dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and recently took in 250 rabbits in one day. All dog breeds are welcome and cared for. They do help the community with euthanasia for low cost too but it’s just for animals, so my father is safe. Make sure to ask Barlow if you want to hear a joke about his neighbor’s cat.
Hank drew white and missed out on the $250 pot.
Strong Heart; Sharp Brain
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Strong Heart; Sharp Brain
John Magnuson
It seems to be inevitable – the New Year’s Resolution Apathy. On January 1st I looked over a journal I keep. I was surprised to see that a year passed without me “becoming a better person.” I wondered why and decided the answer was beyond my ken. I decided to hire The Gallop Pole folks – not to be confused with The Gallup Poll folks. The Gallop Pole folks I met with - from Mukilteo - were much cheaper than those high-falutin’ folks from Washington DC you hear about on the TV set. The Gallop Pole folks make telephone poles in Snohomish County. I set forth an objective: survey people and ask them to express their opinion as to why I didn’t become a better person in 2023.
- Who? 25 replies
- You must be joking! 19 replies
- (Scoffing sound) 15 replies
- No longer at this address 129 replies
- Who gives a rip!? 3896 replies
I decided to not become a better person in 2024. So far no one has noticed; except our cat.
Why Are We Here…?
President Mary began the meeting interrupting a stimulating conversation between Dave, Ralph, Carole and Ole on Zoom. To summarize: It is colder where Carole is in Minnesota, Dave has weather in the 70’s on Oahu, Ralph is keeping his ponies warm and Ole is wondering about his cat. That conversation precluded listening to the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Family Dream Team up-set the meeting facilities. They are: Tom George, James Oswunda, Rob Erb, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke and Rick Selden. You can recognize those gentlemen because they wear their Varsity Letter Sweaters to the meetings. The Junior Varsity consists of Bob X at the $2 table, photographer Walt Richardson, Cookie Jar John Lowney and scribe – Ole aka John Magnuson. President Mary is so polite to mention VIPs Bill Potter, Tony Camoroda and Greg Horn. For your entertainment you can choose whom of those folks are PDG, DGN and AG – here’s a clue: all three have PP’d here and there. She also recognized our wonderful Puffins. Here’s an important question for the day: Who are more important – the VIP’s or the Puffins? Show of hands here – Oh Wow - that is much closer than I thought it would be.
Getting’ Down to Bidniss….
Wendy McGowan gave a Sunshine Report with information that PP Bob Lordahl’s memorial service will be Friday, January 26th at 2:00, Little Church on the Prairie. Rick Selden gave a nice eulogy for longtime member, Ray George. Ray was that quiet man who sat right over there and always showed up to work on anything and everything. His memorial is Saturday, January 27th, 11:00 AM, Sunset Bible Church. Wendy also reported that Bob Martin’s kidney surgery went well. I always wonder about that phrase “went well.” Imagine if you put a comma between the words, how it would change the meaning. As in “It went, …well, somewhere.” Never mind.
President Mary inducted new member, Phillip Lindholm. Chaplain Captain of the Air National Guard, Dr. Lindholm has an impressive resume. Several Master’s degrees in the world’s religions, a PhD and a cat that cares! Check out Dr. Lindholm on Ted Talks. The only other Captain Chaplain I know of was the fictional character, Captain Chaplain Tappman in Catch 22. He was played by Anthony Perkins. He was an Anabaptist Minister, but everyone called him Padre; which he wasn’t. Welcome Phillip.
PP Chris Kimball counted the birthdays, wedding anniversaries and club anniversaries amongst the membership. Using his Texas Instruments 4 Function, portable handheld calculator he totaled an amazing number. A number to which we should all aspire. A number we should bet on when we gamble tonight at the casino. A number numerologists long for. Yes, fellow Rotarians, Chris Kimball totaled all the years of marriage, years of Rotary membership and age in years – and that number is SIX! Wait, that couldn’t be right! It must be more than six, it should be more like one thousand five hundred and two or three. Anyway, this month’s grand prize winners in the various categories are: Jim Bisceglia – 50 years of club membership, Ralph Johnson – 96 years young, and Phil and Judy Eng – 39 years of absolute wedded bliss!
Paul Harris Dropped By…
Steve Enquist had the enviable job of awarding T. Roarke his 6th Paul Harris; Tyler his 4th and Mary Marlin her 3rd along with PP Potter’s 3rd. Congratulation to all.
Secretary of Everything Greg Rediske clarified a $2,000 donation to The Lakewood Baseball Club. The recipient, Jonathon Garcia, announced that former Husky football head coach, Kalen DeBoer would be the new coach of Lakewood Baseball. Seriously!? Just kidding, it will be Pete Carroll. Eric Warn contributed to LBC also.
Honey Jar a little slim….
Steve and Ellen Mazoff were in Florida visiting family: I think I heard $50. Steve Enquist may have donated something as well. We had technical issues along the way, so please excuse me if these nuggets of news prove inaccurate. We do the best we can and I believe it was James who came to the rescue. Keep in mind, none of this makes me a better person!
Jason Whalen was once more elected by fellow city council members as Mayor and Mary Moss as Deputy Mayor. I didn’t get a count of their donations to the Cookie Jar. Eric Warn was named Volunteer of the Year at the Lakewood YMCA. I noticed John Lowney was not in tears, so I assume the donations were adequate at least. John and Pam’s cat is named Missy.
A Speaker Near and Dear to our Hearts: Strong Heart; Sharp Brain
Greg Horn introduced Joe Piscatella, President and Founder of The Institute for Fitness and Health. A friend to many in Lakewood, Joe’s career as an author, speaker and expert in heart health and longevity began quite by accident. He suffered a heart attack at the young age of 32 resulting in bypass surgery. He was fit, young, successful, had a young family and in disbelief of what his doctor told him.
It has been 46 years and 18 books authored since that bypass. Joe has spoken to audiences totaling more than 2 million people. He concludes that all aspects of life affect our heart health. That includes where we live, our lifestyle, our attitudes, diet, exercise, our sleep, and the stress we deal with. Joe related data that should concern everyone. The USA is beset with obesity and diabetes and high blood pressure – all lead to heart disease and stroke. Count yourself lucky if you don’t suffer from those ailments as you age.
One in one million people die of AIDS. One in ten thousand die of murder. One in five thousand die of traffic related accidents. But, one in three die of heart related disease. Alzheimer’s has become the sixth leading cause of death. Longevity is declining at a time when it should be increasing: Women – 81.2 years, Men – 76.4 years. Chronic loneliness is the equivalent to smoking 17 cigarettes per day. Boy, John Prine nailed it in his song, “When I Get to Heaven.” I quote: “When I get to heaven, I’m gonna have a cocktail, Vodka and Ginger Ale and smoke a cigarette that’s nine miles long.” Well, John ain’t with us any longer after suffering from cancer and a stroke!
Joe told us to read about Blue Zones, places where people regularly live to 100 years and beyond: Sardinia, Loma Linda, California, Okinawa, and Greece. Follow their lifestyle and diet choices. And finally, walking is always best. But if you can’t walk, stand and balance on a Bosa Ball while you pass a smaller ball left and right. Be sure and have someone film that so we can enjoy it.
A huge thanks to Joe Piscatella: first for his longevity so he can share his wisdom and second, thanks for the visit.
Terry Roarke came in second in the raffle drawing, winning $5 that he will spend on his cat.
Who Reads This Stuff?
Ole
Love the Wine You're With
By Donn IrwinMonday, January 8, 2024
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As has been the custom over the years, the Lakewood Rotary Club did NOT meet at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club for the first meeting of the New Year. Instead, we gathered at The Pavilion in Fort Steilacoom Park – the building we helped build.
So, Happy New Year everyone!! And GO DAWGS!!!!!
The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. They were also the first to hold recorded celebrations in honor of the new year—though for them the year began not in January but in mid-March, when the crops were planted. During a massive 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, the Babylonians crowned a new king or reaffirmed their loyalty to the reigning king. They also made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. These promises could be considered the forerunners of our New Year’s resolutions. If the Babylonians kept to their word, their (pagan) gods would bestow favor on them for the coming year. If not, they would fall out of the gods’ favor—a place no one wanted to be.
So, evidently we make your resolutions and open ourselves up to eminent failure…..
GO DAWGS!!!!
President Mary (PM) rang her lunch bell at 12:29 and the meeting began.
Chris Kimball was called upon to give us a “Rotary Moment” as well as an invocation-both of which he accomplished. His “Moment” lasted about that long as he ran down his entire life in about 45 seconds so I didn’t get most it but, I can report that Chris is highly educated and has led a successful life. Oh, and he loves to play his drums!
Your scribe for the day, Donnnnnn Irwin, led the collective in the Pledge.
PM regaled us with a cute Christmas story that occurred at her and Greg’s home over the holidays. Seems as though our President is still a little kid at heart. She bought 36 miniature “sticky” and “stretchy” toy dinosaurs for her grandsons for Christmas. Turns out these dinosaurs where perfect for tossing at each other so an immense dinosaur war sprang up. During the ensuing battle it was discovered that said dinosaur toys would stick to ceiling. Take a wild guess as to where the dinosaurs ended up. Family Christmas lore in the making!!
Visiting Rotarians – none joined us today, but we did have a visitor. Greg Horn introduced Rob LaChance who is a Steilacoom resident and was using the park. He happened to ask “What are you doing in there?” and presto, he’s having lunch with us and finding out what Rotary is all about. Great stuff!!
PM recognized the meeting’s indentured servants…. I mean elite: Steve Enquist at the Foundation table ($885.00 today!!), Double D, Dashing and Dynamic PP Don Daniels took care of our fund-raising raffle tickets. John Lowney (JLo) took our money as we walked in and Phlashy Phil Eng photographed stuff.
The set-up crew (AKA The Dream Team) Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke and the unstoppable Rick Selden, under Rob Erb’s culpable, er, capable guidance had their work cut out for them today as we met in a location we have heretofore never met at. Huge kudos to Stephanie Wilcox (how in the world did Troy manage to catch that lady?) and Amelia Badazada for setting up the tables and chairs!!
Speaking of kudos, many of them need to go to Dick Ferrell for the wonderful spread he provided for lunch. Let’s keep that guy around.
No Zoomers due to the location of today’s meeting. PM had the Puffins in attendance wave and then she recognized PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter
GO DAWGS!!!
Famous folks January 5th Birthdays: George Reeves (Superman), Bradley Cooper (Actor), King Gilette (Razor blade guy), Walter Mondale (Politician), Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton (both actors) and Matthew Irwin (son of Key writer).
PM called on Mark Edgecomb to come forward on behalf of the Community Concerns Committee. PP Mark dutifully did so and, after giving a brief explanation of what Claire’s Closet is and does, he delivered an ask for approval for the club to donate $2,000 to said charity. A motion was stated, a second was given and all voted yea to approve the money.
Phil Eng grabbed the mic and announced that a former club member, Dr. Jim Early’s wife, Lila, passed away. He also mentioned that we have a member we never see – Jerry Willams. I looked Jerry up in the club directory and found that he joined the club in 1989. I don’t recall ever meeting him, but he must be a great guy since he was born on April 21st – 2 days different than my birthday. According to the directory he still lists Lakewood as his home address.
Lakewood Rotarian Bob Lodahl passed away. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service and Reception following for Bob will be held on Friday, January 26th at 2pm at The Little Church on the Prairie
6310 Motor Avenue S.W, Lakewood, WA. 98499.
1531 – Pope Clement VII tells King Henry VIII he can’t remarry (oh, oh…. trouble starts here!).
1914 – Henry Ford raises his workers’ wages from $2.40 to $5.00/hr.
Rotary on Tap in 2024. Please join us on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Foley's Sports Bar, Meadow Brook Golf Course, 7108 Lakewood Rd W. Entrance is at the back of the building. (Read more about this event below).
Phil also paid into PM’s Cookie Jar for buying some big boy toys – I believe a motor home was mentioned.
Famous folks January Deaths: Calvin Coolidge, Amelia Earhart, George Washington Carver, Rogers Hornsby, Pistol Pete Maravich and Sonny Bono.
1920 – The New York Yankees bought some guy named Babe Ruth
1933 – The Golden Gate Bridge started coming out of the ground.
Mark Blanchard stood up to brag about the fact that he gets to go to the Huskies College Football Playoff Championship game in Houston Monday. I have no idea what that might have cost him but, evidently, he had enough money left over to contribute to the Cookie Jar. Sally Saunders paid some money for her daughter coming home. Donna Phillips forked over some bucks to announce that the Steilacoom Kiwanians are having their Wine Tasting event on January 26th at the McGavick Center. Tickets are $85 per person.
AG and PP Bill Potter asked for a motion for the club to approve giving $2,000 to the Youth and Sports Committee. A motion was given as was a second and all voted yea. Motion passed.
PP Don Daniels (the same guy mentioned at the beginning of this missive) asked for two assistants to help with the raffle tickets. Please contact Don if you are willing to help him (and the club) out. 253-370-0583.
1961- The Beatles perform with Paul McCartney on bass for the first time.
PM introduced our program for the day: Love the Wine You’re With.
Linda Disney aka Rose Spritzer took over from there and did a great job as a solo performer in presenting the program.
The first thing Linda did was to introduce a cast of characters (Mary and Greg Horn, Tony Camoroda, Mary Marlin and Barb Spriggs) with made up names that had something to do with wine. A fun start to the program.
Linda let all of us know that the Club’s big fund-raising event this year will be the Lakewood Rotary Club Wine & Beer Festival and the theme is Love the Wine You’re With. The big event will take place on April 27th at the McGavick Center.
Ms. Disney covered the various teams that have been developed in order to make this event work and encouraged us to sign on to whichever team we felt we could contribute to the most.
The volunteer coordinator will be Jan Gee. Rick Selden and Jan Gee will take care of logistics while Troy Wilcox will handle stage setup. Gayle Selden is handling ticket sales and encouraged us all to pre load our credit cards. Leanna Albrecht will lead the Print Team. Stephanie Wilcox will be heading up the Charcuterie/Dessert Team. PP Jason Whalen and PP/AG Bill Potter will co-host the event.
Linda made sure to let the Puffins know that they will be involved with the event.
The committee is looking for a Procurement Chairperson, Stephanie Wilcox reminded the group that if they are handling the desserts a Food Handlers Permit will be necessary.
The Raise the Paddle beneficiary will be…. unknown at this time.
Anne Enquist stated that the movie for the Dinner and a Movie hasn’t been nailed down as yet.
Thank you, Linda, for stepping up to the plate and giving the club an overall perspective of this year’s major fund raiser.
Bill Potter was asked to report on the Major Projects committee. Bill let us know that the committee appreciates the input/feedback from the club and that whatever we do, the committee will be sure that Lakewood Rotary is recognized for it.
1963 – The Broadway play “Camelot” starring Julie Andrews, Richard Burton and Robert Goulet closes after 873 performances.
1972 – President Nixon launched the Space Shuttle program
Cookie Jar fines:
Rick Selden reported that he chatted with Gordy Quick, and that Gordy is doing fine but things are terminal for him. Gordy sends his thanks to all of us and says that we are his family. He is mostly in a wheel chair and in some pain. He is still taking phone calls. 702-544-2798.
James Osundwa paid up for going to Kenya over the holidays. The family had a wonderful time and even went on a safari! James and his wife Shiru brought back gifts for PM – a beautiful Maasai necklace and scarf.
PM encouraged us to sell our raffle tickets to people other that ourselves and PP Don Daniels thanked those that have written checks, but, suggested that perhaps we could ask people to “donate” $25 to Lakewood Rotary and, in turn, get a chance to win big money.
Phil Eng let us know that his wife, Judy, had hip replacement surgery.
As there was no raffle today, PM adjourned the meeting.
There was a group clean up following the meeting and it seemed like everyone pitched in to get the tables and chairs put away.
Rotary on Tap info:
Happy 2024! It's time for the first Rotary on Tap in 2024. Please join us on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Foley's Sports Bar, Meadow Brook Golf Course, 7108 Lakewood Rd W. Entrance is at the back of the building.
It's going to be so much fun! In addition to finding and enjoying your favorite beverage, Bogey Burgers are on special for $4. Now that's a super deal. Plus, there's a full menu to choose from and if you just want a drink, that's okay too. Rotary on Tap is a great way to meet your Rotary friends in a casual setting. It's also a great time to invite someone new to join us and learn about the Lakewood Rotary Club.
RSVPs are appreciated. Please let me know that you will be there, and how many are in your party, by replying to this message or at phileng@live.com. Or you can call or text Phil at 206-650-5570
If Thursday rolls around, and you find out you can suddenly join us, please do. RSVPs are helpful for planning purposes, but you are always welcome.
Next week, January 12 - Club meetings return to TGCC. Speaker Joe Piscatella, author of "Strong Heart, Sharp Brain". He is a nationally recognized speaker. I’ve heard Joe speak several times and he is always insightful and interesting – plus he’s got some good advice.
Spoiler alert: Joe is President of the Institute for Fitness and Health. He is one of the leading experts in the country on lifestyle habits and health. TIME magazine calls him “a force for healthy change.” You won’t want to miss him next Friday.
Happy New Year everyone, again…. the first Key of 2024 is now done!
Lakewood Rotary's Annual Presidential Roast
By Gregory J. RediskeEdited By Horn, Gregory S.Sunday, December 17, 2023
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Coffee drinkers: Why do Dasher and Dancer love coffee? A. Because they're Santa's star bucks!
But wait! That is inappropriate for today’s Presidential Roast: it’s not Whalen, but Mary Horn, the Queen herself, getting tossed around with no respect at all! And starting things off was Puffin Dick Ferrell, the Master of Ceremonies, desperately trying to find a microphone that worked. Even with all that, the forgiving retired pharmacist thanked the set-up crew: ‘tis the season.
Puffin Jacob Cuthbertson gave the invocation, while Puffin Scott Baird led the Pledge. Collecting Paul Harris money was Connie Coleman-Lacadie, not a Puffin; she strong-armed folks for $2,225, with a lot of help from Don Anderson’s checkbook. Chuck Hellar sold raffle tickets and served as Sgt-at-Arms, with a bunch of helpers as the meeting progressed. And we had TWO photographers: Walt Richardson, and Phil Eng. Wouldn’t want to miss a photo op on this special day!
Guests: Vicki Kimball, Rhondi Johnson, Pam Lowney, Sharon Rediske, Kris Quinn, Cindy Barton, past member/board member Leanna Christian, past member/past Youth Exchange Officer Gina Benesh, Greg Horn’s friend Marshall Dawson, and Mary Hammar and her daughter Taryn.
Math lovers: What's St. Nicholas's favorite measurement in the metric system? A. The Santameter!
Joel Vranna took over from here, stumbling a bit as he relayed the important information that three Tom & Jerrys are the equivalent of 30 Coors Lights. Even three Tom and Jerrys to the wind, he gave a moving Paul Harris presentation to Mary Hammar, Bob Hammar’s one millionth Paul Harris (or close to that anyway).
Wendy McGowan reported on Gordon Quick, with the invitation to send him a card or call him at 702-544-2798, while he continues his cancer treatments in their Las Vegas home.
Greg Horn announced newest granddaughter, “Elara”, whose birth prevented President Mary from attending her own board meeting last month. Greg joked (?) that his son used AI to come up with the name.
English majors: What do you call Santa’s helpers? A: Subordinate Clauses.
And then it happened. The Annual Roast of the esteemed president of Lakewood Rotary. The Puffins lamented that there was no dirt; that Mary was a goody-two-shoes, benevolent, and great. Then they proceeded to call into question that assessment. Perhaps they exaggerated. But the fun included fines from all, which was going to Caring for Kids.
Congratulations to the sponsors of this large batch of Puffins, who were charged $20 for their efforts to make our club bigger and better: Jason Whalen (2), Anne Enquist, Bob Zawilski, Andy Phillips, Yorleny Clapper, Chris Kimball (2), Jan Gee (2), Carl Bronkema, Angela Connelly, Mary Horn, Scott Buser, Steve Enquist.
Then, anyone living on the lake, with a view of the lake or near any lake was charged $5. If you were ex-military, $5.00. Or $10 if you were a “double-dipper” in retirement.
Movie lovers: What do you call a kid who doesn't believe in Santa? A: A rebel without a Claus.
TO TELL THE TRUTH: The TV show started in 1956 when Mary Horn was just a youngster and ran on and off again until 2022. And now, it was on again in 2023. The show sponsor was Rotary Fines, “the proven way to shrink that too-fat wallet.” The panel of judges included Scott Baird, Cat Frederickson, Andrew Boitano and Gael Whalen. Their job was to ascertain who was the real Mary Horn. Three imposters and the real Mary were seated together, prepared to answer questions from the judges.
But first, we viewed a travelogue of Mary’s beginnings way back when to the tune of “Mary why did you treat me so wrong”: no one knew for sure when that “beginning” was, because the stone tablets were broken and lost to posterity. She spent time as a farm girl in Ellensburg, and also lived in Brothel. Yes, Brothel, they reported. Or was it Bothell? She met Greg at a boat race on the Sammamish Slough. Later, she moved to Miami, where Greg came sjhopping for a new race boat. The rest, as they say, is history: 3 sons, and literally countless grandchildren (but that’s another story for another time).
Question: I understand the ideal man must have certain qualities, what are they?
#4: (the real Mary) He must ski
#1: (a disguised Kris Kauffman) He must have meat on his bones
#2: (a disguised Tyler Parker) I like a man with a song in his heart
#3: (a disguised Sally Saunders, frankly, the most believable of the 3 non-Marys) I like a man with a drink his hand.
Question: Is it true you moved to a brothel in your formative years?
#2: Actually, I moved to Bothel. Boring. But I did learn there that I like a man with song in his heart, which helped me become the “Entertaining Queen of Lakewood”
#3: I never worked in a brothel. Too much work, not enough drinking
Question: What was the family business that influenced you so much?
#2: We raised chickens and pigs. Smelling pig crap and chicken poop 24 hours a day will make you love a man with a song in his heart.
#3: That stink made me start stealing booze from my dad’s liquor cabinet.
#1: Nothing like a farm to attract a man with meat on his bones.
Question: What is your attraction to blue speedos (previously modeled in an old picture of Greg)
#3: What you see….well, not everyone looks good in a speedo.
Question: What did you think of Greg, driving all the way to Florida to find you?
#2: I remember thinking that Ted Bundy drove a VW from Tacoma to Florida looking for women, and that didn’t work so well. But Greg had a BIG boat, so I was willing to take a chance.
Question: What kind of perfume did you use to attract Greg?
#1: First, you fumigate your clothes in two-stroke outboard engine exhaust; then, add a little grease on the wrists and bit of Scotch behind the ears. If that didn’t work, a little swampy lake water under my arms did the trick.
Question: What can you tell us about the years travelling in the RV selling your skis?
#2: One night, Greg came back to the RV sooner than I expected. The springs were squeaking and the RV was rocking! Without knocking, Greg came in to find me dancing in a skimpy bikini singing “We are Family!” at the top of my lungs. That was a night.
Question: After a long day of work, what do you like to wear after coming home to relax?
#3: A big smile. And a drink.
The panel made their choices: Scott Baird picked #2 (Tyler); Cat picked #3 (Sally), Andrew picked #1 (Kris), Gael picked #3 also. Then, the REAL Mary Horn stood up, to the surprise of all! Sadly, the rules established that if no one got the real Mary, Mary would be subject to a $1,000 fine.
To finish off the debacle, the Puffins had everyone look under their chairs for an envelope, which had some candy and some instructions requiring a fine payment. Mary (the real one) thanked the Puffins, sort of, and then announced the winner of a bottle of wine in the raffle, Laurie Cameron, while Barlow Buescher won $5.00 for the good fortune of pulling a white chip.
Another Roast in the books! Well done, all. Especially the bartenders: Joe Quinn, Rick Selden, Gayle Selden, John Lowney. And special thanks to our Head Puffin, the esteemed and battle-tested Mark Blanchard!
Remember: no meeting December 22 or December 29. If you show up at the Club, you will be all alone. January 5: the meeting will be at the Pavilion in Ft. Steilacoom Park.
And finally, because these have a declining shelf life:
Cleaners: What is Santa Claus' laundry detergent of choice? A: Yule-Tide.
Bankers: What do you call a bankrupt Santa? A: Saint Nickel-less.
Punk Rockers: What's Santa's favorite song by the Ramones? A: Blitzen-krieg Bop.
Teachers: What do you say to Santa when he's taking attendance at school? A: Present.
Health Insurers: What do you call Kris Kringle when he goes on his wife’s health insurance? A: A dependent Claus
Gardeners: Why does Santa have 3 gardens? A: So he can ho-ho-ho.
Fire fighters: What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when a fire is lit? A: Crisp Kringle.
Psychiatrists: What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? A: Claustrophobic.
NEEDED!! Baseball coaches for T-ball and coach-pitch. Lakewood Baseball Club will be opening registration on January 1. Experience (especially in T-ball) is a bonus, not a necessity. There will be mass practices at first, with plenty of hands-on teaching for the kids. Practice planning is also available. What we need is adults, ages 18-90, men and women, ready to have SO much fun “organizing” our young baseballers. This is about a 4-month commitment, but you don’t have to be present week in and week out. Your vacation can still work just fine! Grab a friend if you like for a tandem coaching experience. Please consider volunteering. Contact Greg Rediske, 253-307-3494, or gnsrediske@msn.com.
A Glorious and Raucous Weekend
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, December 10, 2023
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A Glorious and Raucous Weekend
Joe Quinn
When President Mary Horn (PMH) rang the bell at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, December 8th, we had no idea what we were in for! Eric Warn provided a serious invocation and Dave Reames led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. PMH thanked the setup Dream Team of Rob Erb, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden and James Osundwa (actually, James was out of the country so this is a reminder to PMH to fine him when he returns).
Dick Ferrell was collecting lots at the Paul Harris desk, Jan Gee served as Sergeant at Arms and Barlow Buescher staffed the raffle table. PMH recognized the Puffins in attendance and warned them ominously that she might not be so nice to them after next week. OOOOH! Bob Zawilski was taking photos, Joe Quinn is the Scribe and John Lowney, our conscientious Treasurer was minding the Cookie Jar.
Sunshine Report: Wendy McGowan let us know that someone has kidney surgery in his near future—I think it is Bob Martin.
Paul Harris pin: Steve Enquist rose to present Mark Edgecomb with a pin sporting two rubies (or is it rubys….or maybe rubles) to recognize Mark’s eighth Paul Harris award. Special fundraiser. Greg Rediske stepped to the podium to announce the 30-30 program of the Lakewood Community Foundation (LCF). In honor of their 30 successful years in building the endowment of the foundation, Greg and their board are asking for $30. (See more from Greg below about LR generosity.) Greg briefly reviewed the LCF’s history. Started in 1993 by LR Rotarians and Clover Park Rotarian (primarily Tom Faubion) the foundation grew its endowment funds gradually. By 2005 they had amassed $150,000 but by 2023 now the fund is up to $1.2 million. Like any endowment, they only spend the interest annually, but these days that is getting substantial. They gave grants of $37,000 in the last year to many organizations we are familiar with, covering many diverse Lakewood needs. Many of the donations come in the form of memorials or through wills and other estate planning. Some LR Rotarians will recall Dave Covey and his reaction to fines levied by past presidents. Dave created the My-T-Fine Club when Dennis Shade was President (around 1991 or so right Greg) but in his typical style he would offer “$17.95.” In memory of Dave Covey, past member of LR, Gina Benesh, just provided a check to the LCF in the amount of $117.95. Nice memorial, Gina.
Which reminds the Scribe of one nice trick Dave Covey employed when he was a Bulletin Writer: he tried to list in the Lakewood Key as many members as possible, placing each name in boldface. So that explains what you have seen above and below. Dave’s goal was inclusive—every member should see their name in this bull. That means we are all active in Rotary.
Announcements: PMH thanked those who helped with candy packing for the Saturday parade, especially the Partners, but also Mark Herr, Joel Vranna, and Amelia, our Exchange student. The parade, by the way, took place on Saturday starting at 4:00 p.m. near the Park Lodge School and proceeded down Gravelly Lake Drive SW to Main Street and on to City Hall (in a driving rain!).
Bill Potter said the bike delivery will be Saturday, December 16th, starting at 11:00 am at the old Mattress Ranch store on the corner of Steilacoom Blvd. SW and Lakewood Drive.
PMH reminded us that there are no Rotary meetings on December 22nd and 29th, to allow us to recover (and Mary too) from the Tom and Jerry party and Presidential Roast on next Friday, December 15th. The January 5th meeting will be at the Pavilion in the Park, not at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. Legislator Mari Leavitt will be our Speaker and Dick Ferrell will be the Chef with a supporting cast of sous-chefs (or sour chefs, under-chefs, and vice-chefs).
PMH reminded us of tonight’s (well last night’s now) Christmas Party, aka Mingle and Jingle, sponsored by the Partners, so see below about the festive event.
Several Cookie Jar donations were made, but it got pretty rambunctious so apologies to anyone that we either miss or inadvertently insult below! Steve and Ellen Mazoff in absentia gave a thoughtful gift of $95 in honor of Bob Peterson who turned that ripe old age recently. Linda Disney and Paula Olson came forward to bear gifts (like the Magi) to the lord and master, PMH. Both of them just returned from separate European trips in search of the best Christmas market. Linda enjoyed Berlin, whilst Paula covered Heidelberg, parts of Bavaria, Switzerland and Austria. Linda gave some Christmas bells to PMH, who quickly demonstrated that they were very hard to ring! But Paula stole the show. In Salzburg, Paula picked up some chocolate balls that (I swear) she referred to as Mozart balls. Things went downhill from there! Maybe she also gifted PMH with a little cuckoo clock and a Swiss chocolate bar, but most members just could not clear their minds of the image of Mozart’s balls being provided to our dear President! After all, he died about 200 years ago. Later it was noted that Paula gave $30 to Mr. Lowney earlier, $10 for each country and Linda threw in $20 even though she only went to one.
After things settled down, Gayle Selden announced that we are doing Break Bags distribution this coming Monday starting at 9:05 a.m. Show up on time to the bus barn area off Lakewood Drive over by the Lakewood Police station. Gayle seemed a bit flustered, so she admitted she was distracted by the image of the presentation of the Amadeus chocolate balls.
To change the pace, PMH announced that the Board meets next Friday at 11:30 am at the usual place.
The Cookie Jar continued to grow, though, as Donna and Andy Phillips paid at least $50 for their trip to Japan. Maybe they each gave $50. Carl Bronkema added $20 for a wedding anniversary. Peter Marsh donated $50 for celebrating “Marshmas” with the whole family in Washington, D.C. for the tenth consecutive year.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Leanna Albrecht introduced Tate Bloom, our December Student of the Month. Tate is a senior at Clover Park HS. He is a strong leader, who is in his fourth year in JROTC, where he currently serves as Commander. Tate is also a member of the school’s Leaders of Change. This six-week leadership program partners with Communities in Schools to prepare students for success in their senior year and beyond. These students work on leadership development, while working to improve their social, emotional, and interpersonal communications. They create a proposal for change and present that to community members, friends, and families at the end of the six-week program.
Tate, who also serves as a student rep for the school’s site council, is a member of the cross-country team. He spoke in detail about the many ways that CPHS has helped him throughout high school to develop as a young man. He thanked many, including the school principal Rene McCord, the Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout) and the LDS Church.
TODAY’S PROGRAM:
Donna Phillips introduced our Speaker for today, Cat Frederickson, also known as the Lady Longshoreman. In her 19th year at the port, Cat is a fourth-generation longshoreman. Initially, Cat said simply, “As longshoremen, we load and unload ships.” But then she elaborated quite a bit, explaining the highs and lows of a difficult and challenging job. She said with her experience, she gets to play many different roles on the crew, including Supervisor. As she put it, “I love telling the guys what to do.” (Maybe I am slightly misquoting her here, but an audible “Oooh” was heard from the assembled Rotarians.)
Cat described the various equipment used at the port, including the huge cranes and straddle carriers. While a lot of the work involves loading and unloading huge containers onto ships, there are some unusual tasks. One of those is moving the “cowtainers”, which apparently are containers used to transport live cows. It sounds like working on the huge equipment might be quite stressful, with the operators often having to sit in awkward positions. In the case of the cowtainers, Cat said two operators cover an eight-hour shift, with one coming in at “half time” to spell the other operator due to these stressful working conditions.
Cat described getting up (by crane it seems) on top of stacks of containers stacked about 9-10 containers high. When one considers the height of one container, that means about 90 feet off the ground. The crew member has to look between the containers to see how and exactly where to affix the cables or ropes used to move them. A bit challenging, especially if there is a coating of ice on top of the pile. Yes, this could be dangerous at times.
Cat described the entry and growth of women in the profession. She acknowledged that upper body strength, or the lack thereof, can sometimes present challenges to the lady longshoremen, but she showed one or more pictures of several lady longshoremen on the crew, so women are definitely working there. She described the longshoremen’s union as “the great equalizer.” When asked how long it takes to unload one ship, Cat said they can unload 30 containers per hour per crew. She showed one photo of a ship being unloaded by four crews operating simultaneously! Another good program by one of our own members.
Raffle drawing: As in recent days, PMH had three tickets pulled. Jacob Cuthbertson and Rick Selden won some clothing items from the Don Daniels Rotary clothing store, but that was overshadowed by Dwight Williams who grabbed the red chip for $303!
After the meeting, Greg Rediske sent in this note about the 30-30 effort: “Greg Rediske, Anne Enquist, and Nicole Hancock and the entire board of the Lakewood Community Foundation Fund thank our Rotary Club for their generosity. Again. With all the asks out there this time of the year,, our members responded with $710 to our $30 for 30 years celebration. That’s $710 that will continue to serve Lakewood forever. Thank you one and all!
THE POST-MEETING GALA:
About 75 Rotarians and guests showed up at the Rotary Christmas Party at the club on Friday night. Billed as the Mingle and Jingle party, the event was a smashing success with a lot of mingling and jingling, dancing, Christmas songs and a fabulous dinner. One of the hits of the night (for me, anyway) was the Swinging Singles (SS) table, where about 7 or 8 lady members assembled. Somehow, DGN Tony Camoroda infiltrated the SS so I kept calling it the “harem table”. Assigned photographer Bob Zawilski ran over and got some pictures so I hope he sent those to the Editor, Paula Olson. We did notice that some of the married women sneaked over and enjoyed this “most fun” table. (We caught you over there, Penny Rooks, much to the chagrin of Jim Rooks—just kidding Jim) The SS table included, if memory serves, Jan Gee, Paula Olson, Linda Disney, Barb Spriggs, Mary Marlin, Wendy McGowan and Mary Moss. Editor’s Note: Tony Camoroda was more than welcome at the SS table since he is a single too.
But the Rotary weekend was not quite over. On Saturday, December 9th, the Lakewood Christmas Parade featured John Lowney’s bright red Thunderbird convertible. 1956, right John? Pam Lowney, Rose Stevens and Troy Wilcox accompanied the parade in a driving rain. Apologies to anyone else who marched, as I am relying on three photos I saw on Facebook.
What a weekend. Suffice it to say that Lakewood Rotarians are busy and involved in Lakewood life. I counted 50 Lakewood Rotarians, past and present, who volunteered or were recognized in this bull in boldface, er bullface. Only one bullface per person to make it easier for me to count. If your name is not listed either you were not there or you had better volunteer for something, quick! If I boldfaced your name more than once, my error, but you do a lot.
Is technology “the big, bad wolf”?
By Wendy Jo McGowanSunday, December 3, 2023
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Above: This week's banner photo actually includes someone named Banner!
Left to right: President Mary Horn, Teacher of the Month Rachel Parks, CPHS Principal Rene McCord and CPSD Superintendent Ron Banner
I didn’t hear Sister Sledge as the lead-in to yesterday’s meeting. Of course, I could have been chatting…or, someone on the Dream Team was asleep at the wheel. Hard to sleep through “We are family,” however. Mother Mary’s prelude always seems to awaken the throng. But, the dinner bell did arouse me…and my trusty pencil…so to jot down the tidbits of the meeting.
The president called upon Bob Peterson to give the invocation. As he does so well, Bob gave a meaningful homily. It was followed by Jacob Cuthbertson leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. It was at this juncture that several whispers were heard around my table that Greg Rediske showed up on Zoom, yet he was present in the room. Someone spouted off, “He wants to get credit for attendance at two meetings.” Then, I noticed that President Mary was also on Zoom. Huh??? The real Zoomers were then acknowledged: Ralph Johnson, Kendra Riconosciuto, and Rotarian, far away in the cold, northern country, Carole Weir.
Rotary Foundation Giving:
Bud Montgomery hauled in the Greenleafs at the Paul Harris desk…$1,910.00 to be exact! Mark Edgecomb was Sgt. at Arms and manned the $2.00 Table. J-Lo, as John Lowney is so fondly called, tended the Cookie Jar. The president then invited the Puffins to stand and be recognized. As many stood, Mary declared, “Amazing,” as she is so proud of our newest members (that may change after the upcoming “Roast”). The honorable amongst us, PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter, were noted. The prez neglected to call on me for a Sunshine report, but thank goodness all is well in Lakewood Rotary-Land.
Major Projects update:
A gaggle of announcements followed. Bill Potter, Major Projects Captain, spoke of the 45 bikes that were recently assembled and will be given to area kids in need on December 16. Bill went on to educate us on how the Major Projects work is initiated. The club itself starts many of the projects we are involved in, such as Ft. Steilacoom’s multi-year project several years ago, which I remember (and as Bill explained) that my husband, Mike, spearheaded with several other dedicated Lakewood Rotarians. By the 15th of this month, members Kim Prentice, John Caulfield, and Mark Edgecomb will be launching a new, multi-year project.
Above: Bill Potter giving us a Major Projects update
International Projects:
Rose Stevens asked us to approve a grant request for $5,000 for water tanks to be installed in Nepal. The vote passed unanimously.
Local happenings:
Friday was the last day to sign up for “Mingle & Jingle,” our club Christmas Party and Dinner, being held at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club on December 8th at 5:30 p.m.
December 9th is Lakewood’s Christmas Parade of Lights. Our own Dolly Parton “standee” will be present in John Lowney’s red, hot car. Please meet at Park Lodge well before 4:00 p.m. and line up in front of the marching band if you’d like to participate. Mother Mary encourages us to bring the small children in our families.
Gayle Selden announced that she recently escorted our exchange student, Amelia, to her new home of Troy and Stephanie Wilcox.
Upcoming meetings are as follows:
*No meeting to be held on December 22nd and 29th.
*The January 5th meeting will be at the Pavilion at Ft. Steilacoom Park. Dick Ferrell will be cooking. He would like a few volunteers. Please bring your friends.
On to the Cookie Jar Payments:
Rob Erb fessed up with a $20 bill, not for the recent trip to Texas, but for the armadillo he hit on the road. Proudly, Bob Peterson acknowledged that he will be turning 95 years old on December 4. I believe Bob generously filled the Cookie Jar with $95.00 crisp ones!
Steve Saalfeld paid up, as he has taken a new position at Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. Even though you helped fill the Cookie Jar, congratulations, Steve.
Above: Steve Saalfeld ready to conquer a new career
Tyler Parker told a tale about a newly-purchased RV/motorhome and a trip he and a friend made, in very bad weather, to Las Vegas. As he elaborated, we discover his friend is a boxer, a “bout” fanatic, a “brawler”…the jargon went on and on. The reason for the trip was to see a boxing match. As it turned out, it was a knock-out. Tyler forked over $91.00 (all he had left after purchasing $9 worth of raffle tickets).
Above: Tyler Parker talking about his new motorhome adventure
Traveling salesman Don Daniels introduced the upcoming Fall Raffle. He told us a new way to sell tickets without really selling. Approach a friend and ask, "How would you like to make a donation to my Rotary Club? An added bonus is that you will get a chance to win $5,000 with every $25 you donate. $100 gets you four chances, and your money goes to a great local cause right here in Lakewood." See, no selling involved, all you have to do is give an opportunity to donate. It is hoped that every Lakewood Rotarian will help people donate $250 to the cause.
Above: Don Daniels teaching us a new way to "sell" Fall Raffle tickets, no selling involved.
A Teacher of the Month was honored from the Clover Park School District. XX teaches 9th graders at CPHS
Above: Rachel Parks, teacher of the month from Clover Park High School
30-30 Giving next week:
The Lakewood Community Foundation Fund was started in 1993 by Lakewood Rotary and Clover Park Rotary to fund needs exclusively in Lakewood. The endowed fund is now over $1.3 million, the fund is distributing over $37,000 every year, and it is now the 30th anniversary of the beginning. To commemorate the 30th anniversary, we’ll be asking if anyone wants to donate $30 to honor the achievement. This will be asked at all the local service clubs as well. So if you want….
Friday's programme:
The highlight of today’s meeting was a presentation, not by a guest speaker, but by our own Mary Horn, about DACdb. This acronym has been tossed about since I joined Lakewood Rotary two-and-a-half years ago. I actually figured out the db all by myself…data base, but the “DAC” has eluded me. Today I discovered “DAC” stands for DISTRICT (as in District 5020) AND CLUB (as in Lakewood, or any other local Rotary club.) Got it?
Now that is settled, on to what the president told us about DACdb. Simply, it is a computer system, a very powerful tool, that is easier to use than previous attempts at connecting all Rotary clubs and members.
I kind of think of it as a “roster”, but Mary demonstrated that it is much more than a listing of members and members’ contact info. For example, you can make your own changes within the system should you need. You can view other clubs’ activities. You can view things you and other members are assigned to (for example, what dates you are responsible for duties at our check-in desk). You can access member’s anniversaries and birthdays. Not only can we, as members, view such data, but the District can see the same data.
And it’s a great communication tool. If we are not talking to each other in person, we are usually communicating by phone, text or e-mail. A couple of taps on your mobile device is all it takes. No more misdialing phone numbers!
Personally, I love paper. All kinds of paper. I love my Lakewood Rotary Member Roster. You know, that little binder with the white plastic cover. I love it so much that I have two of them: my own, which is new and shiny, and an old, well-used one that belonged to Mike. His not only has one edition of roster pages, but is stuffed with 5 or 6 years of roster pages. The pages are wrinkled and the cover is cracked and bent. But, I still use it, no mattered how battered it looks. I’m thrilled that Secretary Rediske has promised a brand new roster coming sometime soon.
Not only do I love my Rotary roster, I actually loved the telephone book. You know, the big, fat one with white pages in the front that listed all the people in your town and their phone numbers, and with yellow pages (The Yellow Pages) in the back where you could find a plumber, a barber, some place to get good Chinese food, or someone to fix your TV. Haven’t seen one of those in a while. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen a telephone like the one I used in my parents’ home when I was in high school. You know, it was black and had a hand-held part where you talked into one end and had the other end to your ear, so you could hear what your “boyfriend” was whispering at the other end. It was connected with a curly cord to a box-like part, that had a dial where you stuck your finger in and turned one number at a time to call “the boyfriend”.
Oh, well. Long-gone. Now, I’m dealing, begrudgingly, with this thing called an iPhone and an acronym called “DACdb”.
The “big, bad wolf” is in the room! But, I digress.
Finally, the weekly drawing.
Above, J-Lo (John Lowney) drawing a white chip for a five-r.
Wendy
Training by Youth Protection Officer
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, November 19, 2023
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Training by the Youth Protection Officer
Paula T. Olson
Having pot roast in the middle of the month was a big tip off that this meeting was different. President Mary ran her dinner bell and we all scrambled to our feet. The invocation by Commissioner Clint Johnson was a wonderful collection of thanksgiving readings including the original proclamation establishing this American holiday. The salute to our flag followed. Pres Mary acknowledged the Dream Team putting all the pieces of the meeting together, including set up crew of Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa and Rob Erb, Steve Enquist at the Foundation table where he collected a whopping $440, Gary Barton serving as Sargeant at Arms and listing of visiting Rotarians, bulletin writer Paula Olson and photographer Rob Zawilski. John Lowney presided over collecting donations to Mary’s cookie jar
PDG Greg Horn gave a quick Rotary minute. Before he began, President and Wife Mary noted that he is also the Vice Governor standing in for Caleb Summerfelt if he is unable to serve. Is that like being Prince Harry if something happened to Prince William? Anyway, Greg’s minute was actually quite interesting. He told us about Rotary Fellowships, which are mini Rotary groups focusing on a specific interest. He told us how much he has enjoyed being a part of some of them. Like the Beer fellowship. There are over 100 different groups and you can find them at https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships. Thanks, Greg. I’m going to check them out.
Carolyn Swanson from Parkland Spanaway Rotary pitched their event on December 2nd – the Ball Drop at Le May Collections at Marymount. Golf balls are available for purchase at www.psrotaryclub.org for $20 each or 6 for $100. Golf Balls will be numbered and dropped from a cherry picker onto a makeshift green. Closet to the pin wins! There will prizes for the top 3 balls. This fundraiser benefits a farm project in Kenya. Rotarian Del Livingston will be helping the village of Sango in Kisumu to develop a farm business to keep locals employed and pay tuition for students. He is hoping to have 250 students re-enrolled in school in the first year of his project. Of course, food and drink are involved. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Steve Enquist honored Gael Whalen with her first Paul Harris and presented her with a bunch of stuff, like a cool certificate, a pin and a Christmas tree ornament. Rose Stevens announced a global grant that will establish an emergency mobile clinic in Ukraine. Hopefully it will be up and running within 60 days. Makes me proud to be a Rotarian. Connie Coleman-Lacadie announced that Cindy Schaarschmidt, the Director of International Education at Pierce College is looking for host families for international students. Talk to Connie for more information.
More announcements included the December 8th Mingle and Jingle Christmas dinner put on by the Partners on December 8th at the TG&CC. The Lakewood Christmas Parade is the next day and if the 20 page application (yep, the Mayor is a lawyer) is accepted, LR will have a collection of fancy cars all decked out in festive paraphernalia rolling along throwing out little bags of candy assembled by the Partners. The bags will also include how to sign up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. If you wanna help put those bags together, join the Partners at Burr’s on December 4th at 3:00 pm.
There will be no meeting the Friday after Thanksgiving and no meeting December 22nd and 29th. Then on January 5th, the meeting will be at the Fort Steilacoom Pavilion by the playground with Dick Ferrell doing the cooking. He could use some help so don’t hesitate to volunteer. Now, we’ve been hearing about these freaking purple recycling bins to benefit Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation and Pres Mary’s obsessive competition with the Kiwanis for the most bins purchased. It’s been extended to the end of November, 2023 so you have more time to sign up. When Mary asked for a show of hands for those who have gotten one of these gems, many hands went up. You could feel the frustration in Mary that she didn’t have all of those names down and maybe we weren’t losing to the Kiwanis by so much. Please let Mary know if you’ve gotten a bin so she like she has a chance to beat the Kiwanis.
Tony Camoroda announced that, at the last training conference he attended, he learned we were in second place for the largest number of new members as of November 1, 2023. We are behind Gig Harbor who welcomed 12 new members, we are at seven with a couple more in the process, and on our heels and about to overtake us is Tacoma South with six new ones and three coming on. Tony presented Mary with a commemorative mug for tea or coffee with her cookies.
Speaking of cookies, Mary drug up PP Jason Whalen to brag about his speedy daughters. The oldest one was second in the New York Marathon and the third overall in the state championships in Pasco. Another one was 11th in the entire field and ran her personal best at the Bosie, Idaho Regionals. Jason challenged mom Gael to which parent was the most proud of their daughters and they finally agreed on $50 of pride. Anne and Steve Enquist are back from two plus weeks in Japan. Turns out Steve is talented in flower arrangements and Anne has a future as a samurai warrior. Steve almost came home a different man when a sumo wrestler almost landed in Steve’s lap during a demonstration. The Enquists dropped $60 to buy blankets.
Turning to the program and all kidding aside, Pres Mary asked who was going to introduce Joe. Someone said, “how’s Herrreeee’s Joe!” That worked. We all know Joe. Joe Quinn to those who aren’t too sure. Joe is our YPO and he was prepared to do some training for this motely crew of members. He promised not to bore us or lecture to us. He lectured at Tacoma South and a couple of members got into an argument with one member leaving the club. He asked how many of us had done the Youth Protection Class and about half had. Others had no clue what he was talking about and he encouraged all of us to get online, fill out the paperwork, watch the video, take the test, and be certified to work safely with young people. Joe will send out the link of the training as soon as it’s available.
We all had a handout of several scenarios of real interactions involving a Rotarian and either a young person or an adult in compromising situations. Joe picked four and we discussed those. The first one dealt with a Rotary meeting where a member started to tell a risqué joke in front of a student who was to be honored as “Student of the Month.” Members responded appropriately about how to deal with this, such as intervene, tell him to stop. The second scenario was a member making comments about the physical appearance of a young girl walking by a Rotary booth at an event. The booth was designed to attract new members. This one generated a longer discussion. Suggestions included tell him those comments were inappropriate and to stop. Assuming the girl heard, someone should go up to her and apologize on behalf of Rotary and explain that isn’t what we stand for. Another member advised that someone should take the member aside and explain why his conduct was inappropriate. Another said that the offending person should be kicked out of the booth. Becky Fontaine stated that each of these examples call for follow up with the offending parties and to tell the club’s YPO if any involved a minor.
Joe said that in the second example, the girl told her school principal and the principal went to the club president. The offending member was an Interact coordinator and was subsequently removed. Joe reiterated that if any of us deal with minors on any kind of a regular basis, we must take the youth protection training.
The third example involved a Rotary member who liked to hug female members. Several of the women reported to the president that the hugging made them uncomfortable. Joe told the story of a woman who was in a position of authority in a fire department and who liked to hug people. When one fire fighter complained, she quit the department. Another member reminded us that different cultures feel differently about hugging and other such physical contact and we need to be aware of those differences. Becky reminded us women that we need to speak up immediately if we are uncomfortable about such conduct. There was hope that a chat with the hugger would help him realize that his conduct was unacceptable and to stop doing it.
The final example was a more extreme example than number three. There the offending member had made unwelcome sexual advances with sexually suggestive comments and persistently seeking to date female members. President Mary said this one would lead her to go up the line in Rotary to get advice on how to handle it, leading to Becky. Becky said that she doesn’t usually deal with adult to adult misconduct but only adult to youth. This example is much more complicated and has legal and liability overtones if not properly handled.
A discussion ensued about members who appear to misbehave but in fact are struggling with cognitive issues, making them unaware of their inappropriate conduct. While that doesn’t excuse the behavior, it challenges the person’s family and friends to surround him/her to stop it in its tracts. Both Becky and Joe reminded us that youth protection is not just for youths. It is for all of us. Prevent legal problems by treating each other with respect and kindness. Don’t hesitate to get RI advise and to notify RI about the offending person if he/she is kicked out of the club so that they don’t join another club unawares of his/her past. This happened when a Rotarian had an affair with a 17 year old. This was criminal conduct and no one who suspected did anything or notified anyone.
Thank you Becky and Joe for the training. While we all think we behave appropriately, knowing what is acceptable and what is not is a helpful reminder for all of us.
Onto more fun stuff. Becky won the raffle, which had $225 or $250 depending on who you asked. She came away with $5. Better luck next time, Becky.
Happy Thanksgiving to all Lakewood Rotarians and their families! I wish you full and happy tummies and peaceful, loving time with family and friends. And here are a couple of turkey jokes for the jokesters amongst us.
What did the large turkey say to the computer voice recognition? “Google, Google, Google.”
What’s a turkey’s least favorite song? “I’m all about that baste, about that baste, no giblets.”
What did the will turkey say to the hunter? Quack quack.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:
November 21 - Board Meeting
November 24 - Day after Thanksgiving - NO MEETING
All of November - Competition extended! Get a purple recycle bin from Lemay Waste
Management supporting Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and help President Mother Mary (Lakewood Rotary) beat Dick Muri (Steilacoom Kiwanis). All proceeds go to Mary Bridge.
December 2 – Ball Drop with Parkland-Spanaway Rotary at LeMay Collection at Marymount
starting at 1:00 pm
December 4 - 3:00 p.m. at Burrs - Candy Work Party with the Partners. Help us get ready for the
Holiday Parade.
December 8 - Mingle & Jingle Party, 5:30 p.m. at TCGC. RSVP by November 21.
December 9 - 4:30 p.m. Holiday Parade of Lights. Let President Mother Mary know that you
want to be part of the Lakewood Rotary float.
December 15 - Puffin Presidential Roast: Tom & Jerry are calling you.
December 22 – no meeting
December 29 – no meeting
January 5 – meeting at Fort Steilacoom Pavilion at noon. Dick Ferrell is cooking and could use
some volunteer helpers
Training by Youth Protection Officer
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, November 19, 2023
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Training by the Youth Protection Officer
Paula T. Olson
Having pot roast in the middle of the month was a big tip off that this meeting was different. President Mary ran her dinner bell and we all scrambled to our feet. The invocation by Commissioner Clint Johnson was a wonderful collection of thanksgiving readings including the original proclamation establishing this American holiday. The salute to our flag followed. Pres Mary acknowledged the Dream Team putting all the pieces of the meeting together, including set up crew of Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa and Rob Erb, Steve Enquist at the Foundation table where he collected a whopping $440, Gary Barton serving as Sargeant at Arms and listing of visiting Rotarians, bulletin writer Paula Olson and photographer Rob Zawilski. John Lowney presided over collecting donations to Mary’s cookie jar.
PDG Greg Horn gave a quick Rotary minute. Before he began, President and Wife Mary noted that he is also the Vice Governor standing in for Caleb Summerfelt if he is unable to serve. Is that like being Prince Harry if something happened to Prince William? Anyway, Greg’s minute was actually quite interesting. He told us about Rotary Fellowships, which are mini Rotary groups focusing on a specific interest. He told us how much he has enjoyed being a part of some of them. Like the Beer fellowship. There are over 100 different groups and you can find them at https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships. Thanks, Greg. I’m going to check them out.
Carolyn Swanson from Parkland Spanaway Rotary pitched their event on December 2nd – the Ball Drop at Le May Collections at Marymount. Golf balls are available for purchase at www.psrotaryclub.org for $20 each or 6 for $100. Golf Balls will be numbered and dropped from a cherry picker onto a makeshift green. Closet to the pin wins! There will prizes for the top 3 balls. This fundraiser benefits a farm project in Kenya. Rotarian Del Livingston will be helping the village of Sango in Kisumu to develop a farm business to keep locals employed and pay tuition for students. He is hoping to have 250 students re-enrolled in school in the first year of his project. Of course, food and drink are involved. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Steve Enquist honored Gael Whalen with her first Paul Harris and presented her with a bunch of stuff, like a cool certificate, a pin and a Christmas tree ornament. Rose Stevens announced a global grant that will establish an emergency mobile clinic in Ukraine. Hopefully it will be up and running within 60 days. Makes me proud to be a Rotarian. Connie Coleman-Lacadie announced that Cindy Schaarschmidt, the Director of International Education at Pierce College is looking for host families for international students. Talk to Connie for more information.
More announcements included the December 8th Mingle and Jingle Christmas dinner put on by the Partners on December 8th at the TG&CC. The Lakewood Christmas Parade is the next day and if the 20 page application (yep, the Mayor is a lawyer) is accepted, LR will have a collection of fancy cars all decked out in festive paraphernalia rolling along throwing out little bags of candy assembled by the Partners. The bags will also include how to sign up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. If you wanna help put those bags together, join the Partners at Burr’s on December 4th at 3:00 pm.
There will be no meeting the Friday after Thanksgiving and no meeting December 22nd and 29th. Then on January 5th, the meeting will be at the Fort Steilacoom Pavilion by the playground with Dick Ferrell doing the cooking. He could use some help so don’t hesitate to volunteer. Now, we’ve been hearing about these freaking purple recycling bins to benefit Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation and Pres Mary’s obsessive competition with the Kiwanis for the most bins purchased. It’s been extended to the end of November, 2023 so you have more time to sign up. When Mary asked for a show of hands for those who have gotten one of these gems, many hands went up. You could feel the frustration in Mary that she didn’t have all of those names down and maybe we weren’t losing to the Kiwanis by so much. Please let Mary know if you’ve gotten a bin so she like she has a chance to beat the Kiwanis.
Tony Camoroda announced that, at the last training conference he attended, he learned we were in second place for the largest number of new members as of November 1, 2023. We are behind Gig Harbor who welcomed 12 new members, we are at seven with a couple more in the process, and on our heels and about to overtake us is Tacoma South with six new ones and three coming on. Tony presented Mary with a commemorative mug for tea or coffee with her cookies.
Speaking of cookies, Mary drug up PP Jason Whalen to brag about his speedy daughters. The oldest one was second in the New York Marathon and the third overall in the state championships in Pasco. Another one was 11th in the entire field and ran her personal best at the Bosie, Idaho Regionals. Jason challenged mom Gael to which parent was the most proud of their daughters and they finally agreed on $50 of pride. Anne and Steve Enquist are back from two plus weeks in Japan. Turns out Steve is talented in flower arrangements and Anne has a future as a samurai warrior. Steve almost came home a different man when a sumo wrestler almost landed in Steve’s lap during a demonstration. The Enquists dropped $60 to buy blankets.
Turning to the program and all kidding aside, Pres Mary asked who was going to introduce Joe. Someone said, “how’s Herrreeee’s Joe!” That worked. We all know Joe. Joe Quinn to those who aren’t too sure. Joe is our YPO and he was prepared to do some training for this motely crew of members. He promised not to bore us or lecture to us. He lectured at Tacoma South and a couple of members got into an argument with one member leaving the club. He asked how many of us had done the Youth Protection Class and about half had. Others had no clue what he was talking about and he encouraged all of us to get online, fill out the paperwork, watch the video, take the test, and be certified to work safely with young people. Joe will send out the link of the training as soon as it’s available.
We all had a handout of several scenarios of real interactions involving a Rotarian and either a young person or an adult in compromising situations. Joe picked four and we discussed those. The first one dealt with a Rotary meeting where a member started to tell a risqué joke in front of a student who was to be honored as “Student of the Month.” Members responded appropriately about how to deal with this, such as intervene, tell him to stop. The second scenario was a member making comments about the physical appearance of a young girl walking by a Rotary booth at an event. The booth was designed to attract new members. This one generated a longer discussion. Suggestions included tell him those comments were inappropriate and to stop. Assuming the girl heard, someone should go up to her and apologize on behalf of Rotary and explain that isn’t what we stand for. Another member advised that someone should take the member aside and explain why his conduct was inappropriate. Another said that the offending person should be kicked out of the booth. Becky Fontaine stated that each of these examples call for follow up with the offending parties and to tell the club’s YPO if any involved a minor.
Joe said that in the second example, the girl told her school principal and the principal went to the club president. The offending member was an Interact coordinator and was subsequently removed. Joe reiterated that if any of us deal with minors on any kind of a regular basis, we must take the youth protection training.
The third example involved a Rotary member who liked to hug female members. Several of the women reported to the president that the hugging made them uncomfortable. Joe told the story of a woman who was in a position of authority in a fire department and who liked to hug people. When one fire fighter complained, she quit the department. Another member reminded us that different cultures feel differently about hugging and other such physical contact and we need to be aware of those differences. Becky reminded us women that we need to speak up immediately if we are uncomfortable about such conduct. There was hope that a chat with the hugger would help him realize that his conduct was unacceptable and to stop doing it.
The final example was a more extreme example than number three. There the offending member had made unwelcome sexual advances with sexually suggestive comments and persistently seeking to date female members. President Mary said this one would lead her to go up the line in Rotary to get advice on how to handle it, leading to Becky. Becky said that she doesn’t usually deal with adult to adult misconduct but only adult to youth. This example is much more complicated and has legal and liability overtones if not properly handled.
A discussion ensued about members who appear to misbehave but in fact are struggling with cognitive issues, making them unaware of their inappropriate conduct. While that doesn’t excuse the behavior, it challenges the person’s family and friends to surround him/her to stop it in its tracts. Both Becky and Joe reminded us that youth protection is not just for youths. It is for all of us. Prevent legal problems by treating each other with respect and kindness. Don’t hesitate to get RI advise and to notify RI about the offending person if he/she is kicked out of the club so that they don’t join another club unawares of his/her past. This happened when a Rotarian had an affair with a 17 year old. This was criminal conduct and no one who suspected did anything or notified anyone.
Thank you Becky and Joe for the training. While we all think we behave appropriately, knowing what is acceptable and what is not is a helpful reminder for all of us.
Onto more fun stuff. Becky won the raffle, which had $225 or $250 depending on who you asked. She came away with $5. Better luck next time, Becky.
Happy Thanksgiving to all Lakewood Rotarians and their families! I wish you full and happy tummies and peaceful, loving time with family and friends. And here are a couple of turkey jokes for the jokesters amongst us.
What did the large turkey say to the computer voice recognition? “Google, Google, Google.”
What’s a turkey’s least favorite song? “I’m all about that baste, about that baste, no giblets.”
What did the will turkey say to the hunter? Quack quack.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:
November 21 - Board Meeting
November 24 - Day after Thanksgiving - NO MEETING
All of November - Competition extended! Get a purple recycle bin from Lemay Waste
Management supporting Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and help President Mother Mary (Lakewood Rotary) beat Dick Muri (Steilacoom Kiwanis). All proceeds go to Mary Bridge.
December 2 – Ball Drop with Parkland-Spanaway Rotary at LeMay Collection at Marymount
starting at 1:00 pm
December 4 - 3:00 p.m. at Burrs - Candy Work Party with the Partners. Help us get ready for the
Holiday Parade.
December 8 - Mingle & Jingle Party, 5:30 p.m. at TCGC. RSVP by November 21.
December 9 - 4:30 p.m. Holiday Parade of Lights. Let President Mother Mary know that you
want to be part of the Lakewood Rotary float.
December 15 - Puffin Presidential Roast: Tom & Jerry are calling you.
December 22 – no meeting
December 29 – no meeting
January 5 – meeting at Fort Steilacoom Pavilion at noon. Dick Ferrell is cooking and could use
some volunteer helpers
A Day of Honor
By Gayle SeldenSunday, November 12, 2023
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ABCs of Medicare and RIP Dave Covey
By John W. MagnusonSunday, November 5, 2023
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Staff reporters for “Da Bull,” remember being told to always have a theme to our writing. Dave Sclair was our Editor in Chief in addition to being Past District Governor, past president of Clover Park Rotary, husband of past president Mary Lou Sclair and father of past president Ben Sclair. Dave consistently reminded those he met how lucky they were to meet him. Some were gullible enough to believe him.
Well crap! This just in: Our good friend Lakewood Rotarian Dave Covey died Sunday morning. Dave was a past president and assistant governor. He suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for many years. Dave was all personality all the time; he had one speed and that speed was GO! He could be exhausting, and his wife Florence had only one admonition for her loving husband: Oh Dave! Dave grew up in Port Orchard and attended the UW. He was a high school basketball standout. At the UW he changed sports and rowed on the crew. He served in the USAF as a Navigator spending one full tour in Vietnam. Ever Dave, he founded Winter Sports Club while stationed at Bien Hoa arranging ski trips to the snowcapped mountains surrounding the jungles of Vietnam! After his active-duty service Dave remained in the USAF Reserve retiring as a Colonel. He began a rowing program at Seattle Pacific College. He and Florence created Business Interiors NW and provided office furnishings to many companies throughout the region. He was very proud of his grandson Bo and granddaughter Grace. Dave lived his final days with daughter Angie. His son Boen and family live in San Diego. Cards in remembrance can be sent to Angie Moawad at 339 Shadow Pl. SE, Renton, WA 98059. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held in the spring at a day to be arranged later.
Keeping with Sclair’s admonition, the theme of this edition of Da Bull was going to be a glimpse of the publication’s inner workings. You may be familiar with slick organs like The News Tribune, The New York Times, The Sub-Times, etc. But have you witnessed up close and personal a sweat shop such as The Key? Once you enter the newsroom, you’ll never forget the rancid smell of stale cigar smoke, sweat stained clothing, and cups of chlorogenic acid-based coffee eating its way through strewn paper cups.
Laboring reporters take on a mysterious pinkish hue in the florescent light. Then you realize, no, they really are pink. Their eyes, their overripe tomato shaded skin, their gums drooling over incisors. It is a magnificent sight, one must admit. “Dimosiografiko Megaleio” as the Greeks say – Journalistic Greatness!
Instead, we Will Remember Dave
The meeting opened with an invocation by Yorleny Clapper and pledge to the Flag by Linda Disney. Covey’s fellow Navigator PP Gary Fulton manned the Paul Harris Desk to the tune of $1440 expropriation – but for a good cause! Visitor introductions and raffle collections by Leon Titus. Leon sold David many vehicles over the years – each one a gem! Not many folks know Leon was named for Emperor Titus, the Benevolent Ruler of Rome. Yeah, that’s the ticket!
The Family Dream Team has been inducted into the “Duncan Cook Memorial Lakewood Rotary Meeting Set-up Committee Hall of Fame” also known as the DCLRMSCHF. Those honored include Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, PP Rick Selden, James Oswunda, Tom George and Rob Erb. Time will be set aside for autographs by the honorees at a future meeting. The Present Prolific Puffins were invited to stand and be acknowledged. Jim Bisceglia was heard to say, “My Goodness! Would you look at those Puffins. What an impressive group. Lakewood Rotary’s future is assured with this cadre of future leadership! Huzzah!”
A guest was introduced – now pay close attention, this is what happens when someone is introduced without making certain the scribe gets all the details. This is what I heard: “Phil Emdelkhorn from Iceland who is ATEP.” Wendy McGowan reported that PDG Gordon Quick is in Las Vegas. Further, Kris Kaufman was present after a heart procedure the other day! Several senior Rotarians were seen recording the name of his heart care specialist and erasing Veterinarian Max Flockerzie’s name. (Max was a Lakewood Rotarian from 1776 to 2000 – or thereabouts!)
PP Bob Zawilski took pictures, PP John Lowney took money, another fellow Navigator, PP Ole took notes. Steilacoom Mayor and Kiwanian Dick Muri was introduced. He wasn’t there but he was introduced. Zoomers were welcomed: Carole Wier, David Swindale, PP Joe and Eric Quinn and PP Ralph Lockhart. Purple recycling bins and Dolly Parton are all part of a nefarious plot to inhabit libraries with some competition for memberships and stuff. (The foregoing is an example of journalistic compaction – done whenever one can smoosh two topics of prose together into one. A very effective prose technique for prose thingys.)
PP Rick Selden won the drawing recently. He wasn’t present so he delegated his winningness to Steve Mazoff. Proving his generosity, Rick agreed to sharing his largesse with Steve. Of course, there were certain legal fees involved, processing costs, discounts, tattoos, pricing, etc. Steve walked out with $5. Not a bad day for a lawyer! Rick took home $694!
Important Dates
Greg Rediske noted birthdays, wedding anniversaries and club anniversaries. Perhaps Bob Cammarano won the age race at about 93. The Montgomerys may have won the wedding anniversary race with 54 years. The birthday folks were called to the front of the room to explain the significance of 1991, the Macarena, and Cheers. Your guess is as good as mine. Although I do think it is strange: the actor who played Chandler in Friends died this past week while at the same time the comedy series Cheers was reborn, and the World Wide Web has devolved into artificial intelligence. In my opinion, most of what is seen on TV and certainly from Congress, doesn’t amount to intelligence, artificial or otherwise!
A Rotary Minute
PP John Magnuson recounted a Rotary Minute in his life. It began in 1952 in Edmonds with a new Rotary Charter to which his father was a member. A Rotary Youth Month introduced John to the Four Way Test and community leaders. Then fast forward to 1975 when Fife-Milton chartered a club and then John moved to Lakewood thanks to the friendship of PP Paul Reeder. In about 48 years of Rotary the most important accomplishment John has witnessed is the International Baccalaureate Program in Clover Park Schools. The benefits will pay dividends over many years.
Rotary On Tap was touted by Linda Disney. El Toro is the place and 5:30 is the time and next Thursday is the day! PP Gayle Selden announced a Break-Bag delivery day November 13, 9:00 AM. No sign-up necessary, just show-up. By the time you read this, Woodstick will be in the history books. Many thanks to PP Chris Kimball, the once again organizer for this fun event benefitting Coffee Oasis.
Candy jar donations by PP Rose Stevens, PP Scott Buser, Bob Martin and Brandy Paxton enriched President Mary’s retirement fund! Rose was honored as a board member since 2011 of The Rose International Fund for Children (TRIFC), a non-profit that benefits disadvantaged people and people living with disabilities.
The Program
Jan Gee introduced member Brandy Paxton from Humana who is a purveyor of insurance services including health programs dealing with Medicare – the subject of the day. Brandy mentioned her family; husband Jason and 2 sons, one of whom turned 17. Brandy exhibited her generosity with a donation to Mary’s Sugar Bowl as well as mentioning being a Scout Leader. (That elevates her stature in my eyes as a former Boy Scout. I don’t really care if you don’t like that; I loved scouting! I didn’t mention it during my Rotary Minute, but my Scout Leader was Phil Smart; automobile dealer, Scout Leader and benefactor to Children’s Orthopedic Hospital, author of The Third Eight. He was a devoted Rotarian and Charter Member of Edmonds Rotary.)
I took almost two pages of notes about Medicare. Much of my note-taking involved abbreviations and acronyms. There’s Parts A, B, C and D. There’s HMO’s and PPO’s. There’s Tiers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. And if that isn’t enough to bring you to tears, there are Formularies, Deductibles, Co-pays, Supplemental Plans, Advantage Plans, Savings Plans and Medicaid. Of course, Brandy made it so straightforward and understandable as is possible. I did feel a little sorry for our members of Norwegian descent. Do you know why it is referred to as a Norwegian descent?
Editors-in-Chief Horn and Paula urge accuracy from Da Bull reporters. I hesitate to report what I wrote just in case my computer makes an error. Instead, go to www.medicare.gov , login and begin a fruitful search. Explore programs, eligibility, limits, coverage options, for both health and drug plans. Learn so much more. As a Medicare recipient for 18 years, I can vouch for its efficacy, but not necessarily ease of navigation. Process simplicity is a bit of an oxymoron, but it is something you MUST learn.
Thank you, Brandy, for opening a window into the bewildering world of government health care.
Breaking News: Assistant Governor Bill Potter announces that the Bike Build will be Saturday November 18th, 9:00 to 1:30. LeMay Pierce County Shop, 4107 192nd St. East, Tacoma, 98446. Questions? Call Bill 253 732 9001.
Donnnn Irwin won $5 in the drawing. A pattern is developing here.
RIP Brother Dave.
Who Reads This Stuff?
Ole
The Right Way to Learn to Write
By Donn IrwinSunday, October 29, 2023
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It all started as it should, right at 12:30PM, as President Mary Horn (PMH) rang her bell and brought us all to attention so that Scott Buser could invoke us to ask for peace, safety and protection – especially for the hostages in Gaza and for those affected by the terrible happening in Maine. Phil Eng led us in the Pledge.
Leon Titus was at the Paul Harris desk while Mark Edgecomb was multitasking as the raffle and visiting Rotarians guy AND being the Sgt. at Arms person as well.
The Dream Team - Rob Erb, Wynn Hoffman, James Osundwa and Tom George set the electronics up for the meeting.
John Lowney was Cookie Jar Tender (fine collector) and was forced to contribute to said jar due to his stay in Cabo San Lucas – during a hurricane. John explained that he and his wife (Pam) consider their favorite place to be Cabo and they always go in October. I believe he said something about romance and other sentimental/gushy stuff that cause the Lowney’s to consider Cabo as their favorite place.
In 1904 the big news in NYC on Oct 27 was that the subway opened.
PMH asked the Puffins to stand up - four of them did. PMH also asked for guests of Rotarians to be introduced so Steve Mazoff stood to announce his wife, Ellen.
The “Zoomers” were then recognized – Carol Wier, Carl “Root Beer” Bronkema and John (Ole) Magnuson all had their smiley faces up on the screen.
Back in 1873 on this date, Joseph Glidden applied for a patent on his barbed wire design.
Gordy Quick and Greg Horn were recognized as Past District Governors while Tony Camoroda was acknowledged as District Governor Nominee (Ole, in case you don’t know what that is, it means that Tony is second in line as District Governor) and the always effervescent Assistant Governor, Bill Potter, was also recognized.
On October 27th in 1795 there was an extremely important event that took place – Pickney’s Treaty between the United States and Spain was signed. The treaty established the southern border of the United Staes and gave us the right to navigate the Mississippi River.
Wendy McGowan was called upon to give the Sunshine report. Wendy reported that Gordy Quick was in Las Vegas for the season and that he was undergoing blood tests and transfusion down in the desert. Gordy says hello to everyone.
Wendy also reported that Tom Sadler is in a facility and that the address is 3512 38th Ave NW, Gig Harbor WA 98335. Tom’s phone number is 253-820-3443. Tom’s wife, Sharon, said that Tom would welcome visitors but that a call should be placed to 253-313-5638 to make sure that he is available to be seen. (I believe that is the number for the facility that he is in, and they want to be sure that you don’t waste a trip to Gig Harbor to see him).
Steve Enquist stepped up the to mic to award Mark Edgecomb with his 7th Paul Harris award. I believe Jason Whalen earned one as well, but it could have been for Gael Whalen – not sure on that one. Steve also gave Tom George a replacement pin for one that he had received earlier that was broken.
Speaking of Tom George, he of the Youth Exchange program, Tom announced that he has worked with both the outbound students in the program and with some rebound (returning) students. He also previewed a new Youth Exchange Pin for District 5020.
Date line 10/27/1936 – Dupont announces “nylon”.
Announcements:
PMH plugged the Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation purple recycling bins program once again. PMH is very competitive and our club is way behind the Kiwanis club is Steilacoom – 33 to 20 - in buying the bins. They cost $200.00 a piece so she is looking for club members to pony up some bucks. (Otherwise, we may have to deal with the result of losing the competition…yikes!).
The World Affairs Seminar is coming up so get nominations in. This is a great opportunity for high school students to learn leadership skills. They will spend a week in beautiful Wisconsin.
Jan Gee – Trunk or Treat needs volunteers for October 31. Call her.
Wood Stick is November 11th at Clover Park HS and is supporting Oasis Coffee this year. Chris Kimball says he might need another couple of volunteers to help with parking cars.
Nourish of Pierce County is having a fund-raising auction on November 11th. Contact AG Bill Potter for more information.
In 1960 on October 27th Ben E. King recorded “Spanish Harlem’ and “Stand By Me” in NYC and in 2004 the Boston Red Sox won their first championship since 1918.
Community Concerns Committee Chair Jan Gee came forward to ask for motions, seconds, and votes for two grants – one for the LeMay Bike Build and the other for a Holiday Basket Ministry. Both grants were for $2,000. Both received motions, seconds and were passed. Once again, Lakewood Rotary gives back to the community!
PMH touted the new Lakewood Rotary edition of Stroll Magazine and mentioned that our own Steve Enquist got a two-page spread and Dwight Williams got a page as well.
Past President Jim Rooks came forward to announce nominations for our Board and officers. New Board members nominated were Linda Disney, Dwight Williams and Mark Herr. Greg Rediske was nominated for Secretary and John Lowney for Treasurer. Tom George was touted for President. There was a motion to accept the slate which was then seconded and approved. Congratulations to all and thank you in advance for your service to the club.
Cookie Jar Contributions:
Chris Kimball paid $20. for being in the top 20 in some car event that I didn’t get the name of. Thank you, Chris and congratulations.
PMH touted the Stroll magazine again and Steve Enquist paid $25.00.
PP Jim Rooks stood to let us know that PP Mark Edgecomb was inducted into the Simon Fraser Hall of Fame for his soccer prowess. Mark paid $40. Was that Canadian $$?
Tony Camoroda paid some money to congratulate all of the new board members and to mention that Tom George is the first President Elect announced during his upcoming tenure as DG.
AG Bill Potter announced that the LeMay Bike Build will be November 19th and that he is looking for some possible additional storage space.
Barb Spriggs introduced our speaker, Susanne Bacon.
Susanne Bacon is a bi-lingual, German-American author, journalist, and columnist
All of these colorful chapters in her life and a very positive, hope-inspired attitude influence her topics and her style of writing.
Susanne was born in Stuttgart, Germany, where she graduated with a double Master's degree in General and Comparative Science of Literature and in Linguistics from Stuttgart University.
She was a freelance journalist with a daily paper in her hometown, then with a trade magazine for which she would end up as the editor-in-chief for over a decade. During this time, she published two books of poetry and short stories in German.
Susanne immigrated to the U.S. in 2010, where she has been living with her husband in the South Puget Sound region in Washington State ever since.
In 2015, Susanne Bacon edited and translated her first, originally German novel, “Islands in the Storm”, a historical novel about the German occupation of the British Channel Islands in WW II. Immediately after its publication, she wrote and published her first American novel, “Delicate Dreams”, which would become the first in a series.
Her Suburban Times column “Home from Home”, comparing her former German life to her American experiences, turned into another book with the same title.
In 2021, Susanne created an spin-off from her Wycliff series, a romantic mystery based on the character of a military spouse.
Since 2015, Susanne Bacon has published twelve novels – the 13th is about to be published –, one book of short fiction, and one book of non-fiction; they can be found on Amazon. Her Suburban Times readers find her columns “Across the Fence” and “In the Book Nook with …” each and every Thursday and Friday on the internet.
You can also visit her website https://susannebaconauthor.com/ or her public author page on Facebook.
Susanne’s topic – How to Publish and be an Author.
Her presentation began with the notion that if you are going to write, you have to have a purpose. When she first started writing her purpose was to vent her emotions.
Her first job was as a freelance writer. Later she wrote trade manuals and advertorials. These jobs enabled her to build a network-personally and professionally.
In the United States she is not know as a journalist but as an author. She talked about different types of writing – as might be seen in the Suburban Times. Opinion pieces, editorial pieces, stories and announcements and critiques/entertainment reviews such as Past Rotary 8 President, Don Doman’s articles that show up in the Suburban Times.
She posed the question: How did I start out? Well, in 2017 the political climate was terrible, and angst was the disposition de jour so……she decided to just tell stories – until she ran out of them. Then she started her “Across the Fence” pieces.
She created a column to help authors market themselves.
Next year a new column will appear in the Suburban Times called “Lets Talk”. The purpose of which will be to stimulate conversation – civilly.
Susanne stated that through her writings she tries to inspire and that writing and publishing are easy to do. Just set aside 10 to 15 minutes to write every day.
Think about your message - what you want to say and how you want to deliver that message. Your delivery mechanism could be a novel, a poem, an essay and so on.
Susanne stated that the person who writes will be remembered.
She gave a couple of helpful hints: If you can’t come up with a first sentence then write a second one. If you can’t start with a beginning, then start in the middle or the end and work from there.
The helpful hint I liked the best was – you can’t edit a blank page so write something. (With that I will send this on to our publisher!).
The Foundation took in another $205 today!
Donnnnn Irwin won the raffle and drew a white chip worth $5.00.
Another Lakewood Rotary Club meeting adjourned.
Famous October 27th birthdays: Theodore Roosevelt, Emily Post, Dylan Thomas, Nanette Fabray, Roy Lichtenstein, H.R. Halderman, John Cleese, Lee Greenwood and Donald Trump’s ex Marla Maples.
Rocking'[the Mic Like a Vandal. . .
By Stephen SaalfeldSunday, October 22, 2023
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Rockin’ the Mic Like a Vandal…
Steve Saalfield
When you’re the bulletin writer, you learn to “take care of business” before the meeting begins. So being a wise peddler of bull, I headed for the bathroom at 12:24pm to heed nature’s call. So imagine my surprise as I was about to open the bathroom door and heard President Mary (with the enthusiastic help of Kat’s son) ringing the dinner bell FIVE MINUTES EARLY. I told nature to “hold, please” and hightailed it back to the meeting. I’ll let our faithful Lakewood Rotarian readers decide if “working under pressure” was a wise decision on my part. And for those who were there, now you know why I kept my legs crossed for most of the meeting.
Tom George got our meeting started with the invocation which referenced the 4-Way Test—a nice two-for one by Tom.
Shout-outs were offered (but fortunately using “inside voices”) for the following folks who made today’s meeting possible:
Paul Harris Desk: Joel Vranna, Linda Disney
Sgt at Arms/Visiting Rotarians/$2 table: Chuck Hellar
Setup Crew: Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa, Tom George, Rob Erb
A number of puffed-up Puffins were in attendance but they sat down before I got a good look at them, so take my word for it that they were a regal bunch bound to bear the torch for Rotary with dignity.
Rob introduced Dan Gibbon visiting our club today.
Our meeting was elevated by the presence of several Rotary dignitaries: DG Caleb Summerfelt (our speaker today), Chief of Staff Robin Summerfelt, PDG Greg Horn. DGN Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter.
Sunshine report: Wendy let us know that Rick Selden spent some time visiting Tom Sadler who is doing well.
Gayle Selden introduced Amelia, our Rotary exchange student from Norway who is particularly interested in joining your family for your next Costco run—but also other important American cultural experiences that don’t involve 50-gallon vats of mayonnaise.
Did you celebrate The International Day of the Air Traffic Controller on Friday? You’ll be happy to know most air traffic controllers didn’t either and reported to work, which was good news for those flying.
Rotary Moment: Folks may recall local student Marisa Terry who our club helped secure a scholarship from the District that helped fund her schooling in Belfast, Ireland. Marisa, and her father Mark, joined our meeting so she could share that she successfully completed her Master’s Degree at Queen’s University Belfast in Ireland. Marisa had a great time, learned a lot and only had some minor setbacks (no water or electricity in her university housing for a month kept things interesting). She’s on the job hunt now.
President Mary was doing a little poking around on Charity Navigator (a nonprofit that rates national charities on things like their impact, fiscal responsibility at transparency). She learned that Rotary has perfect 100% rating compared to a 97% rating for Kiwanis. While that would lead you to believe that Rotarians should win all head-to-head competitions with Kiwanis, the Steilacoom Club is currently leading our Mary Bridge purple Carts for Kids competition 33 to our 20. This writer made an impassioned plea (Luke Skywalker was referenced and I may have likened Kiwanis to a “curious marsupial cross of a koala and a kiwi fruit.” I’m not proud of it, but you’d be amazed what I’ll say to win a competition.) to fellow Rotarians to spread the word to folks in the Waste Connections service area to get a cart and says that “Lakewood Rotary” sent them.
President Mary’s honor hangs in the balance so my plea included a reminder that Lakewood has 60,000+ residents to less than 4000 in Steilacoom, so we have a distinct advantage and chance to make a big push in the final 11 days of competition. Rotarians are encouraged to spread the word and share the link: Carts for Kids - MultiCare Foundations Our President’s honor thanks you.
Today is also National Chicken and Waffles Day. While I’m a fan of both chicken and waffles, I have yet to find the combination appealing. In my experience, once the chicken pecks the waffle a few times, I kind of lose my appetite.
Jan Gee asked the club to approve a $2,000 grant for the Toys for Kids program that provides funds to shop for needy families at Mary Bridge Children’s with medically fragile children. Motion was approved by all.
Speaker: Speaking of Bill Potter, he introduced District Governor Caleb Summerfelt whose presentation theme was “Can One Person Make a Difference?” I usually hate spoilers, but if you’re short on time and gotta run—the answer is YES.
Highlights of Caleb’s talk:
-He was always warned to avoid the DG’s presentation when he started out in Rotary. Suffice it to say that Caleb had a really entertaining presentation that included a bevy of videos from famous folks including Magic Johnson, Vanilla Ice, and Jerry Springer to name a few.
Author’s Note: I still hold a bit of a grudge against Vanilla Ice who was supposed to open for MC Hammer at a concert I attended back in high school. He cancelled at the last minute as he decided “Hammer should be opening for me.” I found his message today more inspiring than his no-show back in the early 90’s. While I can’t say he “flowed like a harpoon,” he did still look like a guy who could blow when he’s rolling in his 50s.
Will he ever stop? I don’t know.
-Caleb has a hidden disability with his vision that made for a few unfortunate run-ins with inanimate objects. When the issue was finally diagnosed, he met Mariner Hall of Famer, Edgar Martinez doing therapy for the same condition.
-French Stewart on the power of words to hurt or empower: “Let words be your superpower…be positive human weather.”
-Jerry Springer: “Live your life such that you don’t end up on my show.” (Perhaps the best advice of the day)
-Though Caleb had a long interest in Rotary well before he was a member, he kept meeting folks who discouraged him from learning more or joining. It took a charismatic Jack Russell Terrier (channeling the spirit of Paul Harris?) to lead him to his first meeting in Europe.
-A reminder that as Rotarians we are walking billboards for Rotary—for better or worse (Let’s try better!)
-Finally, he reminded us that the Rotary District 5020 meeting is taking place in May 2024 at the Semiahmoo resort in Blaine, WA.
Friday was also Office Chocolate Day—like an idiot I was working from home that day lamenting the lack of chocolate in our house. Thankfully the cookies at our Rotary meeting saved my Friday.
Dwight Williams was the winner of the raffle and the loser of all money except $5.00. Better luck next time, Dwight!
LATE BREAKING NEWS: A Saturday report from John and Pam Lowney dealing with a hurricane in Cabo: “Made it thru the night fine. 3” rain and 75mph winds. Another 12” forecast with 110 mph winds and large ocean surges. We have been instructed to stay in our unit all day. Our unit is flooded. The ceiling leak has expanded so I have up on the buckets and water is blowing in under the doors. It looks like a day or two more of the same. We love an adventure!! Oh, but don’t forget we have a wonderful orange and tortilla breakfast in the fridge. LOL.” Stay well, dear friends, and Prez Mary’s cookie jar is waiting for your expression of gratitude on your safe return.
Upcoming Events:
Oct 20th: Harkness Furniture Tacoma South Rotary Putt Putt Golf event at 5pm
Oct 23rd: Claudia Thomas townhomes needs snacks and lunch for 12 college students. Contact Bill Potter or Ellie Wilson
Oct 24th: Lakewood Rotary board meeting with a 5pm social, 5:30pm meeting live and on Zoom on the regular link. Puffins are welcome.
Oct 31st: Trunk or Treat—Contact Jan Gee if you’d like to volunteer
Nov 5th: WoodStick at Clover Park High School supporting Coffee Oasis this year. 5-6 volunteers needed. Contact Chris Kimball
Nov 11th: Nourish of Pierce County fund raiser (Bill Potter has some details if you’d like to know more)
How Justice is Served
By Gregory J. RediskeSunday, October 15, 2023
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Ring, ring goes the bell, as Chuck Berry said. However, no cook in the lunchroom ready to sell, just President/Queen Mary calling out to her family of Rotarians to shut up and stand up. That done, Bob Peterson (famous for being this writer’s Western Civilization teacher in high school) gave the invocation and Scott Buser led us in the Pledge. Prior to that, we thank Leon Titus for being here so he could take Paul Harris money ($250) while Chuck Hellar strong-armed attendees for money so we could all support Rick Selden. More on that later.
Zoomers were eight in number: John Magnuson, Debbie McVicker, Charles Heberle, Rachel Mazoff, Ralph Johnson, Carole Wier, Mary Strom-Copland, and Barlow Buescher. Guests were Victoria and Greg Wittman, announced by Cat Fredrickson but actually guests of Mary Horn. Dignitaries included PDG Greg Horn, DG-elect Tony Camoroda, and PE Carl “Root Beer” Bronkema. And providing these fabulous pictures to make this bulletin worth reading: Phil Eng.
Birthdays and Other Stuff:
Reames, Lowney and Stephan all had wedding anniversaries: 22, 24, and 53, respectively.
Member anniversaries (Lakewood years/total Rotary years)
Linda Disney 1/6
Andy Phillips 2/37
Chuck Hellar 10/46
Rose Stevens 13/13
Bob Zawilski 26/26
Birthdays: see if you can identify the member with the famous person sharing their birth date?
Rotarian: Famous Folks:
Angela Connelly Kevin Kline
Mark Herr Robert Goddard (rocket scientist)
Mary Horn Minnie Pearl
Charlie Hyde Buster Keaton
Gordon Quick Joseph Goebbels
Barb Spriggs Bill Gates
Gael Whalen Jane Pauley
(Answer: Read from bottom of famous folks up (Pauley is Connelly, etc.))
Rotary on Tap was last night, October 12, at the Topside in Steilacoom. By all accounts, everyone had a blast. According to Mark Herr, it was nice to socialize with the “established members”. Euphemism for “old Rotarians”. Thanks to Linda Disney and Connie Coleman-Lacadie for again making this a great event. Next up: November 9, somewhere. Stay tuned.
The Tap evening this time raised money for Polio Plus, with a two for one match from the Gates Foundation. They raised $805 (before Gates). But wait! There’s more! Another $397 was raised at the Rotary meeting today! Which would be…7 + 5, carry the one, 9 + 1 +0, carry the one…$1202!!
Announcements:
--Steilacoom Kiwanis is beating us 26 purple bins to 17 purple bins.
--Little Free Pantry: Rose Stevens asked for volunteers to help. Thanks to Greg Horn, Jason Whalen, Scott Buser, Scott Baird, Veronica Bronkema, Angela Connelly. Lakewood Rotarians in action.
--Barb Spriggs interviewed at Clover Park High for Next Step mentoring, and has two excellent students. She needs more Next Step mentors. They are looking at a possible Interact club there, too.
--October 20 is Tacoma South Rotary’s Harkness Putt-Putt, 5 pm.
--November 5 is Woodstick, this year at Clover Park High School. Chris Kimball needs a few volunteers still. This gathering of millions and millions of drummers (or slightly less) will benefit Coffee Oasis.
--November 11 Nourish fund raiser
Who put the cookie in the cookie jar? “Who me?” “Yes, you!”
--Barb Spriggs put $40 in the cookie jar for a three-day writer’s conference where she debuted her new children’s book about flying.
--Mark Herr gave $100 in thanks to West Pierce Fire for the training he and Jim Rooks completed for Community Emergency Response.
--Rick Selden stuffed $40 in for a great trip to Sunriver
--Jason Whalen recognized two daughters, the youngest turning 18 and running all over the place in cross country races, the oldest celebrating 4 years of marriage in Spain.
--Eric Quinn donated $40 for excessive Rotary meeting absences, sometimes due to “having a blast” with his 2- and 4-year-old kids.
--Phil Eng went cruising; he would have paid $50 but subtracted $10 because Judy got Covid.
--Writer Rediske ponied up $20, reluctantly, for a repeat visit to Sunriver.
--Angela Connelly spoke proudly of two of her many sons and thanked West Pierce Fire for putting out the fire in her house. $140!
--Jim Sharp got two plugs in the Cookie Jar parade, so volunteered $50 for the “free” publicity.
Program:
Tom George introduced Judge Indu Thomas, Thurston County Superior Court Judge. While standing together for a photo, the height-challenged Tom noted that people from India come in “different sizes”. The judge came here from India with her family when she was 5, 50 years ago. Prior to being appointed to the Superior Court, she was a Superior Court Commissioner for 14 years. The title for her remarks was “Navigating Change”. A particular change was the adjustment to Covid: the court closed down for 6 weeks. During that time, they had to quickly create a process for continuing their work virtually. This process continues for some things to this day. The bulk of her talk was in response to questions:
Joe Quinn: Do judges specialize? The answer was no, basically, though they rotate in 3-year increments between specialized courts.
Jim Bisceglia: Crime rate increases, what is the effect on the court? Judge Thomas said that pre-Covid, crime had been steadily decreasing, only to surge post-Covid. Violent crime is the most notable for the increase, backing up court cases to some degree.
Anne Enquist: Judge Thomas replied she is most proud of the many folks who give of their time in the justice system, notably jurors. Further, she was asked what she would do with a magic wand to change the system? That would be that everyone could see inside the heart of others, not just their outward appearance. She referenced the movie SHALLOW HAL where the protagonist can indeed see inside the heart of people and their true feelings. Rules matter, but so does compassion.
Terry Roarke: The judge responded that she doesn’t have a major problem with long-term judges, though she noted the suggestion for judges to be appointed for one term, then run for a second, and then be done, has merit.
Illuminating, as almost all of Lakewood Rotary’s programs are. Thanks to all!
Drawing: Rick Selden had to take his daughter to the airport, and so left at 1 p.m. However, he purchased a raffle ticket, which was given to Steve Mazoff for safekeeping. When #3982 was called, it turns out that that was Rick’s number. Furthermore, it turns out Steve can see through Seagram’s blue bags and he pulled red!! $699!! Whoo-hoo!
Do you read ROTARY magazine? You all get it. It’s included in your dues.
This report came from Wenatchee, WA, home to some of the 7.2 million horses in the USA. At the Apple Blossom Festival, there is a float parade, including drill teams, bands and so forth. “So forth” included some horses. Prior to the event, the Rotary Club of Wenatchee sold tickets with each ticket entering a guess as to where on the parade route the first horse manure would land. The prize was $10,000. In the end, they netted $14,000 for student scholarships.
Lakewood Rotary is famous for our good humor. We need a fundraiser that highlights that fun! Ideas???
By the way, there is also an excellent article about the polio survivor story of Ina Pinkney, famed chef, and owner of Ina’s Kitchen.
And speaking of Chris Kimball’s Woodstick…..drum along with this!
CPAP Blues (a musical soliloquy by Chris Kimball)
It started with my snoring, I went to see the doc,
He said my oxygen was low, I said, man, what a crock!
You’re tryin’ to make more money by giving me a scare,
But as I spoke I fell asleep, while sitting in his chair!
So I woke up this morning, with a hose stuck to my head.
My wife she screamed and shouted, "there’s a monster in my bed!"
But then she started laughing, recalled my need to snooze,
This thing has ruined my love-life, I got them CPAP blues!
Chorus:
I got them CPAP blues, Oh yeah, those CPAP blues.
My body’s getting older, so I got to pay my dues,
I got them CPAP Blues.
I used to snore so loudly, it even shook the bed,
The racket filled the bedroom, enough to wake the dead.
Now I'm sleeping soundly, thanks to all that forced air,
But all those straps and velcro are messing up my hair.
The joy of sleepin's gone now, I gotta wear this mask.
I used to love to go to bed, now it's just another task.
Last night the restroom called my name, I headed for the door,
Forgot to disconnect and did a face plant on the floor.
(Chorus)
They say I'll soon get used to it, the plastic and the hose,
But I can't stand the feeling of that air shoved up my nose.
Today when I got up I really thought I's doin' great,
But then I checked my sleep score, it was only 88!
Guitar solo (Rock it, Ole!!)
So now I gotta clean it, and soak it once a week,
Every night's the same; I end up lookin' like a freak.
I sit here and I wonder as I look at all that gear,
Is it really worth it just to live an extra year?
I got them CPAP blues, Oh yeah, those CPAP blues.
Just wait 'til you get older, you may be in my shoes,
You'll have them add the water strap on the mask adjust the tension get more zits turn on the switch take a few deep breaths don't let it leak sleep on your back CPAP Blues.
Words of Wisdom for the Day:
All you need is love.
And a dog.
Well, OK…..and a beer.
But that’s it.
Really.
The Future of Western State Hospital
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, October 8, 2023
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The Future of Western State Hospital
Joe Quinn
President Mary Horn (PM) called the Rotary Family of Lakewood to order at 12:30 pm or so, with Chris Kimball called upon to do the invocation and Joe Quinn to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.
PM then, for some unknown reason, told us about some of the past cars she has owned. The most notorious was a VW bug that had dings all over it, so each ding was covered with a sticker. Most unsightly. She squeezed it into a very small parking space only to return to find it missing. Seems some frat boys were so incensed by its ugliness that they lifted it up over the fence and put it on their lawn. Ah, those college days!
PM thanked all the LR Rotarians who made this meeting possible, such as Chuck Hellar who collected $645 at the Paul Harris desk and the setup crew of Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa, Tom George and Rob Erb, their fearless leader.
PM made all the Puffins stand up and so Kris Kaufman used that opportunity to mention that Dan the Puffin made him go so some “dam event,” which I think was somewhere up in Canada. Kris seemed eager to pass on the Puffin, but PM educated him, by stating that he is stuck with it until we induct another new member. Kris immediately left the meeting to start recruiting! No, just kidding.
PM said Bob Zawilski is our photog today and Joe Quinn is scribe, while Treasurer John Lowney is tending the cookie jar. PM recognized a few Zoomer members and asked for any Visiting Rotarians. Dave Harkness of Tacoma South Rotary and Heidi Wachter (the Lakewood City Attorney) of the Clover Park Club were recognized as VRs.
There were no Guests of Rotarians today, but PM did recognize the usual dignitaries in attendance. Of special note, Past District Governor Gordy Quick was back with us and said he has started his chemotherapy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: There were a ton of these, so listen up!
Wendy Wachter from Clover Park Rotary announced that on October 7th, this weekend CP Rotary and helpers are working at the Phillips Road Wildlife Area. There will be over 100 people working so if you see this before tomorrow (unlikely) you should show up.
October 10th is mental health today, so maybe that ties in with today’s program. See below.
Rotary on Tap will be at the Topside in Steilacoom on Thursday, October 12th so let Anne Enquist know you will be there. Profits all go to Pints for Polio.
For the whole month of October the battle continues between LR and the Steilacoom Kiwanis Club for the most purple recycling bins sold to aid the Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation.. PM says the two teams are currently tied at 17 each. For $200 a cart you can help PM win and help a good cause. Anyone in the Lemay Waste Management service area is eligible.
Dave Harkness rose with a $100 gift certificate to give us, but only because he wanted to push us to (again!) attend the Tacoma South Rotary’s Putt Putt Golf tourney to be held on October 20th. He said their Raise the Paddle this year will be for 100 Service Dogs for 100 Vets. Did you know that 20 veterans per day commit suicide in this country? Service dogs have been proven to help with mental health issues. Dave said they raised $77,000 last year on this fundraiser. Not bad for a Rotary club with only 15 members!! This is their 27th year for the event.
October 31 is the Trunk or Treat event so see Jan Gee if you want to volunteer.
November 5th is Woodstick and Chris Kimball could use some more volunteers (at least 5 or 6) for traffic control, parking and the like. The event will be at Clover Park High School, and is being done to benefit Coffee Oasis, which many Lakewood Rotarians support.
November 11th is the Nourish of Pierce County Fundraiser. See Bill Potter.
OUR PROGRAM:
City Manager John Caulfield introduced today’s speaker, Charles Southerland, of Western State Hospital. Based on his past job experience, we can see that Charles has vast experience in mental health and worked in corrections prior to that. He is a US Army veteran as well. John stressed that Western State is a good community partner with the City of Lakewood and is a large employer here as well.
Mr. Southerland explained that Western State Hospital has been divided into two distinct centers—one is the forensic side (criminal justice system) and the other is his bailiwick—the civil side of the hospital. But the reality he said, is that the vast majority of the patients being admitted now are on the forensic side. After a time, some of those patients are moved to the civil side.
Most of his talk was about the grand plans to build a new 350-bed forensic hospital, on the grounds, after the demolition of several existing Western State buildings. Demolition will proceed in 2024 and they estimate completion between 2027 and 2029.
In recent months, Mr. Southerland has said it has been his task to move out 180 patients from the building they call 21 – South, as demolition is slated to begin soon. He discussed in detail the problems of delay in getting patients into the hospital, as there have been news reports of (criminal defendant) patients waiting at least one year before being admitted for their evaluation of readiness to stand trial. (This is not a ‘criminal insanity’ determination, but merely asking if they are competent to stand trial and understand the nature of the charges against them.) He said the system is backed up for various reasons but it sounded as though one cause was the loss of those 180 beds on the civil side. Essentially, the hospital is full, with all beds spoken for.
The hospital is also subject to a federal court order in the Trueblood case, mandating that they reduce the delay down to 7 to 14 days! They have gotten it down to 6-8 weeks he said but are still getting fined by the court.
Due to recent legislation, some funds have been made available for the state to purchase added beds. For example, they gained 100-150 beds by buying the Olympic Heritage Behavior Health Center, which is in King County. When they add the Maple Lane Campus and the Brockman Campus they will have 64 additional beds.
Some tough but necessary questions were asked by LR Rotarians in the Q and A. It was noted that Lakewood (and specifically Oakbrook) has an inordinate number of adult family homes and someone asked if that was an overflow or release from Western State. At that point City Manager Caulfield rose to note that the permitting of adult family homes is a DSHS activity not a Western State jurisdictional issue. The City has raised this issue, John said, over and over again with State legislators and other state officials. Unquestionably, Lakewood has more than its fair share of adult family homes. Mr. Southerland did say that they try to relocate departing patients back to their home of origin, if possible, so they can be near their families or relatives.
Very informative program.
DRAWING: Jacob Cuthbertson drew the winning ticket but it was not for $655. The odds continue to improve.
Upcoming Events:
October 1-31 - Get your purple recycling bin from Lemay Waste Management and support Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.
October 12 - Rotary on Tap, Topside, 215 Wilkes Street, Steilacoom. RSVP to Steve and Anne Enquist. Join us at 5:30 for appetizers and drinks, and stay for dinner if you like. We'll pass the hat to raise donations and awareness for World Polio Day. Make a contribution today at this link.
October 17 - Board Meeting
October 20 - Harkness Furniture 27th Tacoma South Rotary Putt Putt Golf starting at 5:00 pm.
October 24 - World Polio Day.
October 31 - Trunk or Treat - See Jan Gee for details and to volunteer.
Tough on Crime in Lakewood
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, October 1, 2023
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President Mary warmed up the crowd with her signature song “We are Family” before dinging the dinner bell to officially start the meeting. Paula Olson led us in an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. Making the meeting happen was the set-up crew of Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa, Tom George and Rob Erb. Veronica Bronkema was at the Paul Harris table, Leon Titus was at the $2.00 table and also served as our sergeant at arms. Walt Richardson was the photographer extraordinare while Paula Olson took furious notes and John Lowney manned the Cookie Jar.
Generous Rotarians donated $1,835 to The Rotary Foundation today and $585 last week. Amazing! But where our generosity really shone was the last Friday of the month food donation. We collected more high value food than any time in the past and bunches of money for the Little Free Pantry program. Next opportunity to wow the community is October 27th.
We learned of a change in the board when Dave Swindale leaves for an extended trip ending in Hawaii to care for his mom. Linda Disney will take his spot on the Board of Directors. PDG Greg Horn swore Linda in and there was an official passing of the Rotary baton. President Mary presented Dave with a certificate of appreciation. Dave put $50 in the Cookie Jar for all the meetings he’ll miss until he returns in person. That would make a couple of bucks a meeting, Dave. Hhmmm.
In the announcement section, Gayle Selden gave us an update on exchange student Amelia Babazadz. She’s going to Homecoming by way of a promposal on TikTok. She also wants to shop at Good Will. Apparently, that’s the latest fun time on TikTok (sorry Nordstrom!). Gayle encouraged us to connect with Amelia to do something fun, although frankly I can’t think of a funner time than bin-diving at Good Will. Her number is in the book and she needs a new host family by the end of October until the end of February 2024. Gayle also told us that our 2011 – 2012 exchange student, Patricia Franko got married and had a little girl, Nora. They live in Mikohaza, Hungary.
Kris Kauffman had an exciting moment when he exchanged his red badge for a blue one and paid $5.00 for the honor. Prez Mary stated that our RI President, Gordon McInally is really promoting October 10th as Mental Health Day, prompted primarily because of his brother’s struggle. Anne Enquist announced Rotary on Tap event on October 12th at Steilacoom’s Top Side Tavern. Anne thanked Andy and Donna Phillips who know the owner and were able to convince him to let us rowdy Rotarians take over the upstairs section of the place and without charging a group fee. Address is 215 Wilkes, but RSVP with Anne or Steve Enquist so they know who is coming. The theme is Pints for Polio.
Don Daniels announced that he’s ending his term on the Planning Advisory Board at the end of the year. ???????? and that will leave four seats open. He encouraged us to apply for the positions and would love to see a few Rotarians help with community planning. Starting salary is low and the expectation that it will get better is non-existent but don’t let that deter you. Money isn’t everything, you know. October 20th is fun time at Tacoma South Rotary’s Putt Putt Golf. Social hour starts at 5:00 p.m. Mary assured us all that it really was fun so sign up and go. How???????????? Bill Potter had so many details of the Novemberr11th Nourish fundraiser in his head that all he could really say is that it will be awesome.
Shedding a little more light on the inner demons of our President, Mary complained that Lakewood Rotary is falling one purple bin behind the Kiwanas in the race to buy the most purple recycle bins from LeMay Waste Management. Yes, it’s sad to say she really is this competitive. Spend $200, buy a bin and get a $299 tax deduction to benefit Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation. Mary perked up a bit when she saw how many people have already bought the bins that weren’t on her list. “Maybe we’re ahead,” she breathed. Send her your name if you’ve bought one to ease Mary’s blood pressure in her desire to beat the Kiwanas. Joe Quinn announced that he had a Fulton to celebrate his trip to California. An argument erupted over how much a Fulton was worth. Some said $50 and some said $100. We did establish that a Greenleaf is $20 and a Franklin is $100 and an Irwin is $5, but what the heck is a Fulton worth? Not even Gary Fulton himself could bring a consensus. Leon Titus celebrated his 44th wedding anniversary in July and then spent two weeks in the south of France and then some time in Palm Springs and something about Chuck Hellar, which all added up to $100. So, was that one Fulton or two Fultons?
When Greg Horn said he had something to say, Mary immediately started biting her nails. This apparently would be an uncensored statement. But not to worry. Greg announced it was National Drink Beer Day! After doing a little research, Greg was one day off. National Beer Drink Day is September 28th, not the 29th. Speaking of national days, it was also National Strawberry Cream Pie Day, National North Carolina Day, and National Good Neighborhood Day. Cat Frederickson dropped $10 in the Cookie Jar to celebrate her youngest’s 10th birthday and Linda Disney honored Barb Spriggs and Mary Marlin for attending her first golf tournament.
Lakewood City Manager John Caulfield, decked out in one of the best-looking blazers ever, introduced our speaker, Lakewood Police Chief Patrick Smith. Chief Smith has a truly impressive law enforcement career, spending 28 years with the Los Angeles Police Department, rising in the ranks from a patrol officer to Commander. He is a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corp and comes to Lakewood from about four years as Chief of Police of Birmingham, Alabama. He started with the City of Lakewood on March 1, 2023. Chief Smith’s experience and training (resume?????????????? is so vast that we are incredibly lucky to have him.
The first words he spoke told us the most important thing we need to know about him: “Just call me Patrick.” He observed that he first thought the big crowd was to hear his presentation but then he learned about the pot roast lunch, he knew we had our priorities straight. The next thing Chief Smith did was recognize our Fire Chief Jim Sharp and described him as an awesome partner that the chief sincerely appreciated.
Chief Smith described how he approaches his job by analyzing the last 24 hours of crime every morning. He looks at what happened, where, and how many times. He considers the problem areas, citizen complaints and calls for service. He went on to give us statistical information about the second quarter of 2023. Calls for service went up about 11% from 2021 and 2022. He reminded us that the officers really have a heart to do what is right for the community and it’s citizens. To that end, arrests were up about 23.4%. Crimes against persons were up about 1%, property crimes down about 10.4%.
The biggest problem facing Lakewood from Chief Smith’s perspective is the inability to pursue suspects in stolen cars because of the state law prohibiting that. There are about six cars stolen every day at the Town Center. Then the stolen cars are stashed in a neighborhood where after a while, people are used to seeing the car. Theves then steal another car and use both of them to burglarize three to four homes. If you own a Kia or Hyundai, get an Apple airtag for tracking where your car is. While they things might not stop your car from being stolen, at least it can be located with the air tag. Steering wheel locks are also highly recommended for those two brands of cars..
In Lakewood, the number of shots fired cases are down; collisions are down; traffic stops are up. Chief Smith believes firmly that his daily crime analysis allows him to move officers around to areas where there is more crime. Unfortunately, homicides are up. In 2022, there was a total of five homicides. This year currently there are five homicides, however, four of the five homicides were resolved in six hours and the fifth one took a little longer because the suspect fled. Some sex crimes are up, such as those involving domestic violence and date rape but burglary and larceny are down. Overall, crime is down about 5.3% in Lakewood as of the second quarter of the year.
Chief Smith applauded the Mayor and the City Manager for starting a group of other representatives from similar cities to deal with the issue of public safety in Olympia. Getting 36 license readers to track stolen cars coming into Lakewood is also a huge help facilitated by the Mayor and City Manager. Over 3,000 stolen cars come in Lakewood from Tacoma. ????????????????
He stated that he is able to recruit officers from other cities and towns because of the support of the citizens in Lakewood. Lakewood is down six officers and more with those on sick leave or planning retirement. But he has a full-time recruiter and 42 people in the pipeline to be hired.
Addressing juvenile crime, Chief Smith said that is a different animal altogether. It is up over 200% because officers can’t interview juvenile suspects without a lawyer. When a juvenile gets a lawyer, often they will not provide any information, or it is too late to be of value to the police. Kids as young as 12 years steal cars because they learn how to do it on TikTok.
Thank you, Chief Smith, for this informative presentation. His desire for us to be safe and to feel safe is working thanks to his leadership of the department. He failed to answer one important question: When is he joining Lakewood Rotary?
Chief Smith pulled a winning ticket from the tumbler and a riot ensued when it turned out to be Fire Chief Jim Sharp’s ticket as a possible set up. Chief Sharpe’s high hopes for the $638 in the pot were dashed when he pulled a white chip for $5.
Upcoming Events:
October 10th – Mental Health Day
October 12th at 5:30 p.m. – Rotary on Tap. Topside Tavern at Steilacoom. RSVP with Steve or Anne Enquist. 253-?????????
October 20th at 5:00 p.m. – Harkness Furniture, 27th & South Tacoma Way - Rotary Putt Putt Golf event. sigm up how?????
October 24th – World Polio Day
October 31st – Trunk or Treat. See Jan Gee for details and need for volunteers ???????????????
November 5th – Woodstick at Clover Park High School supporting Coffee Oasis. Thanks to EM Chris Kimball. He needs 5 – 6 volunteers so contact him for more information. Please bring ear protection.
November 11th – Nourish of Pierce County Fundraiser. Bill Potter will have details.
Greg add photo of Selden & Kauffman
The History of the Port of Tacoma
By Wendy Jo McGowanSunday, September 24, 2023
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The History of the Port of Tacoma
Wendy McGowan
I understand that an abundance of “Pun”ishments from none other than Lakewood Rotary’s “pun”ctilious punster, John Magnuson, went out over the internet recently. Apparently, the “pun”dit emailed ten puns to his favorite Rotary friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did!
However, I noticed that our bombastic punster was present on Zoom today as the melody from Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” came over the sound system while Prez Mary Horn stepped up to the podium. Sharply at 12:30 p.m. she rang the dinner bell, calling us to some semblance of order.
Chris Kimball was summoned to give the invocation. Then Rob Erb was asked to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. President Mary thanked everyone for joining our Rotary Family, then going on to those that make our every meeting possible: Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa and Rob Erb. The president also welcomed the Zoomers.
Lakewood Police Chief, Patrick Smith, announced, “A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it!”
Mother Mary let us know that Walt Richardson, a true professional, was taking the photographs you see here and that Wendy “Wordsmith” McGowan would be writing this very epistle. John Lowney tended “the Cookie Jar”, Chuck Hellar gathered up the contributions to the Paul Harris Foundation, and Barlow Buescher manned the $2.00 table.
Two fish swimming in Clover Creek swam into a brick wall. Mary “The Marlin” turned to her swimming partner and said, “Dam!”
Today’s guests were honored: Jim Weinand introduced his wife, Jennie and Cat Frederickson acquainted us with her friends James and Auntie Laura. A visiting Rotarian, Rod Koon was welcomed as our guest speaker and then Mary honored our District VIPs: PDG Gordy Quick and Greg Horn, DGE Bill McGregor, DGN Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter.
Returning from a recent medical seminar held on an Alaskan island, Dr. Peter Marsh noted, “I thought I saw an eye doctor, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.”
The Puffins were then summoned to the podium. There was a gaggle of them today. Mary announced that she is handing over a duty to the group. Apparently, it came up at a recent board meeting that it is important that each time a Rotarian speaks during a meeting it is necessary that the speaker use a microphone. Members have complained that often times it is difficult to hear what is being said.
John Lowney offered a good idea to the board members: Why not have the Puffins assume this task? It will accomplish a couple of things: not only will everyone be able to hear the speaker, but the Puffins will become familiar with the membership. The Puffin will now hand the mic to the member who wishes to speak; the Puffin will make sure the mic is on and say to the member he is handing it to: “The mic is on” as he or she hands the mic to the speaker. No more fumbling with the mic or testing it out to see if it is on or not. The Puffins will now spread out, taking his or her seat so that the entire dining room is covered by Puffins.
Nice idea, John! Just remember: No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery!
When President Mary called on me for The Sunshine Report I was unhappy to tell the membership that longtime Rotarian, Gordy Quick, has been diagnosed with cancer. Gordy is at home, while his doctors continue to run further tests. Gordy’s wife, Juanita, encourages us to call Gordy as Rotary has always been such an important part of Gordy’s life. I also updated the members present that Dave Covey is moving in with his daughter, Angie. You can find Dave’s address on dacDB, should you like to send a note.
The president then asked if there were any announcements. Jan Gee updated us on a community event being held on Halloween called Trunks or Treat. Participating volunteers will be on hand with their car trunks filled with candy at the Community Center next to the Baptist Church for young Lakewood Trick or Treaters. Rotary will be on hand hoping to sign up “the very littlest ones” to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Barlow Buescher and Greg Rediske reminded us that the coming year is the 30th Anniversary of the Lakewood Community Foundation and asked us to vote to continue to budget anything over $2,000 in the coming year. This past year we donated $37,000.
Last, but not least, on President Mary’s agenda: Cookie Jar Contributions. Chris Kimball forked over a tidy amount (which I didn’t get) for receiving Best Import Award and 1st Place Peoples Choice Award for his “hot” motorcycle. Mark Blanchard offered $117.00 for his September 18th anniversary. Mark noted that Greg and Mary Horn need to follow suit.
Mark Edgecomb fessed up that he and Nicole just returned from London. They visited The Lakes District, as well. While in London Mark returned to Herrods (where he worked many years ago) and picked up a little something for Prez Mary: Butter Biscuits with Strawberry and Crème filling. Yum! Mark paid dearly, but I didn’t get the amount.
Seeing that I sat next to Mark at lunch where he regaled me with his adventures in London, one of which was a “dip” in the River Thames. Really? Now, Mark, if you were in Paris and jumped in the river you’d be in Seine.
Enough silly puns. We next had one of the most interesting programs I’ve heard in quite sometime. Rod Koon, from the Port of Tacoma, was born in Tacoma, attended Bellarmine Prep and went on to graduate from Stanford University. He is a member of Sunrise Rotary and handles their website and public imagery. Rod plays acoustic and electric guitar with a classic rock band and is a devout Beatles fan with a personalized license plate “LetItBe.” He was a regular at EFN repacking food but when COVID hit, he gathered a couple of fellow musicians and played music on his front yard on Saturday afternoons, accepting donations for EFN. Rod started at the Port of Tacoma in 1983 and held positions in communications, marketing and community relations. He retired in October 2021 as the Senior Communications Manager. He then authored a book about the Port of Tacoma available for purchase. Thus he can recite from memory an encyclopedia of facts and figures about the Port from its inception until today. Rod and Charlie Hyde (a long time Lakewood Rotary member for the newbies) played tennis 50+ years ago and hadn’t seen each other in about 50 years until this meeting.
I was enthralled with the zillions of details Rod conveyed through his discourse and the magnificent photos he presented (many of which were taken in the late 1800s and early 1900s). I captured some I share here.
Pierce County voters approved formation of the Port of Tacoma on November 5, 1918, 110 years ago. The first Port Commission comprised of a banker, a longshore official and a fruit and dairy farmer. The port started with 240 acres of land in the Tacoma Tide Flats and today boasts about half of the 5,000 acres which comprises the tide flats. Various operations now employ more than 42,000 people and produces about $3 billion in labor income. Rod showed a video clip that featured the old overhead conveyor system of moving pallets of product out of the warehouse, making a 90 degree turn over to the ship, and lowered under the docks. People manually unloaded the pallets and put them on the ship. It took thousands of manhours to load a ship. I noticed no hard hats on those people unloading the pallets.
The first vessel to call at the port was the Edmone on March 25, 1921 to pick up lumber to take to Japan. Today, the port is one of the fourth largest container gateways in the United States and a major gateway for trade with Asia and Alaska. New cranes recently installed are taller than Godzilla and just second in height to the Space Needle.
Rod told a great story about a truck driver in the 1950’s delivering his truck for of product to be unloaded off his truck and put on the ship. He saw how inefficient this was and started to think that maybe a better idea was to just load the truck onto the ship. Then he thought why not just the trailer of the truck. That led to his idea of making a separate container on the truck that could be loaded onto the ship. He developed this idea and revolutionized shipping with containers that hold anything and everything that is loaded onto a ship for delivery elsewhere.
If anyone missed this great presentation, go to https://www.portoftacoma.com and click on the history link for a wonderful compilation of the last 100 years and a peek into the future. Thank you, Rod, for this vivid mental image you provided us. We hope you return.
Upcoming Events
October 12 - Rotary on Tap will recognize World Polio Day. Save the date. Details to come.
October 17 - Board Meeting
October 20 - Tacoma South Rotary Club's Annual Mini-Golf Tournament
News Flash! Lakewood has a New Sister City!
By Stephen SaalfeldSunday, September 17, 2023
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You may be interested to know that I saw today was the 15th of September and wondered why I had never heard 9/15 referred to as the “Ides of September.” That handy internet doohickey revealed that the Roman calendar designated an “Ides” for every month (Ides comes from a Latin word that means “to divide). Turns out I was two days and a couple of dollars short as the “Ides of September” was on the 13th. Who knew? (The answer is probably a lot of people smarter than this guy knew this.)
President Mary (PM) rung the dinner bell at promptly 12:30 p.m. as Sister Sledge reminded us once again that “We are Family.” The pledge was led by Rick Selden and Eric Warn did today’s invocation.
Many Rotarians were celebrated for making today’s meeting possible including our regular setup crew (Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, James Osundwa, Tom George, Troy Wilcox and Rob Erb). Not all of them were present, but we could feel the helpful spirits of those not with us readying out souls for Rotary-readiness.
Thanks to Bud Montgomery who tended the Paul Harris desk which brought in an impressive $1,200 at today’s meeting. Leon Titus was our Sgt. at Arms and $2 Desk Specialist, and Walt Richardson was our photographer. John Lowney tended the cookie jar for PM.
Speaking of cookie jars, I’m pleased to announce that the much-ballyhooed cookie jar made its first appearance at today’s meeting. It is glorious and President Mary revealed she’ll hand out candies to those who contribute (and it was the GOOD stuff).
Photo below: PM’s beloved cookie jar
She called on none other than Greg Horn to make the first contribution to the brand-new jar. Greg made a donation to celebrate 47 years of marriage to Mary and made it an even $50 in gratitude for Mary putting up with him for all those years (and to make a plug for National Talk like a Pirate Day coming up September 19—Avast!).
Ever the competitor, President Mary one-upped him and doubled Greg’s contribution. Gayle Selden also threw some cash in the jar both to celebrate her birthday and call attention to an earlier description of her father as “one of the old guys” at today’s meeting.
John Lowney – were there any other donations??
Today’s visitors were Mike England from Vashon Island Rotary sporting a very purple UW Hawaiian polo shirt that had our resident Huskies barking. Your Bulletin Writer had the privilege of introducing Steve Rudolf, Director of Enrollment Management at Charles Wright Academy—a job I held a few years back. Mr. Rudolf is proof that they have raised their standards at the school considerably since I worked there.
Plentiful puffins were present at today’s meeting prompting our president to praise our recruiting prowess. Dare I say we’re more puffin-y than ever? Puffin-ful? Puffin-deli-icious?
Rotary VIPs were recognized including PDG Greg Horn, FDG (Future District Governor) Tony Camoroda and even AG Bill Potter who was not in the room, but still warranted a mention.
Sunshine: Wendy McGowan reported that Gordy Quick is current at Madigan. Please feel free to reach out to Gordy to check in on him.
Publisher’s note: Saturday Morning PM (President Mary) received a phone call from Gordy. He is back home awaiting some test results. Please feel free to give him a call.
A great many birthdays and anniversaries were recognized by Greg Rediske though his efforts were nearly thwarted by President Mary who hauled the mic from the podium. After a brief (imagined) struggle, she yielded the floor and mic to Greg who regaled us with a plethora of birthday puns:
Tony Camoroda, born in Fresno, was stumped by, “What is an elf’s favorite birthday cake?” The answer - shortcake.
Gayle Selden, who was born in now defunct Lakewood Memorial Hospital, was asked to identify which music balloons most fear. The answer - Pop.
Dave Coleman, born in Oakland, CA mused that a ghost’s favorite cake might be “boo-berry”. Close but not close enough. He learned the answer was “I scream” cake.
And Bob Zawilski, born in Wilkes-Barrie, Pennsylvania, was asked how do pickles celebrate their birthdays? The answer - by “relishing” them.
September Wedding anniversaries:
Patrick Aravena to Alicia - 4 years
Heather Burgess to Christopher – 30 years
Kris Peterson to Rosemary – 30 years
Walt Richardson to Tanya – 31 years
Mark Blanchard to Joan – 47 years
Mary Horn to Greg – 47 long years
Greg Horn to Mary – 47 great years
Scott Buser to Kathy – 48 years
Wynn Hoffman to Margie – 55 years
Rick Selden to Sharon - 55 years
Sam Hunter to Sybil – 66 years!
September Rotary Membership Anniversaries:
Mark Herr – 1 year
Bob Martin – 2 years + X years in other clubs
Leanna Albrecht – 5 years
Eric Quinn – 9 years
Walt Richardson – 39 years
President Mary reminded the club that the next board meeting will be held at TC&GC 5:00 p.m. social hour, 5:30 p.m. meeting starts on Tuesday, September 19. Members are encouraged to RSVP, and Puffins are reminded that attending a board meeting is on their checklist.
Our speaker today was none other than Mayor of Lakewood, Jason Whalen and his wife Gael. They shared stories of their trip to visit Gimhae, Korea, one of Lakewood’s sister cities.
Some key takeaways:
-Lakewood’s first sister city (Okinawa, Japan) was adopted in January of 2002 and the second in 2006 was Bowang, Phillipines.
-Gimhae is the most recent addition to Lakewood’s collection of sister cities.
-In spite of Jason and Gael’s many pictures of the plentiful food and alcohol they consumed on their trip, these trips are not the boondoggle one might think (and city reps had to pay for the transportation costs of their spouses).
-City of Lakewood reps were invited to attend the Gaia Festival.
-The Sister City program is run on a non-profit basis, so no city funds go toward these trips. They provide an important opportunity for cultural exchange, exploration of best practices and the opportunity to eat, drink, eat, eat, drink (booze) and eat (Oh, and drink more booze).
No word on whether Mayor Whalen has taken any inspiration from the story of King Suro and the other Korean royalty who allegedly hatched from eggs before taking their thrones. This writer suspects rising from the depths of American Lake with nothing but a loin cloth and a briefcase full of fine wines would be a more likely origin story for our past president.
Upcoming Events
September 23 - Join NOURISH and the Clover Park Rotary to package 50,000 meals. Two shifts are available. Register here.
October 20 - Tacoma South Rotary Club's Annual Mini-Golf Tournament at Harkness Furniture
Garbage In / Garbage Out
By John W. MagnusonSunday, September 10, 2023
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Garbage In / Garbage Out
Friday’s program – Recycling.
And I want to find without doubt,
Can we throw the whole City of Seattle – out?
I drove through there the other day,
And the garbage and messes are so sad, I’d say,
Especially when a few years ago it used to be,
One of the most beautiful cities, nestled there,
Alongside Puget Sound - The Salish Sea.
My question of the speaker on Friday,
Should Seattle be bulldozed into the bay?
Or does it show any redeeming grace,
Can it be recycled back as a shining place?
Yours in Scribedom,
Ole
Guests: Andrew Boitano and Sally Saunders were guests momentarily.
Puffins stood: All long-time Rotarians should meet, greet, take a seat and eat with a Puffin. That’s how this club gets legs!
VIPs: Gordy Quick, Greg Horn - Past District Governors, DGN Tony Camoroda, AG Bill Potter. Presidentess Mary explained that in order be a VIP one must dedicate one’s life and labor to Rotary – at least for the time it takes to be an Assistant Governor or a District Governor. Our VIPs are pretty special folks, you have to admit!
Being a Bull Writer is also an elite group. We even have our own names: QuintessentialBull (Joe Quinn), RedisBull (Greg Rediske), DonnnnBull (Donn Irwin), WendyBull (Wendy McGowan), PaulataBull (Paula Olson), SaalBull (Stephen Saalfeld), CarpetBull (Gayle Selden), OlelibleBull John Magnuson). If you find you’re ever accused of being full of bull, feel free to contact the Bulletin Writing Committee and see about an apprenticebullship.
Sunshine Report: Wendy McGowan – No news is good news.
Rose Stevens brought a $2,000 request for the International Service Committee to continue work on a building in Uganda for expanding medical services. MSC
Mark Herr called for a meeting of the Military Appreciation Committee to plan for a Veteran’s Day event.
Steve Enquist awarded two Paul Harrises: a 6th to Lowell Johnson and a 3rd to Peter Marsh. Steve related the remarkable number: $1,413,831 donated by Lakewood Rotarians to the Paul Harris Foundation.
President Mary got to perform a favorite duty – the swearing-in of two new members. Andrew Boitano and Sally Saunders. Andrew is absolutely full of Tacoma – including 2 sentences served at PLU! Sally most of us already know and love! She and Larry dedicated their lives to service in the US Army and the City of Lakewood. Welcome two fine new Rotarians.
Put it on your calendar: Rotary on Tap at The Adriatic 5:30 p.m.Thursday, September 14th..Fun! Yes! Fellowship! Yes! Please RSVP to Connie Coleman-Lacadie 253-906-1346.
PM will instruct on DACdb next Friday before the meeting at TC&GC.
SugarBull:
Barlow Buescher went to Montana to visit his sister who has needed care during her lifetime. He felt the blessing of those who care for her and others like that who work for little and do so much.
Angela Connelly expressed thankfulness for many things but mostly for the Fire Department that saved her house from terrible damage. In context she also expressed joy for a trip to Switzerland, it’s beauty, it’s democracy and it’s clean air. Then there was that progressive dinner. Wow; I was so impressed I didn’t catch the sugar.
Mary prodded me to admit to the joy of my youngest son’s marriage, birth of his son, a 49th anniversary and my 83rd birthday. The math adds up to a Covey $17.95 but rounded up to $100.
Steve Saalfeld introduced our speakers from Waste Connections; Steven Hopkins and Sammantha Winkle. Steve began by thanking Lakewood Rotary for participating in the annual Bike Build and the opportunity to be a sponsor at the Wine and Beer Festival.
HB 1799 is known as the composting legislation that was passed into law. It addresses a progressive schedule of separating compostable material over several years time frame. Increasing burdens beginning with 4 cubic yards of material, to 8 cubic yards, and so on. It doesn’t impact homes so much as it does restaurants, grocery stores and other commercial facilities – read that as someone has to clean and separate recyclables before they are put into containers. Some food waste needs to be hermetically sealed.
The provisions called for have zero funding, so you might imagine where the funding will come from? Maybe you can imagine that? Just maybe? Excuse the opinion there, but one would think, with so much responsibility outlined, the funding might be addressed?
The decisions on some materials are straightforward: metal, paper, cardboard. But plastics are not readily identifiable as to source. All material also must be cleaned or it contaminates the recycling process. I foresee a new degree program at Evergreen State College – Garbage Container Cleaning Masters Degrees! Just kidding! Jeez, settle down. Another issue is that material marked with the Reduce, Recycle, Reuse Triangle is unreliable and meaningless. One can foresee a time when the recycle police may visit you! You! Yes, I’m talking about you.
Well, it was a provocative program about a dilemma facing the world. I can only say the solution Seattle (and other major cities) settled upon isn’t working. That is; wait until it clogs the sidewalks, parks and streets, then clean it without sorting it and proclaim it cured.
The $452 Red Chip was left unscathed by Dr. Jim Rooks.
Who Reads This Stuff?
Ole
Shocking News
By Donn IrwinMonday, September 4, 2023
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The Lakewood Key
The family lunch……. uh, the Lakewood Rotary weekly meeting began promptly at 12:30 with President Mary (PM) ringing the lunch bell.
Yorleny Clapper gave the invocation and our future speaker: Kris Peterson led us in the pledge.
Housekeeping stuff:
Rob Erb and his band of experts - Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden and Tom George - set us up.
Scott Buser took our foundation dollars while Gary Barton collected the raffle ticket $$ and acted as the SAA (Sergeant At Arms). (Just so ya know – the Club took in $1,000 for the Rotary Foundation today. You continue to amaze!)
The Lakewood Key
The family lunch……. uh, the Lakewood Rotary weekly meeting began promptly at 12:30 with President Mary (PM) ringing the lunch bell.
Yorleny Clapper gave the invocation and our future speaker: Kris Peterson led us in the pledge.
Housekeeping stuff:
Rob Erb and his band of experts - Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden and Tom George - set us up.
Scott Buser took our foundation dollars while Gary Barton collected the raffle ticket $$ and acted as the SAA (Sergeant At Arms). (Just so ya know – the Club took in $1,000 for the Rotary Foundation today. You continue to amaze!)
Phil Eng was the person with the camera and Donnnnnn Irwin had the quill and ink pot ready to record what he could.
On this day in history:
31 BC – Octavian (later Augustus Caesar) beat Mark Antony in the Battle of Actium
Guests, etc.:
Steve Mazoff introduced his brother David. David is visiting from Florida.
Phil Eng introduced Dave Cotant from Clover Park Rotary
Kris Peterson introduced a guest but I didn’t get the name.
Zoomers included Carl Bronkema, Barlow Buescher, Ole aka John Magnuson and PP Jim Rooks. (There were more but I didn’t get them…apologies).
PM had the Puffins present stand to be recognized after which she shared the basic info from two thank you letters from past grant recipients Sister Cities and Mary Moss, President/CEO of Lakewood Multicultural Coalition. (See message/letter below).
1666 – The Great Fire of London started.
PM announced that this month’s Rotary Focus is Basic Education and Literacy
Announcements – John Lowney talked about fires all over the world and then brought home to us all the need for help right here in our own backyard. We had a fatal fire in Lakewood’s Woodbrook neighborhood that destroyed homes and left our neighbors in need. He announced he was willing to put up $500 if he could get a match. Jim Sharp stepped up with the match and presto! – a thousand bucks happened just like that. Others then added to the kitty, which was over $3,000! This all will be handled by Diane Formoso from Caring for Kids.
Wendy McGowan announced her birthday (she gave an age but I am reluctant to mention the number in this epistle….), a trip to Michigan and catching Covid. Dare I say she coughed up a hundred bucks for all that.
1838 – William Clark (of Lewis & Clark) passed away.
Yorleny Clapper announced that a Spanish camp for kids to learn English is expanding from 1 camp to 6 camps. Rose Stevens followed up with a positive testimony for these camps.
PP Gayle Selden gave us an update on our exchange student Emilia Babazada– attended first three days of school and will be going to Bumbershoot and NW Trek.
PP Potter (Bill that is) paid a few bucks to announce that his son got a surprise scholarship to PLU!! Congrats to the Potter family!
1901 – Teddy Roosevelt, running for VP, delivered the “walk softly and carry a big stick” speech.
Jim Sharp gave up some more money announcing that he has shipped his son off to St. George, Utah to attend school.
PM shared that she had run across an article that told the story of isolated senior citizens in Canada are using some sort of inexpensive little cycle to get around and that might be something to look into for us to pursue locally. She then asked the collective to guess how long it takes for a single use plastic water bottle to breakdown/decompose. Turns out it takes 450 years. Perhaps there is a better way?? And finally, PM mentioned something about walking on fire to raise money. Personally, I’d rather just write a check.
1914 – The last known Passenger Pigeon died in the Cincinnati (Ohio) Zoo.
1933 – Germany invaded Poland
1945 – Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam independent from France.
Anne Enquist, subbing for Greg Horn, introduced our speaker, Kris Peterson. Kris is a Lakewood Rotary Club member and the son of member Bob Peterson. Oh, and Kris served in the military and is a very smart guy! He retired as a full Colonel.
The title for today’s presentation is “Treatments for Treatment Resistant Depression.
Kris mentioned that he is not here that often and is glad to be back.
The business name he uses for the type of depression treatment he will talk about is Touchstone TMS. Touchstone uses two types of treatments: TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and a drug named Spravato (esketamine).
TMS is a technological breakthrough in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, and other mood disorders. It is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that has been recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in its ‘Best Practices Guidelines’ as an effective treatment for major depression.
NeuroStim TMS is a safe and effective outpatient treatment for individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or similar disorders who have not experienced satisfactory improvement from antidepressant medication or other treatments.
Kris treats patients that have not responded successfully to more conventional types of treatment for depression. Typically, his patients have had to have gone through counseling and two types of anti-depressant drugs without success before using TMS or Spravato.
With the TMS treatment, a magnetic coil is affixed to the patient’s head. The device then generates pulses that pass into the brain. The pulses are used to modulate certain areas of the brain that need to be “adjusted”. Single pulses of electrical energy are used to locate treatment areas. Multiple, repetitive pulses are used for the actual treatment.
This particular treatment method takes 30-40 office visits of 15 minutes each daily. Insurance covers 36 visits. TMS has been in clinical use for over 20 years and has been found to, in some cases, also be effective in treating migraines and tinnitus.
Spravato is basically an antidepressant nasal spray that gets you seriously high. It is a prescription drug administered in a controlled setting. A course of treatment consists of 15 total visits. The drug is used to increase efficiencies in the brain that have been inefficient in the past. In other words, it appears to wake up parts of the brain that have been kind of taking it easy. The increased efficiency is what drives the cure.
There is a list of side effects that come with the use of this drug.
Kris mentioned that there is a 70% success rate when using these treatments and then he said that his wife was in the wings waiting for him and he had to go catch a plane. Before his quick departure though he did offer money for those affected by the fires in Lakewood.
(Hopefully most of this information is correct – there was a lot of technical jargon and information given that may have been misinterpreted and / or misstated by this writer.)
For more information about these treatments, I am sure that Kris would be happy to talk to you.
And please, don’t mess around with depression. This writer lost a son because of it.
The drawing was for $435. Chuck Hellar had the winning ticket, and he drew a white chip. Congrats Chuck.
Other fun facts on this day:
1954 – The movie “Rear Window” opened in American theaters.
1973 – J.R.R. Tolkien, author of “the Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” passed away.
1969 - A group of young army officers led by Muammar al-Qaddafi deposed the king and made Libya republic.
Lily Tomlin, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Conway Twitty and Dr. Phil McGraw were all born on September 1.
Ancient Egyptian architect: "Do you know how to build a pyramid?"
Ancient Egyptian builder: "Well, err yeah, up to a point."
What do you call a man in debt?
Owen.
Writer’s note: There isn’t a single mention of anything Nordic in this version of the Lakewood Key in honor of your writer for next week. You are going to have to wait 7 days to find out.
Thank you letters:
Jan Gee and committee Members,
On behalf of the Lakewood Multicultural Coalition Board of Directors and general membership, thank you so much for supporting the efforts of the LMCC.
We look forward to bringing the community together to celebrate while focusing on our present and future leaders in the Greater Puget Sound area.
Your support makes a difference.
Thank you,
Mary Moss
President/CEO
Lakewood Multicultural Coalition
Lakewood Rotary Connects with India
By Gayle SeldenSunday, August 27, 2023
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Lakewood Rotary Connects with India
Gayle Selden
The August 26th meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood was brought to order by the clang, clang, clanging of the bells rung by both President Mary Horn and preschooler Jabari Osundwa. Jabari’s father, James, led the invocation and Carl Bronkema led the pledge.
President Mary thanked the workers at the front desk-Connie Coleman-Lacadie, Mark Edgecomb and someone this bulletin writer missed. Set up crew was motely as usual. Thanks Terry, Rob, Rick, James and Tom. Phil Eng took the photos you are pursuing right now and Gayle Selden took notes for this bulletin while fighting flying lettuce from her seat mate Mark Edgecomb.
In her first two weeks in the US Amelia tried the high school sports of Cross Country, Volleyball and Soccer. She is currently residing with Tracey and Patrick Johnston. She has seen the Barbie movie, attended a Rainiers and Mariner game and took a tour of the Seattle Chocolate factory. Next weekend she is hitting Seattle and NW Trek. She is heading to Seabeck the weekend of September 9th. Remember it is up to Lakewood Rotary members to help enhance Amelia’s stay here. Her cell is 253-951-4410 and host mom Tracey’s number is 253-241-4142. In Norway, Amelia is from a single parent household with no siblings. Amelia’s mom job is helping take care of the elderly. This means Amelia is very comfortable with all adult company. A simple dinner at your home is a great way to get to know her. Amelia likes spicey foods and prefers junk food although her face is very funny when she attempts to eat celery.
President Mother Mary recognized the Puffins in attendance and Zoomer Carole Wier. She also gave props to all our Rotary “dignitaries” PDG Gordy Quick, PDG Greg Horn, DGE Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter.
Greg Rediske reported that Dave Covey will be moving to hospice care at his daughter’s house. By mid-September they be up for visitors. There will be a card to sign for Dave next week.
Scott Baird was inducted as a new member by President Horn. Scott was sponsored by both Andy Phillips and Terry Roarke. Ohio born Scott made a career in the military. He served in the medical service core. After retirement he’s been looking for some way to give back to the community. His tennis buddies Terry and Andy knew exactly what he needed. Scott is married to Jessie with four children and two grandchildren. His children live nearby, and it made settling in Lakewood easier.
Nourish Food Packing event will be held Sept 23rd at the old Mattress Ranch. Come and make nutritious meals. Sign up will be available soon.
Steve Enquist presented Troy Wilcox with his 5th Paul Harris. Troy is a direct depositor to the Foundation. You too can sign up under My Rotary on rotary.org (Rotary International’s site). Steve also encouraged us to get our “Every Rotarian Every Year” where every member at minimum donates $100 to the foundation. Last year we had about 80% participation and Mother Mary expects better of us this year.
President Mother Mary Horn opened it up for donations to the cookie jar. Gary Fulton started it off by celebrating donating 28 gallons of blood. That works out to 224 visits to the blood bank and a lot of people with curly hair and a bad golf swing. Gary is also celebrating 59 years of marriage with $100 check. Terry Roarke celebrated 86 years of life with $86. James Osundwa paid $10 for playing golf in a tournament celebrating the airmen with Jim Rooks and the Bronkemas. Jim, Veronica and Carl each added $20. Connie Coleman-Lacadie had eight bad weather days in Maine for her husband’s 60th high school and family reunion. Dwight Williams paid for his 44th wedding anniversary and rounded it up to $65 in honor of the Reader Roadster Romp master Phil Eng. Don Anderson paid $49 in honor of 49 years of dating (and 44 years of Marriage) to the same person I assume and a little trip to the US Amateur.
Roadster Rompers Jan Gee and Paula Olson presented the President with a mug from the McMinnville Air and Space Museum. Queen Mary said thank you, posed for a picture, and fined all 38 Rompers anyway. Greenleafs were flying out of rompers hands to Mark Edgecomb.
Bob Zawilski had been reluctant to boast about his anniversary as last week Cat gave $100 for four years. Bob also wanted to avoid just paying “for the good years.” Bob did some creative math and ended up with a check for $212.
It took two members of the finance council three times to count the cookie jar funds and we finally arrived at $738.
One more reminder to donate to the Caring for Kids fund for the families affected in Lakewood Mobile home park fire. Check is going out next week and is around $700 and could use some more. Checks can be made out to Caring for Kids.
The presentation was by our own Rose Stevens and Tom George. We learned about a couple projects in India that we have done with Rotary Global Grants. Tom started by talking about how Rose recruited him from Tacoma Sunset Rotary while he was President. He was a little scared to come because he thought Bob Zawilski was so dignified! But after some convincing and time he saw how much he could do for the world here at Lakewood Rotary.
A map of India was presented at the start and Tom showed areas where he and his wife originated. The Kidney Dialysis project was in Kottayam in Kerla, India (Tom’s wife’s birthplace). With a global grant project, we were able to provide two dialysis machines to the Mercy Hospital and two to Sacred Heart (30 miles away from Mercy). It costs 16,000 rupees per month for dialysis treatment ($194). The average rickshaw driver makes 20,000 rupees per month ($242). The hospitals provide 20% of the services for free. The other 80% help pay for the doctors, nurses, maintenance and replacement.
Tom toured the facility and showed us pictures of the project that is helping to save many. Rotary logos are on all the machines and as a sign in the lobby. He also said that Mercy was able to install a water filtration system with the funds as well.
Breast Cancer prevention was the focus of the other medical project. We provided a mammography machine. This was the first mammography machine in the hospital. They ended up building a room and a clinic around the machine. There have been some difficulties getting women to utilize the machine as having cancer has a misappropriated cultural stigma and can have repercussions on women’s daughters (as they become unmarriable if cancer is in the gene pool). There is a lot of outreach to the villages going about how this is just prevented health care for women. They use the phrase Stand with Her instead of using mammography as a focus. Additional education will help these women get the preventative health care that is expected in our country.
Rose provided this financial breakdown of each project after the meeting:
Dialysis Machines Total Cost $44,020
Lakewood Rotary $ 4,508
District 5020 (USA) $ 4,508
Kottayam North Rotary $ 8,520
District 3211 (India) $11,000
Rotary Foundations $15,500
Stand by Her (Digital Mammography Machine) Total Cost $129,053
Lakewood Rotary $6,756
District 5020 (USA) $6,756
Kottayam Rotary $35,757
District 3211 (India) $37,271
Rotary Foundation $42,513
That shows your Foundation donations really work at making a difference in the world. Tony Camoroda shared that in the last 5 years the Rotary Foundation has impacted 100 million people. Tom George said before he was a Rotarian he just thought Rotary made park benches. He used the phrase its “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” And what extraordinary things the World Community Service committee has done in India. More work is to come!
There was a drawing and Dave Swindale ended up with $5.
Upcoming Events:
Puffins Social - Let Mark Blanchard know if you prefer September 12 or 13.
September 14 - Rotary on Tap at Adriatic Grill
September 23 – Nourish Food Packing Event. More information to come
NorNway!
By Gregory J. RediskeSaturday, August 19, 2023
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Norway!!!
---Norway is the name of the country in the English language. In Norwegian, the country is called Norge.
---Although there is just one road crossing, Norway borders Russia for 120 miles.
---The first Secretary-General of the United Nations was a Norwegian, Trygve Lie, from 1946 to 1952.
---Modern and ancient skiing were both invented in Norway. Finnmark is home to the oldest preserved ski ever found, at an incredible 2,300-years old. To top it off, many Norwegian words including ski and slalom originated in Norway. And not only that, Norway invented the cheese slicer.
---On February 7, 1912, Greg Rediske’s grandfather arrived on a Titanic sister ship (the Olympic) from Norway, intent on making his fortune before returning to his farm. He got sidetracked.
Why Norway, for the intro for the bulletin this week?? Well, stay tuned….
Puffins in the house: Debbie McVicker, Linda Disney, Gael Whalen, Dick Ferrell and Brandy Paxton.
Dignitaries: Past District Governor Gordon Quick, PDG Greg Horn, and DG elect Tony Camoroda. And Zoomers! Carole Wier and John Magnuson
Visiting Rotarian: Len Burton-Hardin new president of UP/Fircrest after two weeks as a member. Formerly president of three other Rotary clubs.
Guests: Shelly Mills, John Lowney’s daughter, and Amelia Babazada, our new exchange student from Norway aka Norge. Aha! Our bulletin title comes to life!
---Despite having little more than 5 million residents, Norway has won more medals than any other country in Olympic history. (Sweden isn’t even in the Top 3.)
---The Colonel-in-Chief of the Norwegian King's Guard since 1972 is a Scottish penguin, named Nils Olav III.
---In 1030, Olaf Haraldsson is killed at the battle of Stiklestad. He was the driving force behind Norway’s conversion to Christianity and was later canonized and is now known as Saint Olav. Olaf is an ancestor of Greg Rediske, we must add. Along with most others of Norwegian ancestry, we must suppose….
And Amelia! Her home is in Gimlekollen, near Kristiansand, and she goes to school at Tangen Vgs (a school of 1080 students), and has studied Norsk, Engelsk, Geografi, Naturfag, Samfunnskunnskap, Kroppsoving, Matematikk, and Spansk. She is not blonde and blue-eyed, because she was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, but moved to Norway as a child (her Farsi she describes as “fair”, except reading and writing are “poor”). She really likes “cleaning my room every week”. She loves figure skating. She has many family members in Iran and has visited them, as well as an uncle in Germany. She is interested in working as an air traffic controller after her schooling is complete. Amelia is an only child living with her mother, who writes “she is truly the ideal child. I’m proud of her because of how smart and mature she is.” She just turned 17 on August 9. Welcome, Amelia!
So please, Rotarians: make plans to include this lovely girl in your American life. Call Clayton DeNault to set something up: 206-326-9922.
More Excitement This Day:
Chris Kimball did birthdays and anniversaries, which included some bad jokes and the announcement of Gordon and Juanita Quick’s 71st wedding anniversary.
Chuck Hellar pronounced Dave Covey to be in “good shape, good humor, and good spirits”. We expect nothing less from Dave. Chuck also reminded all of us of the need for food donations for the Little Free Pantry (LFP) next Friday, along with the need for men’s clothing: shirts, pants, shoes in good shape (for Springbrook). Rose added that gardening tools are also needed in Springbrook, and to bring next week as well.
Famous Norwegians:
Roald Amundsen (polar explorer)
Thor Heyerdahl (explorer) (Kon Tiki)
Edvard Grieg (composer)
Edvard Munch (artist) (The Scream)
Henrik Ibsen (playwright) (A Doll’s House; etc.)
Sonja Henie (ice skater and actress)
New Member!
Elysha Ryan was sponsored by Chris Kimball. She works for the Pierce Country Library, in charge of Lakewood. Her husband’s name is Tyler and they have a three-year old daughter who has benefited for three years from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Brandy Paxton begrudgingly handed over the Puffin to Elysha. Here’s hoping that Elysha’s daughter doesn’t do to the Puffin what our son Shawn did to Sharon’s 1959 original Barbie (we would have been rich!!).
And speaking of Dolly: She is a force of nature, and the event at the Pantages where she talked and sang two songs was fabulous, all to kick off the Imagination Library in Washington. Two million books have been distributed in Washington already, as we became the 11th state to get 100% coverage on the program. More than 200 million books have been distributed worldwide to children under 5.
Mark Herr reported about a crazy person who threw a brick through his office window while doing extensive damage at the next-door building site being completed by Korsmo Construction. John Korsmo’s crew affixed a board to Mark’s window without being asked in what Mark heralded as a truly Rotary-esque gesture. We should all follow the Korsmo example of doing unto others….$100 from Mark to honor the good works bestowed upon him.
Bob Martin gave $20 and $20 again: to honor being honored by Steve and Anne Enquist for their mutual 50th anniversaries, and for his son being in Bali to present a research paper.
Chris Kimball gave $50 for his vacation and a new car that’s even faster than Magnusons. He also needs volunteers for the 20th Woodstick, November 5 at Clover Park High School.
Rick Selden joined Rotary in 1973: 50 years ago! $50 came along with plenty of praise for our club.
Jim Bisceglia gave $50 to represent a small bit of the joy he feels on his wedding anniversary.
Barlow Buescher delivered a check in his absence for a substantial amount to the dedicated fund for the Woodbrook fire victims, through Caring for Kids. David Swindale and Greg Rediske joined in at a much lower level. John Lowney will be receiving funds for another week or so before turning them over to Caring for Kids. Or send directly to: Caring for Kids, 237 Eldorado Avenue, Fircrest, 98466
And Linda Disney paid $20 for announcing “Swing for Our Heroes”, a golf tourney at High Cedars benefitting the Support the Enlisted Project (STEP). September 22, scramble with lunch, on-course refreshments, and a steak dinner. Teamstepusa.org/swingforourheroes
---Norwegians drink more coffee per capita than any other country except Finland.
---In winter, Norway’s snow is collected and sent for storage in special hangars, which are something like huge freezers. It is used in autumn to create ski slopes when the weather is still too warm and there is no snow, but people already want to ski. Nearly 100% of Norwegians participate in winter sports.
---Norse explorer, Leif Erickson, son of Erik the Red, was the first European to set foot in North America. With his Viking cohorts, he is thought to have landed in Newfoundland about 1000 AD. Take that, Christopher Columbus. And no horned hats were seen on a single Viking.
Program:
Gayle Selden went to the World Affairs Conference 29 years ago. Angel Calderon and Chase Washington were a long way from being born then…..but both made the journey to Wisconsin courtesy of our club for the WAC. Angel from Clover Park and Chase from Lakes are both part of the Lakewood Youth Council. They were met in Wisconsin with air quality of 313 (dangerous) from the Canada fires, which coincided with their subject of climate change. The key project was a Diplomacy Simulation. A make-believe situation was presented concerning plans for a dam that would negatively impact neighboring regions. Besides a fascinating educational opportunity, both boys were quite demonstrative about how much they enjoyed the event and the many friends made from across the U.S. Thanks to all of you Rotarians and your generosity, our club adds this event to our many good works. Maybe one or both of these two will return in 29 years to introduce some more WAC students!
Drawing: Dwight Williams was given the opportunity to make himself about $350 richer. He failed. $5.00 is better than nothing, however.
A Swede went to a museum in Norway. The Norwegian tour guide explained that the ski they were looking at was 2300 years old. The Swede paused for a second to think about it and then asked, very perplexed: “How is that possible? We are only in the year 2022.”
The Swedish man had a problem. His wife was coming home on the train but he could not remember if she was coming at 8:40 or 4:80…….
We are Family!
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, August 13, 2023
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WE ARE FAMILY!
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
President Mary Horn, stressing family values, asked young Richard Weiss—the son of Catherine Frederickson—to ring the dinner bell to start our Friday meeting on August 11th.
Bob Peterson did a nice invocation and our Program Speaker today, Charlene Miseli, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Mary thanked the “tech guys” responsible for setup by name, and at our table we were thinking of alternate monikers instead of “tech guys.” One wag suggested “IT Nerds”, but I was loudly shouted down for political incorrectness! We should have a contest to name the setup crew something other than “setup crew” or “tech guys.” The ladies at the Lakeside Bar playing Mahjong might suggest the loud “Test, Test” guys.
Guests included soon-to-be-member Scott Baird, a retired Army Lt. Colonel. Greg Horn introduced “Mr. Water Rights”, also known as Kris Kaufman, who would in a few moments be inducted by Mary as our newest Lakewood Rotarian.
The Puffins stood and were recognized. Mary mentioned that new members are critical to the success of any Rotary Club, and repeated a comment she heard at District Conference in Victoria, to the effect that many new Rotarians have said, “They just needed to ask me.” No asking, no new member. Sometimes it really is that simple.
Mary also recognized those participating on Zoom, which showed Ralph Johnson, John Magnuson and Carole Wier. There may have been one more named Mark but it was not clear without a picture. Finally, Mary noted that certain dignitary personages graced us with their presence, such as District Governor-Elect Tony Camoroda, Assistant Governor Bill Potter, and some guy named Horn who was apparently District Governor when Mary was Chief of Staff a couple of years ago.
The Sunshine Report was given by Wendy McGowan. She said Dr. John Harbottle, who many of us know here at Tacoma Country and Golf Club, is in the hospital with a serious infection that started in his leg. Get well soon John. Wendy called on the eminent Past District Governor Greg Horn, who said he visited long-time LR member Dave Covey. Apparently, Dave’s Parkinson’s Disease is getting worse and he cannot stop moving; his brain and sense of humor, however, are still in fine fettle.
Tony Camoroda showed that DACdb is coordinating a donation effort to help those affected by the Maui Fire in Lahaina and elsewhere on that island this week. That is District 5000. The Maui Relief Fire Fund is an established 501(c)(3) organization so donations are tax deductible. This fire may even have affected their water source.
Tony also talked about membership growth in District 5020 and in our club. We ranked fourth in the entire district last year based on net membership growth. And I think we have added five more new members in the last two months.As of July 1, there are 1.16 million Rotarians in the world. So just keep asking. Maybe the person will come and check us out.
Induction:
At this juncture, Kris Kaufman, accompanied by his sponsor, Yorleny Clapper, was brought forward for induction by President Mary. Kris explained that he has been “into water” since 1941. This Civil Engineer and UW grad grew up in North Seattle and his family still has an interest in that house some 70+ years later. Kris’ grandfather settled in Clallam County in 1883 (before statehood) and at a recent family reunion in the Elwha River area they had 80 relatives for a picnic. Kris has lived in Lakewood for 53 years and is very involved in appreciating the natural environment and especially the water resources of this area.
Announcements: Barlow Buescher announced that efforts have begun locally to help the victims of the recent mobile home fire in the Woodbrook area. There were two fatalities and nine homes were lost, with about four more damaged. It started as a brush fire. Scott Adams of West Pierce Fire and Rescue said that West Pierce Cares is helping out. They need moving trucks and/or pickup trucks to move furniture. All such help would be welcome. Donations too!
Yorleny Clapper announced a summer camp where kids can learn Spanish. Go to www.worldlc.org. There is a graduation party to honor local Spanish students. Contact Yorleny for details. Their event is on August 17th at 4:00 p.m. at Park Lodge Elementary. While staring at Jim Sharp, Yorleny said Fire Chiefs and Police Chiefs are in big demand as the kids love to hear their words of wisdom. Jim said he’d be there. (I made that up to lay the guilt trip on him.)
Bill Potter announced that the Claudia Thomas house “wall raising” will be on August 26th and so Habitat for Humanity will be needing more volunteers for that. They have 18 spots left, but no, it is not “hell raising”….it is a wall raising. Bill may also have mentioned that there is a Nourish Food Packing Event on September 23rd.
Not sure if this was mentioned, but we think there is a DACdb training by Mary Horn on August 18—next Friday—starting at 11:00 a.m.
The Cookie Jar:
Mary said that Chris Kimball was not here to do birthdays and anniversaries, but she knew a thing or two worth mentioning: Catherine Frederickson and her husband Aaron have been married four years today. And Nicole Hancock and her husband Bryan have been married for 11 years. Congrats all around (but show me the money). Actually, Cat ponied up $100.
Wynn Hoffman said he had family visiting, including grandkids, and he had a birthday last week so he contributed an undisclosed amount. Bud Montgomery said he hit the big 80 this week, had two grandkids visiting all week and so is very tired, but he still managed to pull $100 out of his pocket. Don Daniels said he and Lisa are celebrating their 30th anniversary so he gave $50 to the cookie jar and $50 to the Rotary Foundation toward his next Paul Harris Award.
THE PROGRAM:
PDG Greg Horn introduced LR member Charlene Miseli, who was back visiting us from her new home in Texas. Charlene and her co-presenter Amy Tiemeyer, who is the Manager of the Pacific Northwest Region, talked about the Travis Manion Foundation. The organization works to foster Youth Development and serves military families, and especially the Fallen Warriors. Greg said Charlene is physically active (she’s a runner) and has been married to Jay for 27 years. As we recall, Jay is a colonel in the US Army. Their daughter Amy is a sophomore at West Point and their son is now an Army lieutenant. She was here at JBLM and Lakewood Rotary for six years and they are now stationed in Texas.
She introduced Amy Tiemeyer, who served at Fort Drum in New York State and other bases.
Charlene and Amy talked about all of the Travis Manion programs. They said character does matter. Their members teach kids, for example at the Boys and Girls Clubs. Their Operation Legacy Service Projects include activities such as beach cleanups. Theiir 9/11 Heroes run in Snohomish County is coming up and they plan a Shadow Run in the Dupont area here in Pierce County pretty soon. They talked about veterans, who often feel lost when they leave the service. 60% of separating veterans feel that way. The foundation tries to match up these veterans with kids who need attention. It is good for the vets and the kids. They said independent organizations measure the effectiveness of foundation programs.
They said 72,000 vets have been trained in their program and 500,000 young people have been impacted. They have 2400 veteran mentors now. The TM Foundation has 30 chapters nationwide with a large concentration on the East Coast. They really want to expand their Pacific Northwest programs. There have been summer camps in Washington and they gave much credit to Amazon for supporting those camps. To get involved, go to www.travismanion.org.
A recent program at Lincoln High School emphasized kids who are experiencing homelessness yet stayed in school. Charlene and Amy stressed that this foundation loves to partner with other nonprofits such as the Spanish kids’ summer camps and the Habitat for Humanity, mentioned earlier today. It is so good for veterans who need a sense of purpose to get involved in those kinds of activities with kids.
In response to questions, they noted that some of their volunteers are military family members who have experienced suicide and other PTSD effects. This group also partners with the Wounded Warriors organization. Excellent program so thanks Charlene and Amy.
When the bell was being rung Bob Peterson insisted upon adding $62 to Mary’s cookie jar and said something about his 62nd anniversary we think.
The Drawing: New Member Heather Burgess had the winning ticket and won $5 with a white chip.
James Guerrero reported that the RI Foundation took in $150 today, but also consider giving through Rotary Direct (this online program makes giving to the Foundation a no brainer, which is good for us old codgers with no brains left).
Coming Events:
August 12, 2023 - Rainiers game for USO – 10 seats available, $10 each. Contact Mark Edgecomb.
August 15, 2023 - Dolly Parton to visit Washington. For information see https://www.imaginationlibrarywashington.org/dolly_parton_to_visit_washington
.
We are Family!
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, August 13, 2023
Share:PermalinkEmail this Page
WE ARE FAMILY!
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
President Mary Horn, stressing family values, asked young Richard Weiss—the son of Catherine Frederickson—to ring the dinner bell to start our Friday meeting on August 11th.
Bob Peterson did a nice invocation and our Program Speaker today, Charlene Miseli, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Mary thanked the “tech guys” responsible for setup by name, and at our table we were thinking of alternate monikers instead of “tech guys.” One wag suggested “IT Nerds”, but I was loudly shouted down for political incorrectness! We should have a contest to name the setup crew something other than “setup crew” or “tech guys.” The ladies at the Lakeside Bar playing Mahjong might suggest the loud “Test, Test” guys.
Guests included soon-to-be-member Scott Baird, a retired Army Lt. Colonel. Greg Horn introduced “Mr. Water Rights”, also known as Kris Kaufman, who would in a few moments be inducted by Mary as our newest Lakewood Rotarian.
The Puffins stood and were recognized. Mary mentioned that new members are critical to the success of any Rotary Club, and repeated a comment she heard at District Conference in Victoria, to the effect that many new Rotarians have said, “They just needed to ask me.” No asking, no new member. Sometimes it really is that simple.
Mary also recognized those participating on Zoom, which showed Ralph Johnson, John Magnuson and Carole Wier. There may have been one more named Mark but it was not clear without a picture. Finally, Mary noted that certain dignitary personages graced us with their presence, such as District Governor-Elect Tony Camoroda, Assistant Governor Bill Potter, and some guy named Horn who was apparently District Governor when Mary was Chief of Staff a couple of years ago.
The Sunshine Report was given by Wendy McGowan. She said Dr. John Harbottle, who many of us know here at Tacoma Country and Golf Club, is in the hospital with a serious infection that started in his leg. Get well soon John. Wendy called on the eminent Past District Governor Greg Horn, who said he visited long-time LR member Dave Covey. Apparently, Dave’s Parkinson’s Disease is getting worse and he cannot stop moving; his brain and sense of humor, however, are still in fine fettle.
Tony Camoroda showed that DACdb is coordinating a donation effort to help those affected by the Maui Fire in Lahaina and elsewhere on that island this week. That is District 5000. The Maui Relief Fire Fund is an established 501(c)(3) organization so donations are tax deductible. This fire may even have affected their water source.
Tony also talked about membership growth in District 5020 and in our club. We ranked fourth in the entire district last year based on net membership growth. And I think we have added five more new members in the last two months.As of July 1, there are 1.16 million Rotarians in the world. So just keep asking. Maybe the person will come and check us out.
Induction:
At this juncture, Kris Kaufman, accompanied by his sponsor, Yorleny Clapper, was brought forward for induction by President Mary. Kris explained that he has been “into water” since 1941. This Civil Engineer and UW grad grew up in North Seattle and his family still has an interest in that house some 70+ years later. Kris’ grandfather settled in Clallam County in 1883 (before statehood) and at a recent family reunion in the Elwha River area they had 80 relatives for a picnic. Kris has lived in Lakewood for 53 years and is very involved in appreciating the natural environment and especially the water resources of this area.
Announcements: Barlow Buescher announced that efforts have begun locally to help the victims of the recent mobile home fire in the Woodbrook area. There were two fatalities and nine homes were lost, with about four more damaged. It started as a brush fire. Scott Adams of West Pierce Fire and Rescue said that West Pierce Cares is helping out. They need moving trucks and/or pickup trucks to move furniture. All such help would be welcome. Donations too!
Yorleny Clapper announced a summer camp where kids can learn Spanish. Go to www.worldlc.org. There is a graduation party to honor local Spanish students. Contact Yorleny for details. Their event is on August 17th at 4:00 p.m. at Park Lodge Elementary. While staring at Jim Sharp, Yorleny said Fire Chiefs and Police Chiefs are in big demand as the kids love to hear their words of wisdom. Jim said he’d be there. (I made that up to lay the guilt trip on him.)
Bill Potter announced that the Claudia Thomas house “wall raising” will be on August 26th and so Habitat for Humanity will be needing more volunteers for that. They have 18 spots left, but no, it is not “hell raising”….it is a wall raising. Bill may also have mentioned that there is a Nourish Food Packing Event on September 23rd.
Not sure if this was mentioned, but we think there is a DACdb training by Mary Horn on August 18—next Friday—starting at 11:00 a.m.
The Cookie Jar:
Mary said that Chris Kimball was not here to do birthdays and anniversaries, but she knew a thing or two worth mentioning: Catherine Frederickson and her husband Aaron have been married four years today. And Nicole Hancock and her husband Bryan have been married for 11 years. Congrats all around (but show me the money). Actually, Cat ponied up $100.
Wynn Hoffman said he had family visiting, including grandkids, and he had a birthday last week so he contributed an undisclosed amount. Bud Montgomery said he hit the big 80 this week, had two grandkids visiting all week and so is very tired, but he still managed to pull $100 out of his pocket. Don Daniels said he and Lisa are celebrating their 30th anniversary so he gave $50 to the cookie jar and $50 to the Rotary Foundation toward his next Paul Harris Award.
THE PROGRAM:
PDG Greg Horn introduced LR member Charlene Miseli, who was back visiting us from her new home in Texas. Charlene and her co-presenter Amy Tiemeyer, who is the Manager of the Pacific Northwest Region, talked about the Travis Manion Foundation. The organization works to foster Youth Development and serves military families, and especially the Fallen Warriors. Greg said Charlene is physically active (she’s a runner) and has been married to Jay for 27 years. As we recall, Jay is a colonel in the US Army. Their daughter Amy is a sophomore at West Point and their son is now an Army lieutenant. She was here at JBLM and Lakewood Rotary for six years and they are now stationed in Texas.
She introduced Amy Tiemeyer, who served at Fort Drum in New York State and other bases.
Charlene and Amy talked about all of the Travis Manion programs. They said character does matter. Their members teach kids, for example at the Boys and Girls Clubs. Their Operation Legacy Service Projects include activities such as beach cleanups. Theiir 9/11 Heroes run in Snohomish County is coming up and they plan a Shadow Run in the Dupont area here in Pierce County pretty soon. They talked about veterans, who often feel lost when they leave the service. 60% of separating veterans feel that way. The foundation tries to match up these veterans with kids who need attention. It is good for the vets and the kids. They said independent organizations measure the effectiveness of foundation programs.
They said 72,000 vets have been trained in their program and 500,000 young people have been impacted. They have 2400 veteran mentors now. The TM Foundation has 30 chapters nationwide with a large concentration on the East Coast. They really want to expand their Pacific Northwest programs. There have been summer camps in Washington and they gave much credit to Amazon for supporting those camps. To get involved, go to www.travismanion.org.
A recent program at Lincoln High School emphasized kids who are experiencing homelessness yet stayed in school. Charlene and Amy stressed that this foundation loves to partner with other nonprofits such as the Spanish kids’ summer camps and the Habitat for Humanity, mentioned earlier today. It is so good for veterans who need a sense of purpose to get involved in those kinds of activities with kids.
In response to questions, they noted that some of their volunteers are military family members who have experienced suicide and other PTSD effects. This group also partners with the Wounded Warriors organization. Excellent program so thanks Charlene and Amy.
When the bell was being rung Bob Peterson insisted upon adding $62 to Mary’s cookie jar and said something about his 62nd anniversary we think.
The Drawing: New Member Heather Burgess had the winning ticket and won $5 with a white chip.
James Guerrero reported that the RI Foundation took in $150 today, but also consider giving through Rotary Direct (this online program makes giving to the Foundation a no brainer, which is good for us old codgers with no brains left).
Coming Events:
August 12, 2023 - Rainiers game for USO – 10 seats available, $10 each. Contact Mark Edgecomb.
August 15, 2023 - Dolly Parton to visit Washington. For information see https://www.imaginationlibrarywashington.org/dolly_parton_to_visit_washington
.
We are Family!
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, August 13, 2023
Share:PermalinkEmail this Page
WE ARE FAMILY!
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
President Mary Horn, stressing family values, asked young Richard Weiss—the son of Catherine Frederickson—to ring the dinner bell to start our Friday meeting on August 11th.
Bob Peterson did a nice invocation and our Program Speaker today, Charlene Miseli, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Mary thanked the “tech guys” responsible for setup by name, and at our table we were thinking of alternate monikers instead of “tech guys.” One wag suggested “IT Nerds”, but I was loudly shouted down for political incorrectness! We should have a contest to name the setup crew something other than “setup crew” or “tech guys.” The ladies at the Lakeside Bar playing Mahjong might suggest the loud “Test, Test” guys.
Guests included soon-to-be-member Scott Baird, a retired Army Lt. Colonel. Greg Horn introduced “Mr. Water Rights”, also known as Kris Kaufman, who would in a few moments be inducted by Mary as our newest Lakewood Rotarian.
The Puffins stood and were recognized. Mary mentioned that new members are critical to the success of any Rotary Club, and repeated a comment she heard at District Conference in Victoria, to the effect that many new Rotarians have said, “They just needed to ask me.” No asking, no new member. Sometimes it really is that simple.
Mary also recognized those participating on Zoom, which showed Ralph Johnson, John Magnuson and Carole Wier. There may have been one more named Mark but it was not clear without a picture. Finally, Mary noted that certain dignitary personages graced us with their presence, such as District Governor-Elect Tony Camoroda, Assistant Governor Bill Potter, and some guy named Horn who was apparently District Governor when Mary was Chief of Staff a couple of years ago.
The Sunshine Report was given by Wendy McGowan. She said Dr. John Harbottle, who many of us know here at Tacoma Country and Golf Club, is in the hospital with a serious infection that started in his leg. Get well soon John. Wendy called on the eminent Past District Governor Greg Horn, who said he visited long-time LR member Dave Covey. Apparently, Dave’s Parkinson’s Disease is getting worse and he cannot stop moving; his brain and sense of humor, however, are still in fine fettle.
Tony Camoroda showed that DACdb is coordinating a donation effort to help those affected by the Maui Fire in Lahaina and elsewhere on that island this week. That is District 5000. The Maui Relief Fire Fund is an established 501(c)(3) organization so donations are tax deductible. This fire may even have affected their water source.
Tony also talked about membership growth in District 5020 and in our club. We ranked fourth in the entire district last year based on net membership growth. And I think we have added five more new members in the last two months.As of July 1, there are 1.16 million Rotarians in the world. So just keep asking. Maybe the person will come and check us out.
Induction:
At this juncture, Kris Kaufman, accompanied by his sponsor, Yorleny Clapper, was brought forward for induction by President Mary. Kris explained that he has been “into water” since 1941. This Civil Engineer and UW grad grew up in North Seattle and his family still has an interest in that house some 70+ years later. Kris’ grandfather settled in Clallam County in 1883 (before statehood) and at a recent family reunion in the Elwha River area they had 80 relatives for a picnic. Kris has lived in Lakewood for 53 years and is very involved in appreciating the natural environment and especially the water resources of this area.
Announcements: Barlow Buescher announced that efforts have begun locally to help the victims of the recent mobile home fire in the Woodbrook area. There were two fatalities and nine homes were lost, with about four more damaged. It started as a brush fire. Scott Adams of West Pierce Fire and Rescue said that West Pierce Cares is helping out. They need moving trucks and/or pickup trucks to move furniture. All such help would be welcome. Donations too!
Yorleny Clapper announced a summer camp where kids can learn Spanish. Go to www.worldlc.org. There is a graduation party to honor local Spanish students. Contact Yorleny for details. Their event is on August 17th at 4:00 p.m. at Park Lodge Elementary. While staring at Jim Sharp, Yorleny said Fire Chiefs and Police Chiefs are in big demand as the kids love to hear their words of wisdom. Jim said he’d be there. (I made that up to lay the guilt trip on him.)
Bill Potter announced that the Claudia Thomas house “wall raising” will be on August 26th and so Habitat for Humanity will be needing more volunteers for that. They have 18 spots left, but no, it is not “hell raising”….it is a wall raising. Bill may also have mentioned that there is a Nourish Food Packing Event on September 23rd.
Not sure if this was mentioned, but we think there is a DACdb training by Mary Horn on August 18—next Friday—starting at 11:00 a.m.
The Cookie Jar:
Mary said that Chris Kimball was not here to do birthdays and anniversaries, but she knew a thing or two worth mentioning: Catherine Frederickson and her husband Aaron have been married four years today. And Nicole Hancock and her husband Bryan have been married for 11 years. Congrats all around (but show me the money). Actually, Cat ponied up $100.
Wynn Hoffman said he had family visiting, including grandkids, and he had a birthday last week so he contributed an undisclosed amount. Bud Montgomery said he hit the big 80 this week, had two grandkids visiting all week and so is very tired, but he still managed to pull $100 out of his pocket. Don Daniels said he and Lisa are celebrating their 30th anniversary so he gave $50 to the cookie jar and $50 to the Rotary Foundation toward his next Paul Harris Award.
THE PROGRAM:
PDG Greg Horn introduced LR member Charlene Miseli, who was back visiting us from her new home in Texas. Charlene and her co-presenter Amy Tiemeyer, who is the Manager of the Pacific Northwest Region, talked about the Travis Manion Foundation. The organization works to foster Youth Development and serves military families, and especially the Fallen Warriors. Greg said Charlene is physically active (she’s a runner) and has been married to Jay for 27 years. As we recall, Jay is a colonel in the US Army. Their daughter Amy is a sophomore at West Point and their son is now an Army lieutenant. She was here at JBLM and Lakewood Rotary for six years and they are now stationed in Texas.
She introduced Amy Tiemeyer, who served at Fort Drum in New York State and other bases.
Charlene and Amy talked about all of the Travis Manion programs. They said character does matter. Their members teach kids, for example at the Boys and Girls Clubs. Their Operation Legacy Service Projects include activities such as beach cleanups. Theiir 9/11 Heroes run in Snohomish County is coming up and they plan a Shadow Run in the Dupont area here in Pierce County pretty soon. They talked about veterans, who often feel lost when they leave the service. 60% of separating veterans feel that way. The foundation tries to match up these veterans with kids who need attention. It is good for the vets and the kids. They said independent organizations measure the effectiveness of foundation programs.
They said 72,000 vets have been trained in their program and 500,000 young people have been impacted. They have 2400 veteran mentors now. The TM Foundation has 30 chapters nationwide with a large concentration on the East Coast. They really want to expand their Pacific Northwest programs. There have been summer camps in Washington and they gave much credit to Amazon for supporting those camps. To get involved, go to www.travismanion.org.
A recent program at Lincoln High School emphasized kids who are experiencing homelessness yet stayed in school. Charlene and Amy stressed that this foundation loves to partner with other nonprofits such as the Spanish kids’ summer camps and the Habitat for Humanity, mentioned earlier today. It is so good for veterans who need a sense of purpose to get involved in those kinds of activities with kids.
In response to questions, they noted that some of their volunteers are military family members who have experienced suicide and other PTSD effects. This group also partners with the Wounded Warriors organization. Excellent program so thanks Charlene and Amy.
When the bell was being rung Bob Peterson insisted upon adding $62 to Mary’s cookie jar and said something about his 62nd anniversary we think.
The Drawing: New Member Heather Burgess had the winning ticket and won $5 with a white chip.
James Guerrero reported that the RI Foundation took in $150 today, but also consider giving through Rotary Direct (this online program makes giving to the Foundation a no brainer, which is good for us old codgers with no brains left).
Coming Events:
August 12, 2023 - Rainiers game for USO – 10 seats available, $10 each. Contact Mark Edgecomb.
August 15, 2023 - Dolly Parton to visit Washington. For information see https://www.imaginationlibrarywashington.org/dolly_parton_to_visit_washington
.
We are Family!
By Joseph F. QuinnSunday, August 13, 2023
Share:PermalinkEmail this Page
WE ARE FAMILY!
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
President Mary Horn, stressing family values, asked young Richard Weiss—the son of Catherine Frederickson—to ring the dinner bell to start our Friday meeting on August 11th.
Bob Peterson did a nice invocation and our Program Speaker today, Charlene Miseli, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Mary thanked the “tech guys” responsible for setup by name, and at our table we were thinking of alternate monikers instead of “tech guys.” One wag suggested “IT Nerds”, but I was loudly shouted down for political incorrectness! We should have a contest to name the setup crew something other than “setup crew” or “tech guys.” The ladies at the Lakeside Bar playing Mahjong might suggest the loud “Test, Test” guys.
Guests included soon-to-be-member Scott Baird, a retired Army Lt. Colonel. Greg Horn introduced “Mr. Water Rights”, also known as Kris Kaufman, who would in a few moments be inducted by Mary as our newest Lakewood Rotarian.
The Puffins stood and were recognized. Mary mentioned that new members are critical to the success of any Rotary Club, and repeated a comment she heard at District Conference in Victoria, to the effect that many new Rotarians have said, “They just needed to ask me.” No asking, no new member. Sometimes it really is that simple.
Mary also recognized those participating on Zoom, which showed Ralph Johnson, John Magnuson and Carole Wier. There may have been one more named Mark but it was not clear without a picture. Finally, Mary noted that certain dignitary personages graced us with their presence, such as District Governor-Elect Tony Camoroda, Assistant Governor Bill Potter, and some guy named Horn who was apparently District Governor when Mary was Chief of Staff a couple of years ago.
The Sunshine Report was given by Wendy McGowan. She said Dr. John Harbottle, who many of us know here at Tacoma Country and Golf Club, is in the hospital with a serious infection that started in his leg. Get well soon John. Wendy called on the eminent Past District Governor Greg Horn, who said he visited long-time LR member Dave Covey. Apparently, Dave’s Parkinson’s Disease is getting worse and he cannot stop moving; his brain and sense of humor, however, are still in fine fettle.
Tony Camoroda showed that DACdb is coordinating a donation effort to help those affected by the Maui Fire in Lahaina and elsewhere on that island this week. That is District 5000. The Maui Relief Fire Fund is an established 501(c)(3) organization so donations are tax deductible. This fire may even have affected their water source.
Tony also talked about membership growth in District 5020 and in our club. We ranked fourth in the entire district last year based on net membership growth. And I think we have added five more new members in the last two months.As of July 1, there are 1.16 million Rotarians in the world. So just keep asking. Maybe the person will come and check us out.
Induction:
At this juncture, Kris Kaufman, accompanied by his sponsor, Yorleny Clapper, was brought forward for induction by President Mary. Kris explained that he has been “into water” since 1941. This Civil Engineer and UW grad grew up in North Seattle and his family still has an interest in that house some 70+ years later. Kris’ grandfather settled in Clallam County in 1883 (before statehood) and at a recent family reunion in the Elwha River area they had 80 relatives for a picnic. Kris has lived in Lakewood for 53 years and is very involved in appreciating the natural environment and especially the water resources of this area.
Announcements: Barlow Buescher announced that efforts have begun locally to help the victims of the recent mobile home fire in the Woodbrook area. There were two fatalities and nine homes were lost, with about four more damaged. It started as a brush fire. Scott Adams of West Pierce Fire and Rescue said that West Pierce Cares is helping out. They need moving trucks and/or pickup trucks to move furniture. All such help would be welcome. Donations too!
Yorleny Clapper announced a summer camp where kids can learn Spanish. Go to www.worldlc.org. There is a graduation party to honor local Spanish students. Contact Yorleny for details. Their event is on August 17th at 4:00 p.m. at Park Lodge Elementary. While staring at Jim Sharp, Yorleny said Fire Chiefs and Police Chiefs are in big demand as the kids love to hear their words of wisdom. Jim said he’d be there. (I made that up to lay the guilt trip on him.)
Bill Potter announced that the Claudia Thomas house “wall raising” will be on August 26th and so Habitat for Humanity will be needing more volunteers for that. They have 18 spots left, but no, it is not “hell raising”….it is a wall raising. Bill may also have mentioned that there is a Nourish Food Packing Event on September 23rd.
Not sure if this was mentioned, but we think there is a DACdb training by Mary Horn on August 18—next Friday—starting at 11:00 a.m.
The Cookie Jar:
Mary said that Chris Kimball was not here to do birthdays and anniversaries, but she knew a thing or two worth mentioning: Catherine Frederickson and her husband Aaron have been married four years today. And Nicole Hancock and her husband Bryan have been married for 11 years. Congrats all around (but show me the money). Actually, Cat ponied up $100.
Wynn Hoffman said he had family visiting, including grandkids, and he had a birthday last week so he contributed an undisclosed amount. Bud Montgomery said he hit the big 80 this week, had two grandkids visiting all week and so is very tired, but he still managed to pull $100 out of his pocket. Don Daniels said he and Lisa are celebrating their 30th anniversary so he gave $50 to the cookie jar and $50 to the Rotary Foundation toward his next Paul Harris Award.
THE PROGRAM:
PDG Greg Horn introduced LR member Charlene Miseli, who was back visiting us from her new home in Texas. Charlene and her co-presenter Amy Tiemeyer, who is the Manager of the Pacific Northwest Region, talked about the Travis Manion Foundation. The organization works to foster Youth Development and serves military families, and especially the Fallen Warriors. Greg said Charlene is physically active (she’s a runner) and has been married to Jay for 27 years. As we recall, Jay is a colonel in the US Army. Their daughter Amy is a sophomore at West Point and their son is now an Army lieutenant. She was here at JBLM and Lakewood Rotary for six years and they are now stationed in Texas.
She introduced Amy Tiemeyer, who served at Fort Drum in New York State and other bases.
Charlene and Amy talked about all of the Travis Manion programs. They said character does matter. Their members teach kids, for example at the Boys and Girls Clubs. Their Operation Legacy Service Projects include activities such as beach cleanups. Theiir 9/11 Heroes run in Snohomish County is coming up and they plan a Shadow Run in the Dupont area here in Pierce County pretty soon. They talked about veterans, who often feel lost when they leave the service. 60% of separating veterans feel that way. The foundation tries to match up these veterans with kids who need attention. It is good for the vets and the kids. They said independent organizations measure the effectiveness of foundation programs.
They said 72,000 vets have been trained in their program and 500,000 young people have been impacted. They have 2400 veteran mentors now. The TM Foundation has 30 chapters nationwide with a large concentration on the East Coast. They really want to expand their Pacific Northwest programs. There have been summer camps in Washington and they gave much credit to Amazon for supporting those camps. To get involved, go to www.travismanion.org.
A recent program at Lincoln High School emphasized kids who are experiencing homelessness yet stayed in school. Charlene and Amy stressed that this foundation loves to partner with other nonprofits such as the Spanish kids’ summer camps and the Habitat for Humanity, mentioned earlier today. It is so good for veterans who need a sense of purpose to get involved in those kinds of activities with kids.
In response to questions, they noted that some of their volunteers are military family members who have experienced suicide and other PTSD effects. This group also partners with the Wounded Warriors organization. Excellent program so thanks Charlene and Amy.
When the bell was being rung Bob Peterson insisted upon adding $62 to Mary’s cookie jar and said something about his 62nd anniversary we think.
The Drawing: New Member Heather Burgess had the winning ticket and won $5 with a white chip.
James Guerrero reported that the RI Foundation took in $150 today, but also consider giving through Rotary Direct (this online program makes giving to the Foundation a no brainer, which is good for us old codgers with no brains left).
Coming Events:
August 12, 2023 - Rainiers game for USO – 10 seats available, $10 each. Contact Mark Edgecomb.
August 15, 2023 - Dolly Parton to visit Washington. For information see https://www.imaginationlibrarywashington.org/dolly_parton_to_visit_washington
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State of the City
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, August 6, 2023
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The State of the City
The Lakewood Key
In a surprising turn, President Mary timely opened the meeting with a bell, not the usual “We are Family” song. Boring, President Mary! Anyone can open the meeting with a bell. We want something kicky, something compelling. Barlow Buescher asked us to look around at each other and see in each other all of the principles of Rotary and be proud. As I looked at my fellow members and knew how much they did for the community, I was very proud to be a part of Lakewood Rotary. Ralph Lockhart recited the “Toast to the Flag,” written in 1917. It was enthralling and Ralph’s rendition was so heartfelt.
Rotary guests included a visitor from Gig Harbor. One guest was introduced by Anne Enquist, Scott Baird, who is a potential member; Bob Martin introduced his wife, Sue. The Martins will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on August 18th and Bob put 100 cookies in the jar at a $1.00 each.
Above: Bob and Sue Martin, newlyweds
James Osundwa introduced his daughter, a future Rotarian and thanked Greg Rediske for teaching his son to drive his first motorized vehicle and toot the horn. Cat Frederickson introduced her husband Erin, another potential member and mentioned they are celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary next Friday. President Mary asked all Puffins to stand. They are a great group of newbies!
Greg Horn said that Dave Covey is now in hospice and needs a lift chair. Talk to Greg Rediske or Mary Horn if you have one to give Dave. If you want to visit Dave, contact Greg first.
Above: file photo of Dave Covey, always entertaining
Everyone had a great time and the food was spectacular. Bob Hammar reported that he was happier on Bainbridge Island than he ever expected. He has a great view of the Puget Sound and the cocktail lounge has view of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and downtown Seattle. Sounds like a good place for a club happy hour, huh, Bob?
Greg Horn announced the Beer Fest at their Orting Ski Park on August 5th. $45 a person will get you all the beer you can drink with $40 going to Polio Plus and $5 to the Ski Park. No other way you can drink beer for charity. Then sober up quickly to have dinner at the Murano Hotel to welcome International Rotary President Gordon McInally. Greg started to explain how the Beer Fest was going to work when President Mary took the mic away from him. Greg got busted! Chuck Hellar reminded everyone that The Little Free Pantry also accepts clothing-- especially men’s clothing. So guys, now is the time to clean out those closets. If you haven’t worn it in 25 years, you can safely give to the Smithsonian Museum or The Little Free Pantry. Wendy McGowan read us a lovely email from our favorite Honorary Member Carole Wier. She expressed her happiness at being present for a couple of meetings, wished Mary good luck in her presidential year and invited us all to Minnesota. But Carole wasn’t far from us as she was on zoom but somehow ended up upside hanging from the ceiling of her square. Interesting, Carole. Very interesting.
Above: Carole Wier was just hanging around
President Mary read us a few more thank you notes. Zander Trevino thanked us for letting him represent Lakewood through the incentive award, Chase Washington for our sponsorship to the World Affairs Climate Change seminar, Angel Calderon for the chance “to explore the world” where she learned so much and Francis X. Vogel for the World Affairs Conference. There were 185 students this year in Wisconsin when in the past there were only 135. Hooray for our youth! The future is secure.
Mary read a Rotary Moment about the development of the Four Way Test. It was created in the 1930’s and we all recited it. Well, mostly all of us. Some of us mumbled a bit. Wendy McGowan gave the Sunshine Report. Per Gayle Selden, Dan Livingston’s mom passed away and she sent a condolence card on our behalf. Yorleny Clapper was stung by a wasp and decided not to come to the meeting looking a bit like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. We send our good wishes, Yorleny!
Contributions to the cookie jar included $100 from Bob Lordahl, for the graduations of two granddaughters, $20 as a thank you to all the hosts and volunteers making the picnic a raging success by Phil Eng. See yesterday’s Extra Bulletin for a full report on the Floating Board, oops the Family Picnic.
Above: City Manager John Caulfield
Don Anderson introduced our program speaker John Caulfield, Lakewood’s City Manager and Rotarian Extraordinaire. John comes from Boston, Massachusetts, the oldest in a large family. He loves hockey and played without a mask until he was married. He was an Army Ranger and got his MBA from Seattle University. He has worked for University Place, Federal Way, Mountlake Terrace, and for the last 10 years for the City of Lakewood. Don said that hiring John was one of the best things that happened to Lakewood as he has guided the city through COVID without any layoffs of employees and a healthy financial reserve.
John began his report by thanking and expressing his pleasure at working with the Mayor and the City Council. He said that he couldn’t do his job without great leaders and great city employees to back him up. John touted the many partnerships that include Lakewood, and especially one of the newest ones—the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for children. Some of the key highlights of the past year or so started with some facts. The last census found over 64,000 people living in Lakewood. It is the second largest city in Pierce County and the 20th in the state. It is the most diverse with 51% BIPOC. There has been a steady growth in jobs in the construction and other industries as well as about 3,200 businesses. Thousands of people come into Lakewood to shop and work every day and most residents work in or around Lakewood. Retail sales rose 40% in the last 10 years, demonstrating the number of people coming here to spend their money.
Some notable people from Lakewood include Edgar N. Eisenhower, attorney and brother of U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower, Zach Banner, and Jermaine Kearse, professional football players and Craig Lancaster, novelist.
John talked about the various ways that COVID affected the city, state and country but was proud to report that Lakewood has fared quite well on those areas that it can control, such as fiscal responsibility, human services, safe communities, environmental protections, parks, utilities and military bases. Lakewood’s finances have never been stronger and it has received awards for its budgeting processes. Lakewood’s emphasis on housing started with its first Mayor, General Harrison and then Claudia Thomas. The city collaborates with many agencies to help people in all of their needs. The list is long and includes Nourish, EFN, Pierce County First Village, SHAPE, LASA, and Habitat for Humanity. Habitat has built 52 new homes in Tillicum as well as turning the Candlewood Suites into temporary housing.
Lakewood is a safe city with a new police chief who comes with new ideas. The police force has no problem filling vacant positions and is a city of choice for new recruits. Crime is trending down with vehicular theft as one of the only increases in criminal activity. The state legislature’s changes to the laws pertaining to police chases helped but is not enough. The City Council has passed ordinances to fill in the legal holes left by state laws. License plate readers will be installed at entrances to the city to alert for stolen cars.
The economy is booming because of the city council’s work. Over the past few years, there has been over $620 million in investment with growth in light industry, housing developments, a new hotel on its way, and the bustling international district. Tillicum is also growing and developing. JBLM is a driving factor for businesses contributing $14 billion over the years.
The Tacoma Country and Golf Club was established in 1894 to attract the rich and famous. It was the first golf club west of the Mississippi and it featured trolley transportation from Tacoma to the playground on The Prairie.
There are lots of projects both in progress and in planning to protect and preserve the natural environment of Lakewood including those that will impact climate change. The parks are growing and expanding, the city having invested $25 million in the last eight years. The Nisqually Tribe is a partner for some of those natural areas and the ability to protect Fort Steilacoom is a priority. The roadways are seeing a lot of construction with 17 projects and $120 million invested in the past eight years. The city is working with Sound Transit for sidewalks in the Springbrook community. Sally Martinez is doing a great job organizing community events for all to enjoy. In short, John says Lakewood is a place of boundless opportunity.
So what about the QFC store? There are interested buyers but there are also complications. Maybe next year will see some change. Thanks John for a fast and fascinating report on our fair city! President Mary reported that John gets the award for using the greatest number of words in 30 minutes in the club’s history! This scribe can attest to the cramps in the fingers trying to take notes. Congrats, John!
Puffin Debbie McVicker won the raffle and pulled a white chip for a $5.00 bill to contribute to a Lakewood business.
Calendar of Events:
August 9, 2023 - Rainier BBQ and Baseball Game sponsored by District 5020.
August 12, 2023 - Rainiers game in the USO Suite courtesy of ACU – 10 seats still available, $10 each. Contact Mark Edgecomb.
Family Picnic
By Joseph F. QuinnSaturday, August 5, 2023
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Extra, Extra Lakewood Key
Lakewood Rotary Family Picnic
We used to call it the Floating Board Meeting, but President Mary Horn decided we are all one big happy Rotary family, so she renamed it the “Family Picnic”. And on Thursday, August 3, 2023, the name seemed quite apt. The faithful Lakewood Rotary members, spouses and guests gathered at Holly Hedge, thanks to our hosts, Ellen and Steve Mazoff, Barb and Dave Reames, and Gael and Jason Whalen. About 75 of us thronged at their picnic shelter, and enjoyed boat rides provided by Ron Irwin and Greg Rediske of the scenic Lake Steilacoom.
The omnipresent worker, Steve Mazoff, was loading, unloading, and transporting chairs and whatnot, while many other of the usual suspects helped out in small ways. And Phil Eng, our hardworking Fellowship Chair, was doing a lot of the other tasks like buying (a lot of) wine. A great time was had by all!
I still think we should call it the Floating Board Meeting! So much for tradition.
Sing It!
By Gregory J. RediskeSunday, July 30, 2023
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Sing it!!!
Ft. Steilacoom Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh no!
Oh, no! is right.
We met at the Pavilion in Ft. Steilacoom Park on Friday, July 28. So I think to myself, “There must be some good songs about a park to utilize in this-here bulletin! But then I thought, why not use a bad song instead? While Richard Harris went to #2 on the Billboard 100 in 1968 with “MacArthurs Park”, the lyrics (by the usually reliable Jimmy Webb) are…..well…..let’s say odd, to be kind. We did have cake for the meeting, but fortunately there was no rain, so no melting cake to clean up afterward. Whew! I can’t vouch for any lost recipes.
Visitors: A bunch!
Vicki Erb courtesy of Rob
Tanya Richardson courtesy of Walt
Susan Marsh, courtesy of Peter
Jason Paxton, courtesy of new member Brandy
Sharon Selden, by way of Rick and Gayle
Judy Eng, thanks to loving husband Phil
Kathy Buser was asked to work by Scott, that’s how she got in
Fereshteh Sarram, courtesy of Mo
Scott Baird was the guest of Andy Phillips for a second week (can membership be far behind?!?)
And our youngest guest, Adia Osundwa, future Rotarian, with parents James and Shiru.
Speaking of Shiru, she coaxed James to come up with the $5 needed to get her blue badge out of hock.
New Member:
Looks like this might be a two-fer, as James Paxton, husband of Brandy and not the former Mariner pitcher, has requested a member application as well. Brandy was born and raised in Vancouver, WA. She married Jason in 2003, and spent the next 20 years following Jason to his various Army postings. With Jason safely retired, their home is now here in Lakewood. Brandy manages two Scout troops, volunteers for the VFW auxiliary, and works for Humana Insurance. And as if being a new Lakewood Rotarian wasn’t enough, Brandy was gifted and charged with the care and feeding of the Puffin by Gael Whalen. One assumes the Puffin just returned from Italy with her Puffin-keeper. In any event, Brandy plans on a trip with less wine and more woods and backpacks for the Puffin.
Announcements:
--Beer Festival at the Horn’s Ski Park in Orting, August 5. $45 entry includes $40 for your Paul Harris account, and $5 for all the beer (and non-beer) you can drink.
--RI President Gordon McInally (Scotland) will be speaking at the Mirano on August 5, $120.
--Greg Horn is looking for money to help purchase a bike for a Lakewood resident who has cerebral palsy.
--Steve Saalfeld promoted a MultiCare Health Foundation fundraiser on September 16 at the downtown Tacoma Marriott. Tickets are $200 per person, helping Rock The Foundation ease the burden of a cancer diagnosis for South Sound patients and their loved ones. Contact Steve Saalfeld.
--Phil Eng said sign up very, very soon if you want to attend the Floating Board Meeting, newly called the Family Picnic, on August 3 at Holly Hedge on Lake Steilacoom. (Thanks to Dave Reames, Steve Mazoff, Jason Whalen.) Being a traditionalist, and old, I will continue to refer to it as the Floating Board Meeting. Also, there are 10 tickets left for the Rainiers game on Saturday, August 12, in the booth provided to us by Jacob Cuthbertson and America’s Credit Union. $10 donation to veterans causes gets you food and drink and a game. Contact Mark Edgecomb.
--Barb Spriggs announced the successful kayak fundraiser on American Lake netted $1130. The winner of the first prize donated it back to Rotary! Next kayak adventure: July 7, 2024. Mark your calendars.
--Bob Zawilski has lots and lots and lots of grape jelly packets. Too many for the LFPs. Have a use, see Bob.
--Bill Potter reminded all of the August 9 tailgate and Rainiers game put on by the Pierce County Rotary clubs. And on August 24, there will be a “wall raising” at the Claudia Thomas Habitat for Humanity home. Stay tuned for more information. August 15, Dolly Parton will be at the Pantages to kick off the Imagination Library project in this area. Bill has a few tickets left.
Cookie Jar:
--STROLL magazine, published by new member Debbie McVicker, featured Carl and Veronica Bronkema (“It was Debbie’s fault!!”) $50 IOU
--John Korsmo attended, cause for celebration and a fine of $75 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of his company, Korsmo Construction (featured in South Sound magazine). A visit from John also helps the Rotary budget. If he came every week, we’d be rich!
--PP Jason Whalen and new member Gael were in Italy for quite some time, celebrating his fall from presidential grace. $50
The Program:
Bunco (also spelled bunko or bonko) is a dice game generally played with twelve or more players, divided into groups of four, trying to score points while taking turns rolling three dice in a series of six rounds. A bunco is achieved when a person rolls three-of-a-kind and all three numbers match the round number which is decided at the beginning of the round. Bunco was originally a confidence game similar to three card monte.
So that’s what the program was: a group game of Bunco. The question: how many times must the directions be stated before Rotarians understand the game? The answer: At least one more time than was used Friday. Probably several. Regardless, the game was attempted, with each shout of “Bunco!” necessitating the tossing of the stuffed Puffin to that person. Personally, I saw this as Puffin abuse, and I blame Mary. Nevertheless, the game proceeded in a non-orderly fashion until the ultimate winner was decided: Mark Edgecomb! Winner of 6 games! There were two losers of 6 games, David Swindale and Steve Saalfeld. In a dice roll off, Steve continued his losing ways to finish dead last. Congratulations. I think.
The winning ticket went to Linda Disney, who didn’t beat the odds and got a white chip.
Back to the Tacoma Country and Golf Club next week, and a resumption of Zoom.
So one of my neighbors knocked on my door, loudly, at 3 a.m. 3 A.M.!!! Luckily, I was up playing my bagpipes.
When I say “the other day”, I could be referring to any time between this week and 15 years ago.
Being a little older, it’s nice to have someone call every day and check up on me. He happens to be from India and he’s really concerned about my car warranty.
Family Time with Lakewood Rotary
By Gayle SeldenMonday, July 24, 2023
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Family Time with Lakewood Rotary
Gayle Selden
According to witnesses attending the July 21st meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood, there was a feeling of pure excitement as the clock neared 12:30. “We are family” by Sister Sledge started the meeting off. President Mary Horn rang a dinner bell to call the crowd to attention. This dinner bell was originally Mary’s mother’s bell used to call people to dinner and in family bunco games.
Tradition switched after the ringing and the pledge was led by Dwight Williams followed by Tom George with inspiration. Witnesses described the A’men, Shalom and Amen closing as a lovely sentiment.
Past District Governor Craig Gillis was in the audience as well as former district trainer Marni Obendorf. The club also welcomed guest Chris Kaufman, who it was reported is proposing themselves for membership.
The Health and Wellness reporter, Wendy McGowen, sent flowers to Catherine “Cat” Fredrickson as she is recovering from shoulder surgery.
President Horn then invited Debbie McVicker to the front of the room to be inducted. The room slowly reacted when the President asked for people to join in on the Four Way test. Debbie filled the club in on her story and member reactions included, “I had no idea she had so much going on!” This club reporter knows that Debbie is the local advocate for Stroll magazine. The most recent addition highlights the Bronkema family as well as a couple of pages spread about Lakewood Rotary’s Ladies Night Out. The membership is buzzing with excitement for Debbie to join. The puffin is currently traveling with Gael Whalen in Italy so handoff will be coming in a future meeting.
The meeting also had the Presidential Zucchini Presentation Ceremony of 2023. Past District Governor Gordy Quick delivered the first zucchini to President Horn. When asked what her plans were for said zucchini Mary stated that she has a zucchini bread in mind. Her secret ingredient is sour cream, same as for her brownies, which keeps these treats moist.
Other announcements included that next week’s meeting is at the Pavilion in the Park. It starts earlier with the meal (cooked by Dick Ferrell) being served at 11:30 and the meeting starting at noon and ending at 1ish. Please contact Dick by Tuesday if you are coming - dick.ferrell45@gmail.com . Lunch cost will be $15. There will not be a zoom option for this meeting. Greg Horn is collecting funds for a bike for a young disabled local resident with cerebral palsy. Please see him if you’d like to contribute.
Tony Camorada gave the “best announcement of the day,” according to himself. He announced the RI President’s upcoming visit, and you can join the dinner on August 5th at the Murano Hotel. This event is a fundraiser for the Foundation and costs $120 to attend. Find it on the district website here: CREATING HOPE IN THE WORLD | Rotary International District 5020 (rotary5020.org) .Rick Selden announced a Golf Tournament held by Clover Park Rotary on August 12th. It has been reported that Joe Quinn is playing but not on Rick’s Team. Is there a competition brewing between the two? A follow up story may be forth coming.
Please contact Mark Edgecomb (marke@brinkandsadler.com) if you’d like to attend the Rainiers game in the ACU suite on August 12th. The former Floating Board Meeting, now known as the Family Picnic starts at 4:00pm on Thursday August 3rd at Holly Hedge Lake Steilacoom). Good food, good drinks and good family fun – Rotary at its finest! Thanks to the courtesy of Dave Reames, Steve Madoff and Jason Whalen, we will be using the beautiful grounds at Holly Hedge again. Skippers Greg Horn and Greg Rediske will be offering boat rides on Lake Steilacoom. We want to make sure we have kid's activities, so bring a fun game if you can. A hand-cut steak by John Lowney is your entrée. Adult beverages and soft drinks will be provided. The cost is $20.00 per person ($10 for children under 18).You need to go to lakewoodrotary.com to sign up. Ron Irwin has promised to bring his party barge over for the festivities. If it’s warm, plan on putting your feet in the lake. Ron also had said that there were some double announcements. He wasn’t sure why they occurred, but it really helped stick the information in his head.
President Mary had limited time to raise funds for the cookie jar. But she was successful in collecting $50 from Carole Wier, $200 from Charlie Hyde, $200 - Rick Selden, $20 - Jim Bisceglia, $20 - Greg Horn, $21 - Mary Horn plus $20, $20 - Rob Erb, $21 - James Osundwa plus $20, $20 - Joe Quinn, and $20 from Barlow Buescher. Not a bad haul. Here are some of the reasons why said donations were made.
Rob Erb paid his fine to announce he was stood up by a woman the past week. Apparently, the woman was Mary Horn as they were to meet at the Pavilion. Rob had assured Mary he wouldn’t mention it but then he got a microphone and “I told on her,” Rob confessed. Will Mary forgive this indiscretion? Time will tell. Mary paid up as well. James paid his fine in honor of a recognition received at a San Diego conference recently. The company was celebrated for diversity and selected out of countless other companies. It was a huge deal and deserves a huge picture in this bulletin.
Dwight Williams introduced Susan Warner from Lakewold Gardens. Susan’s accomplishments and awards are too numerous to recount here but all were very impressed that the gardens are in the hands of such an extremely well qualified person. Susan discussed the many ways in which the gardens fulfils its mission: “Lakewold Gardens provides intentional encounters with the life-changing power of nature, fostering peace, creativity, and healing in our communities.” All year long Lakewold holds events including art events and musical artists, figure drawing classes, Poetry in the Gardens, exhibits, programs for children, in addition to having wonderful grounds to walk on. The gardens host festivals throughout the year including MayFest, Fairy Fest, All Hallows’ Eve, and Solstice Lights.
Witnesses described Susan’s presentation as one of the best power point presentations they have ever seen. Bob Martin and Greg Horn both cited animated videos and interactive music. This helped highlight Lakewold’s artistic turn. Mary Marlin was inspired to go to Lakewold after the meeting and take a stroll through the Gardens. Joe Quinn loved that the grant from the Murdock trust is going to support an Artist in Residence. Peter Marsh is excited about the classes and workshops that are being planned in the upcoming entrance building.
Lakewold is having an fundraising event July 30th called A Midsummer Day’s Dream. $250 per person/ $375 a couple. Charlie Hyde has seats to join at his table. You’ll enjoy the gardens and an abridged version of Midsummer Night’s Dream, wine and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Anne Enquist said, “It was the best meeting I never attended.” Greg Rediske added that his neighbor just got a horse named Mayo. He loves going outside to hear Mayo neigh.
There was a raffle winner who ended up with a white chip and $5. This person shall remain nameless as it couldn’t be recalled by many members.
**The banner picture was from the recent Five Rotarians Run the Yard, this time it was Dave Swindale’s yard. And it was Seven Rotarians in all. They were Eric Quinn, Joe Quinn, Rick Selden, Jacob Cuthbertson, Rachel Mazoff, Bill Potter, and John Lowney.
A note—we enjoyed a botoxed Tom Cruise and his crazy stunts at Mission Impossible VI Dead Reckoning. Big takeaways from the movie include that transportation on a train or submarine is not recommended. Thanks to Anne and Steve Enquist for planning the party.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
7/28 - Picnic at the Park – no meeting at TCGC, no zoom regular meeting will be at Fort Steilacoom Park at the Pavilion starting at 11:30 am – bring family, especially grandkids for fun & games
7/30 - 90th birthday celebration for General. Harrison at TCGC, call 253-988-7654 for reservations.
August – Membership & New Club Development Month
8/3 - Family Picnic starts at 4:00pm on Thursday August 3rd at Holly Hedge Lake Steilacoom). Adult beverages and soft drinks will be provided. The cost is $20.00 per person ($10 for children under 18). Sign up at lakewoodrotary.com
8/5 – Beer Stock at Ski Park Lake (also known as Pints for Polio) – see Greg Horn for details
8/5 – Rotary International President – Gordon McInally – function at Murano Hotel in Tacoma in the evening
8/9 - Pierce County Rotary Clubs Rainiers BBQ and game – see Bill Potter/Mary Horn
8/12 - Rainiers game for USO – 30 seats available, $10 each contact Mark Edgecomb at marke@brinkandsadler.com
8/20 – 22 – Annual Reeder Roadster Romp
8/22 – Lakewood Rotary board meeting – TCGC – 5:30 p.m.
9/23 – Nourish – food pack. More details to come
National Mac 'N Cheese Day
By John W. MagnusonSunday, July 16, 2023
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National Mac ‘N Cheese Day
John Magnuson
If you’re anything like me, and I believe there are seven of us, I listened to and watched Friday’s meeting very carefully and I am terribly disappointed there was no mention of it being National Mac ‘N Cheese Day. Perhaps President Mary’s assistants wanted to shield her from the executive responsibilities the day requires. I am drafting a letter of apology to the day’s organizers explaining President Mary’s lapse. Maybe she can be forgiven because The Bastille Day celebration consumed the agenda. The Kazoo version of La Marsellaise is stirring.
As the dinner bell sounded and conversations ceased, all eyes turned to the podium. Paula Olson’s invocation reminded us to be mindful and the pledge by PDG Gordy Quick makes us aware of our patriotism. James Guerrero manned the Paul Harris desk. He collected $720. Barlow Buescher sold raffle tickets and behaved as Sgt. At Arms. Guests included Jennie Weinand, who accompanied husband Jim and Assistant Fire Chief Ryan McGrady was a guest of Chief Jim Sharp.
President Mary announced that she intends to beat Past President Jason on new membership and fines levied! Wow! Nothing like telegraphing your punches.
Add a teaspoon of salt to the water now at a rolling boil
Add the Pasta from the package to the boiling water
Community Concerns Committee Chair, Jan Gee, presented two grant proposals: Communities in Schools Coordinator to Tillicum and Four Heroes - $2, 500 and Lakewood Multicultural Coalition, Mary Moss, Executive Director - $2,000. There was much discussion over the stewardship of money donated and policies about what the club is funding. After discussion, motions were made for each proposed grant, seconded and both grants were unanimously approved.
The Cookie Jar gathered $50 for Barlow’s 50th high school reunion of lots of old folks. (Barlow, you ain’t seen nuthin’ until your 65th HS reunion!)
There was another donation but your scribe wears hearing aids and can hardly hear what he writes!
Remove the Pasta when al dente, drain in a colander and stir in the cheese from the package in a pre-warmed serving bowl
PDG Greg Horn introduced West Pierce Fire District Chief Jim Sharp. Jim hired on as a University Place Firefighter, then Paramedic, Deputy Chief and in 2013 Jim was named West Pierce Chief.
Vision 2020 Plan and the 2019 Operations and Maintenance Levy came before the voters when the pandemic hit. Chief Sharp reported that the plan at that time was ambitious and reimagined emergency medical services. The plan wasn’t set aside but the effects of the pandemic were unforeseeable. One of those effects was the dramatic increase in calls for assistance. In Lakewood, Steilacoom and University Place there were about 18,000 calls. There were 6,500 transports to hospitals. The Vision 2020 Plan was eventually accomplished but not on the schedule anticipated.
One of those accomplishments was the establishment of Squads. A squad is a 2-person pickup truck that is outfitted to perform “low acuity medical calls,” respond to smaller fire calls, and other tasks not requiring a huge fire truck or an emergency medical vehicle. Both of those vehicles require substantial manpower, are expensive to utilize, and if used for an unnecessary purpose, can be unavailable for more serious situations. The Squads are smaller, easier to maneuver, and right now, on duty 12 hours per day versus 24 hours.
There have been 70 new hires since the pandemic began. The retirement rate necessitated more manpower. There is a fifth Medic unit on call in the district. There is a bilingual program director who was originally hired on a grant but is now on the force because he proved to be indispensable. A department grant writer has been very successful in securing grants for programs and equipment. Jim gave examples of nearly three million dollars in grant monies yielding: A heavy rescue truck, 2 paramedics and their training, wildland urban interface firefighting capabilities, and other technology upgrades.
Proposition 1-- Maintenance and Operations levy-- is on the ballot. Jim is often asked about the effect passage of the proposition will have on property taxes. Jim said that it is hard to project because property values go up and down over time and are dependent on the characteristics of the property. He gave the example of a $500,000 house in 2020 had a total fire district tax burden of $1,755. In 2024 projections show a $500,000 house having $1,408 burden. He commented that the opposite can also be true.
Chief Sharp lives his name: sharp! Always prepared, always on point, and always on time. He is a pleasure to listen to. Thanks for a great presentation.
Raffle – Honorary Member Carole Wier, present with us in person, got the winning ticket, a white chip, and $5.00
Serve the Mac ‘N Cheese with your favorite beverage. Maybe chop a little fresh chive from your garden atop. Enjoy and next year let’s hope Rotary Leadership acknowledges this important day!
call for help! five Rotarians run the yard is happening on Saturday, July 22nd but they are two Rotarians short. anyone interested in some fun yard work, contact eric quinn for more information.
Mark your calendars:
7/18 – 5:00 PM Board Meeting TCGC
7/23 – Movie – Mission Impossible then dinner at TCGC, 18 tickets available
7/28 – Picnic At The Park – No Meeting At TCGC, No Zoom, Regular Meeting Will Be At Fort Steilacoom Park At The Pavilion Starting At 11:30 – Bring Family, Especially Grandkids For Fun & Games
7/30 - 90th Birthday for Gen. Harrison at TCGC 253 988 7654 for reservations
AUGUST – MEMBERSHIP & NEW CLUB DEVELOPMENT MONTH
8/3 - Family Picnic (Club Barbecue & Boat Cruises On Steilacoom Lake) – At Holly Hedge Estates – Family & Friends Welcome. Hand cut steaks by John Lowney. $20/adult and $10/children under 18.
8/5 – Beer Stock At Ski Park Lake (Also Known As Pints For Polio) – See Greg Horn For Details
8/5 – Rotary International President – Gordon McInally – Function At Murano Hotel In Tacoma – Evening
8/9 - Pierce Rotary clubs Rainiers BBQ and Game – see Bill Potter/Mary Horn
8/12 - Rainiers game for USO – 30 seats available, $10 each
8/20 – 22 – Annual Reeder Roaster Romp
8/22 – Lakewood Rotary Board Meeting – TCGC – 5:30 P.M.
9/23 – Nourish – food Pack. More Details to come
National Mac 'N Cheese Day
By John W. MagnusonSunday, July 16, 2023
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National Mac ‘N Cheese Day
John Magnuson
If you’re anything like me, and I believe there are seven of us, I listened to and watched Friday’s meeting very carefully and I am terribly disappointed there was no mention of it being National Mac ‘N Cheese Day. Perhaps President Mary’s assistants wanted to shield her from the executive responsibilities the day requires. I am drafting a letter of apology to the day’s organizers explaining President Mary’s lapse. Maybe she can be forgiven because The Bastille Day celebration consumed the agenda. The Kazoo version of La Marsellaise is stirring.
As the dinner bell sounded and conversations ceased, all eyes turned to the podium. Paula Olson’s invocation reminded us to be mindful and the pledge by PDG Gordy Quick makes us aware of our patriotism. James Guerrero manned the Paul Harris desk. He collected $720. Barlow Buescher sold raffle tickets and behaved as Sgt. At Arms. Guests included Jennie Weinand, who accompanied husband Jim and Assistant Fire Chief Ryan McGrady was a guest of Chief Jim Sharp.
President Mary announced that she intends to beat Past President Jason on new membership and fines levied! Wow! Nothing like telegraphing your punches.
Add a teaspoon of salt to the water now at a rolling boil
Add the Pasta from the package to the boiling water
Community Concerns Committee Chair, Jan Gee, presented two grant proposals: Communities in Schools Coordinator to Tillicum and Four Heroes - $2, 500 and Lakewood Multicultural Coalition, Mary Moss, Executive Director - $2,000. There was much discussion over the stewardship of money donated and policies about what the club is funding. After discussion, motions were made for each proposed grant, seconded and both grants were unanimously approved.
The Cookie Jar gathered $50 for Barlow’s 50th high school reunion of lots of old folks. (Barlow, you ain’t seen nuthin’ until your 65th HS reunion!)
There was another donation but your scribe wears hearing aids and can hardly hear what he writes!
Remove the Pasta when al dente, drain in a colander and stir in the cheese from the package in a pre-warmed serving bowl
PDG Greg Horn introduced West Pierce Fire District Chief Jim Sharp. Jim hired on as a University Place Firefighter, then Paramedic, Deputy Chief and in 2013 Jim was named West Pierce Chief.
Vision 2020 Plan and the 2019 Operations and Maintenance Levy came before the voters when the pandemic hit. Chief Sharp reported that the plan at that time was ambitious and reimagined emergency medical services. The plan wasn’t set aside but the effects of the pandemic were unforeseeable. One of those effects was the dramatic increase in calls for assistance. In Lakewood, Steilacoom and University Place there were about 18,000 calls. There were 6,500 transports to hospitals. The Vision 2020 Plan was eventually accomplished but not on the schedule anticipated.
One of those accomplishments was the establishment of Squads. A squad is a 2-person pickup truck that is outfitted to perform “low acuity medical calls,” respond to smaller fire calls, and other tasks not requiring a huge fire truck or an emergency medical vehicle. Both of those vehicles require substantial manpower, are expensive to utilize, and if used for an unnecessary purpose, can be unavailable for more serious situations. The Squads are smaller, easier to maneuver, and right now, on duty 12 hours per day versus 24 hours.
There have been 70 new hires since the pandemic began. The retirement rate necessitated more manpower. There is a fifth Medic unit on call in the district. There is a bilingual program director who was originally hired on a grant but is now on the force because he proved to be indispensable. A department grant writer has been very successful in securing grants for programs and equipment. Jim gave examples of nearly three million dollars in grant monies yielding: A heavy rescue truck, 2 paramedics and their training, wildland urban interface firefighting capabilities, and other technology upgrades.
Proposition 1-- Maintenance and Operations levy-- is on the ballot. Jim is often asked about the effect passage of the proposition will have on property taxes. Jim said that it is hard to project because property values go up and down over time and are dependent on the characteristics of the property. He gave the example of a $500,000 house in 2020 had a total fire district tax burden of $1,755. In 2024 projections show a $500,000 house having $1,408 burden. He commented that the opposite can also be true.
Chief Sharp lives his name: sharp! Always prepared, always on point, and always on time. He is a pleasure to listen to. Thanks for a great presentation.
Raffle – Honorary Member Carole Wier, present with us in person, got the winning ticket, a white chip, and $5.00
Serve the Mac ‘N Cheese with your favorite beverage. Maybe chop a little fresh chive from your garden atop. Enjoy and next year let’s hope Rotary Leadership acknowledges this important day!
call for help! five Rotarians run the yard is happening on Saturday, July 22nd but they are two Rotarians short. anyone interested in some fun yard work, contact eric quinn for more information.
Mark your calendars:
7/18 – 5:00 PM Board Meeting TCGC
7/23 – Movie – Mission Impossible then dinner at TCGC, 18 tickets available
7/28 – Picnic At The Park – No Meeting At TCGC, No Zoom, Regular Meeting Will Be At Fort Steilacoom Park At The Pavilion Starting At 11:30 – Bring Family, Especially Grandkids For Fun & Games
7/30 - 90th Birthday for Gen. Harrison at TCGC 253 988 7654 for reservations
AUGUST – MEMBERSHIP & NEW CLUB DEVELOPMENT MONTH
8/3 - Family Picnic (Club Barbecue & Boat Cruises On Steilacoom Lake) – At Holly Hedge Estates – Family & Friends Welcome. Hand cut steaks by John Lowney. $20/adult and $10/children under 18.
8/5 – Beer Stock At Ski Park Lake (Also Known As Pints For Polio) – See Greg Horn For Details
8/5 – Rotary International President – Gordon McInally – Function At Murano Hotel In Tacoma – Evening
8/9 - Pierce Rotary clubs Rainiers BBQ and Game – see Bill Potter/Mary Horn
8/12 - Rainiers game for USO – 30 seats available, $10 each
8/20 – 22 – Annual Reeder Roaster Romp
8/22 – Lakewood Rotary Board Meeting – TCGC – 5:30 P.M.
9/23 – Nourish – food Pack. More Details to come
Mary Toots Her Horn
By Donn IrwinSunday, July 9, 2023
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Mary Toots Her Horn
The Lakewood Key
Our current Rotary year kicked off today as no-longer-President-Elect Mary Horn grabbed the gavel….er, dinner bell and, as (Queen?) President Mary (PM), clanged her charges to order at precisely 12:30 p.m..
Mary Horn fun fact #1 - She taught sailboarding / windsurfing up until she was 8 1/2 months pregnant.
Scott Buser was called upon for the invocation and Greg Horn, aka “Dear”, led us in the Pledge.
PM began her year with a computer glitch as she attempted to put the set-up crew’s head shots on the screen, complete with music in the background……. there were some technical difficulties. It was at this point in the very beginning of PM’s year that another Mary, one Mary Marlin, and Tony Camoroda came forward unannounced and presented PM with a step ladder for her to ascend so that she could tower over her subjects whilst presiding over her meetings. Evidently Tony and Mary thought she had come up short…….
Once the commotion died down and PM got off her ‘highness “ladder, the meeting continued with PM recognizing her minions that set up the meeting – Rob Erb, James Osundwa, Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke, Tom George, Troy Wilcox and Rick Selden. Linda Disney was at the Paul Harris desk while Past President Mark Edgecomb took care of the raffle tickets and doubled as Sergeant-at-Arms. The man with the camera was Phil Eng and Donn Irwin held the mighty pen while attempting to record what took place. His eminence, John Lowney, was put in charge of the “cookie jar”.
There was nary a visiting Rotarian but we did have guests. Jim Weinand brought his wife, Jennie and James Osundwa brought his delightful young daughter, Adia. Both future Rotarians hopefully, although it will be a while before Adia is old enough. Jan Gee introduced Brandy Paxton as a guest and prospective new member.
Fun Fact #2: Mary learned to wake board so she could be in the family photo with Greg & the 3 boys. She got up the first time, and the photo shown above is the 2nd and LAST time she ever wake boarded.
Steve Enquist awarded Dwight Williams his second Paul Harris and Joe Quinn Esq., his ninth! Congratulations to both. Steve threw out a bunch of dollar amounts that were contributed last year to our various Foundation efforts – they were impressive. By the way, the club took in $1185 for the Foundation today. You folks continue to amaze!!
Above: our two PH honorees
PM said hello to the Zoomers and thanked them for attending.
Announcements: Anne Enquist reminded us of the Dinner and a Movie night on Sunday July 23rd. The private showing of the movie starts promptly at 3:50 at the Lakewood AMC (no previews) followed by the All-American Cook-out Buffet at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club right after the movie. Sign up and pay by July 18. Cost is $75.00 per person.
Jan Gee of the Community Concerns Committee got approval from us for a $2000 grant for a language school. Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Linda Disney reminded us of Rotary on Tap happening Thursday 7/13 at 6:00PM at Dusty’s.
Above: Connie and Linda sang “O sole mio,” to get you to Rotary on Tap at Zesty’s
(they promised not to sing)
Jacob Cuthbertson offered up tickets to a Rainier’s game on August 12th using the USO suite but I didn’t catch the details so contact Jacob for more info. Steve Saalfeld drew our attention to the Carts for Kids info sheets on our tables. Carts for Kids is a fund-raising program that involves Mary Bridge and Waste Connections.
PM noted that the Lakewood Rotary Board meeting under her reign will now take place on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Greg Horn was moved to announce the annual beer drinking festival set for Saturday August 5th. It will cost $45.00 to attend - $5.00 for the beer and the other $40.00 goes to your own Polio Plus account. There will be 200 home brewers there at Beerstock. PM let everyone know that there is a food packing event at Nourish on Sept. 23rd. Go to the Nourish website to sign up.
Fun Fact #3: Farmer’s daughter Mary married traveling salesman Greg.
Chris Kimball (a committee of one) announced club and wedding anniversaries as well as birthdays. He brought the birthday folks to the front and proceeded to have them ask him questions to which he would supply the answers. It was pure pun……ishment.
PM introduced her version of fines. We went from aloha bucks to cookie jar fines in the matter of a week. To start the cookie jar $$ off, Greg Horn (the aforementioned “Dear”), announced that their youngest son evidently got shell shocked on July 4th. All the fireworks must have caused him to think the world was coming to an end, so he’d better hurry up with his life. Whereupon, he proposed to his lady and she accepted. Congrats to the Horns!
Rob Erb stepped forward to explain that the set-up folks hadn’t been able to locate the sign that has PM’s name on it. He unveiled two versions of the made-up signs that the crew came up with before they found the right one. It cost him $20.00. Scott Buser paid money to tell us to be kind to Mary and let us know he was going to the major league baseball All Star festivities going on in Seattle. Steve and Anne Enquist paid $50.00 each for their 50th wedding anniversary. Dwight Williams paid $20.00 for a vacation. Wendy McGowan paid $36.00 for a family celebration over the 4th - $17.00 for one granddaughter’s birthday and $19.00 for another one’s birthday. Guess how old they are. John Lowney was called out by PM to tell us about their little trip to Alaska. That cost him $50.00. Peter Marsh paid $50.00 for a family gathering, with 17 family in one house at Sea Island, Georgia. Bob Peterson paid $25.00 for a visit from his daughter and Mark Edgecomb gave up $20.00 for a grandchild having the decency to wake up only once during the night while Mark and Nicola were babysitting.
Fun Fact #4 – Mary was a computer supervisor for McKesson Pharmaceutical way back in the mid-1970s.
OUR PROGRAM:
PM then introduced herself as today’s program.
We were treated to a slide show that depicted various stages of Mary’s life. She started by stating that she was born in Ellensburg WA. This writer was straining to hear what year this event took place but evidently no year was mentioned. The family moved to Bothell and had a farm with 2,000 laying hens. She related a story of having to gather the eggs and throw saw dust at the roosters when she was only three. The family also did cancer research for the University of Washington that involved a whole lot of rabbits.
In her teenage years she owned a 1957 VW bug – complete with daisy decals to hide the dents, a 1965 Vet and a 1970 Plymouth Duster.
She met Greg when he was a traveling salesman for Connelly Skis (evidently Greg helped Pat Connelly build the skis in his garage) and racing speedboats. Among other things, Mary taught snow skiing and worked the ski patrol at Crystal Mountain. Her favorite Aunt was Aunt Blanche who drank whiskey and smoked cigars. (Writer’s note: I think I would have liked Aunt Blanche as well).
The drawing was for $250.00. Dwight Williams won the opportunity to draw the red chip for the big prize. He drew white and got $5.00.
Congratulations PM on a successful first meeting!
On July 7th for those that care……on this day in history:
1907 – Sex appeal in 1907 - The 'Follies of 1907' opens at the New York Theatre in Manhattan, with a bevy of beauties known as the Ziegfeld Girls sharing the bill with famous acts of the day and impossibly grand stage sets. Showman Florenz Ziegfeld's spectaculars will continue to dazzle until 1931.
1928 - Better than sliced bread - Missouri's Chillicothe Baking Company offers up packages of 'Kleen Maid Sliced Bread,' thanks to Otto Rohwedder's invention, a machine that cuts loaves of bread into uniform slices. Hailed as a great advance, sliced bread will be banned for a time in 1943 as a wartime extravagance.
1930 – Construction begins on Boulder Dam
1936 – The Phillips screw and screwdriver were patented and RCA showed the first real TV program.
1958 – President Eisenhower signs bill that approves Alaska statehood.
1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor is nominated as the first female Supreme Court Justice
Ringo Starr was born on this day in 1940
UPCOMING EVENTS:
July – Maternal & Child Health Month
July 13: Rotary on Tap at Zesty’s (RSVP)
July 16: Kayak Poker Run on American Lake - contact Barb Spriggs
July 23: “Mission Impossible” followed by dinner at Tacoma Country Club
July 25: LR board meeting
July 28: Rotary meeting at Fort Steilacoom Park Pavilion at 11:30 a.m. (bring the family—do NOT go to Tacoma Country Club!)
August – Membership and New Club Development Month
August 3: Floating Board Meeting at Holly Hedge (BBQ etc.)
August 5: Beerstock at Ski Park Lake (aka Pints for Polio -see Greg Horn)
August 5: RI President Gordon McInally at Murano Hotel in Tacoma
August 9: A Night at the Ballpark (Tailgate at 4:30 and Rainiers game at 7:05)
August 12: Clover Park Rotary’s Golf Event at VA golf course
August 12: Another Rainiers Game? In USO suite.
August 20-22: Annual Reeder Roadster Romp
August 22: LR board meeting at TCGC at 5:30 p.m.
September 23: Food Packing at Nourish
Out With the Old and In With the New
By Gregory J. Rediske
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Out With the Old and In With the New
Greg Rediski
There are many reasons to feel sorrow at the last meeting of the Whalen regime, but the betting industry will suffer the most, I fear. The weekly wagers about when Jason might or might not make it to the meeting (although he always seemed to make it in a nick of time!) will go by the wayside. But there’s the other side bets. Would-be writer this week, Steve Saalfeld, helpfully sent along the latest line on this week’s wagers:
6:1 odds on the final conch shell blast lasting more than 20 seconds
4:1 odds that Jason will conduct the final meeting in a coconut bra
And the over/under on the horrible puns Jason will improvise is 17.
So it is onward and upward with the new officers for 2023-24, beginning tomorrow, July 1, 2023:
President Mary Horn
President-elect: Carl Bronkema
Treasurer: John Lowney
Secretary: Greg Rediske
Directors: Tom George, Barlow Buescher, David Swindale, Connie Coleman-Lacadie, James Osundwa, Bob Martin
And there is a new RI President, of course: R. Gordon McInally from Scotland. The theme: “Create Hope in the World”. More specifically, he hopes to prioritize mental health. In the new ROTARIAN magazine, he quotes the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, in wanting to promote “sense and worth over all the earth”. The article further notes that RI founder Paul Harris’ wife was from Scotland, and after Paul’s death she retired there. And the first Rotary convention outside the U.S. was in Scotland in 1920. Break out the bagpipes and cook up some haggis! With some Scotch, of course. See Barlow for recommendations. On the Scotch, not the haggis.
The Meeting Begins
On the last day of his reign, Jason arrived 7 minutes early! (Wife Gael beat him there by 10 minutes.) SO much happens PRIOR to Jason’s arrival….Steve Mazoff was strong-arming people for donations of money and food for the Little Free Pantry. He collected $384 in “I forgot” money by the end of the day and the largest amount of food ever collected on a Friday. Veronica Bronkema was trying her best to get money for Paul Harris after Steve had wrung everyone dry; leaving Gary Barton to get the $2.00 leavings for the raffle. Jason’s final conk blow went awry due to confetti stuffed in the shell, much to everyone’s dismay. Chris Kimball expressed optimism in the Invocation/Thought for the Day, while Jason himself led us in the Pledge. Ralph Johnson, Rachel Mazoff (the kinder, gentler Mazoff), Eric Quinn, Carole Wier, Rose Stevens and John Magnuson were on Zoom. James, Rob, Tom, Wynn, and Terry did set-up, Walt Richardson was doing photos, and celebrities in the house were AG Tony Camoroda, incoming AG Bill Potter, PDG Greg Horn, and PDG from long, long ago, Gordon Quick. Carolyn and Don Swanson from Parkland/Spanaway Rotary attended, as did guests Jennie Weinand, Bonnie Magnuson, and Connie Behe from Pierce County Libraries, assisting our speaker. Puffins in the house: Heather Burgess (with Puffin in hand), Joel Vranna, and Jacob Cuthbertson. The Sunshine Report was a self-confessed fall with 13 stitches for Bud Montgomery.
Whew! Being a cub reporter is a tough business, taking all that down. But then came the good stuff: Induction of a new member. Or inducement in this case. Jason noted that the last time Gael was induced it produced a baby. He’s hoping to avoid that this time, although he did seal the deal with a kiss. After induction/inducement, Gael reported her long-time gig with Expedia, followed by office duties at Beth O’Connor’s office, while also selling real estate for Harold Allen Realtors/Compass Real Estate. The common theme was sales/travel/customer service. Heather proceeded to let the Puffin fly straight to Gael, who now must keep it from being de-feathered by their spoiled French bulldog, King Louie. Welcome aboard, Gael!! (Mark Edgecomb was expecting a kiss from someone for something….who can tell what Mark is expecting….)
Aloha Dollars and Announcements, all rolled into one:
Barlow Buescher reported that while community support is down for Little Free Pantries, need and use are up. He added $50, followed by Greg Horn with $50, Scott Buser with $50 and Angela Connelly with $50.
Rotary On Tap! Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Linda Disney are organizing the next one for July 13th at 6:00 pm, at Zestys (formerly Black Angus).
Barb Spriggs announced the final sign up for the July 16 kayak fundraiser on American Lake and paid $50 for all the fun she’s had during the Jason Reign.
Mary Horn gifted the outgoing president with a wiggling hula dancer for his dashboard.
Bill Potter was thrilled to participate in the installation of the new president at Clover Park Rotary, someone named Sue Potter. He also announced that we will have a booth at Summerfest to sign up Dolly Parton Imagination Library kids and all other things Rotary. Contact Bill if you’d like to join in. $40 from Bill.
Jason accused Clayton DeNault of jumping out of the Duck Dynasty clan. He had the look. Clayton donated $50 for Jason’s year, and $20 to announce the YMCA golf tournament to benefit their Late Night Program for teens.
Everyone swiveled to the back of the room when Bob Martin announced paratroopers dropping from the sky. Really, right then, in American Lake. He also donated $50 for a family get together honoring their upcoming 50th wedding anniversary.
Angela Connelly’s son Peter was given the Superintendent Award at West Point. She gave $100 in honor of Peter and all those who have supported our country’s independence, which we celebrate on the 4th of July.
Donn Irwin and Rob Erb went golfing, cigar smoking, and cribbage playing in Idaho: $20 each.
Jim Bisceglia paid $20 to mark the “shameless” padding of Jason’s membership goal on his last day.
Mary Marlin gave $50 to thank Jason for all the good humor.
Chris Kimball got his car repaired for $23,000, but it’s once again drivable and more powerful than John Magnuson’s car. $20 (Ole says, “It’s not the horsepower in the car that counts.”)
All of which put Jason over the $15K goal for Aloha Giving. Wow.
It turns out the answers to my problems were not at the bottom of this pint of ice cream; but the important thing is that I tried. (Dedicated to the courage of Chris Kimball)
Congratulations to our very own Bob Zawilski who received the very well deserved Rotarian of the Year Award. Among other activities, Bob has been a leader of the District 5020 grants committee and was one of the "founders" of the Little Free Pantry project. Back in the day, he was very active in the local humane society.
The Program:
Anne Enquist introduced our speaker, Gretchen Caserotti, Executive Director of Pierce County Libraries. Anne noted that Gretchen has a whole lot of awards, including Mover and Shaker Award from the Library Association, 2018 Meridian (Idaho) Citizen of the Year, and a bunch more. She came to Pierce County in May of 2022, right about the time of the closing of the Lakewood Library, formerly known as the Tenzler Library. This event forced the system to “turn outward”, embracing mobile services until a plan should emerge. 1500 people were served last month alone, at events like story time at City Hall, a Tyee Park event, and various other events. Adults can get Tech Help and be involved in Book Banter as well as Craft and Create, while families benefited from Story Time and Make It! (crafts). Numerous book giveaways are taking place as well. The really big news: Jason will be the Story Time guy at City Hall on August 1, 10:30 to 11:30. It’s intended for children under 6 and their families, but I’m sure he’d love a bunch of Rotarians to come and listen, too!!
Gretchen revealed for the first time the preliminary plan for the interim library, at the corner of Gravelly Lake Drive and Alfaretta, with about 7,000 sq feet of space. The interior will feel “fresh and light,” “new and clean.” This interim facility has less risk and is timelier than waiting for the final finished product. Current long-term plans will be demolition of the old building on Wildaire and building a new 20-25,000 sq foot building on the site. A board meeting later in the year will address this decision. She knows there is emotion tied to the demolition of the old building, but particularly “what will happen to the Douglas Fir slice?” It weighs nine tons, and is being protected temporarily, until a permanent home is found (in talks with the City). During question time, she said the old building had the roof replaced numerous times, and after one particular inspection it was discovered the leaks had damaged the interior of the structure, making it a hazard.
Before announcing the raffle winner, Jason got in one last pun for the road: “That Doug Fir tree: 9 tons! Can you believe it! Stumped me, too!!” And then he called out #3259, which was held by Bob Peterson, who got white and $5.00. Last but not least: a standing “O” for our fearless (former) leader. Welcome to the helm, Queen Mary!!
And lastly, for good measure:
Ole asked God why he made Lena so nice and round. “So you would love her.” But why did you make her so stupid? “So she would love you.”
Lena asked Ole why he was wearing wet pants. “It said wash and wear on the label”
Upcoming Events:
July – Maternal & Child Health Month
July 1st – Beginning of Rotary Fiscal Year
July 13th – Rotary on Tap at Zesty’s – 6:00 pm
July 16th – Kayak Poker Run on American Lake – contact Barb Spriggs
July 23rd – Mission Impossible Movie – contact Anne & Steve Enquist
July 25th – Lakewood Rotary Board Meeting – TC&GC – 5:30 p.m.
July 28th – Regular meeting will be at Fort Steilacoom Park at the Pavilion starting at 11:30 – bring family, especially grandkids for fun & games
August – Membership & New Club Development Month
August 3rd – Floating Board Meeting (club barbecue & boat cruises on Steilacoom Lake) – at Holly Hedge Estates – family & friends welcome
August 5th – Beer Stock at Ski Park Lake (also known as Pints for Polio) – see Greg Horn for details
August 5th – Rotary International President – Gordon McInally – function at Murano Hotel in Tacoma – evening
August 9th – Rainiers Tailgate BBQ & Game – contact Mary Horn
August 20th – 22nd – Annual Reeder Roaster Romp
August 22nd – Lakewood Rotary Board Meeting – TC&GC – 5:30 p.m.
Gettin' Lei'd
By Eric T QuinnSunday, June 25, 2023
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The Lakewood Key
Gettin’ Lei’d
Our illustrious President and (actual) mayor, Jason Whalen, sounded the conch to commence his second-to-last meeting of the Rotary year. Mark Blanchard gave a grass skirt to Jason, who received at least ten different leis from Rotarians. He was seriously getting lei’d.
Above: One of Jason’s last blasts
Jason then welcomed various Zoom attendees, including Charles Heberle, Ralph Lockhart, Carole Wier and Nicole Hancock. JW thanked those who made the meeting happen as follows: Mark Edgecomb for tending to the $2 table and being sergeant-at-arms; Scott Buser for working the Foundation desk; Phil Eng for his battery-powered photography, and Eric Quinn for writing the bulletin.
Our diligent treasurer, John Lowney, meticulously recorded fines.
The setup crew, comprised of Tom George, James Osundwa, Rob Erb, and Wynn Hoffman, worked hard to ensure a smooth and welcoming environment.
We were delighted to welcome Katie Arnold from our farm club, Tacoma 8, as a visiting Rotarian. Additionally, our esteemed guests included Jenny Weinand, the wife of Rotarian Jim Weinand.
Several noteworthy announcements were made during the gathering. Steve Mazoff brought our attention to the Little Free Pantries, expressing gratitude for Rotary Partners' generous $500 contribution. He highlighted the increasing issue of food insecurity, particularly with children being out of school and no longer receiving free and reduced lunches.
Steve Saalfeld shared information about Carts for Kids, a Multicare initiative, which runs until July 21st. This program features purple recycling bins for your home or business, promoting curb appeal while supporting a good cause. Don't miss the opportunity to participate.
Another exciting announcement came from Bill Potter, who introduced "A Night at the Ballpark." This highly anticipated event, presented by the assistant governors and AG-elects of Pierce County, will be the 7th annual mandatory fun night hosted by the Pierce County Rotary Clubs. Join us on August 9th for a tailgate starting at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Rainiers game at 7:05 p.m.. For further details, feel free to reach out to Bill Potter.
The meeting continued with a special Paul Harris presentation. Steve Enquist honored Barb Spriggs with her fifth Paul Harris recognition. Barb expressed her gratitude, mentioning a sponsor from Alaska who generously donated points.
Above: Barb Spriggs with Steve Enquist
Don Daniels proudly managed the Rotary Store and reminded us that there is still $1800 worth of inventory available. Let's support the club by making purchases.
Above: Don Daniels
Jason then shifted the focus to Aloha Bucks. In a heartfelt gesture, John Lowney contributed $100 to celebrate his grandson's upcoming college graduation. Rotarian Connie Coleman-Lacadie’s daughter achieved a goal of riding a roller coaster, and Connie happily contributed $20.
We also celebrated Paula Olson, who expressed her gratitude to Chris Kimball for assisting her in purchasing a new Lexus NX300. Joe Quinn and Eric Quinn shared their adventures at Lake Tahoe, contributing $100 and $40 respectively.
Birthdays were commemorated as well, with Mo Sarram turning 91 years old and Don Anderson celebrating his 70th birthday in Hawaii. They both made generous contributions to the club----$40 and $70, respectively. Phil Eng contributed $20 for a sighting of Sam Hunter, while Dave Reames acknowledged his great grandson's birthday with a $40 contribution.
Sam Hunter, after a long absence from the club, surprised everyone with a remarkable $1,000 Paul Harris donation. Dick Ferrell celebrated family birthdays with a $100 gift, while Wynn Hoffman proudly shared the news of his son's acquisition of a 40-foot motor yacht, resulting in a $100 donation. Mark Blanchard recognized the importance of Little Free Pantries with a $50 contribution. Greg Rediske and Sharon encountered Ringo Starr at Sunriver, leading to a $100 donation.
President Whalen concluded the meeting by acknowledging Brandon Elliott, a Lakewood student who received a presidential scholarship for a full ride to the University of Washington. To commemorate this achievement, Jason, along with Mark Edgecomb, contributed $20.
Above: Group shot after meeting, thanks to Phil Eng and Walt Richardson
THE PROGRAM
Above: Dick Ferrell, our speaker today
We had the pleasure of welcoming fellow Rotarian Dick Ferrell as our presenter. With his extensive experience working in pharmacies for many years, Dick provided us with valuable insights into the pharmaceutical industry. He began his career as a pharmacist and served as the pharmacy manager at Swedish Medical Center for approximately 17 years. Additionally, we learned that Dick possesses exceptional culinary skills—a true renaissance man.
Dick's presentation covered five important aspects of pharmaceuticals. First, he emphasized the importance of individual responsibility when it comes to taking medications. It is crucial to understand the name, strength, and purpose of each prescribed drug, as well as the expected outcomes and potential side effects. Maintaining an updated list of medications is essential for effective communication with healthcare providers.
The second topic Dick explored was the difference between brand name drugs and their generic counterparts. While historically brand name drugs were preferred, the quality and affordability of generics have significantly improved in the United States. The FDA plays a crucial role in efficiently approving new generic brands, leading to cost savings for consumers.
Next, Dick delved into the issue of pharmaceutical costs. The complexities of drug pricing involve factors such as patent duration, manufacturing expenses, and the influence of market forces. Some drugs, only produced by a single company, can be exorbitantly priced. While legitimate reasons exist for high drug prices, some instances raise questions about the true reflection of manufacturing expenses.
Over-the-counter medications were also discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of carefully examining the ingredients. Manufacturers frequently change packaging, making it challenging to distinguish between expensive and affordable options when they contain the same active ingredients.
The final topic covered was the impact of television drug advertisements. Dick highlighted the misleading nature of these ads, which often resemble promotions for new products. The ubiquitous message encourages viewers to consult their doctors (“Ask your doctor if _______ is right for you”), who may not have full knowledge of medication costs, potentially leading to prescriptions without considering affordability. Examples of outrageously expensive drugs, such as Ozempic for diabetes and Skyrizy for psoriasis, were mentioned to illustrate the issue.
Following the presentation, a lively Q&A session took place. Various topics were explored, including the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in controlling drug costs and the influence of Big Pharma lobbyists. Concerns were raised about the lack of correlation between research costs and drug pricing, as well as potential bureaucratic challenges faced by the FDA.
And of course, Jason, our hilarious president, had one final question: What if “it” lasts for more than four hours? Our ever-raunchy Jason will be missed as Pres, but we can’t wait to see how Mary Horn’s iron grip will impact us all when she becomes President.
We extend our gratitude to Dick Ferrell for sharing his expertise and shedding light on these crucial aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. Such knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions about our health and healthcare expenses.
Thank you to all members for your active participation in the meeting, and we look forward to our future gatherings as we continue to learn, grow, and serve our community.
Thanks to Linda Disney who sent us these pictures from the fabulous Installation Dinner on Friday night, where we said a fond farewell to Jason, and also saw the installation of new officers and directors, including the formidable Mary Horn!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
July – Maternal & Child Health Month
July 16: Kayak Poker Run on American Lake - contact Barb Spriggs
July 23: “Mission Impossible” followed by dinner at Tacoma Country Club
July 25: LR board meeting
July 28: Rotary meeting at Fort Steilacoom Park Pavilion at 11:30 a.m. (bring the family—do NOT go to Tacoma Country Club!)
August – Membership and New Club Development Month
August 3: Floating Board Meeting at Holly Hedge (BBQ etc.)
August 5: Beerstock at Ski Park Lake (aka Pints for Polio -see Greg Horn)
August 5: RI President Gordon McInally at Murano Hotel in Tacoma
August 9: A Night at the Ballpark (Tailgate at 4:30 and Rainiers game at 7:05)
August 12: Clover Park Rotary’s Golf Event at VA golf course
August 20-22: Annual Reeder Roadster Romp
August 22: LR board meeting at TCGC at 5:30 p.m.
The End is Near!
By Gregory J. RediskeSunday, June 18, 2023
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The End is Near!
Jason’s (almost) Last Stand
It’s almost July 1st, the time of the year when a spanking brand-new Rotary year begins. Out with the old and in with the new. But there is a downside. We at the Lakewood Key, aka the Lakewood Rotary Bulletin, are dismayed at the thought of losing Jason as our comic foil. Oh, the fun we have had recounting the deficiencies of Whalen life! Like the time he interviewed for a job at the prison near Gonzaga as an undergrad. When asked what he’d do to keep control of the inmates, he replied, “Simple. If they don’t behave, out they go!” And of course, there’s the story Jason told concerning when he met Gael. Jason had invited her over to his house but had to make a small repair. So he said to Gael, “Please bring me a screwdriver.” Gael answered, “Which one: Phillips, flathead, or vodka.” That’s when Jason knew she was The One.
My last Jason Bulletin. Heavy sigh. Thankfully, our next target is Mary Horn. Which would be difficult, if not for the fact that she’s married to Greg. He was a goldmine during his presidential year, so it’ll be déjà vu all over again. But then, all these wistful thoughts were blasted from this writer’s brain by the cacophony of the infernal conch shell…..and away we go.
Jason called on Eric Warn for the Thought for the Day, who noted that “growing old can be dangerous.” This is not news to some of us. However, he suggested that knowing this fact, we should all go out there and make a grand exit….by making the world a better place. Gordon Quick, Past District Governor in the previous century, led us in the pledge to the flag. Then came thanks: Bud Montgomery (Paul Harris collection), Jan Gee (Installation dinner signups for which you have until noon, Tuesday, 6/20, to get registered), Chuck Hellar and Leon Titus for the two-man job of selling countless raffle tickets, Phil Eng for recording the proceedings via camera, and of course the illustrious set up crew (Tom, Rick, James, Terry, Rob)..Puffins in the house! Linda Disney, Mark Herr, Dick Ferrell, Cat Frederickson.
Be prepared: Next week, all are encouraged to wear Hawaiian garb in honor of Jason’s second to the last meeting.
Sign on Jason’s office desk: “A man is innocent until he has been proven broke.”
Member Spotlight:
With no advance warning, Angela Connelly was called upon, and she spoke of her just published second book, THE CROWDED TABLE 2. #1 was about mothers; this is about fathers, because fathers are good, too. Jason and Chris Kimball have submitted stories, 2 out of 56 recorded here. All proceeds go to non-profits, including Coffee Oasis. Soon to be at Barnes and Noble, along with Amazon and others.
Then came Heather…..
Heather Burgess is a long-time friend of the Whalen family, and a fellow lawyer. She has three kids (law school, PLU graduate school, and soon-to-be first year at William and Mary, respectively) and a husband (Todd) of 30 years (come September). She sent one of her daughters to Denmark on the Rotary Student Exchange program a few years ago and has 10 years of Rotary in clubs in the Lacey area. Jason honored his rule of toasting new Rotary members who are lawyers with a shot of tequila for both of them, while Cat Frederickson tearfully parted with the puffin in the time-honored tradition of pass-the-puffin to the newest Puffin.
A minister and a lawyer arrived at the pearly gates. Saint Peter greeted both and gave them their room assignments. “Pastor, here are the keys to one of our nicest efficiency units. And for you, sir, the keys to our finest penthouse suite.”
“This is unfair!” cried the minister.
“Listen,” Saint Peter said, “ministers are a dime a dozen up here, but this is the first lawyer we’ve ever seen.” (I should qualify this: it’s the first MALE lawyer he’s ever seen…..)
Reminder: Attire required at the Country Club:
Golf Attire and Denim will be allowed in all areas of the Club. (no rips or tears will be accepted)
No T-shirts; mock neck acceptable for men
No hats for men inside
No athletic wear including hooded/college sweatshirts.
Aloha Bucks, Generous Giving, formerly called “fines”:
Gary Barton: married son in Tahoe, $150 (!)
Bill Potter: Alaska cruise (with a Covid gift at the end), child graduation, promotion at work, $100
Linda Disney: Thanks for the support of the Support the Enlisted event recently, $200 (!!)
Donn Irwin: 7000-mile car trip to Virginia and back again, $100
David Swindale: Freshly returned from the Rotary International Conference in Melbourne, with the added bonus of a return trip with Covid. Delivered a shirt and pin to the President.
Program:
Mary Horn ushered in a Club Assembly with a twist: Speed Dating. Eight tables were set up with a table mentor, to come up with ideas on the following subjects:
Sponsorships (Whalen), Dolly Parton Imagination Library (Potter), Foundation (Enquist, S), Fellowship (Eng), Youth (Albrecht), Fundraising (Disney), Puffins (Blanchard), Miscellaneous (Horn, G.). In addition, the Zoomers came up with some interesting stuff, too. All notes went to Mary, who will look at incorporating them into her upcoming fabulous Rotary year.
Drum Roll please…..The raffle was down to two chips, one white and one red (though Chuck Hellar tried to insist there were only two white chips left.) Many tickets were sold, with great benefit to the club (half of the ticket purchase money goes to the winner, half to the club). There were winners, and there were losers. More losers, actually. Peter Marsh got the opportunity to win the $1,343. And he did! Red Chip!! And Peter gloriously proclaimed that he was giving it all back to the club. Wow! But wait, there’s more. Jason had a $100 gift certificate from Harkness for second prize. A new drawing, and the winner was……Me! Greg Rediske! Except not really. Barlow Buescher gave me money for tickets, and it was his winning ticket, not mine. Poor ticket distribution by me.
And then there was the woman who was ecstatic with Jason for winning her case. With a full heart and tears in her eyes, she asked Jason, “Oh, what can I ever do to thank you?!?” Jason replied, "My dear woman, ever since the Phoenicians invented money there has been only one answer to that easy question."
But we must not forget John Magnuson. He expects the ridicule, and I aim to please.
Ole just got a new job with the Stockholm police department. He was on the phone to the precinct: “I’m here at a house where a woman named Lena just shot her husband for stepping on the floor she just mopped.” Precinct: “Did you arrest her?” Officer: “Not yet. The floor’s not dry.”
Rotary Events or Horn’s Happenings:
June – Rotary Fellowship Month
June 18th - Jason Whalen’s 60th birthday.
June 21st – Clover Park Rotary Installation Banquet – Tacoma Country & Golf Club
June 23rd – Lakewood Rotary Installation
June 27th – Lakewood Rotary Board Meeting – TC&GC – 5:30 p.m.
July – Maternal & Child Health Month
July 1st – Beginning of Rotary Fiscal Year
July 16th – Kayak Poker Run on American Lake – contact Barb Spriggs
July 23rd – Mission Impossible Movie – contact Anne & Steve Enquist
July 25th – Lakewood Rotary Board Meeting – TC&GC – 5:30 p.m.
July 28th – Regular meeting will be at Fort Steilacoom Park at the Pavilion starting at 11:30 – bring family, especially grandkids for fun & games
August – Membership & New Club Development Month
August 3rd – Floating Board Meeting (club barbecue & boat cruises on Steilacoom Lake) – at Holly Hedge Estates – family & friends welcome
August 5th – Beer Stock at Ski Park Lake (also known as Pints for Polio) – see Greg Horn for details
August 5th – Rotary International President – Gordon McInally – function at Murano Hotel in Tacoma – evening
August 9th – Rainiers Tailgate BBQ & Game – contact Mary Horn
August 20th – 22nd – Annual Reeder Roaster Romp
August 22nd – Lakewood Rotary Board Meeting – TC&GC – 5:30 p.m.
Public Service Above Self
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, June 11, 2023
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Public Service Above Self
Paula T. Olson
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
The length and volume of the Aloha horn is testament to the improvement of President Jason Whalen’s lungs as he called to order his third to last meeting. Alas, he was not sporting a Hawaiian shirt, using the change in weather below 75 degrees as his excuse. Shiru Osundwa shared a thoughtful invocation and Andrew Neiditz led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Making the meeting happen included Tom George, James Osundwa, Rob Erb, and Wynn Hoffman. Chuck Hellar was the Sergeant at Arms and staffed the $2.00 table, Leon Titus was at the Foundation Desk, Phil Eng tried using a camera with no batteries, but served ably as the photographer. Yours truly, Paula Olson, was pressed into double duty as the recorder of the fines and the bulletin writer. She was promised double pay.
Visiting Rotarians included Julie Anderson and Jim Merritt. Many guests were in attendance: Jenny Weinand, Jessica (LNU) and Lisa Tucker, Aaron Frederickson with sons Nathan and Evan. A whopping five Puffins were present. No Health and Wellness report from Eric Warn.
Speaking of Eric Warn, he was caught in the member spotlight. Eric entertained us with stories of his college days when he was on the Dean’s List. No, folks, not the one with the good grades. The one where he was in the doghouse for such things as leading a bra and panty raid on the women’s dorm, keggers on the beach, and the off-campus Trini Lopez dances. He nonetheless graduated from college from San Diego State University and got into being both a fun raiser and a fundraiser. He was in the tuxedo business and after hearing many stories of great receptions, he decided to become a minister so he could partake of free food and fun with his wife. He has officiated over 500 weddings in his 14 years of being a minister. He does have a few standards: no weddings in p.j.s, or hot air balloons or Friday or Saturday nights in Seattle. His best advice to engaged couples – give each other unexpected gifts at unexpected times.
Barb Spriggs led off the announcements by reminding everyone that there are still spots open on the Kayak Poker Run on July 16th starting at 9:00 am at the public dock at American Lake. It’s $50 for the map, chance to win great prizes, and a lunch at the end. She was fined $20 for making an announcement over 30 seconds long. And so the fining began.
Mark Edgecomb kicked in $20 for bringing the rain back from his trip to Maine. He also outed Paula Olson who was hunched over taking notes and hoping no one noticed it was her real birthday. Mark helped everyone wish her a great one. Lips are sealed on how many it was. Angela Connelly bragged about her son Luke who graduated from Bellarmine with a 4.0 GPA and received the 100% Student award. He started walking the Camino in Spain. She gave $100. Wynn Hoffman outed David Swindale on zoom. David just returned from the Rotary International Conference in Melbourne, Australia with 5,000 plus other Rotarians. He reported that it was wonderful but came back with a nice case of COVID. He paid $100.
Steve Mazoff told us that Rachel Mazoff’s daughter (Steve’s granddaughter if you were having trouble figuring that out) got engaged in Barcelona to a nice young man from the Pellegrino family (but not the water family). Troy Wilcox paid $100 because his son graduated from Linfield University with an accounting degree. Rob Erb hosted five Rotarians Running in his Yard but noted that Rick Selden needed to learn how to tell a tree root from an irrigation control line. Ouch!
Rounding out the last donors was Carl Bronkema proud of Veronica and son finishing a triathlon for which he paid $20. Tyler Parker announced that he is giving away stuff that doesn’t sell from his estate sales and donating part of sale proceeds to Rotary. His sale last week earned $200 for the club. Andrew Neiditz’ guilty conscience got the better of him and he paid $100 as penance for all of the missed meetings. Then he tried to make excuses like he was in Mountlake Terrace as the interim City Manager for five or so months. But his sad news of wife Marie’s cancer diagnosis helped us have better understanding. We wish her the best in her treatment and recovery. Bud Montgomery paid $20 for having fun in Arizona for the past six months. Whew, Pres. Jason, that was quite a haul!
THE PROGRAM
Andrew Neiditz introduced our speaker, Brian Sonntag, our retired State Auditor. Andrew told us that Brian is a local boy raised in the Tacoma area. At the young age of 26, he was elected Pierce County Clerk and then in 1981 when the county voters adopted the Home Rule Charter, his position was changed to a department head, as the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk. He was elected Pierce County Auditor in 1986, and thereafter became Washington State Auditor where he served five four-year terms. His last election earned him over 70% of the vote.
Brian started his presentation by reminiscing about his start in government in 1972 as a Pierce County Clerk’s office exhibit clerk, fetching files for lawyers. He looked out at the membership of Lakewood Rotary and recognized many old friends, such as Julie Anderson, the best County Auditor next to his dad, Angela Connelly who is rehabbing the Highland Hills Golf Course and Scott Buser. Scott got Brian interested in serving as an umpire because Scott was such a great umpire, calm and dignified even under the worst pressure. So Brian went to umpire school and after working a few games had a new appreciation for the abuse taken by umpires.
Brian then talked about events that happened during his 40 plus years of public service and what being a state auditor was all about. Two weeks after he was elected as Pierce County Clerk, he was watching television and saw the Pierce County Sheriff led away in handcuffs. He wondered how that would affect his job. Then a few other people in government got arrested, like an embezzling city treasurer, and Brian started worrying about if he was next somehow.
After about six years as Pierce County Clerk, then Governor Booth Gardner changed the voting system. Then there were long wait lines to renew driver's licenses because of the slow system. After numerous complaints, a new system was implemented but it didn’t work well and the lines got even longer. Everyone assumed it was Brian’s fault but he was just as frustrated over the archaic equipment his staff had to work with, like manual typewriters. Governor Gardner paid Brian a visit to see what was going on. When Booth left the office, Brian came out, patted him on the back and loudly thanked him for the new system. Amazingly, changes started happening and the bugs got fixed within a week or two!
Generally, the State Auditor is responsible to the People of Washington, not the Legislature. It is an independent office to act as a check on other offices for performance and financial compliance. The office is a creature of the State Constitution and oversees 2,500 local governments and numerous state agencies. Some examples of the audits that he was a part of involved the state Department of Transportation. There were countless complaints about the traffic and congestion on the highways. Nothing was being done to improve things. At a meeting of the legislative Transportation Committee, a Senate leader asked Brian what he was doing there. Brian replied that the people wanted him to look into what was being done to improve traffic conditions. Ironically, a State DOT official apologetically showed up late and said the awful traffic had held her up!
A juicier story involved the Port of Seattle and a third runway. About 100 tons of dirt had to be moved and an invitation for bids went out for the work. Some bids were pretty high and certain port officials visited bidder friends and assured the bidders that if they lowered their bid, they would be awarded the contract. Then they could do change orders and get more money. And so a $10 million budget for that work turned into a $120 million budget without any oversight. When Brian’s staff finished their work, many people lost their jobs at the Port of Seattle and money for their mismanagement.
Brian implemented risk-based auditing by looking at the risk areas, such as contract compliance, purchasing and other areas where the people’s tax money could be at risk. Brian commented that he didn’t know how the Auditor’s Office could be independently funded, maybe through the initiative process. But Brian observed that people can relate to funding the fire department but not a nebulous office like the auditor.
Greg Horn commented that Brian spoke to the club about 12 years ago and he thought of Brian as one of the top 10 speakers we’ve had. He was interested in Brian’s different perspective after 10 years of retirement. Brian has served since retiring as the interim Director of the Tacoma Rescue Mission, making it more sustainable. Others said that Brian was a great example of service above self, including Julie Anderson. Thank you, Brian, for your many years of public service. You served us so well.
Ron Irwin won the raffle which held a massive $1,200, but no luck. He drew the white chip for $5. There’s always next week, folks.
Human Rights in China
By Wendy Jo McGowanSunday, June 4, 2023
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Human Rights in China
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
Today I learned (and you will too, if you read on) even more bull than I learned a month or so ago. I’ll bet our honorable president doesn’t even know that the Hawaiian conch shell is called Pu (pronounced “poo”). Whether he does or not, he played it like a ceremonial fanfare trumpet today as he called our meeting to order. I also learned that the conch shell is capable of emitting a sound that carries as far as two miles. Whoa-Ha! Or is that, Aloha!!!
President Whalen then asked Paula Olson to give our Thought for the Day and Tom George to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Those who comprise the set-up crew (Rob Erb, James Osundwa, Rick Selden and Tom George) were recognized for making our meeting run smoothly.
Visiting Rotarians, Jim Merritt, Tom Lynn, Dennis Bushman and Dan Howell were welcomed as were several guests of Rotarians. And the Puffins were recognized, as well.
Above: Puffin Cat with her hat at the Rotary Rodeo
President Whalen asked if 911 had been called as Jim Sharp happily appeared on the scene, and none-too-soon!
Today I learned that tomatoes have more genes than humans. Plant geneticists from 14 different countries have discovered that the tomato contains 31,760 genes…and that’s 7,000 more genes than a human being! Is Peter Marsh aware of this astounding bit of medical minutia?
The President announced that there was no Health and Wellness report. No news is good news! In addition, there were no New Member inductions, Paul Harris presentations, or Educators of the Month introduced during the meeting.
Jason did ask Greg Horn to enumerate the many birthdays and anniversaries in June:
BIRTHDAYS
Don Daniels June 25
Andrew Neiditz June 21
Chris Kimball June 19
Leanna Albrecht June 2
Don Anderson June 3
Astrid Arola June 2
Jan Gee June 29
James Guerrero June 1
Andrew Kruse June 23
Mike Murtha June 24
Paula Olson June 9
Kim Prentice June 7
Mahmoud Sarram June 20
Eric Warn June 23
Jason Whalen June 18
Connie Coleman-Lacadie June15
Linda Disney June 25
NO PARTNER BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
John Lowney 34 years
Jan Gee 7
Sam Hunter 40
Mary Moss 13
Mary Jo Strom-Copland 25
Bill White 22
Lua Pritchard 1
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Ron Banner to Vanessa June 6/25 years
Bob Hammar to Mary June 15/66 years
Andrew Kruse to Rachel June 20/8 years
Bob Lordahl to Janet June 27/64 years
Steve Mazoff to Ellen June 13/58 years
Joe Quinn to Kirsten June 29/55 years
Mary Jo Strom-Copland to Russ June 23/22 years
Jason Whalen to Gael June 28/36 years
Announcements:
Anne Enquist reminded us that the “Mission Impossible” movie at the AMC, followed by a BBQ dinner at the country club, is scheduled for July 23rd. Please RSVP if you would like tickets. Rotary has up to 75 reserved. To date, 42 tickets have been sold. Buy your ticket online at Rotary.com or get your check to John Lowney.
Barlow Buescher announced that “Rotary On Tap” is scheduled for next Thursday at Hops n’ Drops in Lakewood. Please let Barlow know if you plan to attend.
Our president announced that he is retiring from his law practice and is taking a position as a real estate attorney with Pierce County.
And the last, but surely not the least, announcement: be certain that the evening of June 23rd is on your calendar. We will be saying farewell to President Jason, enjoying a delicious dinner at the club, and celebrating Mary Horn’s installation as President of Lakewood Rotary for 2023-2024. Be sure to make a reservation ($75) at Rotary.com or send a check to the treasurer, John Lowney.
Today I learned that Walt Disney currently holds the most Academy Awards and that visitors are not allowed to scatter loved ones’ ashes at Disney World or Disneyland. If you don’t believe me, just ask Linda (Linda Disney, that is!)
There was a throng of “generous givers” and fines! I’ll do my best to report on the dough our president raked in. Puffin Kat Frederickson paid dearly for her oldest son who is moving out of the house and into an apartment. John Caulfield paid-up for three goddaughters who are each graduating and one grandson who has been named No. 1 goalie in the US. Steve and Anne Enquist forked out $50 for a trip to Cornwall and the Cotswolds. Barlow Buescher came across with $20 for Peter Marsh’s gifts of tomatoes. Jan Gee coughed up a tad of cash for her birthday, but John Lowney raised it to $100, saying he wouldn’t tell just what birthday this is. Tyler Parker paid $50 as he was approved for life insurance. And, our president settled up by paying $50 for his daughter who was honored as Student Athlete of the Year at Bellarmine.
Above: Walt Richardson caught Tyler wincing
This factoid was rather disturbing: The fuller the refrigerator and freezer are the more energy-efficient they are. I learn something new every day. Unfortunately, I cleaned my freezer two days ago and filled the dumpster at my condo! I think it must be about three-years worth! My neighbors are so happy with me!!!
Mary Marlin, that lucky duck, drew another try at the raffle, her 4th…this week was worth $1,081. However, Mary came up short again…white chip for $5.
The Program:
I must end this bulletin on a much more serious note. It is fun to engage in the humor the scribes provide in our weekly bulletins, but we must deal with the harsh realities others around the world have to cope with.
Above: Our Speaker today, Wen Chen, Ph.D.
The program speaker today was Dr. Wen Chen. Her topic was horrific. Her knowledge is astounding. What we learned would be eye-opening for the majority of Americans. Dr. Chen spoke of the Human Rights Movement in China. More specifically, she shocked us with the details of the Chinese government’s practice of Forced Organ Harvesting, which has been going on for more than 20 years. Dr. Chen not only told of the inconceivable violence, but the propaganda perpetuated by the Chinese government…propaganda they spread even right here in the U.S., especially in our news media. She likened the situation to the Holocaust. Dr. Chen enlightened us as to her role and the role Rotary has played to help overcome this practice.
As I left the meeting and walked home I marveled at the serenity and beauty, which I am so fortunate to have surround me. I hope soon we can learn in detail what Rotary’s role and participation is currently in this Chinese human rights debacle, and how our own club might aid the victims of this cruelty. What role might we play?
Wendy
Above: Lakewood Rotarians ran the yard
The day after the meeting, six Lakewood Rotarians had the pleasure of “running the yard” at the home of Rob and Vickie Erb. The popular auction item sold twice this year for a considerable sum. Rick Selden, Steve Mazoff, Joe Quinn, Steve Saalfeld, James Osundwa, and Puffin Patrick Aravena played Edward Scissorhands with bushes and vines, dug a hole for a sump pump, cut an irrigation line (and also an electric wire—oops!) while working about four hours. This was followed with a barbecue, graciously hosted by the Erbs for the workers and their spouses.
Above: Steve Saalfeld and James Osundwa (Steve missed the group picture but this proves he worked hard)
A Memorial Memorial Day
By Gayle SeldenSunday, May 28, 2023
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A Memorable Memorial Day
By Gayle Selden
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
The day was March 26th. Anticipation was building for the sound that the collected had endured for the last 11 months. There it was… the sound the room obeyed by standing in unison. It was the conch shell blown by President Mayor Whalen, signifying the beginning of Aloha Friday.
Bob Peterson unfurled a handwritten thought that provided moments of reflection. Tony Camoroda raised his voice to lead the pledge.
President Mayor Whalen had collaborators throughout the room. Dick Ferrell on the foundation desk. Leon Titus working as raffle ticket seller and court jester. Rob Erb led a team of Tom George, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, Wynn Hoffman and James Osundwa making sure mics, badges and zoomers were all in order. Greg, with the surname of Rediske, handled fines. The words that you are reading are presented by Selden with the forename of Gayle. Bob with the often-mispronounced name of Zawilski took the official photos.
It was time to introduce the Rotarians visiting from the lands further away. . .but we had to wait a moment for Mr. Titus to emerge and say there were none. The room was enlightened with the presence of Gael Whalen and Jennie Weinand. The speaker Lt Governor Heck brought partner Paula and deputy chief Ryan Jackson.
It was at this moment it was realized that President Mayor Whalen was showing a side of himself often seen only on the interweb. It had been a couple weeks since this scribe had been at a meeting. She had forgotten that when the temperature rises above 76 degrees the legs of Rotarian pants shrink to above their knees. Shorts season had returned to Lakewood Rotary.
President Mayor Whalen invited Past President Dr. Jim Rooks to the podium to share his Rotary story. Jim is a fifth generation Floridian, member of the Gainesville Rotary and in a flourishing medical practice before he was recruited to move to the Lakewood area and set up shop here. Jeanie Latta Gina Lotte (the first woman inducted into Lakewood Rotary) recruited Jim to join our club and assured him it wasn’t a singing club. His favorite project was providing seed money to the YMCA. He also appreciated the work the club did to discover and identify International Baccalaureate as a way to make Clover Park schools more enticing for students to stay in the district.
Charles Heberle (pronounced Eberly), who has been living as of late in New Mexico with his new wife, has had some health concerns, as has his wife. They both seem to be on their way to better health.
District Governor Nominee Tony Camoroda presented some awards to Lakewood Rotary. Both Bob Zawilski and Jan Gee were recognized for their leadership and contributions to District 5020 leading committees on the foundation and governance. The club won 1st prize for best promotional video. And we also learned that Greg and Mary Horn have added to their plate the job of District Communication Officers.
The star of Lakewood Rotary’s promotional video, Rose Stevens, made an announcement that a member of the club wrote a $5000 check to be used for the Ukrainian project she had previously asked for funding of $4700. With this donation Rose asked the club to reallocate that $4700 to use toward the District Grant for next year. That motion was moved, seconded and voted in the affirmative.
Previously recognized Jan Gee showed her gift from the district for her service. A painting by Derek Rickwood, a Rotarian from Nanaimo, who paints for a cause. She then promoted a Communities in Schools fundraising breakfast on Wednesday the 31st at 7:30 am at McGavick. Head to lakewoodcis.org to register as an attendee.
The call for Aloha dollars was given by President Mayor Whalen. The first to respond to the call was Bob Martin and this scribe has no idea for what he paid. Dave Reames paid $20 to announce his boat is on the lake and all are welcome to take a ride. It seemed this was going to be a lead off announcement for the Floating Board Meeting/ Family Picnic which is held at Holly Hedge Lane where Dave’s boat resides. That is an event where Rotarians and their families are invited to dine lakeside, cruise around Lake Steilacoom in members’ boats and attempt to play yard games. The fun happens on August 3rd with steak as the dinner course.
Before that fellowship event we have the Installation Dinner Friday, June 23rd where Mary Horn and her board will be installed. This year the theme for Mary is “The Family.” Head to lakewoodrotary.com to pay for your surf and turf dinner under the “buy it now” tab by clicking on Installation of Officers. Dinner is $75 per person.
Speaking of family, Jason Whalen paid $20 to recognize daughter Allison who was competing in the State Track meet running both the 1600 and the 3200. (That is about a mile run and a two mile run, respectively, for you non-metric Rotarians.) Another club Dad sold out his daughter after paying $20 for a trip to Florida. This Father said his daughter was also in Florida and the good daughter said she would match his fine. The truth of the matter is that the daughter was with her father in the states of Georgia and Alabama, not Florida. But the fine will still come from her when she logs into lakewoodrotary.com and goes to buy it now and clicks the fine button. Recently, I learned that many members pledge a fine but do not pay it. Two seconds on the website with Square and the $20 will be in the club’s coffers.
The Program:
Andy Phillips introduced our speaker, Lt. Governor Denny Heck. Denny has a long political career, first serving as Chief of Staff to Governor Booth Gardner, then as a representative in the WA State House, then as a representative in the US House and currently sitting as Lieutenant Governor. Denny is also an accomplished author, which he couldn’t speak of on Friday, because he was appearing in his official capacity as Lt. Governor.
The Lieutenant Governor position is the lowest paid statewide elected Official position at $119,353 per year. The Lt. Governor does not run as a match to the Governor (like President-Vice President) and is not part of the Governor’s cabinet. The Lt. Governor does act as Governor when the Governor leaves the state. Main job is as President of the Senate where once in the last three years he had to vote when the floor vote was tied. Heck is also the chair of the legislative committee on economic development and international relations.
Heck spoke of how they look at the business competitiveness of the state. One of our challenges is housing. The ratio of housing units per household nationally is 1.14 and, in our state, it is 1.06. That is a significant housing supply issue at all levels. Market research shows the housing market is in equilibrium when a house is on the market for 6 months. Right now, in Thurston County 12 is the average number of days a house is on the market. It makes it a difficult barrier to home ownership for those who are renting (and paying higher rents due to increased demands).
Equity in a home is the #1 asset of the average American. Without homes the retirement ability reduces. There are environmental issues that are created as people live further and further away from their workplaces, in order to find affordable housing. And there is a great racial disparity due to generational home ownership. This year the legislator stepped to the plate by designing legislation to increase the supply of housing. Creating space for condos to be built, providing money and grants to encourage building were some legislative highlights
Heck left a lot of time for questions, and they were numerous from the crowd. Highlights included:
Lack of Civility problem in Government and generally in society. Heck says to set a good example. Social media benefits from anger so do not feed it. Elevate yourself to respectful discourse by speaking and listening.
Jan Gee, who has worked with Denny for 51 years, asked Denny to talk about the top five bills that came about this year. He returned to the topic of housing. Condo reforms are at the top of the list as those are usually the first rung on a ladder of home ownership.
The end of the meeting was signified by President Mayor Whalen standing in front of the crowd. Excitement filled the room as it was revealed that there were 4 whites and 1 red in the pot of the raffle. Mary Marlin’s name was called, and she drew a chip to see if $992 would be added to her bank account. She drew a chip in the color of white. . .so next week the raffle will ride strong again.
A note about the Dolly Parton imagination library. We are live for signups! Now, it is time to get the word out. Children 0-5 get a free book delivered monthly to their home. Check out https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/WALAKEWOOD/ . Sign up your kids, grandkids and neighbors. The committee is currently working on events for promoting the program locally. If you are interested in helping, see Bill Potter or Gayle Selden. Current plans include a Summerfest tent and reaching out to local pediatricians.
It's a Good Thing
By John W. MagnusonSaturday, May 20, 2023
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“It’s a Good Thing”
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
Who famously said that on TV every week before going to prison for conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to insider trading? Who famously said, at age 81, “The whole aging thing is so boring.” Who notoriously claims that Snoop Dogg’s secondhand smoke makes them feel “fabulous, … fantastic, ... great.”
Non-Swimsuit Edition featuring modeling icons
Marta and Stuart
Has PMJW Ever Been on a Cover of SI?
Conch Shell in F Sharp Minor: a minor blues scale note resonated throughout TCGC Friday at 12:30. The Rock ‘n Roll scale for guitar has 3 sharps. And talk about sharps: Judge Johnson gave a stirring invocation. (No Donnnn, not the stirring kind from the kitchen!) Mark Herr led us in the salute to our flag. Some sharp Rotarians set up the meeting – Rob, Terry, James, Wynn. West Pierce Fire Chief Jim Sharp has a brother named ______ Sharp. The first person to correctly guess his name will be given a sharpened solid gold color crayon to doodle with. More folks high-up on the Brubacher Sharpness Scale: Paul Harris Desk , Raffle and Sgt. at Arms and other tasks by Mark and Joel. Treasurer John Lowney, on loan from Sports Illustrated - Photos by Walt and reportage by Ole.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Some really sharp folks rattled off names so quickly that even the Lakewood Police would not have been able to pursue who they were. Ron Banner did bring Dr. Gloria Henderson and some high school principals. Some sharp Puffins stood.
Sadly, it was announced that Lakewood Architect and former member John Kinkella passed away. Thoughts and prayers for John’s family.
Announcements
Military Affairs are Rare but Our Committee is active.
Chair Linda Disney has notified all Rotarians to join the STEP IN event on June 7, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club to help support the needs of enlisted families. More on this event as it approaches. RSVP to Linda or Mark Herr.
Barb Spriggs announced the July 16 event on American Lake for paddlers and puddlers. See Barb for more information.
Farmer-Doctor Peter Marsh’s Tomato Emporium is open for business.
EFN sent a thank you note for the $2000 contribution made by Lakewood Rotary. The World Affairs Seminar in Wisconsin acknowledged $955 X 2 paid by the club for two teen attendees this summer.
Aloha Giving Edges Higher
Pat Price donated $80 on behalf of husband Bill’s 80th birthday. Dave Betz hit Europe – Portugal, Spain and Italy - $100. While he was gone, The Names Foundation donated $1 million to the Fort Steilacoom H-Barn restoration project. Dave, go away again and see who will give even more! Seriously, huge thanks to Dave for all he does and to the Names family. Tom Names was a long time Lakewood Rotarian.
Above: Dave Betz of Partners for Parks
Rob Erb gave $100 for his birthday. His good buddy Donnnn Irwin remarked that Rob didn’t look a day over 99 years old! Chuck Hellar noted the plane crash that occurred last week barely missed his house. It is amazing that no one died but the pilot is still hospitalized. $20.
THE PROGRAM:
The Mike and Wendy McGowan Educational Incentive Awards
Kim Prentice introduced eleven students from the Clover Park School District who received this year’s incentive awards for academic, leadership and volunteerism excellence. Kim noted the McGowans’ passion for mentoring students through the college application process. For many years Wendy and Mike helped worthy students achieve their educational dreams becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers and community leaders. Kim then introduced Wendy to further explain how the students were mentored. Wendy owned McGowan Advertising and she and Mike were married 54 years. She related four quotations for the students to dwell upon: Barack Obama, Jon Bon Jovi, Michelle Kwan and Jay Leno’s words of wisdom were left for the students to ponder. Each awardee received a $1000 gift.
Above: Wendy McGowan
As they were introduced each gave a brief bio, where they were going to college, what they will be studying and whom they thanked for their opportunities.
Aiden Balabat – Lakes High
Carly Sherman – Lakes High
Cynthia Rodriguez – Clover Park High
Vivian Hernandez – Lakes High
Kathleen Pullin – Lakes High
Keilani Fernandez – Harrison Prep
Sarah Otulo – Lakes High
Elias Gomez – Clover Park High
Bethany Vigil – Harrison Prep
Zander Trevino – Lakes High
Richard Castaneda – Lakes High
Above: The students
If you had any doubts about the youth in our community, let these fine students be an example of excellence we can only hope others follow. Well done, and in the words of Terry Roarke – Bravo Zulu!
With $920 in the pot, Dave Betz drew white for $5!
Who Reads This Stuff?
Ole
And furthermore: Shout out to brand new member Cat Frederickson who volunteered at the work party at the old Game Farm on Saturday. And she brought two of her kids to help! Way to jump in right away, Cat! Also helping out there were Ron Banner, Mark Blanchard, Eric Warn and Greg Rediske.
Creeks and Ladders
By Donn IrwinSunday, May 14, 2023
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Creeks and Ladders
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
It all began as usual, you know, the Prez, Jason Whalen (PJW) and his shell (along with the bell) blowing us to order.
Tom George gave the invocation and encouraged the collective at hand to help others toward their success and be thankful for all that we have. Don Daniels, aka Fish Ladder Don, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Those that helped with the meeting were recognized:
Set up crew – James Osundwa, Tom George, Wynn Hoffman and Rick Selden.
Sergeant at Arms – Jan Gee
Money taker – John Lowney
Photographer – Bob Zawilski
Scribe – Donnnnnn Irwin
Foundation desk – Chuck Hellar
1215 - English barons serve an ultimatum on King John which eventually leads to the creation and signing of the Magna Carta
There were no visiting Rotarians (but see below)
PJW recognized our “royalty” – Greg Horn, Tony Camoroda and Bill Potter
1551 San Marcos University in Lima, Peru, opens (oldest continuously operating university in the Americas)
A special birthday shoutout in honor of our riparian miracle-seeking Svede guy in the north.
Born: 1496 Gustav I of Sweden (1523-60), born in Rydboholm Castle, Sweden (Ole’s National Holiday)
Guests etc.: (those that I could get anyway).
Jim Weinand brought “the wife” (Jennie) and for good reason – they were celebrating an anniversary.
Visiting Rotarian Kris Kaufmann (don’t know which club and have probably butchered the spelling but never-the-less, he was there). Bob Martin brought our exchange student Hans Bruun, Ron Banner brought someone but I didn’t catch the name (Grant Twyman?, Mark Herr introduced wife, Mary Beth and Connie Coleman-Lacadie introduced her friend from Ukraine, Anastasia, who presented a tear-jerking program at Lakewood Rotary several months ago.
PJW then recognized the Puffins.
1638 Emperor Shah Jahan commissions construction of the Red Fort at Shahjahanabad, Mughal Empire (now Delhi, India)
1777 1st ice cream advertisement (Philip Lenzi in the NY Gazette)
Eric Warn (The Voice) was called upon to announce that all is well in Lakewood Rotary land.
Above: Rose Stevens in the Member Spotlight
Rose Stevens was put in the “spotlight” by PJW as part of our ongoing member spotlight program. Rose came to the podium and proclaimed that the projects Rotary does are near and dear to her heart. Rose has been deeply involved in Rotary International projects as well as local projects like the Little Food Pantries. Not being one to miss an opportunity to ask for money for these various endeavors, Rose asked for a motion to approve spending $4,727 of our donating dollars to get medical aid and supplies to Ukraine. The money will be used for mobile medical emergency clinics that Rose showed in pictures. The motion was made, a second was called out and a unanimous vote of “yeah” was taken - motion passed. Rose said this donation will take the remainder of her international service committee’s budget. Thank you Rose for all you do.
1784 Ratified copies of the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War exchanged between US and Great Britain, in Paris
Birthdays and Anniversaries were delivered to the club by Tony C as Greg Horn was out goofing off somewhere…. I think.
Birthdays:
McGowan, Wendy
Cordell, Monica
Barton, Gary
Enquist, Anne
Wilcox, Russell (Troy)
Osundwa, James
DeNault, Clayton
Sharp, Jim
Selden, Gayle
Potter, Bill
Camoroda, Tony
Eng, Philip
Fulton, Gary
1789 British Abolish the slave trade
Club Anniversaries:
McGowan, Wendy – 2 years Club Anniversaries:
Cordell, Monica - 3
Barton, Gary - 4
Enquist, Anne - 5
Wilcox, Russell - 8
Osundwa, James - 2
DeNault, Clayton -11
Sharp, Jim - 13
Selden, Gayle - 16
Potter, Bill - 19
Camoroda, Tony - 21
Eng, Philip - 29
Fulton, Gary – 39
Wedding Anniversaries:
Yorleny Clapper to Patrick – 19
Dan Livingston to Leah – 25
Jim Weinand to Jennie for 46 years (hopefully Jim, being the numbers guy that he is, can still count that high).
Above: Tracy Abdella with Jason and Eric Warn
The Educator of the Month Award went to Tracy Abdella of Park Lodge Elementary School in the Clover Park School District. Tracy has worked with Clover Park School District for 27 years. She has proven to be an effective educator, warming the hearts of students and families that encounter her in her role as a kindergarten teacher.
It is a priority for Tracy to establish a safe learning environment where students feel valued and motivated to learn and grow. She takes time to individually assess her students academically and social-emotionally to determine areas for growth. With the information from assessments, she develops goals for her students that are communicated to parents, encouraging parent involvement and collaboration in helping students achieve success.
Tracy reaffirms her students by celebrating their growth and achievements. She frequently sends pictures of students to their families, capturing precious moments that are often unseen.
Tracy graciously accepted the award.
1865 Last land action of Civil war at Palmito Ranch, Texas
1932 The body of Charles Lindbergh’s kidnapped son was found in New Jersey
1938 Sandoz Labs begins manufacturing LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)
I want to be cremated as it is my last hope for a smoking hot body.
Jim W paid a $100 fine for his 46 years of marriage and a few other things. Chris Kimball paid a $20 fine for his letter to the editor that got published in the Rotary International magazine.
1958 US & Canada form North American Air Defense Command (NORAD)
1991 A new cancer drug is announced which can only be found in bark of a rare tree in the Pacific Northwest
To the guy who invented zero, thanks for nothing.
The Program:
Don Daniels introduced the speaker: Al Schmauder, Water Steward, Chambers-Clover Watershed Council. Al’s title for his presentation was “Will Urbanization Finally Kill Clover Creek?
Mr. Schmauder approached the podium and began his riparian address showing no signs of discomfiture as he asked the question: “How do you kill a creek”? The answer was, of course, “get rid of the water”.
Al then gave an incredibly encapsulated history of the creek/watershed beginning with Native Americans in the long ago up to the present day. He presented graphs, charts, and drawings/pictures of the creek over a period of years. One of the pictures featured our own Don Daniels imitating a salmon using a fish ladder…...or was he just trying to clean it out? Another photo had my brother from another mother, Ron Irwin alongside Mr. Daniels smiling nicely into the camera as they were working on some restoration along the creek.
Over the many years the creek has been dammed, dredged, rerouted and channeled. The speaker said that the creek is drying up due to the aforementioned problems and because many, many entities are sucking water out of it. It was stated that 20% of the water in the creek is pumped directly into Puget Sound.
Mr. Schmauder stated that no one is overseeing the entire use of the watershed and that no knows how much water is actually being taken out.
A crazy wife says to her husband that moose are falling from the sky. The husband says, it’s reindeer.
PJW adjourned the meeting and then drew a ticket for the weekly drawing. Bill Potter had the opportunity to capture the tidy sum of $875 as he held the winning number. With just 6 white chips and one red, Bill’s chances of scoring the big bucks were pretty good. Alas, he drew a white chip. He too showed no discomfiture in drawing the chip because, as he proclaimed, he still won $5.00.
1995 Dow Jones for 5th straight day of the week sets a new record (4430.59)
2008 Wenchuan earthquake, measuring 7.8 in magnitude occurs in Sichuan, China, killing over 87,000, injuring 374,643 and leaving homeless between 4.8 million and 11 million people
If your birthday was today (Rob Erb), then you have the same birthday as the following folks:2008 Wenchuan earthquake, measuring 7.8 in magnitude occurs in Sichuan, China, killing over 87,000, injuring 374,643 and leaving homeless between 4.8 million and 11 million people
1820 Florence Nightingale
1907 Katharine Hepburn
1925 Yogi Berra
1928 Burt Bacharach
1935 Felipe Alou
1937 George Carlin
1951 Former Sonics coach George Karl
1959 Actor Ving Rhames
1962 Emilio Estevez
1968 Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk
1970 Golfer Jim Furyk
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Hopefully Ole reads this stuff
Until I write again - Donnnnnn
Hopefully Ole reads this stuff
Until I write again - Donnnnnn
Cinco de Mayo Edition
By Stephen SaalfeldSunday, May 7, 2023
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Cinco de Mayo Edition
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
Lakewood Rotarians gathered on the 5th of May for our usual meeting of the minds. President Whalen was absent as he is off representing the fair city of Lakewood in Korea. Rumor has it Bill Potter has started a pool on how many times the mayor will go shirtless in Korea (the over/under is four for anyone who wants a piece of the action. It’s worth noting that the over/under for the number of times Mayor Whalen’s Korean hosts will be befuddled by his terrible puns is 27 but that is just for the first day).
Did you know? While Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States, it is a minor holiday in New Mexico.
Former president Mark Edgecomb wielded the hammer for today’s meeting and (spoiler alert) managed to keep his shirt on for the entire meeting. He rang the bell so many times, your scribe was expecting someone to shout “Let’s get ready to rumble!” Alas there was no featured bout today.
AGs of Rotary past, present and future were recognized in the form of Greg Horn, Tony Camoroda and Bill Potter. A veritable circus of puffins were in attendance too numerous for this inattentive scribe to name. Guests included Patrick Johnston who hosted our Rotary exchange student for a time.
Sunshine report: Eric let the club know that Ed Shannon’s funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. on May 18.
Anne Enquist let us know that the Clover Park superintendent expressed a desire to have Next Step (last week’s presentation) in ALL Clover Park Schools. She’s game, but reminded us more mentors are needed to pull this off. (After the meeting, Anne provided four more names to be considered for the Next Step mentor program, as Lakewood Rotarians and spouses always step up.)
Above: Student of the Month Cynthia
Clover Park High School student Cynthia is our final student of the month for the 2022-23 school year and was described as “an uplifting and inspiring leader” (President Whalen should note that no one described her as a peddler of poor puns—no wonder she’s so inspiring!). Cynthia has a 3.98 GPA taking AP and Running Start courses and will graduate with both her high school diploma and her Associate’s degree. A Questbridge scholar, she is set to attend Johns Hopkins University on a full ride scholarship in the fall where her grit and determination are sure to secure the bright future ahead of her.
Today marked the final meeting of Bob Hammar as he and his wife will be moving soon. Mary Horn honored Bob who has been a Rotarian since April 20, 1978 (your scribe was four years old when Bob first uttered the Four Way Test!). Though Bob started his Rotary journey on Hitler’s birthday, he definitely had a more inclusive view of community than Herr Adolf as evidenced by his longevity in Rotary. Before retirement, Bob owned eight uniform stores with 50 employees (all women excepting the occasional delivery driver).
Above: Bob Hammar being presented with a plaque by Mary
Bob and Mary have made it a tradition to make a Paul Harris-sized donation in the name of every member of their family and now count 12 Paul Harris Fellows with the arrival of grandson Alexander Giovanni Oestrich. Bob chose Rotary as he was so impressed that every dollar goes towards doing good work without any overhead. Bob estimates the donation of their place in Tahiti has reaped somewhere in the neighborhood of $270,000 at Rotary auctions.
Bob declared that the last ten years he spent at Lakewood were his best Rotary years—as more than a few folks shed a tear at today’s meeting, it is safe to say that we all agree that our club will miss Bob dearly and wish him and Mary well on their next adventure.
Anne Enquist is submitting an article to the Rotary District 5020 magazine. Some excerpts: In 2010 he and Mary reached Major Donor levels I, II, and III—all in one year! Bob also ran our Rotary store, selling shirts, sweatshirts, hats etc. with the Rotary logo. Almost every LR Rotarian must have at least one item of clothing from Bob’s Rotary store. Including several generations, the Hammars have amassed 11 Paul Harris awards in one family! Not many can say that. (By the way, Lakewood Rotary has 90 Paul Harris Fellows; 14 are Major Donors, who have donated $10,000 or more.
Alexander Giovanni Oestreich, grandson of Bob and Mary Hammar is the 12th Paul Harris Fellow in Clan Hammar.
Did you know? Some Americans assume Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s equivalent of our Fourth of July, but Mexico’s Independence Day is actually celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo occurred more than 50 years after Mexico achieved independence from Spain.
Puffinating a fresh crop of Puffins: The following were inducted by PPP Mark Edgecomb:
Above: Chiru
Chiru Osundwa (sponsor Mary Horn) has more than two decades of Rotary on her resume thanks to her years in Kenya where she worked in banking. She now keeps busy as a financial coach, mother of two (ages 2 and 6) and spouse of James. As Chiru says, “Rotary is family.”
Above: Cat Frederickson
Catherine “Cat” Frederickson (sponsor Angela Connelly) has been working as a health coach for the past two years and is a fourth generation (and first female in the family) union longshoreman (or should it be “longshoreperson”?). A mother of three, she describes herself as “eccentric”. When she described Rotary to her husband as “do-gooders” he said “You found your people.”
Welcome Chiru and Cat and take good care of that puffin!
Carl Bronkema announced that next Thursday Rotary on Tap will be at the Applebee’s at Lakewood Towne Center. RSVP to Steve Enquist.
The Program:
Above: Hans Bruun holding forth
Our speaker today was none other than our Rotary exchange student, Hans Bruun from Denmark. Hans reported he perhaps had a leg up on getting used to America as his mom is American. He has visited her family in Texas before and was a bit surprised (perhaps relieved?) that all of the U. S. is not like Texas. He let us know you don’t just walk up to a stranger in Denmark and introduce yourself—you need a mutual acquaintance to make the intro, “not unlike the Mafia”, says Hans.
Some of the biggest differences between the U. S. and Denmark Hans observed:
You can’t turn right on a red light in Denmark.
American football is not an option at his high school (though he did earn a broken wrist in his second football game at Lakes HS).
Sports are taken more seriously here and the sports facilities are much nicer than in Denmark.
High school is not like what you see in the movies. He especially enjoyed the diverse student body and the robust school spirit. He will forever be a proud Lakes Lancer.
There are more cars in the U. S. as Denmark taxes automobile sales at 250% for the purchaser. No wonder there are so many bicycles there.
He added that as a socialist country, taxes are high but people are well taken care of with free education and health care.
Thanks Hans for a great summary of your time here.
We closed the meeting by singing Happy Birthday to Bob Hammar who is 91 years young.
And the drawing yielded a white chip, so no big winner on Cinco de Mayo.
Your final Cinco de Mayo fact: For Mexicans, this day commemorates the country’s victory over a superior French force as a ragtag force of 2000 outnumbered and ill-equipped Mexicans defeated 6000 Frenchmen in the Battle of Puebla.
Later on May 5th, LR held its final fundraiser, Ladies Night Out, over at Farm 12 in the Puyallup valley.
Below are some pictures taken by …who else…Walt Richardson. A great time was had by all, obviously. Financial results to follow soon, we are sure.
Rotarians Help High Schoolers Take the Next Step
By Wendy Jo McGowanSunday, April 30, 2023
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Rotarians Help High Schoolers Take the Next Step
By Wendy McGowan
Spending a bit of time recently with other Lakewood Rotarians meeting about, thinking about, writing about and, today speaking about our club’s Next Step program and its effect on learning, reminded our scribe, Wendy McGowan of something her mother told her long ago. Wendy’s mom, Joyce Rauser, lived by her conviction, “Lifelong learning keeps you young.” And, we surely all need that! So, read on to discover what Wendy and the rest of us learned today.
Bob Hammar gave an eloquent, moving invocation and mentioned that he and Mary are relocating from the home they have enjoyed for so many years. President Whalen thanked Bob for his Rotary years and for his generosity to our community. Rachel Mazoff led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.
Those that make our meetings go smoothly were acknowledged: the Set-Up Crew included Tom George, James Osundwa, Rob Erb, and Bob Martin; Dwight Williams manned the Foundation Desk; Bill Allen was Sergeant at Arms; Rick Selden subbed in for John Lowney as treasurer; Bob Zawilski snapped photos for this bulletin; and Yours Truly, Wendy McGowan, jotted notes as fast possible, hopefully not forgetting names, numbers, nor facts.
Speaking of numbers, today I learned…“There are 31,556,926 seconds in a year,” but who’s counting?
The president then introduced visiting Rotarians Jim Ansbury and Lynn Harden. A number of guests were recognized: Chris Chapman, Ellen Mazoff, Margaret, Jenny, and Katherine Fredrickson, who we discovered is about to join our club.
Today I learned, “123456 is the most common password.” How original!
Rotarian Ron Banner, Clover Park School Superintendent introduced his guests: Principal of Clover Park High School, Renee McCord; Principal of Harrison Prep School, Kevin Rupprecht; and incoming Principal of Lakes High School, Ray Kurtz.
Today I learned, “Cotton candy was invented by a dentist.” A sure-fire way to guarantee a loyal clientele!
A very somber Eric Warn told us of two Lakewood Rotarians who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease: Tom Sadler, nearing the end of life in Gig Harbor and Dave Covey living in Des Moines.
President Jason then acknowledged a number of Puffins and went on to honor two Paul Harris fellows: Don Anderson receiving his 9th Paul Harris pin and Tony Cammaroda receiving his 2nd.
Today I learned that “Queen Elizabeth II was a trained mechanic.” Now there’s one modern woman!
Prex Whalen asked if there were any announcements. Steve Saalfeld told of several upcoming events at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and he astounded us with the fact that he had given six gallons of blood to the Blood Bank. He did admit, “It was not all at once!”
Today I learned, “Before toilet paper was invented, Americans used to use corn cobs.” I’ve always heard it was the Sears & Roebuck catalog!
Bob Martin let us know that next week is our final farewell to Hans Brun, our current exchange student. And, our incoming exchange student will be 17-year-old Imelia from Norway. Bill Potter thanked all of those who showed up for the Parks Appreciation Day at Ft. Steilacoom recently.
Today I learned, Slinkies are 82 feet long.” I want you to measure one and get back to me with the exact number of feet!
Gayle Selden, from the Fund-Raising Committee, thanked everyone who has worked on the upcoming Ladies Night Out. And, last but not least, Bob Peterson honored Rose Stevens who recently garnered a $400 donation of goods from Lowe’s.
Today I learned: “Champagne was once used as a shoe polish.” Darn it. I love “bubbly.” Now I will always think of stinky feet on New Year’s Eve!!!
Not to be forgotten, on President Whalen’s agenda today, was Aloha Bucks and Generous Giving. He announced that PP Mark Edgecomb will be leading the meeting next week and today Mark is celebrating his 61st birthday. Mark stepped up with $100, not only for his birthday, but a recent trip to Florida, an anniversary, plus the birth of his first grandchild. Kendra Riconosciuto acknowledged $40 for a birthday last month. And Steve Saalfeld pulled out $10 for his son who recently had his appendix removed.
Today I learned, “The first person convicted of speeding was going eight mph.” Road rage, for certain!
The program today was presented by a litany of Next Step mentors, both past and present. Wendy McGowan told us the history behind Next Step as we know it today. She spoke of the 34 years Mike and her mentored dozens of high school boys and girls, deciding where they went to college, helping with the application process and financial aid package, and keeping in touch with what they are doing today. Wendy told us how this all began with their daughter who was at the age to seriously consider college. Dad Mike wanted to make sure she had all the tools she needed to make a good decision about college. So Mom and dad started weekly meetings after Sunday breakfast. A teen gardener overheard the meetings and asked to join. The group grew to include Mike and Wendy’s younger daughter and other students. One such student is the son of Mary and Greg Horn, Brandon.
Anne and Steve Enquist spoke of a past mentee who lived with a donor heart. They guided this young woman to write her college essay about her disability, due to the uniqueness of this gift of life. Kendra Riconosciuto explained the timeline of the two-year schedule and how she and her non-Rotarian Next Step partner work through it.
Chuck Hellar and Rachel Mazoff amazed us with a story about their Next Step mentee, David, and how he became a $90,000.00 Quest Bridge Scholar with their help. David will be attending Washington University in the fall with no money owed by him or his parents for his entire four years. David said, “Without Rachel and Chuck I wouldn’t have been able to navigate the complicated college application process.”
Following the presentation, Ron Banner thanked the mentors and promised that the district will be available whenever needed.
Today I learned, “Hawaiian pizza is Canadian.” I’m wondering if Prex Whalen will now be vacationing in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa or Vancouver instead of Honolulu???? Not too many sandy beaches there, however. And, our president might find it a little chilly ‘to go topless’ as he so enjoys!
Gary Barton was the winner of the drawing. No red chip for the $800+!
Gettin' Lei'd
By Eric T QuinnSunday, April 23, 2023
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Gettin’ Lei’d
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
The meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood “conched” to order at the hand of President Jason Whalen (“PJW”) and Spring was (and is) in the air. PJW first reflected on a great Rotarian that has passed: Ed Shannon. We miss him already.
Scott Buser gave the invocation. Dave Reames (I think) led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PJW thanked various members for making the meeting happen: Tom George, Rob Erb, James Osundwa, Wynn Hoffman and Rick Selden. Staffing the $2 table and acting as Sergeant at Arms was Chuck Hellar. Linda Disney worked the Foundation desk. Walt Richardson snapped pictures and Eric Quinn drafted the bulletin.
As for Health and Wellness, Eric Warn reminded us of the passing of Ed Shannon, who was an Army aviator and an avid golfer who became a great Lakewood Rotarian in 2009. Eric shared a story that he learned from Ed’s wife Jayne: that she was in the hospital at the same time that Ed was in hospice, and that he waited until she returned home before he passed. True love knows no bounds.
Eric Warn did double duty and introduced two Educators of the Month. He first introduced Principal Christine Firth, principal of Saltar’s Point Elementary. He then introduced Kristen Barton, our first educator, who works at Saltar’s Point Elementary School. Kristen began her career at Saltar’s Point 15 years ago as a fifth-grade teacher which evolved into her teaching 4th and 5th graders. She taught the Promise Program, a virtual education option offered to students during the pandemic. She currently serves as an Enriched Core Instruction (ECI) Specialist. In this role, she co-teaches, co-plans and designs math instruction that is engaging for all students. Kristen is described by her peers as being a self-driven, compassionate and dedicated educator. The Club congratulated Kristen and she said a few words. Kristen laughed at how easy it is to talk to her students and how hard it is to talk in front of adults. Thank you, Kristen, for your dedicated service.
Above: Kristen Barton with Eric Warn
Eric then introduced our second educator, Ben Shultis, who teaches at Lakes High School. He was joined by his lovely wife, Sarah, and Principal of Lakes, Karen Mauer-Smith, along with superintendent of secondary schools, Dr. Gloria Henderson. Ben has taught for 24 years in the Clover Park School District. Ben provides a welcoming and enriching environment for all of his students. Ben facilitates students in his Japanese class while creating and conducting their annual festival that celebrates Japanese culture. This festival has become a tradition that students and staff look forward to each year. After school, he oversees students as the Knowledge Bowl advisor. Ben was asked to speak, and greeted the Club in Japanese. Ben thanked the Club for welcoming and honoring him. He, like Kristen, was given $100 to spend on himself, because Lakewood Rotary routinely recognizes that our educators so rarely get to do that. Thank you, Ben for your dedicated service. Eric finished off the presentation of our Educators with “class dismissed.”
There were various Paul Harris awards to be given: Rob Erb got his 6th PH; Wendy McGowan her 2nd; Dave Reames his 6th; Rick Selden his 9th; Leon Titus his 5th; and Bob Hammar’s grandson got his 1st PH. Also, PJW mentioned that before Ed Shannon passed, he gave a final gift to the PH Foundation.
Above: Paul Harris honorees
Jason Whalen then inducted our newest member, Patrick Aravana. By PJW’s admission, he “winged it,” but gave our newest member a strong welcome. Patrick grew up in University Place and went to Curtis High School. Patrick works at Northwestern Mutual as a financial advisor. PJW gave Patrick his first invoice for dues and his Red Badge. He also placed a lei around Patrick’s neck and stated that Patrick had just been “lei’d.” A few Rotarians gasped!
Above: Patrick Aravana, our newest member, got lei’d
Then came the announcements:
- Mary Horn requested a $2,000 disbursement for Emergency Food Network for break bags etc. A motion and second were made and the motion passed unanimously. Mary followed that up by reminding everyone about the upcoming Ladies’ Night Out, which takes place on May 5 at Farm 12 in Puyallup. At some point during her announcements, PJW graced Mary with a lei that he brought back from his trip to Hawaii, but he graciously stopped himself before repeating what he said to Patrick! Mary reminded us that guys can come to Farm 12 too and eat at the restaurant, then be chauffeurs to their inebriated better halves. Come on, guys, you know they deserve that! For further information: https://event.auctria.com/df6823c2-c7d6-441d-8dfe-9b9bb00ac381/
Above: Rick Selden at work in the Park
- Rick Selden reminded us about Parks Appreciation Day taking place on Saturday, April 22. Now that this event is complete, here is a list of the folks that showed up and spread wide swaths of bark at the playground at Fort Steilacoom Park: Jason Whalen and Gael; Mark Herr; Troy Wilcox; Rick Selden; Bill Potter; David Swindale; Greg Rediske; Bob Martin; Mark Blanchard; Dick Ferrell; Joe Quinn; Leanna Albrecht; Ron Banner; Don Daniels; and Ron Irwin. Hope no one was left out.
Above: Some of the crew
Apparently Bill Potter mentioned that there would be coffee and whiskey shots there. We are not sure whether that came to fruition. (It didn’t. Ed.)
- Tony Camoroda presented a great statistic about our Club: We are the third best club in District 5020 at member retention.
As for Aloha Bucks:
- Greg Horn said something about seeing his favorite Rotary president doing something cool, so he paid $5 for that.
- Angela Connelly mentioned that the clan went down to Disneyland with their five granddaughters. She forked over $50 for the pleasure.
- Barlow Buescher went down to Southern Utah because he always wanted to see rocks that didn’t have dirt on them. He paid $50 for that.
- PJW paid $50 for his Hawaii trip.
THE PROGRAM:
Rachel Mazoff then introduced our guest speaker, Terri Card. Rachel works closely with Terri who serves as the Outpatient COO for the Multicare Behavioral Health Network and CEO of Greater Lakes Mental Health (GLMH). After 45 years at GLMH, Terri is retiring in May. Before Terri became the program coordinator at GLMH, she was a member of the youth suicide prevention team. In addition to her work for GLMH, Terri has also worked tirelessly as an advocate for improved behavioral health services in our community. On top of all of this, Terri is a cancer survivor.
Above: Terri Card
Terri spoke to us about the explosion of homelessness and substance abuse in our community. She noted the various homeless individuals and camps, and vehicles that are clearly “homes” for people, not to mention the obviously mentally ill or substance-impacted individuals. There is not one underlying cause for all of this, but Terri did underline the following potential causes:
- Efforts to significantly reduce the census at Western State Hospital (WSH). That has resulted in persons that are seriously mentally ill ending up back out on the streets.
- Staffing and provider shortages
- Skyrocketing rents and home prices. In many cases, low wage earners cannot afford to rent an apartment on their own—individuals, couples and families have found themselves priced out of the market.
- An explosion of addiction, with meth and heroin being the main culprits. Terri lost a brother to meth and a cousin to alcoholism. Consequently, she understands the havoc that substance abuse can wreak on the mind, body and spirit of individuals.
- Untreated mental illness, and the combination of homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance abuse. Terri opined that she could not truly blame someone for turning to substances when they are “homeless and miserable.”
- Being less tough on crime
Terri noted various social-service organizations that are operating on a shoestring budget and how that impacts our ability to reach out to the affected communities.
So the question becomes, what can we do?
- Advocate for competitive pay rates for providers. We need more mental-health providers but we will not get as many if they are not well-compensated.
- Donate to organizations that support individuals in escaping homelessness.
- Don’t give out cash to unhoused persons. They are likely taking that money to get high. Instead, find McDonald’s gift cards or direct them to places where they can find food.
- There is no one answer because there is no single underlying cause. Terri would be suspicious of anyone that claims they have THE answer.
Terri opened it up to questions and she gave informative answers. We all can do our part in helping prevent homelessness and substance abuse, but it’s people like Terri that remind us of how we can do that. Congratulations on your well-earned retirement, Terri!
PJW rang the bell and drew the raffle ticket. John Lowney strolled to the front of the room and drew the white chip.
Above: A recent picture of Lakewood Rotarians at City Hall with Mayor Whalen and other city council members, as a big check for $11,000 plus was delivered to the city from Rotary
Rotary's Ansel Adams
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, April 16, 2023
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Lakewood Rotary’s Ansel Adams
(Walt Richardson)
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
The crowd was atwitter as President Elect Mary Horn appeared to be hovering around the podium where we usually see President Jason Whalen. Would it? Could it be Mary’s first meeting as almost President? Yes, it was! And who to blow the conch shell horn better than even Jason could but James Osundwa and Mary was off and running. Pres. Jason was supervising on zoom from Hawaii with some lame excuse about having to be there for some reason or another.
Guests of Rotarians included our exchange student Hans, and Puffin Tyler Parker brought his wife Lori and two month old son, Lincoln. Troy Wilcox brought his wife and Partner President, Stephanie, Jan Gee brought Susanna Keilman, John Magnuson brought wife, Bonnie and her friend Sharon Rediske, John Lowney brought his wife, Pam and Eric introduced his mom, Kirsten Quinn. Eric Warn reported that no news was good news in the Health and Wellness report.
On Saturday evening, we were all notified by Secretary Greg Rediske that Ed Shannon passed away. A memorial service will be scheduled soon. We scrambled to find some pictures of Ed Shannon and guess who had some on file—Walt Richardson. Here is our favorite of US Army Colonel and loyal Rotarian Ed Shannon:
Eric Warn introduced our Student of the Month from Clover Park School District’s Open Doors Reengagement Program – Tyriq Robinson. Supporting Tyriq were Sheila Hunt, his grandmother, Ron Banner, Clover Park School District Superintendent, and Principal Venetia Willis-Holbrook. Tyriq is a senior in the Open Doors program. He is self-motivated and goal oriented. He has completed 16 course credits since September and has a 3.4 GPA. He is excellent at advocating for himself and has a strong work ethic. His teachers and peers say Tyriq has one of the most positive attitudes. He enjoys being a role model to his younger siblings. Along with school, he has a part=time job. Tyriq thanked us for the recognition and wanted us to know that Open Doors is helping him graduate from high school. Congratulations, Tyriq!
Above: Tyriq Robinson, Student of the Month
PE Mary called up the Partners to present them with a whopping $10,783, their loot from the Dessert Dash at the Wine and Beer Festival. Mary congratulated them for their hard work and success as they are truly the worker bees of the club. Thank you from all of us! Greg Rediske asked for a motion to approve spending $3,000 on the new video at our web site. Moved, seconded and unanimously approved.
Anne Enquist got up and posed this question to the men: How many of you have a special woman in your life? Or several? Oddly, not very many hands went up and those that did were a bit timid. Then she asked if they wanted to be a hero to those women. A low murmur could sorta be heard. Here’s an easy way to do that, Anne said: buy them all a ticket to Ladies Night Out on May 5th at Farm 12! An early Mother’s Day present or just an “atta girl” prize. Anne said Steve Mazoff already bought five tickets for five special women in his life. It’s going to be great with music, tacos, drinks, chocolate, a photo booth, a raffle, chocolate, and shopping. Lots of shopping for things like pottery, cosmetics, jewelry, lotions, bath products, hand-made earrings, magnetic eyelashes, clothing, purses, vases and other glass pieces, things from Nepal, scarves and other art from the Asian Pacific group and much more. Just register in the Lakewoodrotary.com site where it says “Ladies Night Out.” If you are a guy and feeling left out, join Steve Enquist at the restaurant where he will be eating and waiting for an opportunity to assist the ladies. PE Mary said there might be a costume contest. All of this is to benefit Step by Step the nonprofit that helps needy women and children in this region (see recent LR program).
Steve Enquist told everyone to nominate a Rotarian of the Year and a Non-Rotarian of the Year and send him the info. Bill Potter observed that Lincoln Parker was sleeping like a log. Hahaha, not bad for a banker. Anyway, as chair of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library effort here at Lakewood Rotary, he announced that instead of a $50,000 request to the Lakewood City Council, he was going to propose $77,000, and that is way more than $50,000 in case we couldn’t add that fast. So come and support him in his request on Monday at 7:00 pm dressed in your best Rotary gear. Tyler Parker told everyone to come to one of his next estate sales – one in Lakewood and one in Auburn with a lot of cool stuff. He is going to donate the leftovers on Monday. He kicked in $5.00 Aloha bucks for the ad. You can check out his Facebook page at Epic Estate Sales and Cleanout for the details.
Bill Potter again grabbed the mic (or was it Greg Rediske?) and announced opening day for the Lakewood Baseball Club on Saturday, April 15th. Our club sponsors three teams so come and cheer them on. Opening day ceremony at 9:00 am at Field #1. Jan Gee asked when was the installation dinner. PE Mary was hesitant to advertise in case a bunch of people would want to come. Are you kidding? We are delighted to go-- out with the old (Jason) and in with the new (Mary). And no more of that freaking shell. It is on Friday, June 23rd at the club and Mary wants to celebrate all of the volunteers who make our club so successful and fun. There will be a surprise for Jason but don’t tell him so he’ll be surprised. Earth Day is on April 22nd starting at 9:00 am at Fort Steilacoom reported the mic hog, Bill Potter. Come and repair swing sets, clean, refresh and other stuff to make the park sparkle for the spring and summer.
Phil Eng, Fellowship Chair, said on Zoom that we are planning a night at the Tacoma Rainiers some time in August. Details to follow.
Generous Giving:
Aloha bucks came from Scott Buser for his trip to spring training, then Long Beach, CA to see his granddaughter and on to welcome a new granddaughter for which he paid $100. Rob Erb was sorry he missed telling us about his 46th wedding anniversary and he thought he’d mention but not brag about his hole-in-one. $70 from Rob and congrats on getting closer to 50 years of marriage. While this was going on, Greg Horn was jumping up and down waving a bill in his hand. Finally getting the mic, he said he really wanted to be the first to pay a fine on his wife’s first meeting but these other guys beat him to it. Greg proudly proclaimed his love for Mary and paid $20. Sorry Greg, but Jason still gets credit for it. Bob Martin’s son is working in Vietnam with shrimp aquaculture and proud papa paid $20. Mark Blanchard shared that Puffin Tyler found a coffee mug with a puffin on it and he’s donating it to the club. Good job, Tyler, way to suck up and get some puffin points. Tyler had four other Puffins in attendance with him.
The Program:
Above: Walt Richardson, our Speaker today
Next we turned to the program. Joe Quinn introduced our very own Walt Richardson. Joe reported that when he asked Walt for some kind of bio, he got enough info to fit on a postage stamp but as Joe went on, clearly Walt is not one to thump his chest. Walt has been in Lakewood since 1956 arriving with his family as an Army brat. He graduated from UHK (University of Hard Knocks) otherwise known as Poison Ivy League. He spent 16 years at KLAY, served in the Naval Reserves from 1968 beginning in the 11th grade and in the Navy became a broadcast journalist taking pictures on behalf of the Admiral of the 7th Fleet during the Vietnam War. After the Navy, he worked at radio stations in advertising sales and opened his own ad agency in 1975. He joined Rotary in 1984 and also operated a training companu for 25 years with information on how to train for anything you could think of. He worked much of his time from home. Walt retired in 2015 and returned to his first love of photography along with hiking, boating and cycling.
Above: More Walt pictures
Walt said this was his first time at Rotary with the microphone so he was a little nervous. That lasted a hot second and Walt led us on a wonderful journey of time with his incredible photographs. He got into photography when he was 12 years and other than the Navy, he quit to work at his jobs as it was time consuming. He said that coming back after being gone for 20 years, he was amazed at how much photography had changed mostly because it was now digital. He said he was still learning but you sure couldn’t tell to look at his pictures. If you missed the meeting, there is no way to describe the photos here. You’ll just have to beg Walt to share them with you on his own.
No wait: Walt was kind enough to share his whole presentation with us so we show here more pictures than the Lakewood Key has ever published. We can vote next week on your favorite.
Interspersed with nature pictures were some classic pictures of Lakewood Rotarians doing what they do best - smile and have fun. Walt showed pictures of airplanes, a sunset in Dupont, and described what a HDR (high dynamic range) picture was. That is three pictures combined on the computer to give better detail. Walt had pictures of the Nisqually wetlands and focused stacked some. That means seven pictures combined with a long exposure. He had pictures of Mount Rainier and Myrtle Falls stacked with nine photos. He even took the mosquitoes out of the picture. He used a projection flash that goes to 40 feet to get the unhappy monkeys and other animals in Costa Rica. There were pictures of Sequoia National Park and General Sherman the second oldest tree in America. He couldn’t get close to the oldest tree – General Grant-- but he shot some amazing pictures with people in them to show how big these trees really are.
Walt went to Glacier National Park and shot a panorama picture, which is three pictures combined. He went to the Prosser Balloon Festival, took pics of the dahlias at Point Defiance Park and jelly fish at the Aquarium. He had pictures of eagles at Big Beef Creek, animals at Northwest Trek and some with layering making the picture appear three dimensional. There were several pictures of Yosemite National Park, including Half Dome and Three Brothers that were astonishing. Walt likes to go to photo workshops and had some pictures of his fellow photogs in New Mexico. Greg Horn asked him how long he spent on developing a picture and Walt answered between five minutes to an hour. Wife Tanya had a more accurate answer: sometimes he takes hours! Walt doesn’t sell his pictures and he talked about how the light is different in the morning and evening making the pictures clearer. Thank you, Walt for sharing your wonderful pictures!
Steve Mazoff won the raffle but guess what….five dollars.
Famous Lakewood Rotarians?
By Gregory J. RediskeSunday, April 9, 2023
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Famous Lakewood Rotarians
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom Went the Meeting…..
Zooming began precisely at 12 noon on Good Friday, April 7, 2023, with the erudite conversation between Carole Wier and Greg Rediske. Carole is coming out west for two weeks, possibly in May, and will be attending two of our meetings in person! There’s a heat wave going on in Wayzata: 44 and sunny. She loves her Zoom Rotary meetings, but is having trouble with her printer. Greg has Covid, 10 days running. Yuck. Phil Eng joined the high-falutin talk with news of their April 23rd departure from Indio. Then came David Swindale who has carpet people in the house. John Magnuson was next up, and all erudite conversation came to a close. Perhaps because he’s Swedish, but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that it occurred because his Excellency the Mayor of Lakewood and President of Lakewood Rotary politely told us to shut up: all that excellent conversation was putting too high of a standard out there for the remainder of the meeting.
Above: Barlow got us thinking about justice
Barlow Buescher gave the thought for the day, prodding us to consider who we will be in order to create more justice in the world. Those wise words were followed by the Pledge, perhaps led by Hank Kerns. Tom George got the main credit for the sound set up, Barlow was at the $2.00 table, Gary Fulton and Joel Vranna were collecting Paul Harris funds, and Walt Richardson was taking photos with his 55-pound camera. Ron Irwin introduced Brennan Lowry, long-time Lakewood-ite and potential member (we hope). Jim Weinand introduced wife Jennie, while El Presidente recognized Puffins Hank Kerns, Joel Vranna and Dick Ferrell. Eric Warn called upon Steve Mazoff to report on seeing Ed Shannon, who is in hospice at home. John Lowney and Jim Rooks also visited Ed, and he is most open to visitors: just call first. Jayne Shannon will be undergoing shoulder surgery.
Paul Harris: There were to be seven presentations, but only Gary Fulton was in the house. Gary is a major, major donor. So major you can’t believe it. (To Ole: That’s “major, major”, not Major Major Major of Catch 22 fame….)
Above: Major Donor Gary Fulton
Rose Stevens took the podium to ask for approval of $3205 of Club money for a water project in Nepal that will service a town of 700. The request was approved unanimously. Over $60K is involved, with participants from Rotary clubs in Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Nepal, and Districts 5030 and 5020 (and RI, of course).
And now for some more news, timely or not……
Famous Lakewood Rotarians: Christopher Kimball
From the TNT, March 25, 2003
“Drummers to target polio, world record”
Tacoma financial adviser Chris Kimball’s “special job” at weekly Tacoma Rotary meetings is keeping time during the national anthem. This week he’s parlaying that into something a bit bigger: helping eradicate polio worldwide by breaking the Guiness record for the most drummers performing together on sets. He’ll attempt it at a “concert” in a Tacoma Narrows Airport hangar, led by Seattle Symphony’s leader, Gerard Schwarz.
The record to beat is 120 drummers, and as of last week more than 60 had signed up.
“When I first joined Rotary 3 or 4 years ago, I didn’t know what it did except fix up parks,” Kimball said. “I found out it has been fighting polio since the 1970s. It looks as though by the year 2005, they will have done it, and polio will be 100% eradicated from the planet.”
Rotary International has already raised $400 million, and estimates needing $80 million more.
Before he had kids 10 years ago and “got a real job,” he was a professional drummer in jazz and gospel bands, even once performing as a guest with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker.
Radio personality Pat Cashman, whom Kimball knew from his pro drumming days, agreed to emcee. The radio stations donated $25,000 in advertising. The rock stars---Alan White (Yes), Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick), and Mike Derosier (Heart)---cleared their schedules.
“We still need more drummers, but I’m pretty sure we’re going to do it,” Kimball said. “This is like a snowball rolling down a hill now.”
Chris, 2023: The first year we got 264 which broke the record by more than double.
The next year at the Tacoma Done we had 502. The largest was in 2006 at Quest Event Center with 534. Birmingham, England broke our record a few years later with something like 585, then in 2012 China broke the record with 1200 (!) kids playing matching drum sets while wearing matching uniforms, too, I believe. You can see that on YouTube.
However, for two of our Woodstick events we used a webcam to connect our event with 14 other cities across the US and Canada and coordinated over 1400 drummers playing simultaneously. Unfortunately, there was no classification at Guiness for that so it never made it into the record books. I am looking into doing a 20-year anniversary Woodstick this year.
Famous Lakewood Rotarians: Stephen Mazoff:
Steve’s cousin is Jeff Barry, who wrote some of the most memorable songs of the 60's
"Tell Laura I Love Her', 'Da Doo Ron Ron', 'Be My Baby', 'Baby I Love You', 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy' and the Archies’ classic "Sugar, Sugar"
Originally setting out to be a recording star, Jeff Barry became one of the most respected pop songwriters within the Brill Building complex of the '60s, not an easy accomplishment considering the fact that Barry's in-house competition included Neil Diamond, Carole King, and Neil Sedaka. A struggling New Yorker, Barry's fortunes changed considerably when he met his future wife and songwriting partner, Ellie Greenwich, at a party in 1962. Within a short time of teaming up, the duo had an appointment at Don Kirshner's songwriting factory, New York City's famous Brill Building. Ushered into the business by Leiber & Stoller, Barry and Greenwich began writing and arranging for the groups signed to Phil Spector's Philles label. The smash hits "Da Do Ron Ron" and "Be My Baby" resulted from the time spent with Spector and, by 1964, Barry and Greenwich were an integral part of the staff at Leiber and Stoller's newly formed Redbird Records. Largely regarded by pop aficionados as the mecca for the "girl group" sound, the staff at Redbird, which also included producer George "Shadow" Morton, produced tightly crafted, musically sophisticated songs that were the pop equivalent of the kind of rock operas the Who would later write. The Barry/Greenwich-penned "Leader of the Pack," with its revving motorcycle engine and girlish screams of terror, was a fine example of the songs that the label was crafting at the time. Barry and Greenwich continued to write hit records throughout the '60s, such as the seminal "River Deep, Mountain High" and the Beach Boys' 1969 hit "I Can Hear Music," their songs changing with the times, but still retaining the essence of their earlier Brill Building days. After the marriage broke up, their creative partnership did as well and while Greenwich went on to become a session vocalist, Barry became a staff producer at A&M Records. Throughout the '70s, he worked with Neil Diamond, the Monkees, and Van Morrison, among others.
Photo: Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich Courtesy of Greg R.
Steve says, “No autographs, please.”
And Lakewood Rotary itself is famous! See the article written by Leanna Albrecht in the CPSD Inside Schools magazine:
https://app.eduportal.com/share/bbb53db2-cf0d-11ed-88ba-06c64aa3b8d4
And now, we bring you back to our regularly scheduled meeting….
Past President, Past Assistant Governor, Past District Governor but still number one in our hearts, Greg Horn recognized dates of significance in the absence of virtually all of the people aligned with the significant dates. It was, as alluded to, a light turnout. Birthdays went to Betz, Clapper, Edgecomb, Irwin (Donn), Livingston, Titus, White (Bill) and Williams. Marlin, Saalfeld and Spriggs are all 7-year Rotarians, Prentice is at 17 years and Kimball at 22. On the marriage front: Bob Cammarano has been married for 68 years to Stacia!
Aloha and Generous Giving:
Donn Irwin, $100 ($5 for his birthday, $95 for 38 years of marriage to Debbie)
John Magnuson, $39 for Bonnie’s 39th birthday.
Bill Potter, $50 for being on the winning side of marriage (to Sue) and with First Citizens Bank, which recently completed their 22nd bank acquisition since Bill joined the company. Coincidence? I think not….
Tom George, $100. Tom recently met a fellow Rotarian with whom he had a lively conversation about fellowship among other things. Days later, Tom learned he had died. Tom accidentally dialed his phone and ended up talking at length to the man’s 22-year-old daughter, which became a satisfying and emotional conversation. Bravo, Tom.
Joe Quinn was MIA, meaning Kris Quinn was able to join the Rotary ski vacation solo. She had a good time, so Joe paid $10. Aghast, Steve Mazoff called Joe “cheap”, and chipped in an additional $10 because having Kris was a delight.
Lastly, Mary Horn paid nothing for announcing the Ladies Night Out event on May 5 at Farm 12. An early Mother’s Day gift, all???
Above; State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti
Program:
The good mayor of Lakewood introduced the 24th Treasurer of the State of Washington, Mike Pellicciotti. Mike was elected in the 2020 election after serving two terms in the State House. He is a former Fulbright scholar, which according to Jason pales in comparison to his being educated at Gonzaga. After directing praise at our own superb treasurer, John Lowney, he noted his four job oversights:
- Manage $35B of investments
- Manage $22B (bonds) of debt
- Monitor $1/3T in cash flow yearly
- Participate in financial policy management, including $180B in pension fund oversight.
Bob Martin: Change the name of Tax Increment Financing: it has nothing to do with taxes! Mike said, agreed, let’s call it TIF.
Chris Kimball/Jan Gee: 7% Capital Gains tax: what about it? Mike responded that he encouraged the delay of implementation until the legal results came in: which was decided at the State Supreme Court. He doesn’t expect a US Supreme Court challenge to markedly affect it.
John Magnuson: What about funding on PERS 1 and TERS 1 (oldest pension funds)? These are the least funded (65%), but are not in danger, said Mike. The overall strength of pension funding allows the Board to use a good balance in investments, including real estate and other long term investments.
Joe Quinn: Thanks for the LOCAL funding help available to local governments and especially fire districts (Joe’s particular interest).
Bill Potter: Security and fraud risks? Mike’s department checks weekly with federal authorities (FBI, etc.) to access potential dangers. They do deal with 20-25 fraudulent checks/payments every month.
Excellent work, all. Does my heart good to know we have such smart people in this club to ask such intelligent questions, demanding good answers.
And the winning ticket for the drawing went to: Troy Wilcox! $5.00! (not $630)
Steve Martin:
"Boy, those French—they have a different word for everything!"
And lastly, from the Post Meeting Peanut Gallery:
“For those who haven’t heard PP and Secretariat Greg Rediske, Commissar of Lakewood Water District, is being recognized today as the Lakewood Washington Honored Representative for National Beer Day. He comes to this honor through decades of attention to the consumption of beer. Let’s hear it for Greg!” (Ole)
“I couldn’t be hoppier to hear this!” (Steve Saalfeld)
“I can barely contain myself with joy for GR. I almost had a malt down.” (Donn Irwin)
“Oh Donnnnn and Steve! You are true BUD ing punsters!” (Ole)
Wine, Beer Equals Big Bucks . . . and a WOW Farm 12 Presentation
By Donn IrwinSunday, April 2, 2023
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Wine, Beer Equal Big Bucks….and a WOW Farm12 Presentation
Donnn Irwin
For the benefit of those that may have been late to Zoom or the physical meeting, I must report that Past District Governor Greg Horn (PDG Greg) gave everyone a start before the actual meeting was called to order. It was 12:21PM and folks were busy either getting food, eating and or chatting when suddenly the bell rang. Although somewhat startled and much like a Pavlovian response, after years of training, the collective started to rise for the start of the meeting. PDG Greg evidently realized what had happened and, after a brief pause, let everyone know that it was, in fact, not the start of the meeting – he just wanted attention – everyone’s attention, so that he could sell bottles of wine left over from the Wine & Beer event the prior Friday.
1889- the Eiffel Tower is dedicated in Paris
Our Zoomers today included Eric Quinn, Nicole Hancock, Greg Rediske, John Magnuson and Carol Wier (I know there were more I just didn’t get all the names – sorry I missed you).
Why is it called marijuana possession and not joint custody?
The set-up crew was there in full force – thank you!! Jan Gee was the SAA and raffle ticket hawker while Steve Enquist took care of the Paul Harris money. ($110.00 was collected). Donnnnnn Irwin did the writing and phenomenal photography was accomplished by that whacky wizard of wonderful images, Walt Richardson.
Visiting Rotarians: That quiet, received young lady from Puyallup South Hill, Suzzanne Johnston. She was accompanied by fellow South Hill Rotarian, Mike Mayor.
I was absolutely devastated when my wife told me my 5-year-old son wasn't mine. She also said I needed to pay more attention at school pickup.
1854 - Treaty of Kanagawa signed with Japan:
In Tokyo, Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, representing the U.S. government, signs the Treaty of Kanagawa with the Japanese government, opening the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American trade and permitting the establishment of a U.S. consulate in Japan.
Guests of Rotarians: Anne Enquist introduced Sally Saunders as her guest (good to see Sally). Mary Marlin introduced Alishia Ryan. James Osundwa proudly introduced his lovely wife, Shiru. Angela Connelly brought a group to the meeting that included our speaker, Krista Linden, Krista’s sister Trisha, Crystal Westcott and Mary Spriesterbach. Guests from Habitat for Humanity were Sherrana Kildun and Ellie Wilson.
Puffins were introduced and then Eric Warn was called on to let us know that fellow Rotarian Ed Shannon is on home Hospice. Ed is taking visitors and would love to visit BUT please call first. Ed bought the winning Wine & Beer Festival raffle ticket and won just shy of $5000.00!!
Announcements: John Lowney reported on preliminary (but very close to being final) financial results of the Wine & Beer Festival. $120k gross!! Almost $50k for next year’s giving budget (that’s just for the Wine & Beer festival and doesn’t include the other fund-raising activities). Congratulations Lakewood Rotarians!! PJW recognized Bill Potter for his efforts as coordinator for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Mary Horn let us know about the upcoming Parks and Recreation on 4/22 from 9-noon as well as reminding us the District Conference is coming up on May 19th and 20th in Victoria BC. Also, see her if you have a certificate from the Wine & Beer festival.
Wild Bill Potter regained the microphone. He first announced that an $8,000 award from the Club to Habitat for Humanity closed out our portion of the funding for the Claudia Thomas Legacy House. Sherrana Kildun and Ellie Wilson accepted the check on behalf of the organization and expressed their gratitude. Next, Bill informed us that at the April 17th Lakewood City Council Meeting the Club would get recognition for our swing sets and Dolly Parton Imagination work. Lastly, Bill asked for volunteers to help as a work party on Earth Day – 4/22.
I just spent $100 on a new belt and it didn't even fit......huge waste.
Fines – Dave Coleman 54 years wedded and $54.00 lighter in the wallet. Bob Hammar and John Lowney both announced new great grandchildren and paid the price for it. Phil Eng paid for a new grandson. Congratulations to all of you. Good to know that our children are supplying the world with new Rotarians. Steve Enquist mentioned Cinco de Mayo and Sun River and paid money for that. The permanently tanned Don Daniels went to Mexico again for a couple of weeks on “Rotary Business” and Mary Horn “borrowed “money from Greg (he thinks he’s going to get it back) to remind us about Ladies Night Out on May 5th (circles back to Steve’s Cinco de Mayo thing).
New Blue Badgers: Joel Vranna and Mark Herr. Congrats to both!
1943 - "Oklahoma!" premieres on Broadway
PJW mentioned something about art and tanks on Motor Ave and called on John Caufield to say something about the art installation. John Caufield informed his boss (PJW- aka Mayor Whalen) that he is not in charge of art. He’s in charge of getting the money to get the art…...but, never-the-less, John encouraged us all to come out and see the new art installation right off of Motor Ave and Gravelly Lake. PJW reminded us that the last Friday of every month is designated to bringing food items for the Little Free Pantry project.
1959 – The Dalai Lama begins exile: The Dalai Lama, fleeing the Chinese suppression of a national uprising in Tibet, crosses the border into India, where he is granted political asylum.
Angela Connelly came forward to introduce a remarkable woman – Krista Linden, Founder of Step by Step/Farm 12/Fika. Krista is the mother of seven (yes, 7) daughters. For most mortals that would be more than enough to handle in their lifetime. For Krista, not so much. She is college educated, a teacher and a human dynamo. Writer’s note: Krista attended Bethel University (Formerly Bethel College) in Minn. The School of Education there was started by the aunt of a dear friend of mine who has spoken at our club and is a past Rotary Scholar that studied in India for a year through the Ellensburg Rotary Club). Krista mentioned a couple of things before she got into her presentation. She mentioned that she didn’t start Farm 12 to be in the restaurant business and that she grew up on a farm (in Colorado I think).
There is usually a point in time or a circumstance/happening that occurs in a person’s life that affects them in such a way as to do something – for Krista this event occurred when, as new teacher, she looked into the face a 1st grade girl and realized she was staring into “soulless” eyes. She found out that the reason the young girl had that look was because she had Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The effect on her was profound. After having her first child she still remembered the encounter and after having her second child she decided to do something to help at risk mothers and families and to improve prenatal and infant care among other things. Twenty-six years later has yielded 25,000 women referred to Step by Step.
Krista never wanted to be a fund raiser but has raised millions and millions of dollars since starting this organization. She wanted to be able to provide an engine to provide the dollars necessary to teach women not just job skills but the life skills that they didn’t have to be able to make it on their own. She started Farm 12 just before Covid – talk about perfect timing! She didn’t lay anyone off. Her goal was to be profitable after 5 years. They were profitable after 3 years.
She has vision for doing more and just signed papers on an additional 6 acres of land across the road from their current spot. Her plan is turn this into a farm that kids and their families will run. She also has her mind set to get another 10 acres adjacent to the new 6 acres in order to develop the property into affordable housing.
Krista shared with us how incredibly hard this journey has been but she is excited for future. Too bad some of you missed this one. Go to their website for much more information on this amazing organization. https://www.stepbystepfamily.org “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ? Margaret Mead
Mary Marlin won the drawing and was rewarded with $5.00.
If were born on March 31st you have some famous birth mates:
J.S. Bach (1685)
Renee Descartes (1596)
Cesar Chavez (1927)
Shirley Jones and Richard Chamberlain (1934)
Herb Alpert (1935)
Rhea Perlman and former VP Al Gore (1948)
Wine and Beer Fest Success!
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, March 26, 2023
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Success at the First Annual Wine and Beer Festival
The Lakewood Key for March 24, 2023
ByPaula Olson
The meeting before the fabulous First Annual Wine and Beer Festival was short and sweet, particularly because the President Pro Tem, Past President Mark Edgecomb started it three (yes, it’s true and verified by several people) minutes (at least it wasn’t hours) late! His excuse was he conversing with Jim Sharp about important business, which being a first responder makes him a VIP so we suffered through it.
Above: Proof—this photo was snapped at precisely 12:30!
Paula Olson gave the invocation and Rob Erb led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Meeting set up included the usual hard- working members: Rob Erb, James Oswanda, and Wynn Hoffman. Gary Fulton took money for the Foundation, John Lowney took Aloha bucks, Linda Disney did double duty at both the $2.00 table and Sergeant at Arms, and Walt Richardson took photos. Now we get the matter of who was doing the bulletin.
No one it seemed. Well who was supposed to do the bulletin, inquiring minds wanted to know? No one knew. A mystery that was solved later. John Magnuson was assigned March 24th to write the bulletin. Where was John? Nowhere to be found. Yes, faithful readers, he was a no show. Turns out that he didn’t think there was a meeting. Don’t give him a hard time. Some folks just take a little longer to get used to the Lakewood Rotary Meeting schedule. So yours truly, having a couple of pieces of paper handy, took notes.
Not to defend John, but it was a sparse crowd because many people were at the McGavick Center getting the place spruced up for the festival. More about that later, see below. Tony Camorada, our soon-to-be District Governor was present as was his trainee Bill Potter. Our favorite honorary member, Carole Wier was present on zoom basking in a heat wave up to 40 degrees. She paid $50 aloha bucks for her good luck. Three Puffins were present but no visiting Rotarians and no guests of Rotarians. Greg Rediske gave the Sunshine report (now known as the Health and Wellness report). Greg reported that Dave Betz is very well and recovering from his accident in Hawaii, neck brace and all.
Announcements: Go help at the McGavick Center! Well, too late, since you are probably reading this no sooner than Sunday. Paula Olson relayed a message from Sally Porter Smith who graced us with her presence and computer savvy at the festival. Sally via Paula reminded everyone to log in your credit card number on your festival account to smooth the payment process at the event. In the Aloha Bucks segment, John Lowney paid $20 to defer his report of the Sunriver event to next week. Yorleny Clapper (pronounced Jor-lehn-ee) was excited to tell us about the World Language Connection, a nonprofit foreign language school for youth that she is a part of has started up its programs again after being out of commission during covid. This organization provides study for students to learn about the different accents in the Spanish language and the different cultures of people who speak Spanish. When they started up again, they thought they’d only have a few student but 26 registered. She kicked in $10.
Above: Yorleny Clapper
PP Mark asked for people to rat on a Rotarian. Joe Quinn ratted on himself, and showed off yet another gold medal to add to his collection, for becoming the USA Weightlifting Masters National Champion for the fifth time. This is in the 75 years and older category. He lifted 150 pounds in the clean and jerk event, and 120 pounds in the snatch, The competition was held at Valley Forge, PA. Joe donated $100. Congrats, Joe!! We are so proud of you. PP Jim Rooks paid $20 because Mark was doing such a good job.
Mark ended this session of Aloha Bucks to make sure that wallets stayed fat enough for the auction at the festival. The drawing made Barb Spriggs $5.00 richer. At 12:50 pm, the shortest Lakewood Rotary meeting in history ended. And that’s why the bulletin is the shortest one ever.
Above: Thanks Mark Edgecomb for stepping up
Now here is a report on the festival. Oh my goodness, it was a blast! Well over 300 people turned out to eat some great appetizers, sample some great wine from eight vineyards and beer from three breweries. People bid on silent auction items in the privacy of their phones. Everywhere you looked you saw happy faces catching up with friends and milling around. We all learned what a Rustic Italian dinner was – chicken in a delicious white sauce, pasta with red sauce and the usual sides, all catered by Gallucci’s. The Partners provided an amazing selection of desserts where you could take your time perusing in preparation for dashing later in the evening. Word is the Partners netted $10,000 or more from the Dessert Dash.
Our Master of Ceremonies was: who else—President Jason Whalen-- and Bill Potter tried his hand as the auctioneer. When that time of the event happened, excitement flowed through the hall and everyone got out their white bid cards. Some of the oral auction items included a Seabrook getaway, Park City Wine Festival lodging in Park City, Utah, American Lake Progressive dinner, and the usual Five Rotarians Run the Yard as well as the African Safari. There was a lot of back and forth, and friendly bidding “wars” so everyone had a great time. Silent auction items included original wooden bowls by Bud Montgomery and clay plants from Marilyn Montgomery, cocktail class with Seamus Phillips, a Mission Impossible movie and BBQ at the Country Club and more. As of today, the goal was to raise $100,000 for all of our projects in the Lakewood community and your generosity hoisted that goal up and over to the tune of $126,972!! Wow, a raging success.
Above: What a Success! Thanks to all
Lakewood Rotary Celebrates St. Patrick's Day
By Gayle SeldenSunday, March 19, 2023
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Lakewood Rotary Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
By
Gayle Selden
The room was filled with shade of green including festive Green Beers. Only one member had forgotten a little green and that was Assistant Governor Elect & PP Bill Potter. Lucky for him he was seated next to me, Gayle Selden. President Mayor Jason Whalen blew the conch and saved Bill from pinching fingers.
Barlow Buescher provided the thought for the day and John Caufield led the Pledge of Allegiance. Jason thanked the hardest working set up crew in all the land: Tom George, James Oswanda, Rob Erb and Wynn Hoffman. Jason welcomed the zoomers and we heard about Carol Wier’s 13 degree walk.
We welcomed visiting Rotarians Helen McGovern-Pilant from Passport and Carolyne Maina from Nairobi. John Caulfield brought along our new City of Lakewood Police Chief Patrick Smith, most recently from Birmingham, Alabama. Mary Moss brought Geoff Bullock from Harborstone Credit Union for his second visit. Mark Blanchard brought his son, Tom, to hear more about the Tacoma Art Museum.
Murphy was arrested and sent for trial for armed bank robbery. After due deliberation, the jury foreman stood up and announced, ‘Not guilty!’ ‘That’s grand,’ shouted Murphy, ‘Does that mean I get to keep the money?’
Wendy McGowen shared her Rotary story which began with her father. He was a Rotarian and brought Wendy to father-daughter meetings (something his club did every year). Her husband Mike loved Rotary as much as her dad. Wendy and Mike helped begin the Next Step program mentoring high school youths to get ready for college. She is thankful for Steve and Anne Enquist carrying it forward. She also mentioned Mike’s love for the Rotary Foundation. Mike asked Wendy to Join Rotary with him when women were allowed to join. She declined to have enough time for her business, chamber board and as a mom. Wendy highlighted other men who influenced her Rotary experience including Russ Klauser, Greg Rediske, and John Lowney. She is very thankful that John asked her to join the club.
Jason shared a video that was created with a combination of District PR money and ours. It will be shown at the Wine Fest and used on our social media channels.
Bill Potter stood up and modeled his new accessory - the green, country club napkin. Bill talked more in depth about the Dolly Parton Imagination library. This well-established national program as well as located in Pierce County, Gig Harbor, and numerous other areas around the state. We are covering zip codes 98499, 98498 and 98933. Our three-year commitment expectation is $58,000. This project is being consider for City ARPA funds. There will be state matching funds and we are looking for other community partners in the area (school district, other service clubs). This program provides books, one every month, to kids 0-5 who sign up in our area. Books are currently available in English and Spanish.
What does it mean when you find a horseshoe in Ireland?
Some poor horse is going barefoot.
Carl Bronkema represented the Military Appreciation Committee asked for the club’s support in providing $2,000 toward the Lewis McChord High School Scholarships. That was moved, seconded and passed by the membership attending.
Ralph Lockhart added to the President’s coffers with a 67th anniversary celebration and a history lesson. Lakewood Rotary was founded on March 16, 1956. Jim Sharp added to the Aloha fund in recognition of our West Pierce Firefighters who climbed the Columbia Tower in honor of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society at the Big Climb. West Pierce had the 11th fastest man and the fastest women climber out of an international field of competitors.
Gayle Selden reminded all that our big 1st Annual Wine and Beer Festival is next Friday, March 24th. We have ten wineries and two breweries coming. We will also have nonalcoholic beverages to taste and enjoy. Guests will enjoy the tasting prior to a “Rustin” Italian fest. We will have a live auction and Raise the Paddle. In addition, guests will be able to purchase wine or beer to take home at the end of the evening. 30% of the proceeds will go back to our club on all of the wine purchased so fill up your wine cellars. As of Sunday we still have 60 seats to fill. So get your tickets and bring your friends. https://fundraiser.bid/LakewoodRotaryWineandBeerFestival.
The barman says to Paddy “Your glass is empty, fancy another one?”
Lookin’ puzzled Paddy says “Why know would I be needed two empty feckin glasses?
Helen McGovern-Pilant, our friend from Passport, Past President of Clover Park Rotary, Emergency Food Network and past Lakewood City Council member. Helen is currently working as the Interim Director of the Tacoma Art Museum. Although Helen doesn’t have a lot of experience in Art but she enjoys getting to learn the puzzle of the organization. She just finished a stint at Work Force Central for six months and TAM interim should be about five while they find a new Director.
Helen filled us in on some fun facts at Tacoma Art Museum. TAM is the anchor of the museum district in Downtown Tacoma. There are 5,300 pieces of art in their collection. TAM has the largest Chihuly collection in the world. The largest Western Art Collection is housed in the Hauge Gallery. The Seattle Benaroya family has gifted their art collection to the Tacoma Art Museum. The Benaroya addition currently houses 255 works and the rest of their collections comes after Mrs. Benaroya passes.
Helen also shared a video titled Passion, Pleasure and Power the story of Camille in Color. We learned about damn Magenta, the bad boys of color and getting into and out of the depths of her art. It will be a fun collection displayed at the museum currently.
The luck of the Irish was with Dwight Williams as he won both the raffle and Tacoma Art Museum prize packet.
Why can’t you borrow money from a leprechaun?
Cos they’re always a little short.
Paddy's Lament
By Stephen SaalfeldSunday, March 12, 2023
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The Lakewood Key
‘Twas the week before St. Patrick’s day when all through the flock, Rotarians were stirring with dreams of shamrock.
The conch was hung by the podium with care, with hopes that Mayor Whalen soon would be there.
The Rotarians were nestled all snug in their places, while visions of green beer gleamed on their faces.
And Dolly in her heels and me in my chair had just settled in for a conch’s shrill blare.
When up near the podium, there arose such a blast, I worried “did that come from Jason’s…”
******************
IMPORTANT NEWS BULLETIN: We interrupt this butchered holiday classic with an important Rotary update! Please stand by for an assuredly incomplete rundown on what happened at today’s meeting.
President Whalen blew the sacred conch at precisely 12:31 p.m. to call the meeting to order. Clint Johnson blessed this mess and Dwight had us all “pledge allegiance to the flag...”
Thank yous were uttered for those who make the mics hot and put the “zoo” in “Zoom”, namely, Tom George, James Osundwa and Rob Erb. We were reminded that John Lowney would be the official “picker of pockets” on this fine Friday afternoon while some guy named Saalfeld would be memorializing today’s meeting much like a Homeric epic poem (though most agreed with this particular writer it would come out more like a low-budget 1980’s sitcom complete with big hair and leg warmers). Our Photographer today is Walt Richardson.
Visiting Rotarians included Lonnie Davis, Joyce Albright and Suzanne Johnston (I knew Suzanne from my days in Puyallup where she was in the South Hill club while I was with the rascals downtown. She eventually forgave me).
Guests of Rotarians: Jim Weinand introduced his wife Jenny while Donn Irwin introduced his friend Janet Runbeck. It is also notable that today’s meeting featured a cardboard cutout of Dolly Parton that is rumored to have filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the entire slate of Lakewood Rotary Officers for “conduct unbecoming a Rotarian.” Mary Horn introduced Dolly along with Angela French of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL). DPIL will be the cause for this year’s Rotary Wine and Beer Festival and the funding will help support early childhood literacy in our community. Our club’s generous support may also lead to all charges being dropped and our club officers released just in time for our auction.
Yorleny Clapper proudly claimed her blue badge and handed over her red one like it was day-old puffin-on-a-stick.
Wellness: Eric Warn called on Joe Quinn, who shared that he’ll be attending the National Masters (old people) weightlifting championships next week in Pennsylvania, where he’ll be seeking his 5th gold medal.
Above: John Korsmo
Rotary Spotlight: John Korsmo shared a bit about his 30-ish years in Lakewood Rotary. He was sponsored by his dad who back in the days of the old classification system had to wait years before he could join the club thanks to a rival contractor who didn’t like the idea of Korsmo-the-senior stealing his Rotary thunder.
John remembers being the youngest member when he joined and invoked the names of many of our Rotary forefathers including Mike McGowan with his death-grip handshake. John developed a” passion for puffins” (but is no longer Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs) and made it his mission to ensure new members felt welcome from the day they joined Lakewood Rotary.
He also learned the hard way what happens when the old guys say “Hey we need someone to take over our big annual event” and you don’t immediately dive in the nearest lake. He soon found himself in charge of the Wild Game Dinner which included large bags of freshly (we hope) hunted ducks and geese being delivered on his front porch for him to clean. In the days of yore, Rotarians actually hunted the game served at the fundraiser. The event eventually became The Sportsman’s Dinner and today the Beer and Wine Festival. Now I hate to alarm you Rotarians, but I think this is proof that we’ve gotten soft. We started out hunting and gathering dinner for our event and now sip wine and nibble on cheese with our pinkies in the air. Somewhere in heaven, Mike McGowan is shaking his head in disbelief.
Birthdays and Anniversaries:
Greg Horn honored Rotarians with birthdays including Eric Quinn, Ron Banner and David Swindale who all paid healthy fines for the privilege of getting older. Greg asked them to answer one of three questions. In response, Eric said the best advice he ever received was from his father, who said “Buy and hold” (which may explain his weightlifting prowess—Buy and hold Joe! Buy and hold!). Ron said his dearly departed dad, a 26-year Army veteran encouraged him to “Never quit”. Ron added that if he could have dinner with anyone living or dead, he would choose his parents. David’s dad, who completed a Master’s degree in math, urged his son simply to “Study math.” By my calculations that has worked out pretty well for David, so his dad must have been a wise man.
Paul Harris: President Whalen received his THIRD Paul Harris fellow. Steve Enquist would have presented the pin to Jason, but as it was already mailed to Jason’s house, the middleman was limited to describing the beauty of the pin (I cranked up my imaginator and can assure you all—it’s gorgeous).
Above: Kyra Cooper
Educator of the month: Kyra Cooper was honored for her work as a 5th grade teacher at Oakbrook Elementary. Kyra’s success with her students boils down to building a strong routine, great relationships and expert use of assessment and data to maximize student’s learning.
Auction: Jan Gee passed around the auction sign-up and browbeat, er, I mean, implored her fellow Rotarians to sign up for the auction already. Five volunteers signed up last week and more are needed. Contact Jan if you weren’t at the meeting and would like to sign up to help out with this important event. Rick Selden reminded us all NOW is the time to register for our auction on March 24th as we need to get catering totals in soon.
Clover Park Rotary Invitational: We were lucky enough to have a member of the Clover Park club invite friends, neighbors and even enemies (I may have made a few of the latter if I keep up this bulletin writing…) to their annual fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day at the McGavick Center. A great way to get in the habit of showing up at the McGavick Center on Friday night for our event the following week!
Grants:
A motion was made, seconded and heartily approved to allocate $9290 to the Global Grant for cardiac equipment. In addition, the club also approved making the Dolly Parton Imagination Library our Fund-a-Need cause for our auction. We will commit to this charity for four years total.
Generous Giving: One member reported he hasn’t been wearing his badge at meetings because we have a badge thief in our midst. I would tell you his name, but did I mention HE WASN’T WEARING A BADGE?--and I’m still kind of new and bad with names. But he also sold a condo and donated a large handful of Aloha dollars. (Aha. It was Dave Reames. Ed.)
Above: Heather Moss
Today’s program: Greg Horn introduced Pierce County Director of Human Services, Heather Moss.
Heather came to our club to share the county’s efforts to deal with homelessness in our area. He told us we need to remember that homelessness is not a single problem, but a river that requires constant attention. They ultimately know what to do to solve the problem but lack the resources to get it all done. She stressed the need for regional cooperation to achieve success.
Some highlights of her talk:
-We’ve seen a large uptick in homelessness in our area in the last 10-20 years that coincides with the decrease in the availability of mental health facilities and increased housing costs.
-Our county is about 2780 shelter beds short of meeting the full need (4300 needed).
Above: Linda Disney took this screenshot
-There are lots of holes in the system to fully meet the community’s needs.
-It would cost $126 million annually to meet zero homelessness.
-85% of our local homeless population reports that they are only five miles from their last residence.
There was no drawing today, but all are urged to put their dollars into auction tickets for 3/24! Until next time Rotarians, may your clover leaves count four. Or better yet, a few classic Irish blessings to whet your whistles for March 17:
May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.
May the Good Lord take a liking to you—but not too soon.
May you live long, die happy, and rate a mansion in heaven.
May the grass grow long on the road to hell for want of use.
May you be a half hour in heaven before the devil knows you’re dead.
May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent.
Steve Saalfeld,
Crazy, Just Crazy
By Gregory J. RediskeSunday, March 5, 2023
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Crazy. Just crazy.
The Lakewood Key for March 3, 2023
It started out normal enough, until precisely 12:02 p.m., when President Whalen himself actually entered the room. 12:02!! Not 12: 27, not 12:23, but 12:02! I let out a shocked “Holy Cow!”, only to be chastised by Tom George for my “swearing”. (It did take me a couple seconds to remember that Tom was born in India….)
The Helpers: Jan Gee, $2.00 ticket sales; Mark Edgecomb, raffle ticket/money sales acceptance; Steve Enquist, Paul Harris collection; Bob Zawilski, photographer; Chris Kimball, Invocation/Thought for the Day; Steve Enquist, Pledge leading.
Rotarians making up: Linda Disney introduced her guest from a Rotary club somewhere, who did indeed have a name. I turned up my hearing aids at this point. (We think it was a gentleman from the Farm Club, Tacoma 8. Ed.)
Guests: Troy Wilcox introduced his wife Stephanie (eliciting the response from PW about how Troy “married up”); Leanna Albrecht introduced Assistant Superintendent at Clover Park, Dr. Gloria Henderson, Harrison Prep Principal Kevin Rupprecht, and the student of the month’s father, Jimmy Norris.
Sunshine/Sick-lame-lazy/Health and Wellness report: Dave Betz’s broken neck is healing with him in Hawaii. Bob Cammarano is having hip surgery. Bob Lordahl slipped out of a chair at Tobey Jones and is recovering. John Magnuson is still Swedish.
Member Spotlight: Tom George
Tom was born in India (see above!), prematurely it seems, resulting in his being put on a rotisserie to keep him warm and alive. (He later renounced this as an exaggeration.) He attended a Jesuit school founded in 1867. After almost getting into an accident one day, a lawyer approached him and invited him to Rotary. The rest, as they say, is history. Several clubs later, he has found a home with us, and mentors in Rose Stevens and Chris Kimball. He loves working on projects, and reported on the recent installation we helped with in India of a dialysis machine and related equipment ($160K). They do free screening in outlying villages and run the machine nearly non-stop. “Amazing!”, Tom says. Just like Tom. We’re so happy that he survived incubating in a rotisserie.
Paul Harris: Jason and Steve Enquist presented a crystal and pin to Bill and Pat Price to commemorate their achieving Major Donor status ($10K to Paul Harris). Pat thanked her father for encouraging Bill to join our club, after her father was brought into Rotary by the late-great Gene Burgoyne, he of legendary Lakewood Rotary fame.
Student of the Month: Leanna Albrecht introduced Brianna Norris, who is not only an exceptional honor graduate candidate, but a talented musician and artist as well. She sang at the last two 9/11 remembrance events for the City. “Brianna is the embodiment of the HP International Baccalaureate Learner Profile and CPSD Four Pillars of: character, leadership, collaboration, and lifelong learner.” Best of all: she will be accepting scholarships to attend Washington’s finest institution of higher learning, Pacific Lutheran University. Superb!
New Member Induction: Jan Gee served as sponsor for Tyler Parker, inducted effortlessly by President Whalen. I intended to skewer the President/Mayor for not memorizing the 4-Way Test for his inductions, but he apologized before I could do so. So I guess I’ll have to let it go. Tyler was born in 1994, helping bring down our average age single handedly. He and his wife sell real estate, but he has added an additional service to their clients, estate sales and junk clean out. Together, they have six kids, including one born a scant two weeks ago. And so the Puffin finally arrived via Joel Vranna, who gave it to Jacob Cuthbertson (waiting for weeks!), who then gave it to Dick Ferrell (waiting for two weeks!), and finally it came to rest in the hot hands of Tyler. Be kind to him (or her, who can know for sure), Tyler.
Announcements: Roadster Romp, August 20-22, per Phil Eng. Phil also announced the permanent end to the Courage bike ride, per Mary Bridge Hospital.
Capri, Clover Park Rotary’s fundraiser, March 17 at McGavick.
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One movie fundraiser, July 23 (go to our website).
Money, Money, Money….Going to good stuff: Jan Gee’s Community Concerns Committee asked for the approval of $2700 for the Lakewood YMCA’s foster kids program. Passed unanimously.
Rose Stevens’ World Community Service Committee asked for $2000 for education tools (audio/visual, sports, painting, trash bins) for Nepal. Passed unanimously.
Wine a Little Event: Angela Connelly announced a recent meeting with the caterer, Gallucci’s, at McGavick, while working on a progressive dinner on American Lake for an auction item. Stephanie Wilcox and the Partners are gathering commitments for desserts for their famous Dessert Dash. They need wine barrels, Italian dinner decorations, and will be doing centerpieces. Gayle Selden harkened back to the risqué days of the Wild Game Dinner by tossing a stuffed rooster, also known by another name, which references male genitalia, at President Whalen. She also announced an auction item donated by Diamond Designs Unlimited, diamond jewelry valued at $3000. The event is March 24. Set up begins at 11 am, followed by the Rotary meeting, followed by more set up until it’s done. It will be “all hands on deck” for set up and take down, so set aside the time now. Buy a table! Invite friends! Invite enemies, if they have money!
Blue Badges: Linda Disney, Dick Ferrell and Jacob Cuthbertson all got ‘em! Only $5.
Program:
Rose Stevens introduced Toby Roberts, Executive Director at the Lakewood YMCA since 8/22/22. Toby recounted the history of the YMCA. It started in London in 1844 with an evangelical mission. Boston was the site of the first American YMCA, and Baltimore built the first new building dedicated to the Y. By 1891, the evangelical teaching had gone away in favor of sporting activities, emphasizing “spirit, mind, body.” Tacoma got its first YMCA in 1883, with the first building coming in 1906. The pool there was located in one of the top floors, which wasn’t ideal. By the 1960s, George Weyerhaeuser and Bill Philip, and Eugene, Oregon’s John Morgan began envisioning more, and 1977 saw the building of the Pearl Street location (100,000 sq ft). It filled up immediately. The Lakewood Y started in 1992, thanks in large part to the $100K in seed money put up by us, Lakewood Rotary. Ours is a smaller Y, but still boasts 10,000 members. 700 kids participate in gymnastics, 900 in swimming, and 230 foster kids benefit with free or reduced memberships. Toby proclaimed that exercise leads to relationships, and recounted the story of William, a 40-year-old veteran with a traumatic brain injury, and Brian, a 70-year-old donor. Circumstances led them to become basketball buddies, despite the disparities of health and wealth. Covid depleted the Y’s financial resources, and several programs have not bounced back as yet. They have 11 full time employees, vs. 25 before Covid. But they’re coming back to form!
Drawing: Pat Price, she of Major Donor fame, earned the right to get the red chip, but graciously picked white instead, $5.00.
Care to know what some of your hard-earned Rotary money is going to? Community Concerns has given away $25,600 to the following:
Build a bike donation and giveaway
Career Path
Caring for Kids
City of Lakewood Parks and Recreation
Clare’s Closet (St Clare Hospital)
Family Renewal Shelter
Lakewood Arts Festival
Lakewood First Lions
Lakewood Sister Cities
Mary Bridge Children’s Christmas Fund
Multi-Cultural Coalition
STEP/Support the Enlisted Project
West Pierce Cares
West Pierce Fire Christmas project
YMCA Foster Care program
YMCA On the Fly (and that is just in this Rotary year).
And if you go to a Scandinavian bakery, you could Finnish a Swedish Danish.
Scandinavians who only eat plants are called Nor-vegan.
During WWII, Scandinavian countries communicated amongst themselves with Norse Code.
Also: Pray with me. John Magnuson is still Swedish.
Better Than Mediocre
By Gayle SeldenSunday, February 26, 2023
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THE LAKEWOOD KEY for February 24th 2023
Better than Mediocre! By Gayle Selden
The February 24th meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood was brought to order by President-Mayor Jason Whalen. Don’t worry he did not forget to bring the conch!
Tom George led us in our thought for the day. He reminded us we are Rotarians because we are better than mediocre! Well, that is not exactly what he said. It was very elegant and beautiful. But I chose to paraphrase because it makes the rest of the meeting and this bulletin make much more sense.
President-Mayor then thanked Leon Titus at the Foundation desk; Gary Barton at the Raffle Table and acting Sergeant at Arms; Gayle Selden on the bulletin and Walt Richardson on the camera. The set-up crew of Rob Erb, Tom George, Rick Selden and James Osundwa also kicked the meeting into gear. Special shout out to James who used the microphone check as an audition for a late-night DJing gig.
Our lone visiting Rotarian was Greg Rolsma, President Elect from Tacoma 8, our farm club. Tom George introduced Davis Mugisha from Uganda. Davis is a student at Tacoma Community College and currently the VP of finance for the student body. Also joining us was First Lady Gael Whalen and Claire Whalen, who would be part of the speaker crew.
Member Spotlight:
Above: James Osundwa
James Osundwa was called to be a member spotlight. James first learned of Rotary in Kenya as he was a Rotaract member his final year of college. He joined the group because of all the hot girls. (Really! That is what he said.) Their Rotaract club’s main project was visiting kids in a cancer ward. He ended up chartering a Rotary Club in Nairobi. There he attended a Group Study Exchange to Indiana and found his vocation. He also met wife Shiru through Rotary service. He views his Rotary membership as a privilege. He posed the question “What would my life be without Rotary?”
Announcements:
Don Daniels reminded members about the Wine a Little, Win A Lot raffle. $25 tickets and a chance at $5000. Drawing will be held March 24th at the Wine and Beer Festival. Don thanks Jim Sharp for being the top seller at 28 tickets and gifted him a wine bottle which Jim donated back to the Instant Wine Cellar for the live auction items at the wine fest.
Carl Bronkema announced the next Rotary on Tap, to be held March 9th, at 6pm, at the Ram in Lakewood. Thanks to Peter Marsh we now have the use of their room at any time we wish without charge. Please bring a friend to this social event.
Clint Johnson invited Rotarians to join the Habitat for Humanity luncheon March 7th. We have a table and six seats left to fill. Lunch is free but there will be an ask. We will be celebrating the support of the Claudia Thomas house in Tillicum that we are financially supporting. He also reminded us we will be having some work parties on that house in the summer or fall.
Gayle Selden then spoke of the Wine and Beer festival. She reminded members of the question James Osundwa raised: “What would the community be without Rotary.” And then paraphrased the thought for the day and asked if we were better than mediocre. Then she decided to come up with a new word –Ruskin---which is the mix of Rustic and Tuscan. So, the Ruskin event is March 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the McGavick Center. Invite your friends. Tickets are available at Lakewood Rotary Wine & Beer Festival (auctria.com). They are also available on Lakewoodrotary.com but it is less work for the committee if you buy direct from the Auctria site. Unlike past events we only have a four-hour set up period so make sure you have the afternoon of the 24th set aside to help!
You might wonder why the bulletin writer speaks of herself in the third person. One, it’s a writing style I appreciate and two, because when I get up in front of a crowd I have no idea what the heck I said. I had no idea I created a new word or was so focused on turning the word “mediocre” into an adjective, an adverb and a state of being. My discussion of mediocrity made Tom George concerned that he had misspoken in his speech. Better than Mediocre is going to be the new catch phrase of 2023. Shirts will be made, maybe the Lakewood Rotary bumper sticker will come back (with a new phrase), 5 Ks will be walked. . .all in celebration of mediocracy, er mediocrity, or whatever the noun is.
Generous Giving:
John Lowney was called upon for aloha giving. His grandson was in the news for great grades in college. John didn’t know about it but says his Grandkids are always doing something amazing. He paid $50.
John then took his time to announce the World Affairs Seminar. This is a program for high school Juniors to go to a college campus in Wisconsin and learn about international affairs. It is a place for them to learn about college life. John’s grandson Alex went which is probably why he is so smart. This is a program where we prioritize family members of Lakewood Rotary. We need your interest now.
Dave Reames has been living a mediocre life buying cars—including a 1930 Ford. He has a great grandson and two other Grandkids. He paid up with $100.
Above: Jason, Mary, Barb and the anti-puffin—a Rooster, or a Ruskin?
Barb Spriggs and Mary Marlin came up front to talk about their trip to the “Island.” They asked the president his favorite Island and the peanut Gallery suggested “McNeil”. Because of Jason’s love for the Islands of Hawaii they brought him back a Rooster stuffed animal. A cock as a possible Puffin Stand in, very Ruskin.
Tony Camoroda thanked the club for sending Mary Horn and Carl Bronkema to PETS—the President-Elect Training Seminar. He also appreciated Bill Potter’s presence as the next Assistant District Governor.
Yorleny Clapper paid for some birthdays and something this writer missed.
Pat Price had an afib situation and has some new technology and now is good ‘til the age of 92.
Bob Martin let us know Hans is up on Vancouver Island with other exchange students for the weekend. Give Hans a call to hang out 253-993-9261. Time with Hans is running short!
The Program:
Above: Our own James Guerrero, Architect
Don Daniels introduced member James Guerrero, local architect. As an architect James does home projects, multifamily, commercial and remodel architecture. James is a graduate of WSU. And despite that, he has worked and served on the Lakewood Planning Commission, Redevelopment Advisory Board, school levy associations and as a Lakewood Rotarian.
James talked to us about Sustainability in Architecture. He mentioned a lot of certifications available and held by his firm. He highlighted the Living Futures certification and showed ways his office has become a sustainability lab in parts of the Living Futures style. Living Futures means that the building meets seven standards-in Place, Water, Energy, Health and Wellness, Materials, Equity and Beauty.
He shared highlights from the Sustainability Lab/ office. These included above and below ground rainwater collection and a bike used to move water from the underground tank into the above ground one. An indoor garden space, one with foods growing and another with plants for a better living environment. Eco stone paving that is used instead of asphalt (allows for water to return to the ground). Solar Panels are used for energy but have some trees blocking so it is not quite meeting the total energy needs. Electric car chargers. Reused materials including a bowling alley floor as a table and Fastball Blocks, which are recycled pallets as lookalike concrete blocks.
Claire Whalen then talked about how to use some of these elements in a building project they are working on in American Lake. They are reusing an existing structure for the rebuild. They are also incorporating the wanted greenhouse into the interior of the house. They are also using sustainable materials for elements like cabinets.
Thanks to James and Claire for this vocational talk. It was illuminating. In fact, President Mayor Whalen just learned his daughter oversees a grow operation at the Sustainability Lab/ office!
After the meeting many members went to the Celebration of Life for John Warner. John was a 50-year Lakewood Rotarian. He was a very generous man. This bulletin writer wants to thank John for always greeting her every Friday with a hug. John said that a human needed seven hugs a day and he was always one I could count on.
Let’s get out there and be Better Than Mediocre this week!
A Pack of Presidents
By Paula T. OlsonSunday, February 19, 2023
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A Pack of Presidents
Paula T. Olson
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
Lakewood Rotary celebrated President’s Day in rare form. The club was awash in Past Presidents. I don’t dare try to name them all as I’m sure I’ll miss one or two, but I counted at least eight. Our current President Jason was away in Texas, watching his daughter blow away the field in a half marathon. All of our other officers were away at PETS or “how to be a Rotary officer” training school. So we were delighted to have our meeting led by one of our favorite PPs – Jim Rooks. And you’d think he’d never left. He started the meeting on time, asked Bob Peterson to lead us in an invocation and Ralph Lockhart to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Let’s enjoy some fun facts about our Presidents. James Madison was the shortest and the lightest at 5’4” tall and 100 pounds. Abe Lincoln and Lyndon Johnson were the tallest at 6’4”.
Announcements.
Mary Moss led the announcement segment of the meeting. She is thrilled to invite us all to the First Annual Dr. Claudia Thomas Community Service Award Gala on March 3, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the McGavick Conference Center. The event is hosted by the Lakewood Multicultural Coalition of which Mary is the CEO. Joyce Taylor from King5 Evening News will emcee. Michael Powers and Josephine Howell will provide live music and entertainment. $75 per person will get you dinner and a fabulous evening including dancing the night away. Gayle Selden is going, so anyone who wants to sit with her is more than welcome. Of course, if you don’t want to sit with Gayle, you can still come and sit somewhere else but we’re hoping for a room full of Rotarians so get your tickets.
Speaking of tickets, Ulysses S. Grant got a speeding ticket for driving his horse and buggy too fast. [Well, at least he did not get a DUI. Ed.]
Above: John Lowney, Treasurer, also takes on World Affairs Conference
John Lowney announced that the World Affairs Seminar is being held at Carroll College in Wisconsin this year from June 24th to June 30th. The theme is Climate Change – Youth Take Action. All expenses paid for two to three high school aged students. Get those applications in by April 1st. Preferences go to children and grandchildren of Rotarians. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for those lucky teens. Mo Sarram said that attending the seminar gave amazing results for the futures of those students.
Bill Potter was absent but wants everyone to know about Habitat for Humanity’s Changing Lives Luncheon. It is Tuesday, March 7th, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at Hotel Murano in Tacoma. Come learn more about the Claudia Thomas project and the impact of Lakewood Rotary’s contribution. For more information, see Bill or Clint Johnson.
Above: Two more Past Presidents-Gayle and Rick Selden
A duo of PPs – Rick Selden and Gayle Selden, who also happen to be father and daughter, then pitched the upcoming auction and Wine and Beer Festival happening on March 24th. They started their spiel by thanking Pres Jason and Pres Elect Mary Horn for jumpstarting fundraising this year by creating two new events, including this one. It will be amazing with lots to taste and see. Sell those raffle tickets to friends and family and give them a chance to win some nice cash for summer vacations. Buy tickets or sponsor a table like Rose Stevens has done. Thanks Rose! So far 21 people have seen the wisdom of selling at least ten tickets (I did!) so there’s only 400 + books of tickets left to be sold. OMG, you people aren’t going to miss this, are you? There will also be an instant wine cellar with everyone bringing a $20 bottle of wine and then buying one. Gayle does need a volunteer coordinator for the event and someone to make table assignments. Think of the power with that job. You could name your price to sit someone in a prime location or alongside that certain favorite person. So what’s this all about, you are wondering? Making lots of money to support the Lakewood community, that’s what. Some early sponsors to the event have donated lots of money: LeMay Enterprises/Waste Connections and Connelly Law are both $5,000 sponsors. Thank you very much! Other early sponsors include Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Multicare, CK Financial, Ed Selden Carpet One, and Diamond Designs. There are many others, along with table sponsors. So come on, everyone, ante up! Sell your raffle tickets, buy your tickets to the event, and buy those auction items.
It’s also an opportunity to shake some hands but you’ll never best Teddy Roosevelt who shook 8,100 hands one day in 1907 in New York at a White House reception.
Aloha Bucks.
Next came the Fines, Generous Giving, and/or Aloha Bucks time of the meeting. Barb Spriggs kicked in $20 to pitch her son’s third book in the Hammerhead series. Hot off the press and available for download. If you do, he’ll send Barb a hard copy to give you gratis. It’s called Hammerhead Insurrection. Jason Bond is touring the Pacific Northwest so you could get it signed as well. Greg Rediske announced the Boy Scout lunch on March 25th. Contact him for more information. Barlow Buescher paid $50 for his birthday and another $50 for Mary Marlin who has the same one. Neither one looks a day over 40 so it was a particularly nice gift. Mary added another $25 for a cool $125. Nice job, you two! Jim Rooks had to confess he sold his tickets to himself instead of giving other people a chance to win, so he paid $20 for his greediness.
The Program
Above: Our Speaker Today-Peter Cameron
Rose Stevens introduced our speaker, Peter Cameron, the director of Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center (MCFHC). Peter grew up in Kennewick, Washington and moved to Tacoma in 2001. He went to the UW and lived in Seattle for about 20 years. He preferred Pierce to King County so he came back to Tacoma. Peter announced the capital campaign for the Cora Whitley Family Center, a segment of the MCFHC and a new facility to house the childcare and family support programs offered by MCFHC. The center started in 1997 with five kids. Now it has 142 early education slots, 90 employees and 38 programs. Even with all those slots for early learning there is a three-year wait list to get your child one of those slots. The benefits to early learning and kindergarten readiness are too many to name but include 70% less likely to be convicted of a violent crime, better math skills, a higher likelihood to be a high-income earner and successful as an adult. Early learners are children between six weeks and five years old. The school program includes students in first through fifth grades, where these children get to start their days with singing, dancing and creating.
President John Tyler had 15 children between two different wives and George H. W. Bush banned broccoli on Air Force One.
In 2020, the MCFHC gave out $26 million in rental and utility assistance. Currently it is one of only two programs that still give rental assistance. The MCFHC is a model for the future, a place that functions like a village but feels like a family. Some of the other resources under one roof include a diaper bank (with often a long line of parents) and a food bank, also well used. The staff speak a total of eight different languages and are culturally responsible at every turn. Housing options at the MCFHC include tiny houses for transition to regular homes and two other homes for women dealing with substance abuse and/or domestic violence.
The MCFHC partners with the Tacoma Recovery Café, a street outreach program, as well as veterans’ programs. They do a diversion program with Associated Ministries, all geared to prevention of future issues. They also have a large network of drug rehabilitation programs and are also connected to the Boys and Girls Club. They are located on the corner of South 19th and Sprague across the street from the DSHS offices. They will move to the new facility at Ferry and South 23rd Streets. Of the $18 million total campaign, 15% will come from individuals and private donations, with the rest coming from various governmental sources. The total number of people assisted is over 6,000 annually and they come from Pierce, King and Thurston Counties. The new facility will have a total of 242 early learning slots. Our own John Korsmo will do the construction and is one of their partners.
Thank you, Peter, for a peek at an amazing facility and resource in our community and your help of those less fortunate.
PP Rooks asked the Puffins to stand up. Although that usually happens at the beginning of the meeting, he wanted to make sure none of them snuck out during the program. None did. Greg Rediske won the raffle after several false starts and drew a white disc. Better luck next time, Greg.
Have a wonderful weekend – it’s a three dayer, because of President’s Day of course.
[Editor’s Note: While we are on presidential trivia, did you know that Jimmy Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science degree? He joined the Navy and served on numerous submarines in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Admiral Hyman Rickover assigned Jimmy to the nascent nuclear submarine program and he was sent to Schenectady, New York, where he took graduate work at Union College in reactor technology and nuclear physics!
More trivia: One of our least celebrated U.S. presidents, Chester A. Arthur, also graduated from Union College in Schenectady in 1848. A firm believer in the (good old boys) spoils system, Chester Arthur signed the first general federal immigration law in the U.S. but it excluded paupers, criminals and lunatics. After his tenure, America decided a civil servicc system was needed.
Speaking of lunatics, your Editor graduated from Union College in 1967.]
Reminder: Don’t forget John Warner’s Memorial next Friday at 2:00 p.m. at UP Presbyterian
Above: John Warner file photo
Love is in the Air
By Wendy Jo McGowanMonday, February 13, 2023
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Love is in the Air
By
Wendy McGowan
Valentine wishes of love and friendship. You may remember those endearing messages imprinted on sugary, little candy hearts that came in pastel colors when you were a child (or more than likely, when you were a teenager!). “BE MINE,” ‘LUV U,” “SWEETIE PIE,” “COOL DUDE,” “DREAMIE,” “SMOOCH,” XOXOXO,” “CRAZY 4 U”, “TRUE LOVE,” “I’M IN 2 U,” “LOVE BUG,” “HI CUTIE,” or “FIRST KISS.” The language may have changed a bit. Today you will find “TEXT ME” and “LOL”. No matter when, the same sentiments pop up just before February 14 every year. 2023 is no different.
Prez Jason thanked the set up crew for their trusty work. “ROCK STARS” all.
James Guerrero took charge of the Foundation desk, while Jan Gee did duty as Sergeant at Arms both employing “SWEET TALK” to gather shekels from our pockets and purses.
Our president recognized the Puffins, with a special nod to the newest Puffin, Jacob Cuthbertson. When Jacob was asked to show his Puffin, Jacob answered, “I didn’t get the bird.”
There were no guests of Rotarians, yet “SO COOL,” Ralph Lockhart, was introduced, as was “ADORED,” Carole Wier, on Zoom. When Prez Jason wondered aloud at the Minnesota weather, Carole announced, “It is a balmy 24 degrees!” Scott Buser introduced Dick Ferrell, Lakewood Rotary’s newest member. Dick has spent his career in the pharmaceutical industry.
President Jason revealed that, sometime in the near future, he is going to call upon members to tell of their favorite Rotary stories in a one-to-two minute conversation. “ONLY YOU,” mister president, could dream this up.
Leanna Albrecht introduced the educators of the month, Linda Merritt and Amelia Pernell. Linda was accompanied by Chloe Clark Elementary School Principle Loretta Duncan and Amelia was accompanied by Lochburn Middle School Principle Carla Eastes, Superintendent Ron Banner and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Gloria Henderson. Linda is a second grade teacher with a diverse background in teaching. Last spring, fueled by her desire to grow, she became an ECI (Enriched Core Instructor). In this capacity, she analyzes educational practices and works with teachers to improve instructional practices to directly impact student achievement. She is passionate about science and all things STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math).
Amelia is a math teacher at Lochburn Middle School. Her nomination stemmed from her relentless pursuit to provide safe spaces for students through Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Among other programs, she also facilitates the Art to Living Program with the SEL curriculum for special ed and general ed students and makes math relevant to students in their everyday lives. Such “COOL KIDS” both of them!
Eric Warn solemnly gave his Health and Wellness report. Ed Shannon is ill with a lung infection and Gary Fulton’s son died suddenly. Prayers were felt throughout the room and President Whalen noted ‘how listening to these stories shared weekly allows each of us to understand how we are engaged and connected to one another, even if our backgrounds and passions are diverse. Don’t forget to attend John Warner’s memorial at University Place Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 24th at 2:00 pm. Bring all your best stories of one of best members.
Greg Horn then rattled off the many birthdays and anniversaries:
Member Birthdays:
Gary Barton February 1
Mary Marlin February 3
Barlow Buescher February 3
Carl Bronkema February 10
Dave Reames February 12
Anne Enquist February 17
Mary Moss February 22
Partner Birthdays (Member):
Linda McDermott (Glenn) February 6
Thomas George (Neeni) February 13
Patrick Clapper (Yorleny) February 25
Member Anniversaries: Start Date: Total Years:
Veronica Bronkema 2/11/2022 1
Kendra Riconosciuto 2/16/2018 5
Eric Warn 2/1/2018 5
Jim Weinand 2/10/2012 11
Kris Peterson 2/12/2010 13
Dan Livingston 2/24/2006 17
Donna Phillips 2/18/2005 18
Greg Horn 3/1/1996 27
Charlie Hyde 3/1/1993 30
Jim Rooks 3/1/1990 33
David Coleman 2/1/1988 35
Bud Montgomery 3/1/1988 35
Mo Sarram 2/1/1987 36
Donn Irwin 2/28/2013 37
John Magnuson 3/1/2019 47
Wedding Anniversaries: Partner: Date: Years:
Morris Northcutt Lavonne Feb. 7 19
Chris Easter Wendy Feb. 14 24
James Guerrero Susan Mar. 1 27
Tom George Neeni Feb. 6 40
Lua Pritchard Dan Feb. 23 43
Terry Roarke Walli Feb. 5 4 5
Donna Phillips Andy Feb. 21 54
Andy Phillips Donna Feb. 21 54
Mo Sarram Fereshteh Feb. 6 63
The president then announced that, following today’s meeting, members are needed to meet at 2:00 p.m. for a video “of Rotarians at work in our community” at Ft. Steilacoom Park. Jason thanked those that volunteered.
PROGRAM:
We will “MISS YOU,” Mike Zaro. Mike is the retiring Chief of the Lakewood Police Department and he was introduced by Pierce County Executive, Andrew Neiditz. Andrew honored Mike with such words as integrity, humility and commitment. An example: Mike became Assistant Chief of Police in 2008 and immediately declined a salary increase. He went on to become Chief of Police in 2015.
Mike spoke sincerely about how he has valued his relationship with the members of this club, especially as he worked with us while on the job and out in the community. He listed the many things he is leaving behind in his retirement:
-crime is at an all-time low since 2019
-vehicle theft doubled in the last four years
-assaults are the lowest since 2016
-juvenile thefts are up and police ability to intervene is a problem
-pursuits have become a public safety issue with up to six events per month
-two years ago the department experienced a huge increase in retirements where they had to rebuild the department
-today the department is much younger and the new hires are excellent additions, not because of higher salaries, but because of the overall support within the department
-Patrick Smith, Mike Zaro’s replacement, is stepping in with a great deal of experience, especially with the Los Angeles Police Department
As Mike finished today’s talk, President Whalen sent him off with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We are “CRAZY 4 U,” Chief Zaro.
“BE MINE,” Troy Wilcox, winner of the white chip in today’s raffle.
“HUGS 2 MY LAKEWOOD ROTARIANS”
Your scribe, Wendy McGowan
Arts, Entertainment and an Impossible Mission
By Donn IrwinMonday, February 6, 2023
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The other day I heard an olde Beatle’s tune - Hello Goodbye. Almost everyone knows this song and the tune that goes with it. Here are a few lines:
(Hello goodbye) I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello
(Hello goodbye hello goodbye) Hello hello
As I was wondering how to start out this missive with a different twist (so as to keep the readers’ interest) it came to me that in the Hawaiian language hello and goodbye are the same word. Our current President, Jason Whalen Esq. (PJW moving forward) is an avid promoter of things Hawaiian and so therefore and to wit I am proposing that Ole tune up his uke and do a rendition of Hello Goodbye in modified Hawaiian for the good of the order.
Ole, here is what the above might look like:
(Aloha aloha) I don’t know why you say aloha, I say aloha
(Aloha aloha aloha aloha aloha) Aloha aloha
Can’t wait to hear that one.
1451 - Sultan Mehmed II, the Conqueror inherits the throne of the Ottoman Empire
James, Wynn and Rob set us up. John Lowney recorded/collected the money. Donnnnnn wrote this stuff and Walt Richardson took pictures. Greg R is pinch hitting for Ole as Editor and Eric Quinn will get this published for us. Our Sergeant-at-Arms was his former eminence Greg Horn……wait, that didn’t come out correctly…..it should be Esteemed Past District Governor….yeah, that’s it.
1743 - Philadelphia establishes a "pesthouse" to quarantine immigrants.
Then it got a little crazy. PJW introduced a special guest that was with us on Zoom, Wen Chen. She will be our speaker sometime in June. Wynn Hoffman introduced Tyler Parker; Mary Moss introduced Geoffrey Bullock – CEO of Harborstone CU. Leanna Albrecht introduced Brian Laubach.
Puffins were recognized.
No news from Health & Wellness
1783 Spain recognizes US independence.
Above: Jacob Cuthbertson, New Member
PJW had the pleasure of introducing another new member – Jacob Cuthbertson. Jacob is the Marketing Manager for America’s Credit Union. Jacob spoke little about himself but did proclaim that he was anxious to be part of the club and wants to meet everyone. He made mention of his educational background and it had something to do with being a “Beav”. In the not too distance future, I’m sure that Jacob and Don Anderson will be chatting about colleges. Welcome to Lakewood Rotary, Jacob.
1834 Wake Forest University is established in North Carolina.
Steve Enquist was called upon to bestow Tony Camoroda with his 7th Paul Harris – thank you Tony!
Above: Tony Camoroda, Paul Harris Recipient
Leanna Albrecht came forward to introduce our Student of the Month from Steilacoom High School – Grace Rodgers. Grace thanked us for the recognition. Leanna also introduced Grace’s mother and Mike Miller, the Principal of Steilacoom HS.
Announcements/Fines oops – make that Generous Giving. Don Daniels encouraged us to keep selling the raffle tickets AND that we have covered the cost of the grand prize! Lakewood On Tap #2 is at Hops and Drops and happens Thursday Feb. 9th at 6:00PM. Anne Enquist let us know that Dinner and a Movie is back. Sunday July 23rd at the Lakewood AMC. Show starts at 3:50. The dinner part will be at the Country Club and is labeled “The All-American Cookout Buffet”. Vegetarian and Vegan options available (not sure how that works at a cookout but we will see). The movie will be the latest edition of the Mission Impossible movies starring Tom Cruise.
Save the date of March 24th for the Wine and Beer Festival and Auction. The event will be held at the McGavick center.
The District wants us to promote Rotary more; therefore, Lakewood and Clover Park Rotary Clubs are producing a video touting, you guessed it, all things Rotary. The Bulletin Committee sent pictures to 5020 of LR Rotarians in Action.
There will be a ceremony for retiring Police Chief Mike Zaro on Monday at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. John Lowney admitted to being in Palm Springs but it wasn’t a vacation or so he says. Evidently, he was working on Rotary stuff – like getting $600.00 out of Phil Eng. He gave $100.00 to his Paul Harris for NOT being on vacation. Gary Fulton paid money for going to Hawaii and another hole in one (his 8th).
1870 US state of Iowa ratifies the 15th Amendment of the United States Constitution allowing suffrage for all races and colors.
Bill Potter let us know that the swings for the Fort Steilacoom swing repair project are built and that a work party is needed on 4/22. He also asked for a motion to spend $8000….no $3000…. or was it $5000 less…...anyway, a motion was given, seconded and the vote was all yea to approve funds to complete the Claudia Thomas Habitat for Humanity build in Tillicum. Motion passed.
1941 US Supreme Court upheld Federal Wage & Hour law, sets minimum wages & maximum hours.
THE PROGRAM
Above: Our Speaker, David Fischer
Clint Johnson introduced our speaker, David Fischer. David is a mover and a shaker in the regional arts as well as in the Pierce County community. He is the Executive Director of Tacoma Arts Live, formerly Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, and has been in that position since 2006. (Side bar – I first met David when he was in the process of putting Tacoma Little Theatre back on its feet as the ED there approximately a hundred years ago or so.)
David opened up his informative talk by claiming that one of his children’s science experiments had gone horribly wrong and that the balloon that has been flying over the United States is actually part of the experiment. He has been in touch with the leader of China and believes he has the problem all worked out. He then asked the collective audience what the “arts” meant to them. Responses ranged from music, theater and fine arts. Everyone has their own ideas about art. David pointed out that arts and religion have developed together and it is difficult to determine which came first.
Like virtually everything, Covid has changed the art world. Before the pandemic the arts were 4% of the nation’s GDP. Today ticket sales are down 35% except for “name brands”, i.e. Taylor Swift, Beyonce and the like. When you consider 4% of the GDP is down 35% that’s a lot of money. Today patrons are streaming. Pre-pandemic the largest audience was Baby Boomers – that has changed drastically.
David stated that the arts need to foster new relationships and find new ways to deliver their offerings. One such idea is to go to the audience rather than the audience coming to them. He mentioned a Utopian Garden idea which I translate as an arts and science interactive participation kind of thing.
Tacoma Arts Live is a State leader in arts education as they are working with virtually all of the School Districts in Pierce County – Gig Harbor being an exception – to bring arts to the students.
David closed by informing us that the arts are a hugely effective means of helping people with mental health problems.
Thank you, David, for your time and your dedication to the arts.
Now if we can just get him to join us mid-December to recite from his amazing memory and in that wonderful voice of his, “A Cup of Christmas Tea”.
1971 NYPD officer Frank Serpico is shot during a drug bust while his fellow officers stood outside and failed to call for assistance.
PJW rang the bell and a raffle ticket was drawn. Bob Z had the lucky ticket and a chance for $292. A red chip would win the big prize. Bob drew a white chip that got him $5.
2011 All available blocks of IPv4 internet addresses are officially distributed to regional authorities.
Ferdinand Magellan was born on this day in 1480. So was Horace Greeley (1811) and Norman Rockwell (1894).
Coming attractions:
| Upcoming LR (and other) events: 2/9/2023 Rotary on Tap at Hops and Drops 2/11/2023 Caring for Kids Auction 5 p.m. $45 2/25/2023 Lakewood Lions Crabfeed 3/24/2023 Wine Festival (sell those raffle tickets) 4/22/2023 Work Party at park 5/5/23 Ladies Night Out |
Youth Wants to Know
By John W. MagnusonSunday, January 29, 2023
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Youth Wants to Know
The Lakewood Key for
January 27, 2023
I keep our 1948 Ford F-1 pickup hot rod in a secure garage. It stays nice and dry; all shiny under a protective cover and only gets driven on sunny summer days. In the bed of the truck are boxes of records from when we lived on Interlaaken Drive. Included in those boxes of papers are some declassified documents from when I was Lakewood Rotary president more than two decades ago. They may have been sensitive at one time but now they’re just old.
I attached an example that is about as déjà vu as it gets. It is from Valentine’s Day twenty years ago. I didn’t have one from February 2nd – Groundhog Day. The only reason I even mention this entire matter is that I have been subpoenaed to ‘splain why those papers are not housed in the Rotary Club of Lakewood Archives, Library and Tattoo Parlor.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were introduced as Tony Camoroda and Bill Poter (Assistant Governor and incoming Assistant Governor). Eric Warn reminded that the memorial for John Warner will be February 24 at 2:15, University Place Presbyterian Church. He reminded that he collects used eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club – please donate. Also, we need more attendees at the Lion’s Club Crab Feed Saturday Feb. 25th.
And then there was the lack of a (stuffed) Puffin in the house. Joel Vranna was so disappointed in himself that he gave $40. While the Puffin was freezing in his car.
Extraordinariness abounds with Lakewood Rotary totaling $1,369,323 in donations to the Paul Harris Foundation. There are 14 major donors currently who made a $10,000 contribution. Anne and Steve Enquist joined that esteemed group. PMJW awarded them with their pins and crystal swag. Steve remarked how Mike McGowan informed him of the small weekly contribution plan that adds up. (Reminds me of Dave Coleman’s invocation….) Anne told of checking with Charity Watch that shows Rotary’s dollars work harder and more fully than other charities.
Jan Gee brought a motion from Community Concerns to support Family Renewal Shelters with a $2000 contribution. Motion seconded and carried. Greg Rediske informed that Lakewood Baseball Club got a $1500 donation from the club. You, yes you, can sponsor a team for $500. Rotaract update by Christian Tomlinson: membership and fellowship being worked on as well as food drive support. Rick Selden gave a lengthy and impassioned report on fund raising support with the raffle and wine night and Cinco de Mayo events approaching. To summarize: sell raffle tickets, buy raffle tickets, sponsor tables, volunteer, volunteer, contribute, donate, sponsor, sell – I think that about covers it!
Aloha giving was sparse. Jim Weinand gave something. Whatever it was it had to have been more than PMJW gave for his new Tesla - $20. (Ed. Note: A lot more! $100!)
Greg Horn introduced Andrew Kruse of Youth for Christ, Tacoma Area Director and Lakewood Rotarian. Andrew reported of teenaged youth being very often undervalued and misunderstood. They are universally social media reliant. That is obvious whenever they are observed with their heads in their phones. Social media is where they get their news and gossip. They don’t seek the same news adults do. They have their own “news world” and it is one most adults have never heard of or would recognize. Most are fearful of being perceived judgmentally rather than meritoriously. Pre-pandemic in 2020 they averaged 9 hours per day online.
They are racially and gender diverse and like it that way.
Challenges:
Worst mental health ever
Lack of trust in any organizations (schools, governments, churches, clubs, etc.)
Record levels of feelings of isolation and loneliness
Increased connectivity but less relational communication
Lack of trust in adults and authoritarian peers
Reasons to Hope
Highly collaborative
Seek value
Trust diversity and inclusion
Recognize authenticity
Innovative and independent
Every adult can make a difference by being present. Converse but don’t “fix.” Say and remember their name. Listen attentively and genuinely. Seek opportunities for mentorship but not necessarily yourself. Keep in mind that teens often need “guides” not “repair.”
A very good presentation. Thank you Andrew for believing in what you do. Thank you PMJW for a good meeting and thank you to all Rotarians who believe and act in small ways that make a collective big difference.
Mary Marlin had a ticket with a really big number – 9663998 – that was worth a really small $5.
As a reminder, we have a Danish exchange student. Take time to meet with him and do something fun with him.
Hans’ number is 253-993-9261
Host Mom Tracey Johnston 253-241-4142
Host Dad—Patrick
Address: 7136 72ND STREET CT SW
LAKEWOOD, WA 98498
Val, I ain’t got no Ole yoke today on accounta cuz Ay ban so broke-up about Sven’s bad news. If you ain’t heard, Sven hadda have his brain removed on accounta cuz his weren’t no good no more. So his family gaddered around to hear what da Doc hadta say about alla dis. “Val,” da Doc said, “Sven’s insurance’ll pay fer da procedure but you gotta buy da dang brain yerselves.” Helga asked, “Val how much does a brain gonna cost us?” Da Doc he took out his Brain Blue Book and said, “Val, Here’s one from a woman up in Two Harbors and its $200.” He flipped tru some pages and stopped, “Val, here’s vun from a man right near here in Minnetonka. It’s $5000.” Helga vus stunned by dat news and asked, “How come da man’s is $5000 and da voman’s is only $200?” Da dang ol Doc he replied, “It’s all standard pricing dat da voman’s is discounted on accounta cause it’s been used.”
Who reads This Stuff?
Ole
The Rotary Club of Lakewood
The Lakewood Key
Valentines Day 2003, or, if you prefer – February 14, 2003 – eeder vay, its da same dang ting!
President Dave began the Love-In with the disturbing news that Larry LaPrise has died. Dick Hawkins remembers him as the man who wrote “The Hokey-Pokey.” Apparently they had a little problem at Mountain View when Cindy Thompson was putting him in the coffin. She put his left leg in … and then the trouble started!
Eric Herbel led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Sid Acuff invocationated us. Both are hereby thanked for their participation. Speaking of participation, Jane Hunt introduced our visiting Rotarians who are always welcome at Lakewood Rotary. Some visiting Rotarians even get special recognition – right Dave Sclair? Everyone’s Valentine – President Dave – never forgets to thank all the little people behind the scenes: Little Pappy Gines, set-up; little Bud Montgomery, Paul Harris desk; and little Ole, bulletin writer. We had lots of guests that were introduced by members and welcomed warmly. Many of our guests shared same last names with members – what a coincidence. Another coincidence was our visiting Rotarian from Tacoma 8 – the lovely and talented Florence Covey – was there as a rescue ambassador. Roses and cards were available from Flor for those errant Rotarians who had neglected to recall the significance of the day.
The Sunshine Report arrived a little later than usual but JoAnne Crane shared the worrisome news that Dick Walston is now in hospice care. Keep your thoughts and prayers with Dick and Joann.
The Sportsman Dinner and Raffle is fast approaching. The wheelbarrow of beer and wine will be at each meeting until the event. Please drop off the opposite of empties (fullies?) if you happen to have some lying around. Each table held lists of items that will be auctioned. Dave Burgoyne shared a Grand Canyon painting by Bill Phillips that is signed and numbered by the artist. Dave is that the same Bill Phillips that used to draw military aircraft? Please sign-up to help set-up on the day of the event and take-down on Sunday after the event. We also need waiters (all of the directors please?) and most importantly – Sell Tickets! We don’t make much $ if we don’t get a crowd at the event.
This is the second of our major fundraisers for the year – 99.99% participation would be appreciated!
The 5020 Leadership Assembly, held last week in Victoria, was reported in vivid photographic detail by the founder of Lakewood’s very own: The National Enquirer and Flyer, Past District Governor Dave Sclair. During the Power Point training class, lots of pictorial evidence of fellowship was presented. Many around the tables were heard to proclaim – “…You musta hadda been there….” To wrap-up the presentation, Assistant District Governor Ted Wier gave an impassioned pitch to attend next year’s leadership assembly. (This from a man who once turned down the opportunity to sell LP siding!) Others who crossed the border included, President-elect-elect Mary Lou Sclair, President-elect Ron Irwin, Ward Fletcher, and Ron Adkins.
Bialystock and Bloom and Selden! It comes as no surprise to anyone that the fellowship bus event to The Producers on February 12th was “…a smash…a rousing success…foot stomping music…rollicking laughs and Ulla.” Ulla stole the show with her big set of…of…of …blue eyes! Thanks to Rick, Sharon and Gayle Selden for making the bus trip so much fun. Whatta show…whatta show! President Dave acknowledged his Keep it Gay T-shirt with a gasp and sibilant sigh!
ISFR – the International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians just returned from Sun Valley where the snow was reported to be man made but skiable. Fourteen skiers from Lakewood represented our club with no injuries! Sam Hunter presented Dave with a banner from Ketchum thus proving the fact of make-ups. Sam conceded that it was the Lakewood Rotary Baseball Caps that made them all so popular. Sam passed the lead on to Greg Horn who will be opening a branch office in Sun Valley. Further news on the ski front: The Annual Packwood Ski-in will be a happening event on March 8 and 9. The Seldens and the Reeders have opened their cabins to the public and everyone’s invited! Oh wait, that’s not it! There are rooms for rent in Packwood for this fun fellowship outing for Rotarians and families. The skiing at White Pass, the sumptuous food at the Seldens on Saturday, the cross country adventures and nature trail tours by Wier – ah, what memories. Sign-ups will be forthcoming.
Puffin Sighting! Ross Heller was accompanied to the meeting by a long-absent Puffin sporting a band-aid. Ross reported that the Puffin is covering-up for some recent body-piercing!!? This revolting bit of news was followed by some Revolving news. The Revolving Dinner schedule, administered by James Guerrero, will be enjoying their next outing on February 22.
RI President Bhichai Rattakul will be attending to his minions here at Lakewood Rotary on April 30th. Does anyone know whether a President of RI has ever visited Lakewood Rotary in the past? Due to the monumental work of Michael McGowan and his hoard of Paul Harris committee members, and the generosity of all Lakewood Rotarians, the Big Guy will be here on April 30th. If you don’t already have your money paid to Mick Johnson, get it in soon. Let’s make this a Lakewood Rotary event that the RI President will remember.
Traveling Rotarians pay their way! Duncan Cook reported that gasoline in the Sandwich Islands costs $2.15 per gallon. He ceded the $17.95 he had left from his trip. Larry Faulk returned from an outing in Las Vegas with Paul Anka and donated $20.00. Jane Hunt advertised some office space – how do you advertise office space when it’s full? Anyway Jane generously handed over $25.00 for the privilege. Dick Hawkins, doing his Sgt. Schultz imitation, claimed nothing, remembered nothing, didn’t want to talk about nothing and I think some money-changed hands for all of that. Say, wasn’t that what the Seinfeld Show was all about?
Up-Coming Programs
Feb. 21 – Intel Computer ClubhouseNope, it’s not in DuPont. It is at Lake City Elementary School. Sponsored by Intel, the program creates curriculum for children with creative talents. The children learn software applications only as a tool for creating and presenting their imaginative creations. Intel has opened 100 such clubhouses around the world. Kurt Sample, coordinator, Rick Meeder, Intel, and Deb Gilchrist, Pierce College will present the program. Pierce College, Clover Park School District, The City of Lakewood, Word of Life Church and others created the coalition that makes this program work. Is Lakewood Rotary connected to this program? Ya shure, you betcha! John Korsmo’s construction company did the retro-fit of the old building, bringing it up to Intel’s requirements and City code. Cherry Tinker will introduce this integral community/schools based program.
Feb. 28 – Tacoma School of the Arts
Mar. 7 – Rod Gideons, Tacoma Opera
Mar. 14 – Erik Spellman, MacKenzie River Adventure’
Mar. 21 – Betsy Brenner, Tacoma News Tribune
Mar. 28 – Randy Hart, UW Football Coach
Calendar of Events
Feb. 22 – Revolving DinnerMar. 1 – Sportsman’s Dinner and Raffle
Mar. 8 – 9 Packwood Ski Weekend
Mar. 10 – Partners Meeting, Sharon Selden’s
Mar. 12 – Board Meeting
Mar. 22 - Revolving Dinner
Apr. 3 – Wine Tasting, Lakewood Gallery
Apr. 9 – Board Meeting
Apr. 20 – Easter Pancake Breakfast
Apr. 30 – Paul Harris Foundation Dinner at TCGC, Black Tie Dinner with Bhichai Rattakul, $100 per person
May 16 – 17 District Conference, Nanaimo, BC
The Introduction of our dynamic speaker was made by our own Teri Card.
Sunny Kobe Cook, Common Things, Uncommon Ways – Proven Techniques on how to Grow Your Business Through your Staff, Founder of the Kobe Foundation, kobefoundations.org. There is nothing common about Sunny. Her presentation is at once compelling, humorous and wise. She never failed to make and hold eye contact with every attendee at Friday’s luncheon. Sunny truly knows how to make lemonade out of lemons, revealing how some people responded to her ever-present advertising.
She pointed out the motivators for employees at her company that she feels are universal. Recognition and a sense of contribution and involvement worked for her in many ways. She obviously prides herself on the caliber and tenure of the people whom she worked with at Sleep Country USA. She effectively related the inexpensive nature and efficacy of the 100 things she did for her employees every year. Sunny calculated the miniscule cost at one-half cent per day/per employee and yet those recognitions were extremely effective in achieving exceptional results. She left us with the admonition to create goodwill ambassadors from everyone who works, used to work, and will work for you and your organization.
Thank you for another outstanding program – bay dang!
Attendance:
69 members present
12 make-ups
70%
Proposed Members
Unless written the Secretary receives written objection within 10 days, the following will be considered elected into The Rotary Club of Lakewood:James “Jim” Schultz
Proposed by Gary Fulton
Classification – Information Technology
Retired
Jun Chea
Proposed by Sam Hunter
Classification – Banking
Key Bank, Vice-President
Kelley Caldwell
Proposed by Bill Cosgrove
Classification – Blood Bank Management
Cascade Regional Blood Services
Dis Here, yust in from Ole:
An den, yust a final note about da Valentine’s Day party ol’ Torvald got himself invited to. He’s been livin’ up on a lake in da dang Nort Woods ever since Ulla Bergdahl-Dahlberg-Svensen-Svanson-Jensen-Johnson (what is Clint Johnson’s cousin twice removed) left him. She vanted to go to Broadway and dem Big City lights an’ her big b…b…b…blue eyes took her dere! Anyvay, Torvald looked out across da frozen lake last Friday morning and dere vus dis here guy a’trudgin’ tovard his cabin. Ol’ Torvald velcomes him inta da cabin and da guy sez, “I come ta invite ya to my Valentines party tonight at my place across da dang lake. But I vant ta varn ya, dere’s gonna be some drinkin!” “Val, Ay ain’t touched a drop in six months so I might just go fer some hooch,” replies Torvald. Da guy den says, “Val, after da drinkin’ dere’s usually a fight what breaks out.” Torvald stretches himself up to his full 6’2” inches and says, “Ay can handle myself pretty good. I bin splittin’ wood all winter long so far.” Den da guy he sez, “After da drinkin’ and da fightin’ dere’ll no doubt be some sex – pretty vild sex, too!” Ol Torvald’s eyes light up and he sez, “Bay Dang! Ay ban alone fer the last six months. Ay ban up for some’a dat sex, fer shure!” “Okey den,” sez da guy, “I’ll see ya tonight!” Ol’ Torvald, he sez, “Ya shure – say what should I wear?” Da guy sez, “It don’t make no never mind. Dere’ll yust be da two of us!”
Dat’s about it, fer now. Ole
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