Invocation: Bob Hammar

Pledge of Allegiance – Writer was still at the dessert table so didn’t get the name of who led us. Further extensive research on this writer’s part found out that it was most likely Mickey Mouse but could have been Scott Buser that did the job.

President Jim recognized Ron Irwin for simply being with us. It was good to see Mr. Irwin!

Want to know when Thanksgiving started?…. read on

Making the Meeting happen:  Meeting set-up: Rob Erb, Tom George, James Osundwa, Rick Selden, Andrew Kruse  Recording of fines: John Lowney
Bulletin Writer: Donn Irwin.  Photographer: Phil Eng
$2.00 Desk and Sgt at Arms:  Chuck Hellar Foundation Desk: Eric Warn

Monitoring This President’s Gaffes:  Greg Rediske

The only visible visiting Rotarian we had was the speaker (introduced later).

Guests of Rotarians: Carl Bronkema introduced his wife, Veronica. He mentioned that she has filled out the application to become a member of our club.
Andrew Kruse introduced Eldie Gentry, a colleague at Youth For Christ.
President Rooks recognized the Puffins: 
Jessica James,  Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff, Steve Saalfeld, Jamie Simons, James Osundwa, and Wendy McGowan, Connie Coleman- Lacadie, Anthony Veliz, Bob Martin, and Andy Phillips.  We regret that Puffin Dave Hall has decided to resign as his caddying job and other duties did not allow him to attend often enough.

Why did Thanksgiving even start?…. see below.

Sunshine Report: Eric Warn recognized Mo Sarram. Mo attended our meeting after having brain surgery last week. Mo got up and announced that he will be 90 years old in a few days and offered a check for $90.00 to pay for the privilege. So glad you made back Mo! Mr. Warn then called on Phil Eng and Steve Mazoff for a special announcement regarding a former member that had passed away – Cal Kushen. Cal was a long time Rotarian. He was a member of the Van Nuys California club and then moved to Washington. He and his wife, Kai, lived in Oakbrook and he joined Lakewood Rotary. He sponsored Steve Mazoff into the club.  Kai has long been a champion of the Tacoma Area Literacy Council, which the Rotary Community Concerns Committee has approved for grants many times over the years.

Almost new member Angela Connelly was going to be inducted toady but due to unforeseen circumstances she couldn’t make the meeting.  We look forward to seeing her soon.

Announcements: Gayle Selden (aka Ms. Zoom Advocate) asked that, if we have an announcement,  for the benefit of the Zoomers, we use the mic AND face one of two cameras. She then proceeded to make an announcement using the mic but…. well – never mind. Gayle said that she had 10 drivers for the break bag drive and that she felt it was covered but that if anyone was still inclined to help then the event would be happening Monday morning at the time and place previously announced.

Who first proclaimed Thanksgiving Day a national holiday?……answer below.

PP and PDG Greg Horn came forward to use the mic AND face the camera (Greg would make a great politician wouldn’t he) in order to give President Jim a couple of photos of him and Mary and then Rose Stevens at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Seems that the three of them (Greg, Mary and Rose) were visiting Rose’s exotic home town of Schenevus in upstate NY so they went to nearsby Cooperstown to check it out. PDG Horn also gave President Jim a pair of socks that Greg and Mary picked up while attending a Rotary Conference in Tucson.

President Jim let us know that there will NOT be Rotary meetings The Friday after Thanksgiving, nor the Fridays before Christmas and New Year’s. NOTE: ALL of the meeting s in January and the first one in February will be via Zoom. There will be NO in-person meetings at the club during that time, due to some renovations taking place there.

Leanna Christian ceded the reading of a letter from the Art Fair to President Jim, thanking Lakewood Rotary for our continued support.

Bike build: Steve Mazoff reported about the Lakewood Rotarians that participated recently in the Bike Build, which was held last Saturday, the 13^th of November. Those Rotarians who took part at the LeMay facility were: Gary Barton, Bob Martin, Lowell Johnson, Rachel Mazoff, Bill Potter, Rick Selden and Steve Mazoff.




Above:   A photo of Rotarians present

Also, there was information left on the tables by the Puffins regarding several upcoming projects that I don’t think the Zoomers received. Here is a recap:
Saturday Dec 11^th: Communities in Schools is looking for volunteers to pick up students’ holiday baskets and bring them to four school sites. Looking for 10-20 cars for this task.
Saturday Dec18th Communities in Schools will need help delivering break bags to students’ homes who are unable to pick them up from the schools.
For more info on these two projects or to sign up to help please contact Bill White at bw@northwestmilitary.com
Diane Formoso from Caring for Kids is looking for volunteers to help with the set up for holiday baskets Friday afternoon and Saturday morning Dec. 10-11 at Thomas Middle School. If you are interested in this or toy/cash donations email Diane at carekids@comcast.net
Generous Giving (aka Fines): Bud Montgomery confessed that he had an accident while doing yard work Tuesday and was banged up but that didn’t stop him from giving $100.00 to TRF (Paul Harris) for his 53^rd anniversary. President Jim tossed in $80.00. Eric Quinn added $21.00 (Madsen Quinn was born on 10/21/21). Bob Peterson came forward to the podium (used the mic and the camera) to announce that he is soon to be 93 and that he really enjoys being part of the club and engaging with all of us. It cost him $93.00 but he did it anyway. Leanna Christian announced that she has passed both CMA exams and is now an official Certified Management Accountant.  Jim Sharp went to Sonoma Valley and sampled some wine. He added $20.00 to the President’s coffer.

Who made Thanksgiving Day a permanent holiday ?…..interesting factoid below.

Rose Stevens introduced our speaker – Howard Svigals. District 5020 Rotary Foundation Chair. Howard is a member of the Gig Harbor Midday Club.
Mr. Svigals started off his presentation with some facts: This year’s theme is “Changing Lives”. Rotary is divided into 34 Zones world wide and there are 535 Districts. The relationship between Rotary International (RI) and The Rotary Foundation is a partnership. The Foundation has Trustees while RI has a Board.
There is an organization called Charity Navigator that rates charities by their financial health and their Accountability and Transparency. Charity Navigator rates TRF with 4 stars which is their highest rating. TRF has received a 4-star rating for 13 years in a row. An amazing 92% of the money Rotarians give goes directly to projects.

Howard covered a lot of ground in a short period of time which required some fast talking so this writer will try to summarize. The Polio Plus Society is made up of Rotarians that commit to giving $100.00 every year until we end polio. There are three “buckets” that our donations can go into: End Polio, Annual Fund and Endowment. End Polio: Even though polio is almost gone there is still work to do. The money goal is 50 million dollars a year. The system that has been developed for tracking polio is being used to track Covid. Currently (in the world) in 2021 there has been one case in Pakistan and up until last week there were 3 cases in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, there were 2 new cases reported last week. All of the cases are centered around this one area. NOTE: The continent of Africa is officially polio free.

Endowment Fund: The goal is to have 2 billion dollars in the fund by 2025. The corpus of the fund isn’t spent.

Annual Fund: The goal here is EREY - “Every Rotarian Every Year”, with every Rotarian in each club donating $25.00 every year.

In District 5020 we have given out $194,000 in grants this year. Global grants in which LR was involved amount to $117,000 (Lakewood Rotary has gotten back more than we put in). What makes our giving special is that Rotarians get to choose where the money goes.

The right to draw for a red chip was won by Troy Wilcox, who drew white and got $5.00

A brief history of Thanksgiving (according to Britannica):
Colonists in New England and Canada regularly observed “thanksgivings,” days of prayer for such blessings as safe journeys, military victories, or abundant harvests. Americans model their holiday on a 1621 harvest feast shared between English colonists and the Wampanoag. Canadians trace their earliest thanksgiving to 1578, when a Martin Frobisher-led expedition celebrated safe passage.
The American holiday is particularly rich in legend and symbolism, and the traditional fare of the Thanksgiving meal typically includes turkey, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.

Plymouth’s Thanksgiving began with a few colonists going out “fowling,” possibly for turkeys but more probably for the easier prey of geese and ducks, since they “in one day killed as much as…served the company almost a week.” Next, 90 or so Wampanoag made a surprise appearance at the settlement’s gate, doubtlessly unnerving the 50 or so colonists. Nevertheless, over the next few days the two groups socialized without incident. The Wampanoag contributed venison to the feast, which included the fowl and probably fish, eels, shellfish, stews, vegetables, and beer. Since Plymouth had few buildings and manufactured goods, most people ate outside while sitting on the ground or on barrels with plates on their laps. The men fired guns, ran races, and drank liquor, struggling to speak in broken English and Wampanoag. This was a rather disorderly affair, but it sealed a treaty between the two groups that lasted until King Philip’s War (1675–76), in which hundreds of colonists and thousands of Native Americans lost their lives.

The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating “Thanksgivings,” days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought. The U.S. Continental Congress proclaimed a national Thanksgiving upon the enactment of the Constitution, for example. Yet, after 1798, the new U.S. Congress left Thanksgiving declarations to the states; some objected to the national government’s involvement in a religious observance, Southerners were slow to adopt a New England custom, and others took offense over the day’s being used to hold partisan speeches and parades. A national Thanksgiving Day seemed more like a lightning rod for controversy than a unifying force.

Thanksgiving Day did not become an official holiday until Northerners dominated the federal government. While sectional tensions prevailed in the mid-19th century, the editor of the popular magazine Godey’s Lady’s Book, Sarah Josepha Hale, campaigned for a national Thanksgiving Day to promote unity. She finally won the support of President Abraham Lincoln. On October 3, 1863, during the Civil War, Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26. The holiday was annually proclaimed by every president thereafter, and the date chosen, with few exceptions, was the last Thursday in November. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, however, attempted to extend the Christmas shopping season, which generally begins with the Thanksgiving holiday, and to boost the economy by moving the date back a week, to the third week in November. But not all states complied, and, after a joint resolution of Congress in 1941, Roosevelt issued a proclamation in 1942 designating the fourth Thursday in November (which is not always the last Thursday) as Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

 

There were no visiting Rotarians present but the “Old” Ed Shannon (that is three days older than our President) brought his daughter Kerry Pechon, from Kentucky. Kerry is a UW grad and a 6^th Floor Lander crew member where she was good friends with Jeff Selden, this bulletin writer’s older brother.
Eric Warn shared the Sunshine Report. Mo Sarram is in the ICU at Swedish recovering from removal of debris in his brain that was affecting his balance. Duncan and Joan Cook are having a difficult time getting around and could use help with getting groceries and rides to doctor’s appointments. Please contact them if you can help. Soon to be a member, Angela Connelly could not make it to her induction today, as her son had ACL surgery after a High School sports injury. Dr. Rooks then told everyone if you have any wrestling children or grandchildren they should always be wearing a helmet, even when just practicing.
Volunteer Opportunity: On November 22^nd (that’s a Monday) Lakewood Rotary will be delivering bags of food from the Clover Park School District Warehouse to schools. Volunteers need to have a vehicle that can hold 10 to 100 shopping bags (that means cars to SUVs to minivans). Work starts at 9 am and there is no lifting of bags unless you really want to do that. There are loaders at the warehouse and unloaders at the schools (you are welcome to load if you’d like).  Work ends whenever you want it to…so you can do one run or more. Please let Gayle Selden know if you can participate at gayle@edseldenc1.com.
Past President Bill Potter took the mic and opened the floor for nominations for Treasurer, Secretary, President Elect Elect and Board Members. Please contact Bill Potter or Mark Edgecomb if you have a nomination. If you’d like to be in one of the offices you can self-nominate.


Above: Bill Potter took the microphone. Photo by Walt Richardson
Bill talked about the Build a Bike program and members participated in a build on Saturday. Lakewood Rotary will have 40 bikes to get out to the community, so volunteer for that delivery day if you missed the build.
Bob Bruback, representing the Community Concerns Committee, requested the club approve a $2000 donation for the Waste Connection Build a Bike program. It was moved, seconded and passed.
Past President Rose Stevens took the podium over with a flourish, as only a PP can. Rose gave us an update on the Little Free Pantries. During the last two days of the election Lakewood Rotary and the Lions manned a tent collecting food for the Little Free Pantry. They ended up with 2 vans worth. At every Rotary meeting there will be a collection of protein (peanut butter, tuna, canned chicken) and hygiene products to help fill the Little Free Pantries. Remember to try and get pop tops for the canned goods. This will be an ongoing project. So, when you grocery shop just pick up one extra item for a pantry and drop off at the Friday meeting. (On Dr. Rooks’ orders, skip the spam.) The partners will also be collecting canned food at the Holiday Dinner Dance.




What Dinner Dance-you ask? On December 3^rd the Partners will be hosting a Dinner Dance at the Country Club. Past President and Current Treasurer John Lowney has set up a payment portal on the Lakewood Rotary website. More details forthcoming as well as a fun fun time.



Above:  John Lowney has a link for everything!  Walt Richardson photo
President Rooks than donned his Sheriff’s hat for fines and generous giving. First stop was Past President Joe Quinn, who went to Reno not to gamble. Also, apparently not to shoot a man either. As he flashed the medal around his neck he let us know he broke 6 national Masters records at the American Masters weightlifting competition, but an even older guy lifting after him broke his records two minutes later. Still not too shabby! Congrats Joe! $50 to the pot.
Colonel Ed Shannon modeled his Army uniform that he first donned at Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1965. He wanted to disprove Rob Erb’s theory that Gary Fulton is the only Lakewood Rotarian that can still fit into their uniform. He modeled it well but maybe had to be cut out of it at home by Jayne. He said something about paying a dollar per year with a $100 Foundation donation. And then he clarified and said, “But I am not 100!!!”  He also contributed $20 to Dr. Rooks’ budget for daughter Kerry’s visit. He also convinced Rob Erb to pay $5 for his misleading statement last week.
Bob Martin shared a story about his Dad,  thanking him for his service. His Dad worked as a photographer that took pictures so invasion forces would be ready to fight on the ground in Japan. He was one of the first to see the aftermath of Hiroshima’s bombing.
Mike Murtha was in the building and offered $150(!!!!) for a trip to Hawaii and Cancun.

THE PROGRAM
Don Anderson came up to introduce our speaker. He made sure to note that his Navy hat still fits!



Colonel Roerhman at the podium.  Photo by Walt Richardson.
Col Roerhman commands the Lancer Brigade, also known as the 2-2 Stryker Brigade team, our Lakewood-JBLM Community Connector. Col Roerhman is a West Point Grad who got a Masters and Doctorate at Kings College. Don listed many accomplishments and honors.
Col Roerhman was happy to share thanks to our Veterans. He asked those that served to raise their hands. It was impressive how many were up!
He explained the origins of the 2-2 team including the 5-2 and reflagging of the 2-2 from armored to Stryker. The brigade has 4500 soldiers and 300 combat vehicles. It is a medium-sized brigade created to quickly and rapidly deploy via Sea, Air or Rail for mountainous terrain or urban environment combat. We learned the unit can deploy within 96 hours as long as all support services (ship/rail/air) are ready too. It would take some sleepless nights to get it done that fast.
The location at JBLM makes the Brigade mostly ready for battle in the Indo-Pacific Region. Soon they will be training with the Japanese Defense Force and the Royal Thai Army. Their hope is to test the Stryker in jungle environments.
Col Roerhman shared stories of some of his soldiers. He likened some of his battalion’s goals and plans to Lakewood Rotary’s goals. Although they pray for peace, they are prepared for action. The Brigade is also happy to continue to work with the City of Lakewood, doing their part to serve the community. The Lancer Brigade’s motto is “Seize the High Ground.” Lucky to have them in our community.
Here is a Sub Times article from their visit:
Lancer Brigade Commander Provides Veterans Day Remarks to Lakewood Rotary – The Suburban Times (thesubtimes.com)
The meeting was adjourned; Terry Roarke pulled a white chip.  Just the Facts, Ma’am.  (Gayle is too young to know this but that was Sergeant Joe Friday’s motto on Dragnet…must see TV.   Ed.)
I am sorry Greg Rediske was not taking notes as this bulletin did not roll out as easily as last week’s.
All the same thanks for reading….. Ole and Donnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
Gayle
 

The Rotary Meeting on October 10^th started normally enough for Gayle Selden. She did choose the wrong parking space at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club as she realized upon stepping into the muddy puddle located outside her driver door. Opening the doors to the Country Club, she was greeted by Jim Weinand holding down the Paul Harris Desk. She picked out her badge and put a check mark next to her name on the attendance sheet. Handling the raffle table was Chuck Hellar who appeared to be coaching Greg Horn on the workings of the Sergeant at Arms Desk. Raffle tickets in hand, Gayle greeted Teresa collecting funds for lunch. Greeting and hellos occurred throughout the dining hall as Gayle found a spot at a table with a view of the water and the speaker. As a bonus, the aforementioned Chuck Hellar was seated to her right.

Ready to hit the buffet line, Gayle was intercepted by Rob Erb, super conductor of the universe of Lakewood Rotary. He asked, and Gayle responded in the affirmative, to be the meetings Zoom host or Zoom advocate. It is the responsibility of the Zoom host to mute participants on Zoom, spotlight speakers and make sure the President recognizes our guests online. That is, tasks that Gayle can accomplish with an 80% success rate. So, she felt ready to take on the job after enjoying her mixed meat sandwich. She felt confident until she saw James Osundwa and the speaker setting up a Power Point presentation on the main Zoom hosting computer. There are a couple things that give Gayle instant anxiety. . .those are curvy mountain roads and Power Point presentations.

Taking a deep breath after finishing lovely conversations with Steve Saalfeld, Kim Prentice and Chuck, Gayle headed to be the Zoom host at 12:25 pm. The interesting thing about the setup of the meeting is there is one computer for sound and another computer for viewing. Two screens in the meeting room illuminate either the podium area or those members enjoying the meeting at home. But two computers mean a little confusion as to what degree of control one has. It was noticed by James at 12:28 that those on Zoom were talking but we could not hear them in the meeting room. Usually, Zoom attendees can be heard loudly. Phil Eng and John Lowney were sitting next to each other looking like Bert and Ernie and talking away and we could NOT hear a word. So as President Jim Rooks called the meeting to order James and Gayle were worried the Zoom attendees would be muted forever.

Jim introduced Barlow Buescher for the invocation and Carl Bronkema for the flag salute. President Jim then thanked the set-up committee that includes James, Rob Erb and Rick Selden. He also thanked bulletin writer **** ***** and photographer Walt Richardson. It was at that moment both Gayle and Greg Rediske realized that **** was not in attendance in the room or on Zoom. Both Greg and Gayle looked around the room wondering if someone was covering for ****. Nobody was writing anything down! There were no notepads in front of the other possible writers.  Jim continued the meeting and highlighted guests including Kim from a Rotary Club in Canada. Kim was on Zoom and went to speak and Gayle did the only thing that seemed like it could help a muted Zoom audience: she turned to the sound board and hit the main volume to Max. That worked! Kim could be heard all the way from Canada seeing how seamlessly we host hybrid meetings. (If she only knew. . .). Did the Puffins stand then? Gayle was distracted by the sound board.

While still gasping with eyebrows raised and a bit dazed by the turn of events, I (GR) remember that there was another superb invocation by Barlow Buescher. I may be prejudiced because he’s my neighbor, but doggone those are good invocations/thoughts that he provides. Then it was the pledge leading of Puffin Carl Bronkema, appropriately grateful to our assembled past and present service people, as today was our annual Veteran’s Day meeting. In recognition thereof, President Jim Rooks called upon Rob Erb to have his minions (led by Chief Minion James Osundwa) air our program which pictures our current Rotarians who have served, along with their unit and years of service. Always a delight. That Swedish guy’s photo always cracks me up, although we were warned not to laugh out loud.

President Jim then invited Rob Erb to share a video in honor of our veterans. Rob grabbed the mic and a screech was heard by all. Gayle quickly pulled the volume down to try and end the horrible sound. Thankfully, James was at the presentation computer to share the Power Point presentation Rob had created. But wait, it was playing without sound. Where was the sound????? A picture of Bill Allen as a youth serving in the Navy was projected on the screen for a long, silent moment. James figured out in a moment that the sound is shared by the other computer and the presentation computer had been muted. After a lengthy pause, the video, with sound, started playing. And Gayle again looked to Greg Rediske and wondered who is writing the bulletin. Gayle jumped up and went to her purse and found a notepad and a pen. She jotted down notes trying to remember what had happened in the meeting as pictures of Rotarians with younger faces passed on the screen. She notices how timeless Gary Fulton is and how John Magnuson’s picture could also double as a wanted poster. Troy Wilcox had such a baby face while talking on a pay phone. Gayle lamented that there will be a day when the world will have forgotten pay phones. It was a great show by Rob highlighting the service of so many of our members.

Eric Warn announced that Tom George’s brother-in-law recently passed, with sympathies to Tom and his family. Then it fell to Steve Enquist to be presented by President Jim with his 8^th Paul Harris, followed by Steve then presenting Anne Enquist her 3^rd (with a kiss as well, the only recipient to get a kiss from Steve),



Above: Not all Paul Harris awardees get a kiss but Anne Enquist did!  Walt’s photo!
… Jim Weinand with his 6^th, and finally, Mary Horn came to the front to receive her 6^th. And her 7^th. And her 8^th. And her 9^th. She was also showered with accolades for her work as Chief of Staff for Past DG Greg Horn and for her many announcements of where and when to get vaccinated this past year. We don’t usually announce this, but the bulletin staff got together and voted Mary the “Outstanding Member of the Meeting”.  (God… isn’t this bulletin team fantastic, especially when they cover each other.)

Lakewood Rotary in Action Around the World:
Rose Stevens announced a global grant that she and Tom George were spearheading-- a water project for Brazil. She is in talks with other clubs for additional support to increase the total, while noting that our club got in for zero dollars. A friend of Tom’s from Microsoft volunteered money for a project in India that remains in limbo and agreed to put some of his gift to use here for our club’s contribution. Just fabulous work by all.





Above: Rose Stevens—Walt Richardson Photo

President Jim invited the glowing Rose Stevens to the podium to make an announcement about the World Community Service Committee. It was Rose’s first time back to meeting since before Covid. It was a moment she was relishing. Rose was excited to share that Tom George had found a Global Grant project to work on. Lakewood Rotary will be working with a club in Brazil doing something with water. Gayle realized her attention went to the Zoom screen checking on the attendees there and totally missed what Rose was talking about. Oh wait, she noticed Greg Rediske writing on a notepad. Is he writing the bulletin? Will Gayle’s transgressions of missing the important announcement be covered by Greg? Oh, she wished that would be. Gayle knew she could call Rose and get the information that the grant will cover 1,100 water storage tanks to help 5000 Brazilians who rely on a water truck to bring a weekly delivery of water. These tanks will also be for the safe and sanitary storage of water in this drought-ridden region of Brazil. And the funding for Lakewood Rotary’s part of the project was provided by a donor who wanted to support our world community service efforts.
Thankfully Greg Rediske’s notepad looked fuller than Gayle’s, she thought, as Jim Rooks handed Steve Enquist his 8^th Paul Harris. Steve then thanked other members and they were handed their Paul Harris pins. Anne Enquist got a kiss, Jim Weinand did not. And the most noticeable of them was Mary Horn getting her 6^th, 7^th, 8^th and 9^th Paul Harris. Just one step away from being a major donor. Support of the Rotary Foundation helps fund global grants like the project in Brazil.

Then came the Bob Martin and Greg Horn show, with anniversary and birthday announcements. Highlights included Gordy Quick’s 51 years in Lakewood Rotary, and Bud Montgomery’s 52 years of marriage. Birthday boys present had to tell of their Thanksgiving traditions: Ed Shannon said, “Turkey”. Jim Rooks said, “Chicken, because I don’t like leftovers.” Rick Selden said, “Creamed onions, and voiced thanks by all attending”. Happy Birthday to all.

The room groaned as President Rooks announced it was time for Birthdays and Anniversaries with Greg Horn. Greg dragged Puffin Bob Martin to the Podium and they listed the Rotary Anniversaries and Wedding Anniversaries. Only three Birthday folks were in attendance and they were asked to share their family’s Thanksgiving traditions. Ed Shannon eats Turkey on Thanksgiving. Jim Rooks eats Chicken, as he hates leftovers. Rick Selden’s family food tradition is creamed onions and a tradition after the meal his sister, Marsha, asks all members to share what they are most thankful in the past year. As a member of Rick’s family, Gayle is thankful her father has perfected a non-dairy version of creamed onions so her lactose intolerance does not discourage continuing such a tradition.


Fines and Generous Giving:
Anne Enquist won $816 last week in the drawing and plans on a gift of a significant percentage to Rotary, once she figures out what Uncle Sam intends to take. Rob Erb thanked Phil Eng, John Lowney, Steve Mazoff, Don Daniels, and Rick Selden for the help in organizing the storage trailer and paid $20 as a result. Kim Prentice just returned from watching WSU beat ASU in Scottsdale, $20. Jason Whalen travelled a bit further, to Tuscany, Italy, where he was able to more effectively monitor his re-election campaign (which was apparently a good plan, as he won), $100. Peter Marsh was proud of his four eligible grandchildren (one of the five is only three years old) who got vaccinated, $80. And bringing up the tail end of this generosity was Ed Shannon, he who recently admitted to the shocking Thanksgiving tradition of eating turkey. Ed is turning 80 and rounded it up to $100. Jim Rooks’ fine budget continues to be blown up by our club’s great generosity.

President Rooks donned a sheriff hat and opened the floor for fines and generous giving. Gayle’s attention was diverted to the Zoom room. Peter Marsh was ready to speak. She missed Jason Whalen’s confession of an Italy trip and thankfulness for support in his winning of a race for City Council. Rumor has it he contributed $100. Peter Marsh paid $20 per vaccinated grandchild. Rob Erb paid $20 to honor those members who organized and cleaned the Rotary trailer including Rick Selden, John Lowney, Steve Enquist and Rob Erb. Ed Shannon promised $100 for a Birthday. Kim Prentice paid $20 for a trip to Arizona and the Cougs winning. Gayle is certain she missed something as the clock was ticking to another power point presentation being shared.



Above: Colonel Chung by Walt Richardson, Photographer

The Program:
John Caulfield took the podium and smiled with a grin you wouldn’t expect to see from a hockey player. He listed the amazing accolades of the speaker Colonel Jonathon Chung, commander of the 5^th Security Force of the Assistance Brigade. It was at that moment the anxiety and dread were spreading in Gayle’s mind. . .a Power Point presentation needed to be shared. It’s on the browser and you have to share the screen with sound. What could go wrong? Thankfully James could assist with the Power Point prepared by the Colonel’s right-hand man.

Col. Chung shared his life with Lakewood Rotary. It was a presentation in which his life was presented like a story. You could see his growth and hear a dialogue of belief and perseverance. Col. Chung is a life-long learner and searches for enlightenment around all the corners. He made it through West Point after attending prep school. He led his two younger brothers in service. He is a leader to the troops and to the extended family in his home. Col. Chung mentioned his family and community connectors as an important part of his full health and well-being. Community manners. His words flowed out and filled the room with the wish to do and be better.  Col Chung handled the speech well when a video with sound was to be shared and couldn’t be shared due to Gayle’s lack of knowledge. And James and the Colonel’s right-hand man could not figure it out either. So at least the failure of the video share was not on Gayle’s shoulders alone.

The Program




Above: The Colonel and the President by Walt Richardson

John Caulfield had the honor of introducing Colonel Jonathan Chung, who recently assumed command of the 5^th Security Force Assistance Brigade at JBLM. The Colonel graduated from West Point in 1998, and subsequently has attended about a million army schools and received countless medals and commendations. His presentation was called “Family, Service, and Community,” and he proceeded to show how important a social network is in pursuing a successful life. A healthy lifestyle is one thing, but without the social network, it is all for naught. He recounted many of the times in his own life that his “team”, either compatriots or family, helped him up the ladder of life. His father was a lifetime military man, and both of his brothers also graduated from West Point. His greatest achievement is his two children and his wife, and now two grandchildren. His wife is fighting stage four cancer, but they are not alone in this fight, or any fight. Among his observations was that initially, Afghanistan was sent a brigade of 820 advisors. The second group was down to 400; then 100, and at the end, 29 advisors were there doing the same job that 820 did. That helps to explain the withdrawal problems. The Colonel said, “Life doesn’t get easier. You just get stronger.”
And that was a superb and inspiring Veteran’s Day presentation.

The Drawing was “won” by Walt Richardson, who drew white, which was worth $5. Which reminds me of something that I neglected to write down during my gasping and eyebrow raising time: Walt was the photographer; Jim Weinand was at the Paul Harris desk, and Bob Hammar or Chuck Hellar was teaching intern Greg Horn how to collect drawing money. And not only that, we had a visiting Rotarian from Victoria, Canada, via Zoom: Kim Barnard. (It should be noted that if you demand perfection from the bulletin writing team, well, sorry.)

Gayle’s failures did not end with the video on this day. She left the notes she had scribbled during the meeting behind on the table. From memory and picking the brains of Greg & Mary Horn and Rose Stevens she tried to document the meeting the best she could hoping Greg Rediske took much better notes.  (In that case Gayle, you did darn well!...Ed.)

This Bulletin by Committee works pretty well, as what one misses, the others can cover.  Maybe we should write one someday comprised of the notes of all bulletin committee members who are present in person or on Zoom that day.  Editor.

 

We had no visiting Rotarians but a few guests, including Ellen Mazoff, Norm Fiacci, colleague of Jim Sharp, Kris Quinn, Joe Quinn’s wife and Shiru Osundwa, James’ wife, on Zoom. When President Jim asked the Puffins to stand up, half the room stood. What a great group of newbies we have! (Which reminds me of an item on my Christmas wish list: a new rule at Lakewood Rotary meetings. If you are going to stand up, speak, murmur, think out loud, announce, mumble, report, whisper, and/or stand on your head, you first turn toward the bulletin writer and loudly and SLOWLY say your name, spelling your last name and your first if it’s any different than “Joe” “Bob,” “Sue,” “Mary.” Alternatively, in the interest of time or decorum, you may walk over to said writer and show your name tag long enough for him/her to write your name down. This need only take place once, as long as you do not change clothes during the meeting.)

            Eric Warn gave the floor to Rick Selden for the Sunshine report. Rick hoofed it over to Gig Harbor to hang out with Tom Sadler and his wife Sharon. Tom has Parkinson’s and is losing much mobility. Tom’s speech is a bit impaired; Sharon is doing well but her cancer is back. Tom said “hi” to us and would love to see anyone who felt like a field trip. Ed Shannon paid $300 to celebrate his last doctor’s report of no more cancer and no more treatments. Great news, Ed!

            Now for that special time that lives in our hearts forever: induction of a new member. This time it was Toby Roberts, the new Executive Director at the Lakewood YMCA, introduced by Eric Warn. President Jim did the formalities, including presentation of the goodies and invoice. We all welcomed Toby with an ovation, and Toby got his two minutes to talk about himself. He expressed his gratitude and honor to be a member of such an illustrious group. He noted that our mission and that of the Y are very similar. He has been in his position for only two and a half months but he intends to stay for a very long time. He’s a local boy, graduating from Stadium High, Washington State University (go Cougs!) and will be glued to the TV watching the Seahawks turn it around. Bob Martin leapt up to pass off his Puffin to Toby. Bob said his wife was going to build it a nest but the puffin was so happy sitting on Bob’s lap she never got around to it.

            Steve Enquist presented two Paul Harris awards: John Lowney with his fourth and Jim Rooks with his third. Collections for the Foundation at this meeting totaled $1,810. Steve told us that November is Foundation month and the District is offering an incentive for us to clean out our wallets before the holidays. The more we donate to the Foundation, the more likely the District will funnel back to our club some of that money. The details weren’t  clear but the message was: Get those checks in between Monday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

            Pres. Rooks gave John Korsmo the floor, but Jim looked clearly nervous about that upcoming roast. John shared with us that he has been friends with President Jim for a long time so he’s got the dirt and so will we on December 17^th, the annual holiday roasting of the President. John will set up meetings for the Puffins to gather, plot and plan. Chuck Hellar, Chair of the $2.00 desk, said he needs two more people to sit at the desk and sell tickets. John Lowney announced that we have raised $5,000 for the Mosque damaged by arson and President Jim expressed his gratitude for our generosity. Jim also said he got a nice note of thanks from Marge Hoffman from Wreaths Across America.

            If you are on Zoom, you can’t fully appreciate that moment in the meeting where President Jim dons his safari hat (or is it his Canadian Mountie hat? Wild Wild West hat? Or Captain Wilton Parmenter’s hat from F Troop?) and says “it’s time for fines and generous giving!” Joe Quinn stepped up to pay $1.00 per ounce or $100 to honor his new grandson, Mogmo or as he is formally known, Madsen. He got the name “Mogmo” from Joe’s valiant effort to decipher Eric’s handwriting on the card announcing his birth and name. President Rooks said that the only profession as bad, or worse, than doctors at business and handwriting are lawyers. Dave Swindale is hunting in Winthrop and pledged $0 for each buck and $100 for each doe.  (Pretty sure he shot the dough.)  He also kicked in $100 to the RI Foundation. Steve and Anne Enquist went to New England and San Francisco and paid $20 each. President Jim said that Phil Eng instructed Jim to go the Pierce County Presidents’ meeting and drum up support for the Courage Classic. Jim did and Phil will share details from an undisclosed location next week after another unnamed Rotarian and spouse join him and Judy. It’s a place sunny and warm. Hhmmm, where could that be?

THE PROGRAM:






Above: Professor Andy Siegel

            Anne Enquist introduced our speaker – Professor Andrew Siegel, who is an expert on the U.S. Supreme Court or USSC as we lawyers call it (and I will herein). Professor Siegel graduated Summa Cum Laude from Yale University, with a Master’s from Princeton University and a law degree from the New York University School of Law, graduating first in his class. He clerked for the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (a big deal) and Justice John Paul Stevens of the USSC (a huge deal) along with Eduardo Penalver, the new President of Seattle University Law School. After his clerkships, he worked in a prestigious law firm and then taught at the University of South Carolina Law School.  He was “stolen” years ago by Seattle University Law School where he is now the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.  He was a great constitutional law teacher.  He said that he enjoys giving these talks,because his current job keeps him out of the classroom, which he misses dearly.  He gave us his thoughts about the USSC, past, present and future.
            Professor Siegel said that this term will probably be the most consequential in our lifetime. The Court itself is under due to the political process of appointments and some say it needs serious reforms not attempted in decades.  Professor Siegel said, to talk about the USSC, one needs to have some historical background, understand its culture, and its place in our society. The Constitution established the Court but without any details, such as how many justices should serve on it. Originally there were six justices. Then President George Washington appointed lawyers and judges from six states. It wasn’t a glamorous job. The justices went from town to town hearing appeals from the trial courts. The intermediate federal appeals courts did not exist yet. That was called “riding the circuit”, with the justices traveling by horse and buggy. They were gone a lot and didn’t stay in the job very long.

            Chief Justice John Marshall consolidated power in the Court in the leading case of Marbury v. Madison.  In his tenure as Chief Justice he caused the Court to be located in one place, and even to live together in a boarding house.  Almost all opinions were documented in one opinion, with little or no dissenting or concurring opinions. Over the years, the size of the Court changed up and down, for as many as ten and as few as five justices. Some Presidents got who they wanted and others didn’t. A wide variety of people served on the Court: former judges, lawyers and legislators. For the most part, they stayed out of politics except for the Dred Scott decision (for those of you not up on your USSC case law, that decision held that African Americans who were slaves or descendants from slaves were not U.S. citizens.). The 1890’s began court precedents, known as the Lochner Period, where the Court pretty much decided cases based on what the justices wanted, and did not reflect the wishes of society. The Court thus came into conflict with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, because the justices were so out of touch with a changing society. That led to a court packing plan by FDR, but that never really got off the ground. Thereafter, however,  the USSC began to change.  The Court became more cooperative with the executive branch and began to uphold many of the New Deal policies and programs that FDR espoused and many felt the nation needed.  The Court created new norms for itself.

            In 1950, the Warren Court came about and produced many landmark decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education (desegregating schools) and Miranda v. Arizona, (advising arrestees of constitutional rights), one person, one vote and systemic due process.  It articulated the doctrine of judicial supremacy, where the Court rules on what the Constitution means and strikes down legislation they find unconstitutional. For forty years, the Court was pretty stable, staying in the center right politically, but not as far right as the Court is currently.

            From 1990 to the 2000’s, the Court moved more to the center left, but now it is further to the right. Even though the Democrats have won the popular vote for President, the Republicans have gotten control of the Court, through the recent appointments;  This will keep that control for generations to come, Professor Siegel said.  Generally, throughout our history,  the USSC has usually followed the election results, to be in step with the majority of the country but now he feels it is out of step.

            To talk a little about its culture, Professor Siegel said that walking into the Supreme Court building is an awesome experience. It is very traditional.  The justices embrace that tradition, with a sense of self-importance. Their clerks are treated as members of “the club.” The justices all have similar backgrounds. Most went to one of the top law schools in the nation.  Six of the current justices clerked for USSC justices.  All but one served on the federal appeals court bench. They claim that they aren’t political and don’t like to associated with either political party. Recently Justices Breyer and Alito pushed back against the media. Justice Breyer didn’t appreciate their questions about his possible retirement; Justice Alito didn’t like questions about the so-called “shadow docket”, which relates to those cases that come before the Court on an emergency basis, without full briefing and oral argument.  (The shadow docket has been used more often lately, such as with the Texas anti-abortion law, which allows enforcement by anyone, rather than by state officials.) Congress has a lot of power to make changes in the Court but hasn’t used that power very often in our history. When justices make decisions, they fall back on their own values and political allegiances.  Professor Siegel noted that both parties are better now at getting justices that reflect their party’s political views. For example, Justice Kagan has a Democrat background and Justice Kavanaugh has a Republican background.

            The USSC is a small, elite judicial body.  Its members are not really representative of the people as a whole. The justices often have little or no training in economics,  history or philosophy. Now, it is less likely that they will represent the will of the people. This leads to the future of the Court being bleaker than usual and more concerning according to Professor Siegel. Professor Siegel said the new configuration – 6 to the right (and further to the right than before) and only three to the left creates a new perception of the Court. This is a new political era that affects the justices’ perception of themselves and our perception of the Court. In the short term, a lot of laws and Court precedents may well change.  Issues and precedents relating to abortion and the Second Amendment will be addressed this term and may be precedent-setting. We can never predict their ruling on any individual case, but they will have to spend some political capital to maintain a good image with a large part of the electorate.

            An example of this was with the Bush v. Gore decision (which settled the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore). Professor Siegel worked on the dissent with Justice Stevens.  Although the Court took a dip in popularity after that ruling, it built up its credibility and gradually bounced back into favor. Now the proponents of court reform are on the defensive because they have to address the big gap between the Court and the country. The Court has to move back in line with the country or face the consequences of staying so far out of line, in Professor Siegel’s opinion.  Certain divisive issues, such as voting rights, put a lot of pressure on the Court that it might not be aware of, as there is a lot of pressure to rule along party lines. It’s not good for the Court’s credibility if it continually is asked to rule on issues that might be perceived as decided according to which party put that justice on the bench. All of the justices are deeply politically situated so it will be fascinating to see how it plays out.

            Questions from Rotary members brought up these issues: In the past, Chief Justice Roberts was seen as the swing vote. Will that continue?  Professor Siegel said he is the most interesting member. His background is very conservative but he bounces back and forth between the two roles. Although he was once very conservative, he’s not so much anymore. He is the fourth most liberal justice. Professor Siegel thinks of Justice Kavanaugh or Gorsuch as possible swing voters. It’s really not the John Roberts’ court but is it instead the Clarence Thomas Court? He is an interesting justice because he barely says a word on the bench but he is the unofficial leader, perhaps because Justice Thomas is the most senior and consistent member of the bench. He has a reputation for courage.  Justice Thomas is the most affable and easiest to get along with. There are stories that he used to stutter and had a hard time speaking in public so that might be the reason why he says little during oral arguments which are really just a time to be a show pony. He is the most extreme of the five conservative justices and has never cast the deciding vote.
            The yo-yoing of the Court in terms of party appointees in the past was more controlled but now it is not certain. Justice Breyer wants to play a role in stabilizing the Court but he really doesn’t have the numbers to do it. The Republicans put a lot of work into putting their people on the bench so they want the benefit. Historically, we can be optimistic but this Court is so unique that we aren’t sure what will be the outcome.

            President Rooks thanked Professor Siegel for his most interesting talk. At raffle time, there was $817 in the pot. Anne Enquist, who introduce our speaker,  pulled a red chip and got all the money. Have a great week. Happy Halloween and see ya all next Friday.
 

Above: Making the meeting happen, this picture includes Bud Montgomery at PH desk, Chuck Hellar at the raffle table, and Mary Marlin waving about bulletin writing.  John Lowney, fine fine recorder, is trying to discern if he has the $2 for a raffle ticket. I bet he does.  Phil Eng, our photog for the day, gets credit for this one.  Dave Hall, Sergeant at Arms, is not shown here but he was there.

  Making the meeting happen and helping with set-up was Leanna Christian, Rob Erb, Tom George, James Osundwa, Greg Rediske and Terry Roarke.  It makes you appreciate how many energetic people it takes to make a meeting happen both in house and with zoom availability!   
   
     Tony Camoroda, our AD Governor, was welcomed by the club as well as Angela Connelly, and Mrs. Bronkema, wife of Carl, who will soon be a new member of the club! The new Puffins were asked to stand and were applauded for their energy in joining our special membership.  They were:  Jessica James, Dave Hall, Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff,  Steve Saalfeld,  Connie Colman-Lacadie,  Jamie Simons, Wendy McGowan,  Anthony Veliz, Bob Martin and Andy Phillips. Great to have them here!  Eric Warn had no Sunshine news today which sometimes is good news. 






Above: Our new Sunshine Chair, Eric Warn, had nothing to say (never true). Phil Eng photo.

     Announcements were then made. Bob Bruback mentioned that the Community Concerns Committee had three grant requests.  The first one was for the Lakewood Art Festival. The approval of $900 to promote the arts and encourage young people to learn more about opportunities they may want to pursue to advance their own artistic passions was given by all members. Last year 1600 people attended the festival.  The second request was from Hope Sparks Family Services.  This organization is 125 years old and has helped families deal with behavioral and emotional issues in their families as they reach out for assistance.  Note that 4000 children were helped in 2020! Instead of the $500 requested, the committee felt more was needed and doubled the request to $1000 and all members approved.  The third grant request was from Making a Difference Foundation and $2000 was requested for children in need of food or school supplies. Elderly and disabled adults are also helped by this organization and have had food delivered and given assistance as needed.  The Rotarians then moved and seconded the request of $2000.   (Under our bylaws, donations of $2000 or more need formal member approval.)

 Rose Stevens spoke about World Service organization and the work they do with young Rotarians in Nepal who are daily wage workers and how this organization works to keep them in school and have needed supplies and food.  Mary Horn was given recognition for her commitment to the Paul Harris Society by (as Greg Horn says), checking the box! 

     It was then time for Birthdays and Anniversaries. Greg Horn and Clint Johnson were the presenters ...and outers...of both Birthdays and Anniversaries which often carry a fine....just because.  Clint suggested folks mention a special Halloween costume they may have loved to wear. Bob Bruback loved his lumberjack costume because he liked to carry the ax around. Mary Horn was nine months and two weeks pregnant and could only fit in the Rainier Beer Bottle costume one year.  Gotta ask her about the M and M costume she didn't want to talk about. Hmm. Birthdays noted were Gordy Quick, Mary Horn, Bob Bruback, Charlie Hyde, Tom Sadler, Barb Spriggs,  and Mike Zaro.  Partner birthdays were Leanna Christian’s husband Dalles Christian and Jason Whalen’s wife Gael.  Members who had anniversaries in Rotary were: Dave Hall, Bob Bruback, Chuck Hellar, Rose Stevens, Ed Shannon, Duncan Cook and Bob Zawilski.  Wedding anniversaries were being celebrated by Dave Reames and Barbara for 20 years and John Lowney and Pam for 22 years. 

Generous Giving:

    President Rooks then mentioned that he knew of several people who had been tripping.....okay, going on trips.  James Osundwa and his wife enjoyed 6 days in Cabo (not to be confused as some were, with Kabul). They had great fun and had time to unplug, reset and hydrate.  $50 generously donated.  Rob Erb drove across the country from Minnesota to Montana with snow and checked out a Project Corvette, I believe, in Minnesota.  $50 generously donated.  Greg Horn was touring upstate New York with Mary and Rose Stevens. Fall foliage was great. He donated $50. Steve Saalfeld visited his daughter at Trinity University in Texas and was amazed by the new football stadium with the giant screens.  His daughter loves it there too.  A $25 donation was given. Sally Porter Smith announced she is putting her house in Dupont up for sale because she is moving to Seattle the first of the year. She will continue to help with the auction this coming year and will be a consultant as needed. She offered to donate $25, but Jim Rooks jumped in and said he would pay because she has given so much time and effort and help to our club.  Jan Gee also matched that amount and gave kudos to Sally for all her hard work as an amazing problem solver and great leader. Bill Potter donated $20 to Nourish to help supply food to 600 families.  If you are a van driver, call him. Clint Johnson has traveled up and down the west coast to see his grandkids and mentioned that he is the president of Tacoma Arts and encourages all to attend the Rialto and Pantages. He has a 20% discount if you step up soon.  He also welcomed the Puffins and is excited about the Christmas Party and Puffin participation he and John Korsmo will celebrate together with them. His donation of $100 was appreciated.  Mary Horn donated, I believe, $20 for her birthday, $25 for Sally, and $50 to match Greg's donation. Very generous!

OUR PROGRAM:






Above: Mark Haskins of Pierce College/JBLM.  Phil Eng photo.

     Barlow Buescher then introduced our speaker of the day, Mark Haskins, the Executive Director of Pierce College at JBLM. Barlow has known Mark for some time and his admiration for Mark is that he offers steady, clear leadership with both students and colleagues alike. Mark appreciated Barlow's comments and gently apologized to Rotarians because he is in Kiwanis.  All is forgiven and with that he enlightened us about the work that he is doing to help students stay on the educational path while working in positions at JBLM that often can be challenging.  Mark came from a military family. His father was in the army and suggested that Mark join the Air Force. And the rest is history. A former USAF weapons systems officer, Mark had much experience in different fields.  His goal was to serve military students and make the educational opportunities "friendlier" and more available. He is super proud of the attention that Pierce College has attained through 54 years of educating....at the top 5 list of colleges and in the top 10 on the list of best colleges. The Military award for Best for Vets in the US is quite an honor.  The whole idea is to address the diverse learners and help them to thrive in the world. The emphasis is to have a Plan, not an agenda! Often the students he works with are from single parent families, are the first to graduate from college, and have faced challenges not everyone does. These students are on active duty which is different than most. Some are veterans seeking a degree. They are motivated, need access to meaningful programs, need face to face time with some classes even though now 90% are online. Many students use federal aid and need assistance with English and math classes, specifically.  JBLM has science classes on base at Madigan and it is really helpful.  Career pathways for teachers, nurses, and doctors are all available and there is one student who is currently attending Harvard. Some students cannot complete the requirements in the usual time frame, but they are given an incomplete and are encouraged to come back without penalty and with military allowance for books and needed resources. Barlow, Mark mentioned, has supported many students in many ways. He gives of his time, and energy and encouragement. JBLM connects team members and gives human perspective so that values are shared and Service Before Self becomes the heart of the population that is served.  Mark then took questions.  Eric Warn mentioned that Denise Yoakum had worked hard with students at Pierce/JBLM and Dr. Michelle Johnson, the Chancellor and CEO definitely gets it about helping students succeed.  Both totally appreciated their success.
Concern was raised about PTSD and veterans who are suffering.  Mark mentioned that, yes, it is a definite concern but new therapies are being addressed.  For instance, service animals such as horses and dogs have helped many.  Medications are lower on the list than personal interactions and helping those in need find the resources that are more specific to the needs of the patient. "It's about finding the way to the resources and the accommodations that are there", said Mark.  With that, the members applauded his work and his attitude toward his work. Inspiring, indeed!

     President Rooks then read the raffle number and John Warner jumped up and started for the podium.  Don Daniels quickly shouted that the number called was on HIS raffle ticket, not his ex-friend, John Warner's!  Whew.....all over $5!! And the meeting was adjourned! 



Above: Frenemies?  Look at Don Daniels'face!  Photo by Phil Eng.

Late Breaking News: Our investigative reporters were out in the field this weekend and uncovered a fine-worthy fact.  Apparently, John Lowney won about $387 in the Putt Putt Golf Tourney at Harkness Furniture, sponsored by Tacoma South Rotary!  Many LR Rotarians attended including Jim Rooks, the Merciful.  The Lakewood Key staff will be disappointed if President Jim does not TTT (tithe the treasurer). Oh, also it was noted that the Rediskes topped the Lowneys in a small best-ball bet.


 Till next time........................Yours truly, Mary Marlin
     

 

We Love Our Puffins, by Greg Rediske, so here is the history:
[Reprinted with permission; this article appeared in District 5020 newsletter]
 


Above: We love our Puffins!
According to Rotary International (5 Things I Wish All Rotarians Knew), most attrition casualties have been members less than 1, 2, or 3 years duration. Another statistic from Rotary showed 26% with a membership of less than four years will leave their Rotary Club. In case you were wondering: this is not good.
This problem was not and is not unnoticed at Lakewood Rotary. 
Action on this subject first started for us in 1977. 
At a Fireside meeting one evening, when some new members and spouses were being educated about the requirements of Lakewood Rotary, President- Elect Mel Neighbors, sat and talked with Auggie Meier, Jim Rediske, Mac McGreevy, and Harry Mansfield, all long-time members of the Club. The perpetual discussion of mentoring to these new members was argued and dismissed as ineffectual to date. It was decided to make new Rotarians a Pledge Class for one year. A few days later, Mel was looking at a book that described the Northwest coast dwelling puffins. Puffins are seabirds, described as clinging to rocks with their fellow puffins for survival. 
This seemed a perfect analogy to Mel for new Rotarians, and the name for the Pledge Class was born: they would be Puffins. Duties for the Puffins included handling the food basket project, attending a minimum number of social events, taking attendance, and most notably, putting on the annual roast of the sitting president at the last meeting in December.  
Today, the Rotary Puffins are also responsible for the caring and “feeding” of a plush puffin doll. Upon induction, the current puffin-bearer is delighted to pass it along to the next new member. It hasn’t always been pretty: some of the Puffins have been lost, and some were forced to wear unusual clothing and jewelry by their caretakers. One even traveled to Iceland.
Mentoring? Yes, we still do it. In my 39 years in the Club, the mentoring program is what you might call “better than nothing.” And we have high hopes with our newest mentor chairperson. But for our Club, the Puffin program has succeeded better than anything else we have done. It does create some confused looks when we talk to other clubs about so and so, one of our Puffins…..we forget the rest of you don’t know what the heck we’re talking about!

 

Meeting coordination essentials were provided by the unerring Leanna Christian, Rob Erb, Tom George, Terry Roarke, and Greg Rediske – absent was James Osundwa who is visiting Mexico. John Lowney is all about the money involved with this club – most ably one might say. Ole is writing this and Phil Eng is photographer. The Foundation Desk was handled by Captain Gary Fulton and Terry Roarke acted as Sgt. at Arms.

For a fall treat, checkout a recipe for pumpkin muffins glazed with maple syrup. Imagine yourself in the New Hampshire countryside enjoying a steaming cup of spiced cider from that apple squeeze and munching on that syrup-doused pumpkin muffin. Oh boy, can’t you just imagine that cinnamon spicy aroma? It may be a little chilly out but that flannel shirt from LL Bean is paying dividends. Relax, lean back in that Adirondack chair and watch the leaves drift in the breeze.

We apparently didn’t have any visiting Rotarians but Joe Quinn introduced Kris, his wife of several years. Okay, several, several years! President Jim recognized the fall harvest of Puffins: Jessica James, Dave Hall, Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff, Steve Saalfeld, Jamie Simons, James Oswunda, Wendy McGowan, Connie Coleman-Lacadie, Anthony Veliz, Bob Martin and Andy Phillips.




Above: We love our Puffins
Photo by Greg Rediske

Above: Because they are so cute
File Photo

 Eric Warn made a sunshine report without a microphone; I think he said we are all well, physically but maybe not mentally.  Really. He said that.  Out loud.

Along the lines of autumn activity, go for a walk in the countryside with your best friend. Kick the piles of fallen leaves and smile at him or her enigmatically until they ask what is up your sleeve. Tell them boldly why you consider them your friend and how you hope that friendship never fades but remains ever so vibrant as the leaves upon which you tread.

Stephanie Wilcox announced The Partners Christmas Party to be held at TCGC December 3 at 6:00 PM. Please RSVP in a timely manner so the club can properly prepare. A brief video regarding Ambassadorial Scholarships featured present students studying abroad for Masters and Doctoral programs that are aligned with Rotary’s broad objectives. American and Canadian students are benefitting from these Paul Harris Foundation programs. If you know of someone you feel is worthy of such a generous effort, contact President Jim.

 The Tacoma Muslim Mosque was “torched” recently and sustained severe damage. An anonymous gift of $2500 was made by a Lakewood Rotarian for renovation efforts. President Rooks pledged $100 for the effort and was immediately “piled-on” by others. The referee had to throw a flag, blow a whistle and stop the game while they reviewed the matter upstairs. It turns out there was “no foul,” no yardage penalized but the money is still being counted! Treasurer John Lowney has created a portal on the website for easy giving to support the rebuilding effort.

Get that big soup kettle out of the cupboard, some carrots, onions and celery, spices, stock and magic potion for mirepoix. Cook that up slooowwwlly while you empty your victory garden of other veggies. Failing that, go to Villa Thriftco and load up on savory and sweet ingredients. Dare yourself to not rely on a recipe, cookbook, TV show or Alexa. Make it up! Cook it up! Be bold! Be fearless! Let it simmer. Put a chicken in or put a duck in or put a turkey in - you get the idea. You’ll know its ready when the aroma drives you wild! Put some croutons atop, sprinkle some cheese, ladle it out, pour some of that spiced cider and let your taste buds rejoice in autumn!

Tacoma South Rotary Annual Putt-putt golf event at Harkness Furniture is coming up next Friday night – see Jim. Our President collected some generous giving, but there was not much to confess.    Rick Selden confessed that he played golf at the Teddy Roosevelt Bully Pulpit Golf Course and presented President Jim with a floating golf ball as he already paid a fine last week.  Jim Sharp paid $50 for a second grandchild and then offered up $50 for something else but we missed it.


Above:  The floating golf ball stall

 President Jim then bravely and boldly asked for the submission of jokes. Various Past Presidents in the audience shuddered in fear, knowing that being careful about what you ask for, you just…. You know how that old saw ends. First Tom George’s wife…. Well, I won’t go there. Then Dr. Peter Marsh told the story about a …. Well, I won’t go there either although he used mostly correct English in the story; there was that dangling participle.  Joe Quinn does not know how to tell a joke so he told a story about…never mind.  We killed some time.

Go to the woods with an ax. Chop down a tree and cut it up into firewood lengths – be generous here. Chop some kindling wood with some oozing sap so it crackles loudly, build a roaring fire. Pour large mugs of that apple cider and spike it with some AppleJack and a cinnamon stick. Grab that chair, wrap yourself and your someone special in a large warm woolen blanket, and tell Alexa to play Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant. Enjoy!

Fines/Generous Giving:

Rick Selden confessed that he played golf at the Teddy Roosevelt Bully Pulpit Golf Course and presented President Jim with a floating golf ball.  Jim Sharp paid $50 for a second grandchild and then offered up $50 for something else

The Program:




Above:  Our Presenter – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland

Jan Gee introduced Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland from the 10^th Congressional District encompassing Olympia to east Tacoma.  A former (2 terms) Tacoma Mayor, she also served as Director of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. She highlighted several efforts in Congress that are her pet projects.

1. Children are hurting from the pandemic and having been shut out of schooling. Returning to schools has not been easy for them.
2. She is on the House Armed Services Committee and works on JBLM and Veterans issues.
3. She works on transportation and infrastructure matters and has been dealing with a bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better bill – supporting both.
4. She works on legislation involving a foster youth opioid parental crisis.
5. Another area of effort is building housing near transit centers.
6. Child Tax Credit plan gets her attention as well.

Congresswoman Strickland fielded some questions then departed and left her assistant to attempt the answers to further questioning.

Great Britain’s violence appears to be worse than America’s. A British Lawmaker of many years experience was meeting with constituents today and was violently stabbed to death. That is no joke, by the way, but a true and very sad story. In Washington DC, a Capital Policeman was assaulted by a woman carrying a baseball bat but she only managed to bite the officer. What is this world coming to?

Start a Garage Band. Call Chris Kimball for percussion, Greg Rediske on Melodeon, Morris Northcutt on Kazoo. Then roundup a banjo picker, mandolin player, some vocalists and start making music. Go to Carnegie Hall. Practice, practice, practice.

Ed Shannon won $5.  Only about five white chips left so come try your luck.

Who Reads This Stuff,
Ole

 

On this day in history:…1480 - Great Stand on the Ugra river: Standoff between forces of Akhmat Khan, Khan of the Great Horde and Ivan III, Grand Prince of all Russia, ends with a Tatar-Mongol retreat, leading to the disintegration of the Horde.

Making the Meeting happen today:  In Person/Zoom Hybrid- Meeting set-up:  Leanna Christian (Past President Gayle Selden was in the house doing the job today), Rob Erb, Tom George, Terry Roarke, Greg Rediske, James Osundwa.
Recording of fines:  John Lowney
Bulletin Writer: Donn Irwin; Bulletin Photographer: Walt Richardson
$2.00 Desk and Sgt at Arms:  Chuck Hellar
Foundation Desk: Bud Montgomery 
Visiting Rotarians: District Governor (DG) Lorna Curtis, Assistant Governor (AG)Tony Camoroda.
Guests of Rotarians: Wendy McGowan introduced her daughter, Megan. Carl Bronkema introduced his wife Veronica. Shiru Osundwa was a guest on Zoom.
  A special event for a new member happened right before our eyes. President Jim turned the duty and the honor of introducing a new member over to (DG) Lorna. The DG handled the job of inducting new member Andy Phillips (husband of member Donna) with aplomb. President Jim then regained the mic and gave Andy all of the info he needs to know to be a member of Lakewood Rotary along with an invoice for membership dues.



Above: Andy Phillips, Photo by Walt Richardson

Andy then gave us a thumbnail sketch of his life, which included his being born in Boston and raised in the area. He lived on the East coast for most of his early life. He has a Masters degree and is married to Donna. He served as an officer in the US Public Health Service and has been an administrator for the developmentally disabled. Andy has been a Rotarian before – for about 30 years. He plays basketball about 3 times a week, tennis 5 times a week and jogs in his spare time. He enjoys traveling and reading and expects to be a very active Rotarian. (Note: This writer tried to get everything down correctly but may have inadvertently missed some things. Please feel free to check with either Andy or Donna to confirm the accuracy of the above information and/or to fill out the details).

1945 – The microwave oven is patented by US inventor Percy Spencer

The Puffins in attendance that I saw were: Carl Bronkema (he who ran up to the dais to gladly pass his stuffed Puffin along to newbie Andy), Bob Martin, Wendy McGowan, James Osundwa and, of course, Andy Phillips. Puffins zooming in: Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Steve Saalfeld.

Sunshine: Donnnnnnn Irwin (yes me) was back at a meeting, live and in person. Bob Zawilski reported that his wife, Marilyn, was out of surgery and is doing fine.

1956 – Yankees pitcher Don Larsen throws a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
1957 – Brooklyn Dodgers announce move to Los Angeles (no connection between these two events?)

Announcements: Sally Porter Smith made two announcements: Help for Afghan refugee families and Community Veterans. Bill Potter asked for help with Hudtloff Middle School Cross Country. See the end of this bulletin for details, thanks to Sally and Bill.

Fines and Generous Giving: Bud Montgomery paid money for the privilege of taking his grandson fishing on the Puyallup. His grandson caught 3 pinks. Donnnnnnn Irwin (me again) paid money for being happy to be back amongst all of you, a birthday, and anniversary and the birth of a great grandchild – great granddaughter Drew Ivy. Mary Marlin paid money to thank Rob Erb for giving up his time share at the coast for the auction – she had a great time using it. Troy Wilcox, also happy to be back amongst us after a very hectic opening of the new Emerald Queen Casino, paid up for a vacation in the Dominican Republic.





Above:  Bud Montgomery’s proud grandson; Photo credit to Greg Rediske

1944 – The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet debut on CBS Radio.

The Program:
Assistant Governor Tony Camoroda introduced our speaker, District Governor Lorna Curtis.
DG Curtis has been a Rotarian since 1997. Her education is in Public Administration.
DG Lorna recognized past DGs Greg (and Mary) Horn as well as Gordy Quick. She also mentioned that she loves the little food pantries.

The DG confessed that the best part of being DG is the club visits. Conversely, worst part of being the DG is… the club visits.

She challenged us by asking us to ask the questions: On the Rotary road are you a driver, a passenger or a navigator? Or are you a RINO – Rotarian in name only? Are you a Rotarian or just a member of a Rotary Club?

DG Lorna doesn’t want us to go back to the way it was before the pandemic hit but rather that we experience the new that has come out of all that has happened. She believes that Rotary needs to be more inclusive.

Her first Rotary meeting happened when she was 41 years old and she was nervous. After looking around she decided that by joining the Rotary Club she could lower the average age to 75. She found that Rotarians were friendly, caring and that they followed up with her. She didn’t have money (single mom raising several kids) but she offered time and work talent. Within 5 years she became Club President. The Club gave her her first Paul Harris.
This segued nicely into a promotion for the Paul Harris Foundation and becoming a major donor which led into a plug for the next District Conference to be held in……Victoria BC.
We are 8 months without a case of wild polio anywhere in the world!!!
DG Lorna then told a story of 10 Rotary clubs getting together to raise money for “a project”. The fact that they didn’t have “a project” yet didn’t stop them. They raised a bunch of money and then decided to gather food from local sources that was about to be sent to the landfill (blemished fruit, about-to-expire packaged goods, etc.), clean up the gleaned goods and redistribute the food to the food insecure. Today thousands of pounds of food have been consumed by people that need it rather than the landfills being enlarged.

In closing, District Governor Curtis encouraged us to: bring in a new member, participate in a fundraiser and attend a Rotary social event.






Above:  Our 2021-2022 DG, Lorna Curtis; Photo by Walt Richardson

Sigourney Weaver, Matt Damon and Chevy Chase were all born on October 8^th.

President Rooks rang the bell at 1:20 p.m. to close the meeting. Jim Sharp won the right to draw for a red chip worth over $600.00.  He drew a white chip worth $5.00.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland—former Mayor of Tacoma-- is next week’s speaker.

And one for Ole: 1901 - Eivind Groven Norwegian composer and ethnomusicologist born in Eidsborg Norway.

Important messages from Sally Porter Smith and Bill Potter:

1. Event:     Community Veterans Stand Down / Job Fair / Supply Drop
Date:        November 13-14,  2021
Location:  The Greater Tacoma Convention Center
                 1500 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402
Time:        9:00AM - 3:00 PM
What is a Community VETERANS STAND DOWN?                                    
Stand Down is military terminology referring to the brief period of time a service member leaves an active combat area in order to rest and regain strength. This event offers Veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness a chance to rest from the weariness of life’s challenges they face daily.
This is an opportunity for the residents and business owners of Pierce County to take a positive proactive approach towards creating a community that fosters prosperity, over poverty by offering a “hand up, not hand out” philosophy. Patriotism without Politics, just direct results.
Free clothing and equipment will be distributed to unhoused veterans, Free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available along with the following services and resources.

• Clothing 
• Shelter/Housing Information 
• Information for the Disabled  
• Medical Screenings 
• Mental Health Screenings 
• Legal Services 
• COVID-19 Vaccinations 
• Certification of Eligibility 
• VA Claims & Benefit Information
• Substance Abuse Treatment Info 
• HIV/AIDS Information  
• SNAP (Food Stamps) Information 
• Help with DD214  
• Services for Women Veterans  
• Survival Benefits

• Duffle Bags (for those that qualify)

 
Contact for more info:
 
Liam Riley
American Military Families Action Network
Direct: 253-988-2976
liam@usavet.org
WWW.USAVET.ORG

2.  Update on Afghan Refugee Settlement programs:

Received an email from Twin Cities Rotary Club, Chehalis.  They are interested in partnering with other Rotary Clubs to support the relocation of Afghan Refugees.   
 
Washington state is expecting to receive more than 1,600 Afghan evacuees from a group of nearly 37,000 settling across the United States, according to the State Department. The evacuees are coming to seven cities in the state, according to information sent Wednesday to Gov. Jay Inslee's office. (TNT)
Here’s how many evacuees are coming to each of the seven cities:
Kent: 600 Greater Seattle: 575 Spokane: 300 Auburn: 105 Vancouver: 49 Richland: 40
Tacoma: 10

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
Current requests:  LIRS has some city-specific requests but Tacoma is not listed.  In general, their priorities are for housing and financial donations
https://www.lirs.org/
Desperate need: FOSTER AFGHAN REFUGEE CHILDREN
Foster families are urgently needed to support the increase of unaccompanied migrant children coming to the United States, including those from Afghanistan. We ask that you and your family consider this opportunity to serve and help migrant children in need of a loving home.
 
From Past President Bill Potter:

Rotarians, please see the note below regarding a request for volunteers to serve as course marshals at cross country events for the next several weeks, at Ft. Steilacoom.  Note that Brandi has also offered to have her team volunteer for work parties at the Western Washington Wildlife Refuge.  For more information or to sign up, please feel free to contact Brandi directly at her email (below).
 
I am the cross-country coach at Hudtloff Middle School and we would love to chat about a few things and what we could help with. I also wanted to ask about the possibility of Rotary having volunteers that may be able to help us with our Middle school cross country meets at Fort Steilacoom Park. We have meets for 7 teams every Friday until November 5th beginning at 3:45 and finishing around 4:45. I am the sole meet host every week and am always hunting for reliable volunteers to serve as course marshals to ensure the safety of our athletes and youth. We have an amazing program and would love to find out if there are any people or groups that may be able to help us out.
-Brandi R Swortz ( FLOSSFAIRY@COMCAST.NET )


 

Above: Donn Irwin, a mask wearer before its time
Lakewoood Key file photo for Member Spotlight

Clang, clang went the bell at 12:30 p.m. on the first Friday in October of 2021. President Jim Rooks ran the show to perfection, noting:
Paul Harris Desk: Gary Fulton ($559)
Sgt At Arms: Jan Gee
Set up: Rob Erb, Tom George, James Osundwa, and possibly some minions like Rick Selden.
Photos: Phil Eng
Invocation: Barlow Buescher
Pledge: Chuck Hellar

No Visiting Rotarians, but guests, yes: Jacquelin Jackson, senior at PLU (Anne Enquist); Andy Phillips (Steve Enquist); Ellen Mazoff (Steve Mazoff), Sharon Selden (Zoomed in), Hallie McCurdy (Jim Sharp), Mike Botts (Jim Sharp)

Puffins in the house: James Osundwa, Wendy McGowan, and bearing Puffins were Bob Martin and Carl Bronkema.
Paul Harris Award: Steve Enquist recognized Tom George with his 4^th Paul Harris!

Sunshine Report: Donn Irwin is still getting tests re: his heart surgery, and Marilyn Zawilski had a corneal transplant. Past member Virginia Hillyer passed away in Hood River from Covid (at 61 years old). Gordy Quick reported that Janet Lordahl is finally getting to move into Tobey Jones to be with Bob, who is doing “pretty good”.

More facts from Donn Irwin: Alligators can grow up to twenty feet, but most grow four.

Announcements:
Barlow Buescher: Needing some more volunteers for the Invocation Committee.
Rob Erb: The Military Appreciation Committee voted to give $2000 to Wreaths Across America. As this is over $2000, a club vote was required. MSC
Kendra Riconosciuto: Peanut Butter Challenge: 987 jars of peanut butter were acquired at Safeway last Saturday. Through the efforts on two Saturdays of Chuck Hellar, Bill Allen, Mary Marlin, Greg Horn, Mary Horn, Kendra, Jan Gee and Barb Spriggs, over 2000 jars were collected, going to EFN (I think).
Phil Eng: Roadster Romp: September 11-13 at Sun Mountain Lodge. Interested? Call Phil! You’ll be glad you did.
Jim Rooks: Harkness Furniture/Tacoma South Putt Putt: October 22. Three groups so far: Selden/Lowney, who will be losing a bet to Rediske/Eng in a game of Best Ball, and Rooks/Bruback. Still plenty of time to sign up. Email dave@harknessfurniture.com.

Breaking News! The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.

Fines and Generous Giving:
Joe Quinn: OR/CA trip to visit son Patrick (and methinks, their granddaughter mostly). The Quinn house was saved from the fire in Tahoe, $50.
Steve Saalfeld: Blue Badge acquisition, but he was on Zoom. $5.00
Phil Eng: Grandpa Phil!! Grandma Judy!! Big upgrade from a granddog. Samantha is now the owner of a $1000 Paul Harris Award.
Carl Bronkema: Double-ratted on for an article in Lakeside Living magazine, $100
Kendra Riconosciuto: Thanks to the Peanut Butter group!! $20
Dave Coleman: $77 birthday plus $23 for the family’s 18^th trip to Coeur d’Alene.
Peter Marsh: His daughter received a special invite from the Pope along with some other researchers for an audience with His Eminence in Rome. Wow! $50 (Peter also reported that the pandemic bad news is moderating somewhat, and a new oral anti-viral pill to treat Covid is coming from Merck.)
Barb Spriggs: It’s her birthday today, said Gayle! Not. Four days to go, but Barb added $14 to her fine from last week of $60.

And Jim recognized our amazing community guardians, Jim Sharp and Mike Zaro, both in the house. Chief Zaro neglected his update on some of the recent crime activity, so I’ll paraphrase his report:
To whoever stole my copy of Microsoft, I will find you.  You have my word!
A bike in town keeps running me over.  It's a vicious cycle.
(OK---it’s true, Mike didn’t report this or plan on reporting it. I forgot that we have a lawyer as an editor for just a second there.)

Program:
Annette Clark, Dean and Professor of Law, Seattle University School of Law
“Leading Through Crisis: Thoughts from the Trenches of Legal Education”
Anne Enquist introduced her former student who graduated #1 in her year’s law school class, no doubt thanks to the Enquist Instruction. She has received numerous awards, and specializes in Medical Liability, Bioethics, and Heath Care Policy (end of life issues, particularly). Annette was Interim Dean from 2009-10 before going to the St. Louis University School of Law as Dean. She returned to Seattle U as Dean in 2013, with the plan on retiring in 2022.


Above:  Dean Annette Clark of Seattle U. Law School
Photo by Phil Eng

Her term as Dean has been marked by multiple crises: economic and health (pandemic) to name two. With the Great Recession, student enrollment applications declined 50%, tuition revenue declined 30% along with a total drop in the Seattle U student body of 40%. One executive told her that it would be impossible to “cut” their way out of the crisis. She had her operating budget reduced by 50%, and they had two days to go live with online classes. From these crises, she developed some thoughts on leadership through it all.

1. Take everything you know and multiply it by 100 to be able to get what you need to know. Communication is critical
2. Competence. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room, but emotional intelligence is crucial. You must instill trust.
3. Good judgment. You get paid the “big bucks” for this.
4. Assume people won’t be at their best in the midst of crisis. Those that yell “the sky is falling!” are correct this time.
5. Large crises contain small crises. This is good. Solve the little ones for some success along the way.
6. Churchill said: “Never let a good crisis go to waste”. For instance, the school was working on expanding their online offerings, when suddenly it was thrust upon them full time. They never would have achieved the success in online learning without the crisis.
7. You may need to say the crisis is over even when it isn’t, just to survive.
8. One crisis could precipitate another crisis. Beware.
9. (This one was probably the best one of all, but the bulletin writer missed it.)
10. Acceptance.

Annette finished by pondering what she could have done in a non-crisis tenure. It is unknowable. And now the search is on for a new Dean, and the search requirement remains the same as she encountered: Find someone who is smart enough to do the job, but stupid enough to take it.

Greg Horn noted afterward that this was perhaps the best Rotary program he has heard in over 1400 Rotary programs. High praise indeed!

The Pot was $625, with 8 white and one red. Phil Eng could have almost financed his new Paul Harris but went with the smaller down payment of $5.00.

The other day, Ole the Swede was sitting on a park bench reading the newspaper (!!), when he started to weep uncontrollably. A kind and caring Norwegian was passing by, and said, “Sir, I can’t help but see you crying; is there anything I can do?” Ole said, “Vel, I vas reading dis paper, about how two Brazilian soldiers vas killed in a drug bust.” The Norwegian said, “Well, that is sad; I can see why that upset you.” Ole said, “Yah, very sad….but how many is two Brazilian, anyvay????”

Weekend Report:
Work Party at the “Game Farm” on Phillips Road: David Swindale and son, Ron Banner, Mark Blanchard and Paul Wulfestieg joined more than 30 others (mostly from Pierce College). Lakewood Rotarians outnumbered CP Rotarians (only Alan Billingsley) because their CP Golf Tourney was rescheduled for the same day. Lots of Scotch broom removal, litter pick-up, branch clearing, and two new benches installed courtesy of Blanchard’s super duper cement mixer. And at the other park, Barlow Buescher led a crew in poop pick up. Easily 30 pounds or more was rescued. Thanks to all!




Above: Bill Potter, the Game Farm worker, at the Clover Park Rotary Golf Tourney
Dave Hall Photo
 

The Puffins were recognized by standing up and getting a round of applause.
Steve Enquist came up to hand out Paul Harris awards that have ben earned in the past year. Leanna Christian (NOTICE THE A AT THE END OF HER NAME) got her 1^st Paul Harris. David Swindale was also recognized for his 1^st Paul Harris. Mo Sarram got his 5^th Paul Harris and Bud Montgomery his 6^th. Steve reminded us that an easy way to donate is Rotary Direct. Head to www.rotary.org and sign in to your rotary account and set up monthly or yearly donation direct to the foundation. At the desk today Steve had collected $1384.



Above: Paul Harris honorees
Dr. Peter Marsh, self-proclaimed Debbie Downer, gave us a Covid update. Washington State cases are starting to decline but ICUs are still full of Covid patients. Right now, if you are 65+ you are eligible for a booster if you had Pfizer.  There has also been some talk that 18+ and high risk can also get the booster. Moderna is not authorized for boosters yet, but that will probably occur with FDA approval. J&J should also have a second dose soon. Get Vaxed and be a helper to end this Covid outbreak.
Dr. Rooks then brought up Bob Martin and his sponsor Greg Horn to induct him into membership. Bob let us know we were gaining a used President. He and his wife Sue moved onto Lake Steilacoom this past year (just four docks down from Clint Johnson). They took over the house from their kids whose expanding family moved off the lake and into University Place. Bob is a retired Land Use Planner. He spent 17 years in Walla Walla (land use planning not at the Pen), in Whatcom County and in Sultan. He was the President of the Rotary Club of Monroe, twice. Bob and Sue have two children who are both molecular geneticists. Bob is so proud of them and their spouses who are also in the medical fields.



Above: New Member Bob Martin
I would just like to note that I messed up the spelling of geneticists so bad spell check suggested “guestlist.” Sorry I am such a disappointment, Dad.
An egregious error occurred during Bob Martin’s speech…a phone rang, and rang, and rang, and rang and rang. It was discovered that the phone ringing was none other than past District Governor Greg Horn’s. He was on stage with Bob and swore he put his phone on silent. He pledged $5 but had to change it to $4 since that is all he had…until friend Scott Buser popped up and gave another $20 as the phone ringing was outrageous.
We called for the passing of the Puffin and realized that is why James Osundwa hurried out of the room. He left the puffin in his CAR! (The horror!) The Puffin was passed on to Bob.
Jim asked for any sunshine and it was reported that Donn Irwin is having further tests on his heart.
Upcoming activities—Tacoma South Rotary is having their Putt Putt tourney at Harkness Furniture on October 22^nd. There are a couple teams from Lakewood Rotary that will be there so sign up. Gayle has an emailable form if you need one.
Next Saturday, October 2^nd is the next South Sound Wildlife cleanup. Located next to Phillips Road, the “Game Farm” restoration has been a project of Clover Park Rotary. Join in starting at 9:00 a.m. (ends at 1:00 p.m.). Make sure to bring some gloves!
The Sheriff hat came out for Fines and Generous Giving.
Barb Spriggs immediately volunteered for a trip to Kotzebue, Alaska $50. Rick Selden shared his Rotary information gathering trip to Glacier National Park learning about how the Rotary Clubs nearby in both Canada and United States have made that area and The Waterton Lake National Park in Canada the first International Peace Park where both countries work to resolve natural resource issues that transcend international borders. He paid $100 in an IOU. Daughter Gayle also went on a Rotary mission to Buffalo to study additional fundraising ideas including a duck dash and a beer concession stand $100 in cash. Take that Dad!



Above: The ever-elegant Rick Selden: Take that Dad!
David Swindale went to South Carolina for a nephew’s wedding, $50 to see the Great Smoky Mountains. Eric Quinn paid $20 for showing up late on Zoom. Leanna (NOTICE THE A AT THE END) Christian paid $20 to celebrate her son’s 15^th Birthday and her new Internship at BCRA in downtown Tacoma. We will miss you in person while you complete that Internship, Leanna!
Gordy Quick said he is turning 90 next month and paid his first $20 toward his fine (Gordy has a lay a way plan due to his “fixed” income).
Greg Horn announced the Peanut Butter Drive that took place Saturday. Thanks for those who volunteered! 
Member Julie White took a moment before introducing our speaker on zoom to pay $100 fine for missing meetings.
THE PROGRAM:



Above: Another Zooming Program Speaker
Our speaker, Mi-Yoeong Lee, is the director of Social Services at the Korean Women’s Association. She has been the director since 2013. She also previously managed the shelter.
Mi-Yoeong let us know the Korean Women’s Association was started to assist the Korean women who moved into the area married to soldiers. Goal was to provide support and help with assimilation. They cover Western Washington and have one of their two shelters for women and children in the Tacoma area.
The KWA shelter in Tacoma is kept as a secret location for the safety of those living there. There is a garden, playground for kids and many programs to provide support including help for legal status in the country (which is a common way the women can be controlled).
Other programs at KWA include Senior Wellness, Senior Activity, Benefits for medical, unpaid Caregiver Support and training. And this year, they were awarded a 10-million-dollar grant from Pierce County for rental assistance.
The raffle numbers were drawn and the lucky winner of $5 was Greg Rediske!


 

Sadly, we had no visiting Rotarians. We had a couple of guests: Angela Connolly who is looking us over to see if we will be a good match, Syndey Balogh, a friend (and another possible member) of Kendra R., and Mary Horn brought Bob Martin, a Past President of the Monroe club, who will be inducted soon into Lakewood Rotary.  Puffins in attendance were Carl Bronkema, Steve Saalfeld, James Osundwa (although Pres. Jim said he’s been around so much it’s hard to think of him as a Puffin) Wendy McGowan and Anthony Veliz.

            Steve Enquist continued his presentation of Paul Harrises from the past year or so. Tom George received his third Paul Harris and Don Daniels also received his third Paul Harris. Thank you both for your generosity! Steve announced that since we’ve been in person at meetings, over $2,000 has been donated. There was no Sunshine report and Pres Jim still needs a taker for that job.
            Greg Horn and Bob Martin did double duty announcing the birthdays and anniversaries for the month.

            Walt Richardson has been a member of the club as long as I’ve been alive – 37 years. (Never trust a journalist or an attorney—The Editor). Wow Walt --such commitment. For wedding anniversaries, Mark and Joan Blanchard have been married 45 years, Greg and Mary Horn for 45 years. Greg chipped in $1.00 per year for both of them or $90 total. Scott and  Kathy Buser for 46 years, Wynn and Margie Hoffman for 53 years, Rick and Sharon Selden for 53 years and ? and ? for 64 years.
            In honor of our club doing “something peculiar” on birthdays, Bob Martin had  the birthday members tell us the fastest you have ever driven and if you can match his top speed you don’t have to pay a fine. Dave Coleman said 115 mph and he paid a fine, Mark Blanchard went 145 mph, the same speed as Bob, but on Highway 512 going to Parkland. Mark should get a prize for a) living to tell the story and b) not getting a ticket. Bob did his speed in a Volvo sports car on the Autobahn so that should hardly count at all. Greg Horn went 135 mph across country in a Porsche AND he took a picture of the speedometer to prove it. (yes, that means he was driving 135 with one hand on the wheel.)

President Rooks asked if anyone had information to share.  Here is some of the information:  South Tacoma Rotary is doing a Dinner, cocktails and Putt Putt Golf tournament coming up soon. See Jim for sign up forms. Kendra Riconosciuto reminded the club that there will be a peanut butter collecting opportunity at the Steilacoom Blvd. Safeway. Some have already signed up to volunteer, but the slot from 1 to 3 is still available.  On the 25th there are also spots to fill.  Check in with Kendra if you love peanut butter...okay collecting peanut butter. 

Heritage Bank has closed some banks due to covid issues. Check before you go.  Jim Sharp mentioned that AEDs have been placed in several community places such as Steilacoom Park to help those who may be challenged with heart issues.  Awards like the Larry Saunders Award  and generous donors like The Selden Family and West Pierce donations have helped to make these AEDs available. https://thesubtimes.com/?s=AEDs+Fort+Steilacoom+Park is the link to the article in The Suburban Times. Check the internet for the video showing lots of volunteers helping.  Jason Whalen suggested you sample the beverages on the beer trucks and other trucks at the Lakewood Colonial Center next Saturday, the 25th.

Hot off the press, Peter Marsh announced that minutes ago the FDA  Advisory  Panel approved Pfizer Covid 19 booster shots for everyone 65 or older, but not for those 64 or younger.  He also made the comment that if anyone has an issue about fetal cells being used in the development of the vaccine, then they need to be aware that such cells were also used in the development of Tylenol, Tums, Pepto Bismo, and his personal favority--- Preparation H. As to the Puffin update check in, James Osundwa had his Puffin "secured" on the counter in the back of the room, while Carl Bronkema had no clue where his Puffin buddy was. People have been arrested for such negligence of their dependents but he did pay $50 for his lost Puffin.  I think James got the Good to Go card.  Lucky break!

[Paula then handed the baton to Mary Marlin]

THE PROGRAM:  C4

            Mary Horn then gave a warm introduction for Kendra Riconosciuto, her newly appointed President/Coordinator of the Community Calendar Coordination Committee, better known as the C4 organization.  There is much fascination about this committee!  Let it be known that it was initially organized at Donna Phillips's party, which I know is a happenin' event. When Mary realized that Lakewood and Puyallup had major events like Sportsman's Dinner on the same day as a major Puyallup Rotary event, she knew something had to change.  And she did! She also invited Kendra to be secretary (now promoted to President/Coordinator) and to take some notes and keep them on track.  With that, Kendra's life story was outed which gave us interesting information we didn't know.   Yes, she was sponsored by Greg Horn in Rotary in 2018 when she joined Lakewood Rotary. She has been a successful financial advisor with several firms.  She grew up in Lacey and now lives in Steilacoom with her husband and two children, ages 7 and 5. An unknown fact is that she lived in Vegas and sold cars for four years. With her name a little difficult Mary suggested you remember Turner, her maiden name, and prosciutto , then put the two together. Or was that rigatoni?  Mary also suggested you give Kendra extra time to get to a meeting and her Zodiac name would be Old Souls which definitely addresses her thoughtfulness toward others and her enjoyment of new friendships. 

            So let's take a look at C4.  Yes, Community Calendar Coordination Committee! The need for getting the community together regarding events, to help each other with specific tasks, to learn about the objectives of each organization and to personally know all members involved was the initial reason for getting these clubs/school districts/ service groups/colleges/youth organizations/ JBLM/non-profit organizations and partnerships more organized together with common goals. The specific Mission of C4 is to improve coordination of community events. The Goals are to reduce overlapping of events and to collaborate and share resources.  As Kendra mentioned, you learn so much from all these organizations. There are now more than 20 involved! They meet at different places...no longer just for breakfast at a restaurant. The meetings are every other month and are now meeting live.  What one club may need, others provide. Opportunities become available. Even with the covid challenge, organizations helped one another solve problems that seemed unsolvable.  This open dialogue has brought the community closer in two years than would ever have been realized unless two amazing women had taken charge!  Well done!
            Here are some examples of how C4 has handled challenges.  Nourish, run by Sue Potter, addressed the need for soup to be available to her needy community members. C4 stepped in to help. Bikes were going to be trashed since others didn't know what to do. C4 stepped in. A boutique for young girls who wished to have some new clothing was handled by Coffee Oasis who had clothes offered to them and they shared the wealth. Clover Park Technical College wanted to help folks and a grant was given immediately at one of their C4 meetings! Rotaract and Pierce College are together solving problems that they could not have managed alone. Communities in Schools connected seniors who sewed masks to community members who had none. And there is now a Podcast to connect military folks with needed information from the community. Yes, change can happen with resourcefulness, intention and attention to detail.
            Several members, after hearing of the amazing progress in the two years C4 has been working, congratulated Kendra and Mary Horn on the amazing work that has been done in such a short time. Kendra mentioned that some projects are not advertised and need not be put in the public sphere. Steve Saalfeld suggested that maybe a C5 or C6 may be next!  Anne Enquist suggested Facebook or another website. She also volunteered to help!  Andrew Kruse who has been a major player in C4 congratulated Kendra on her presentation. Nicole Hancock suggested a Board Meeting discussion would be helpful. Kendra agreed.  With that, warm applause was given and Kendra welcomed all to join C4!!  An exciting opportunity to give back in any way you can!! 

            The meeting was then adjourned by President Jim Rooks.  Nice hat, Sheriff!     Till next time.......                                             Yours truly, Mary Marlin
 

Sadly, we had no visiting Rotarians. We had a couple of guests: Angela Connolly who is looking us over to see if we will be a good match, Syndey Balogh, a friend (and another possible member) of Kendra R., and Mary Horn brought Bob Martin, a Past President of the Monroe club, who will be inducted soon into Lakewood Rotary.  Puffins in attendance were Carl Bronkema, Steve Saalfeld, James Osundwa (although Pres. Jim said he’s been around so much it’s hard to think of him as a Puffin) Wendy McGowan and Anthony Veliz.

            Steve Enquist continued his presentation of Paul Harrises from the past year or so. Tom George received his third Paul Harris and Don Daniels also received his third Paul Harris. Thank you both for your generosity! Steve announced that since we’ve been in person at meetings, over $2,000 has been donated. There was no Sunshine report and Pres Jim still needs a taker for that job.
            Greg Horn and Bob Martin did double duty announcing the birthdays and anniversaries for the month.

            Walt Richardson has been a member of the club as long as I’ve been alive – 37 years. (Never trust a journalist or an attorney—The Editor). Wow Walt --such commitment. For wedding anniversaries, Mark and Joan Blanchard have been married 45 years, Greg and Mary Horn for 45 years. Greg chipped in $1.00 per year for both of them or $90 total. Scott and  Kathy Buser for 46 years, Wynn and Margie Hoffman for 53 years, Rick and Sharon Selden for 53 years and ? and ? for 64 years.  You'll have to guess... as the writer could not hear all that on the Zoom.   Prize goes to the first to guess. 
            In honor of our club doing “something peculiar” on birthdays, Bob Martin had  the birthday members tell us the fastest you have ever driven and if you can match his top speed you don’t have to pay a fine. Dave Coleman said 115 mph and he paid a fine, Mark Blanchard went 145 mph, the same speed as Bob, but on Highway 512 going to Parkland. Mark should get a prize for a) living to tell the story and b) not getting a ticket. Bob did his speed in a Volvo sports car on the Autobahn so that should hardly count at all. Greg Horn went 135 mph across country in a Porsche AND he took a picture of the speedometer to prove it. (yes, that means he was driving 135 with one hand on the wheel.)

President Rooks asked if anyone had information to share.  Here is some of the information:  South Tacoma Rotary is doing a Dinner, cocktails and Putt Putt Golf tournament coming up soon. See Jim for sign up forms. Kendra Riconosciuto reminded the club that there will be a peanut butter collecting opportunity at the Steilacoom Blvd. Safeway. Some have already signed up to volunteer, but the slot from 1 to 3 is still available.  On the 25th there are also spots to fill.  Check in with Kendra if you love peanut butter...okay collecting peanut butter. 

Heritage Bank has closed some banks due to covid issues. Check before you go.  Jim Sharp mentioned that AEDs have been placed in several community places such as Steilacoom Park to help those who may be challenged with heart issues.  Awards like the Larry Saunders Award  and generous donors like The Selden Family and West Pierce donations have helped to make these AEDs available. https://thesubtimes.com/?s=AEDs+Fort+Steilacoom+Park is the link to the article in The Suburban Times. Check the internet for the video showing lots of volunteers helping.  Jason Whalen suggested you sample the beverages on the beer trucks and other trucks at the Lakewood Colonial Center next Saturday, the 25th.

Hot off the press, Peter Marsh announced that minutes ago the FDA  Advisory  Panel approved Pfizer Covid 19 booster shots for everyone 65 or older, but not for those 64 or younger.  He also made the comment that if anyone has an issue about fetal cells being used in the development of the vaccine, then they need to be aware that such cells were also used in the development of Tylenol, Tums, Pepto Bismo, and his personal favority--- Preparation H. As to the Puffin update check in, James Osundwa had his Puffin "secured" on the counter in the back of the room, while Carl Bronkema had no clue where his Puffin buddy was. People have been arrested for such negligence of their dependents but he did pay $50 for his lost Puffin.  I think James got the Good to Go card.  Lucky break!

[Paula then handed the baton to Mary Marlin]

THE PROGRAM:  C4

            Mary Horn then gave a warm introduction for Kendra Riconosciuto, her newly appointed President/Coordinator of the Community Calendar Coordination Committee, better known as the C4 organization.  There is much fascination about this committee!  Let it be known that it was initially organized at Donna Phillips's party, which I know is a happenin' event. When Mary realized that Lakewood and Puyallup had major events like Sportsman's Dinner on the same day as a major Puyallup Rotary event, she knew something had to change.  And she did! She also invited Kendra to be secretary (now promoted to President/Coordinator) and to take some notes and keep them on track.  With that, Kendra's life story was outed which gave us interesting information we didn't know.   Yes, she was sponsored by Greg Horn in Rotary in 2018 when she joined Lakewood Rotary. She has been a successful financial advisor with several firms.  She grew up in Lacey and now lives in Steilacoom with her husband and two children, ages 7 and 5. An unknown fact is that she lived in Vegas and sold cars for four years. With her name a little difficult Mary suggested you remember Turner, her maiden name, and prosciutto , then put the two together. Or was that rigatoni?  Mary also suggested you give Kendra extra time to get to a meeting and her Zodiac name would be Old Souls which definitely addresses her thoughtfulness toward others and her enjoyment of new friendships. 

            So let's take a look at C4.  Yes, Community Calendar Coordination Committee! The need for getting the community together regarding events, to help each other with specific tasks, to learn about the objectives of each organization and to personally know all members involved was the initial reason for getting these clubs/school districts/ service groups/colleges/youth organizations/ JBLM/non-profit organizations and partnerships more organized together with common goals. The specific Mission of C4 is to improve coordination of community events. The Goals are to reduce overlapping of events and to collaborate and share resources.  As Kendra mentioned, you learn so much from all these organizations. There are now more than 20 involved! They meet at different places...no longer just for breakfast at a restaurant. The meetings are every other month and are now meeting live.  What one club may need, others provide. Opportunities become available. Even with the covid challenge, organizations helped one another solve problems that seemed unsolvable.  This open dialogue has brought the community closer in two years than would ever have been realized unless two amazing women had taken charge!  Well done!
            Here are some examples of how C4 has handled challenges.  Nourish, run by Sue Potter, addressed the need for soup to be available to her needy community members. C4 stepped in to help. Bikes were going to be trashed since others didn't know what to do. C4 stepped in. A boutique for young girls who wished to have some new clothing was handled by Coffee Oasis who had clothes offered to them and they shared the wealth. Clover Park Technical College wanted to help folks and a grant was given immediately at one of their C4 meetings! Rotaract and Pierce College are together solving problems that they could not have managed alone. Communities in Schools connected seniors who sewed masks to community members who had none. And there is now a Podcast to connect military folks with needed information from the community. Yes, change can happen with resourcefulness, intention and attention to detail.
            Several members, after hearing of the amazing progress in the two years C4 has been working, congratulated Kendra and Mary Horn on the amazing work that has been done in such a short time. Kendra mentioned that some projects are not advertised and need not be put in the public sphere. Steve Saalfeld suggested that maybe a C5 or C6 may be next!  Anne Enquist suggested Facebook or another website. She also volunteered to help!  Andrew Kruse who has been a major player in C4 congratulated Kendra on her presentation. Nicole Hancock suggested a Board Meeting discussion would be helpful. Kendra agreed.  With that, warm applause was given and Kendra welcomed all to join C4!!  An exciting opportunity to give back in any way you can!! 

            The meeting was then adjourned by President Jim Rooks.  Nice hat, Sheriff!     Till next time.......                                             Yours truly, Mary Marlin
 

As we went forward with the meeting, we were having some tech issues with spots of silence so ye ole bulletin writer will fill in with some humor. (Is this yet another sign he doesn’t intend to step down in June?)

A happily married man had only one complaint: his wife was always nursing sick birds.  One cold evening, he came home to find a raven with a splint on its beak sitting in his favorite chair. On the dining room table there was a feverish eagle pecking at an aspirin while in the kitchen his wife was comforting a shivering little wren that she found.  The furious spouse strode over to where his wife was toweling down the cold little bird.  "I can't take it anymore!  We've got to get rid of these darn..." The wife held up her hand to cut him off in mid-curse.  "Please dear," she said, "not in front of the chilled wren."
           
            . . . Chuck Hellar was the Sergeant at Arms and Steve Enquist staffed the Foundation Desk. Puffins in attendance included Carl Bronkema, James Osundwa, Wendy McGowan and Connie Coleman-Lacadie. Then Pres. Jim had Carl and James come up where he presented each of them with their very own Puffin.




Above: Carl gets his puffin. At least it is not a chilled wren.

 Jim charged them both with the awesome and awful responsibility of dressing, feeding, bathing, reading bedtime stories, and bringing them to every meeting. At the appropriate time, they will pass their Puffins on to the next newbies. Both Carl and James seemed to appreciate the honor  bestowed upon them.
 
            Steve Enquist gave a Foundation report. He said that we are going to start passing out the Paul Harris awards again now that we are in person, if those recipients are present. There are a lot of them from during COVID time and Steve will pass them out a couple at a time at every meeting. He reminded us of the mission of the Foundation and read the Mission Statement. He reviewed how the Gates Foundation matches every dollar for Polio Plus donations and the various projects funded by the Foundation. Steve talked about how it was Mike McGowan that started having the Foundation desk at meetings to allow members to donate weekly instead of cutting one check a year. You can check your balances every meeting to see where you are with your minimum donation of $100 a year.

            There was no Sunshine report and President Jim said we still need a new chair. Jim said he missed seeing us in person and noted that yours truly was on Zoom and asked for a trial report. Ending week two, says Paula Olson, six more to go, more or less.
 
            And now a period of silence. So a five dollar bill walks into a bar, and the bartender says, “Hey. This is a singles bar.” (hahahaha)

            . . .  No guests were present although Mary Horn reintroduced Bob Martin, a soon-to-be Puffin. Welcome Bob.

            And now the fine portion of the meeting. Peter Marsh described an odd phenomenon: On the front page of the TNT, there was an article about all the hospitals in northern Idaho being filled up with (unvaccinated) COVID patients and then an article on the same page about a Gig Harbor group discussing how and why to get out of getting the vaccine. Hhmmm. I think Peter is trying to tell us something.

            Back to fines. Jim says that we’re doing good on fines so keep it up. Scott Buser announced that at this very moment, his first grandchild was making his/her way into the world. He kicked in $100 to celebrate. Wendy McGowan had a great announcement that was silenced but there was a lot of clapping and she donated $100.  (You had to be there to hear it, Paula.  She said her daughter’s research on genetics was published in the New York Times.-Ed.)

            President Jim asked everyone if they could guess why he was dressed the way he was. Since those of us on Zoom couldn’t’ see below his belt, we had no clue. He was wearing cargo shorts and a polo shirt as was the introducer of the program, Bill Potter. Turns out the guys wanted to make our guest speaker feel comfortable especially since Eric Quinn was wearing a tie,  which is enough to freak anyone out.

The Program:




Above:  Ben Sclair, aviator

            Bill introduced Ben Sclair, a former President of our illustrious club in 2011-12, following his mom, Mary Lou Sclair who was our President in 2004-05. Welcome back, Ben!

            Ben gave a great presentation on his love of airplanes and flying. He’s been flying in one form or another and in private planes since he was two weeks old. He warned us: he’s not objective when it comes to flying. He’s passionate! He reminded us that planes and flying affect us in so many ways, such as deliveries from FedEx and Amazon. Since today was the day before the 20^th anniversary of 9/11, he told a story about his sister who was a pilot for FedEx. She was in the air when the attack happened. When she touched down in the Phillipines, she was met by an armed jeep and guns who kept her seated until she could be cleared.





Above: Ben’s sister

            Ben had a slide show to go with his presentation, courtesy of his wife’s sorting through lots of pictures for the perfect ones. Ben said there have been about 12 planes in his family’s history. He showed a picture of him at about 12 years old with a covered wagon tent next to a plane. He said that the family would take off on weekends and fly to a show and then camp and fly to another show and come home on Sunday night. Don’t know why but he said he hated the tent.
            Ben’s grandparents came from Russia and settled in Bangor, Maine, opening a tailor shop. In the back of the shop,grandpa sublet a little apartment to WWI vets who had been pilots. They used surplus planes to fly as bootleggers between Canada and the US. His granddad was surprised he didn’t get deported. But that started the family’s love of planes and flying.

            The orange jumpsuit seen in many pictures was a calling card of the family. One picture showed The Great Pumpkin, an orange Piper Comanche. Ben’s dad learned to fly by trading flight lessons. He bought the Northwest Flyer a week before Ben was born and then they moved from Oklahoma to Spanaway, Washington. They settled on some acreage called the Shady Acres and his dad built a hanger before he built a house. They lived in a double wide trailer for many years. In 1975, they bought the Suburban Times. His dad was the writer and salesperson while his mom was the office manager. The office was in the home so very convenient for the family.






Above:  Ben’s Dad and Mom

            Ben showed a picture of Bob Hoover, a very famous test pilot and flyer of the P-51 Mustang – a fighter plane of WWII.  His dad flew all over the country hawking his papers. Ben showed pictures of his sister, Robin, who was a very accomplished pilot. At the time she was a pilot for FedEx, about 5% of pilots were women. Now it’s just 6 – 7% women although women make much better instructors. Robin was hired to fly a candidate for governor all over the state during the campaign. She flew the big airplanes for FedEx.

            Ben talked a bit about the ultralight planes that have wings, an engine and a seat. They are capable of flying from coast to coast. When Ben was 12 years old, he built an ultralight plane with his dad. A photographer from National Geographic came and took pictures by putting his camera on the wing of the plane. Ben was about 13-14 years old at the time. When Ben celebrated his 16^th birthday, he did his first solo flight. He liked to take his high school friends on plane rides and a friend’s Mom commented that the crazy kid he was on the ground was totally different in the air. Ben shared a family picture of his wife and children. He told the story about how fast his wife could buckle the kids up in the plane if it coughed or did anything slightly unusual.

            Ben showed a picture of Fat Albert, a C130 support plane for the Blue Angels. Ben got to ride in that plane which was exciting. He got a seat before an obnoxious reporter. He showed a video of the plane landing that had over a million views on Facebook.






Above: Reno airshow

            In Reno, every second week of September there is a big air show with air races all weekend. He went a lot as a kid with his family. In 2011 there was a bad accident where a plane fell and hit people in the audience, killing 10 – 12 people. He showed a Stearman 450 with an open cockpit. Ben talked about all the cool stuff that is part of aviation. It is possible to operate a plane with a driver’s license. A 19 year old woman is trying to be the youngest woman to fly around the world. Check out her website at FlyZolo.com. Ben showed a video of a Reno flyby in 2013 as a part of air racing. He talked about the Oshkosh 2019 air show, the old and new flybys and showed cool airplace pictures. He showed a picture of the “Able Flight” which is a group of disabled but certified pilots. Ben said that Airbus is the number one selling aircraft manufacturer, with technology to make it impossible to get lost.






Above: Cool airplanes

            Ben showed a picture of a home-built airplane with an Ipad and a Sharpie pen. A single seat helicopter goes for less than $100,00. He talked about the refurbishing of a lodge up in the mountains that had a Minan Airlift haul materials in and out. He showed a picture of the Oshkosh air show this year showing the huge area of the show and  the number of people and planes there.
            In appreciation of his opportunity to share his story and brag about his family, Ben donated a total of $400 according to Treasurer John Lowney.  Thanks so much, Ben, and thanks  for a great presentation.

Mary Marlin got a $5 ultralight bill for winning the drawing!
 

Andrew Kruse started us off with a Labor Day invocation, wherein he explained the derivation of the word “holiday” as descending from the sacred holy day or days in past history.
Barb Spriggs led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag.
Sheriff Jim thanked the setup crew and especially those responsible for the remote meeting equipment.  He mentioned at least Rob Erb, Tom George, Leanna Christian and a few others who I could not catch up with due to aged fingers or ears.  Leanna announced that they are looking for “hosts” at the meetings; it is not a job involving setup or takedown before or after the meeting, but rather a job to monitor things remote during the meeting.
Joe Quinn, who is writing this bulletin today, asked for volunteers to act as photographers at the meetings like we used to do before the pandemic.  He thanked Greg Rediske, Mary Horn and any others who submitted photos to the Editor during the last 18 months as that sure helped.  Phil Eng and Walt Richardson immediately stepped up but we could use at least two more.  Mary Horn volunteered to be the back up whenever she is present at meetings.
President Jim said Treasurer John Lowney would be responsible for fines with Mary Marlin.  Barlow Buescher served today as Sergeant at Arms.  Guests included Angela Connelly and John Calder, who was a member for a time a few years ago. Greg Horn introduced Bob Martin, a new neighbor of Clint Johnson on Lake Steilacoom and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Monroe, WA, up in Snohomish County.  John Lowney introduced Melissa who is watching from Nairobi because our program today is to be presented by her friends, Puffin James Osundwa and his wife Shiru.  John also noted another friend calling in from Dubai.  Lakewood Rotary is truly international!  James proudly said those two persons are his guests.  Kendra Riconosciuto introduced her guest whose name was Sydney Balogh  Anne Enquist noted that guest Angela Connelly was non-Rotarian of the year in 2020.  We think Angela was checking us out and we definitely think she should join Lakewood Rotary.
The Sheriff called upon all Puffins present to stand up and so they did, not wanting to be arrested, frisked, or otherwise abused by ….no, no I am not going there. And three more Puffins were on the Zoom screen.    Sheriff Jim is definitely a kinder, gentler Sheriff than any President LR has ever had. 
Our Member Spotlight today featured Terry Roarke.   Terry proceeded to tell us about his life and it was a long story as he is 84 after all.  He said he was born at St. Joseph’s hospitals when the nurses were nuns!  He is a graduate of Stadium H.S. and the UW, with a degree in Chemical Engineering.  He joined the Navy and went to OCS at Newport, R.I.  Poor guy had to spend four years in Honolulu as a Navigator.  He had a long career at Weyerhaeuser, but it was not all a bed of roses (or Douglas firs) as he spent a few winters in Aberdeen, WA. Somewhere in there he married Walli.  He spent time with the company in Boston and Manhattan, commuting on the New York Central to that City gig from Briarcliff Manor. His career in wood products took all over the world.   He and Walli have been married 43 years and have four children.
At that juncture, President Jim called up Dr. Peter Marsh on the Zoom screen to tell us a bit about booster shots against the COVID-19 virus.  Dr. Marsh noted that the hospitals locally are filling up again, which is discouraging.  He said a booster shot may be needed as antibody levels do fall over time.  He said the scientists are closely watching Israel, which is using boosters widely.  Dr. Marsh and Dr. Fauci both recommend getting a booster shot. 
The Sheriff then turned to an item of Rotary business.  There are two bylaws amendments, solely to clarify the official names of both the charitable club (of Rotary) and the operational side, each of which have separate legal existence and thus separate tax numbers (EIN numbers).  Both bylaw name changes were unanimously approved, although we are not sure the Sheriff called for any opposing votes.  Just kidding, Officer!
Jim announced that we need a new Sunshine Committee head and called for volunteers to let him know. 
Announcements:   Chuck Hellar said the Foundation Committee is down to four members and they could use 3-4 more members.  The Sergeant at Arms Committee also needs bodies.  Kendra Riconosciuto reported on the peanut butter drive. She said the University Place club raised $2800 in one day.  The trick is to set up a table at the supermarkets and ask for donations as shoppers arrive.  She asked for volunteers to do that on September 18th probably at both the Safeway (formerly Albertson’s) on Steilacoom Boulevard and at the Lakewood Towne Centre Safeway.  They need about 12 volunteers to staff the table for two hour shifts at each store from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Also need a few folks with trucks to pick up all the peanut butter donated.  Contact Kendra at 360 359-8063 or kturner360@gmail.com.
Gordie Quick continued the proud LR and Quick tradition of presenting a freshly-picked zucchini from his garden to the new president of Lakewood Rotary.




Above: The Sheriff in all of his regalia and bribes after the meeting: badge, sheriff’s hat and zucchini
President Jim announced that so far we have been generous in our giving for fines.  About $5216 in fines have been pledged and John Lowney reports that a good deal of it has not actually been paid. 
At this point, the Sheriff almost lost control of the meeting, as Jan Gee, Mary Marlin and Barb Spriggs jumped up to tell us all about their weekend in Leavenworth.  Scheduled as a time to volunteer at the Courage bike ride for Mary Bridge, the weekend turned out to be a blast for this trio of ladies.  They brought gifts back for Jim in the form of a Sheriff’s hat a badge and other stuff, so that was how we came to realize that he has such law enforcement credentials and credibility.
Ed Shannon ponied up big bucks to honor his 55^th wedding anniversary.  Unless I misheard it, he donated $300 to the Rotary International Foundation! 
THE PROGRAM:
Then Barlow Buescher introduced James and Shiru Osundwa of Kenya to discuss their journey, in Rotary, but also from Kenya to America. 




Above: James and Shiru present on their journey in life
James, who was inducted about three months ago into Lakewood Rotary, was involved in chartering a new club in Kenya, along with his wife.  Kenya, a nation with about 55 million people has about 42 tribes and many different languages.  Swahili, however, is the most common language.  About 83% of the population are Christians and Muslims amount to about 11 %.  Kenya is roughly the same size as Texas. The nation’s exports include tea and coffee, but the country also relies on tourism, largely centered around the wildlife.  They said only about 5% of the population has had access to the COVID-19 vaccines. There are many protective measures such as masking used in the stores and other commercial spaces.
James’ mother is better off than most with a 25 acre where she raises corn and other crops.
Both James and Shiru showed photos of their families, with brothers, sisters and many kids. 
Unlike James, Shiru grew up in the city.  Nairobi in particular.  She was very involved in the Madaraka Rotary Club.  “Madaraka” is the Swahili word for “independence”. To their surprise, they learned that Rotary International is not only for the wealthy.  Anyone who has time and makes an effort can contribute much, they said. Shiru noted that the people and especially the children of Kenya may not have much but they really have joy! 
One of Kenya’s greatest needs, Shiru said, is water reservoirs, so that fresh water does not have to be transported over such long distances.
Next they told about their travels in Rotary Group Study Exchanges.  James went to Indiana and Shiru to the United Kingdom.  About Rotary, Shiru said:  “The more you give, the more you get.”
In 2016, they both moved to Redlands, California where they assimilated into the culture.  Rotary helped with that too and they also joined a church, which helped them feel a part of things there.   Not long ago, they transitioned to Tacoma, which they felt would be a more affordable place.  James works as an IT Manager for the City of Tacoma and Shiru works for a company that makes “hard money loans” that often helps finance house flippers.  They stayed after the meeting to answer any questions.
THE DRAWING:  Rob Erb tried to win the $520 drawing but he drew a white chip worth $5.


 

 Yikes, is all I can say. But here we are, hopefully back for good.

Anything new, you ask? Why, yes! Leanna Christian, Rob Erb, Tom George and James Osundwa have spent countless hours (translation: a whole lot of hours, more than you can count on all their fingers and toes combined) planning and buying and setting up our new hybrid gear. The one good thing from this whole pandemic thing is that members can now tune into Lakewood Rotary meetings wherever you are in the universe. And come wintertime, that means many from Arizona and California.

And then it was 12:30, and President Jim Rooks began his first live meeting with enthusiasm, vigor and a nice suit. Bud Montgomery handled Paul Harris, and Chuck Hellar was Sgt-At-Arms and sold raffle tickets, while Mary Horn took pictures.

Guests: Ben Sclair, Jennie Weinand, Shiru Osundwa, Sharon Selden (last two on Zoom)
Visiting Rotarians: AG Tony Camoroda
Puffins in the house: Wendy McGowan, James Osundwa, Anthony Veliz (Zoom)

President Jim knows how to start a meeting: with a new member! Eric Warn sponsored Connie Coleman-Lacadie. Connie came here by way of the Army after 8 years in Berlin. She eventually made her way to the FAA, and now retirement. She spent twelve years on the Clover Park School Board, is President of the Sister Cities Association in Lakewood, and volunteers for Mary Bridge. She is married to Michael, and we all look forward to her involvement. Welcome, Connie!

Birthdays and Anniversaries
Abbott and Costello, errrr…..Greg Horn and Chris Kimball did their long-dormant routine, as usual having worked exhaustively until it hummed to perfection. Horn handled the Lakewood Rotary anniversaries, highlighted by Ron Irwin at 40, Rick Selden at 48 and Ralph Johnson at 59. One more year in Lakewood Rotary and Ralph gets a special visit by the District Governor (a real one, not the retired one in the house). A million wedding anniversaries were announced, headed by Zawilski at 52, Hellar at 54, Fulton at 57, and Quick at 69. Gordy got married two weeks before I was born. Inquiring minds want to know, I’m sure.

Birthdays: Tell us your favorite song and Morris will play it on the trumpet! Except it’s not the same as banging on a drum, Chris….Morris faked a few, as able.
Morris Northcutt: “Romanza” off his new album
Carole Wier: “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”
John Magnuson: “Growing Old Together”
Wendy McGowan: “Happy Birthday” (just to help Morris out)
Terry Roarke: “Over the Rainbow”
John Lowney: “Margaritaville”




Above: Morris Northcutt

Greg Horn then read Ward Fletcher’s obituary/tribute, with a get-together coming in the future. Greg also announced that it has been 7 months since a new case of wild polio has been reported. So close…..

Sunshine report:
John Forkenbrock has resigned from the committee for health reasons, so President Jim asked for a volunteer or volunteers to fill this position. (Good wishes, John!! And thanks for all of your Sunshine reporting.)

(Late addition to the report: former member Virginia Hillyer has “Delta pneumonia and will be intubated (with an) induced coma for 2-6 weeks or so. Asking for your fervent prayers.”

Sally Smith announced the following:
"Pierce County welcomes all who seek freedom and refuge from the oppressive Taliban regime and invites the Pierce County community to volunteer through Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services and other programs to help our new neighbors find affordable housing, employment, food and mentorship to help them transition into our community in their new home country." 
World Relief Seattle is asking individuals or groups to donate new items (list included at website) or encouraging groups to Build a Welcome Kit.                                                             https://worldrelief.org/seattle/get-involved/donate-goods/welcome-kits/ 
The City of Lakewood has been collecting this week and will continue to accept donations of dishes, towels, bedding, and other household essentials to be deposited into a drop box inside City Hall. 

World Relief Seattle has provided an excellent tip sheet on how to select and prepare items for donation. Here is a clip in case you want it:


 
Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services, or LIRS, is a faith-based organization that has helped welcome more than 500,000 refugees and immigrants unto the United States over the past 80 years.  The Pierce County Resolution identified this group for volunteering. An online form allows individuals or groups to identify the type of volunteer opportunities LIRS needs in the Seattle-Tacoma area (https://www.tfaforms.com/4922177)    Questions, please ask.
Greg Rediske asked for applications for the Larry Saunders Community Service Award, on behalf of the Lakewood Community Foundation Fund (which our club co-founded). Past winners include Diane Formoso, Lakewood Rotary, Alan Billingsley, and last year, The Selden Family. Call Greg, Nicole Hancock, or go online to www.lakewoodfoundation.org.
Generous Giving, aka Fines:
Rob Erb: “What a crew!”, he said: Tom George, James Osundwa, Leanna Christian. $100
Gayle Selden: “Did you know you can’t get to the Club from the north via Gravelly Lake Drive?”, like for the last month plus, she said, embarrassed. $20
Steve Mazoff: Thanks for the new in-person memories, in Jim Rooks’ honor. $20
Jim Rooks: “I goofed” (which time?) $20
Gary Fulton: Wedding anniversary (57), “I hate Zoom”, $100
Bill Potter: $5, for his Past President’s badge. Way, way past…..

The Program:
How do you get a trumpet player to play softly?
Take away his instrument.

Why do trumpet players put drumsticks on the dash of their car?
So they can park in the handicapped spot. (This one’s for Kimball: couldn’t resist)

St Peter is checking ID's at the Pearly Gates, and first comes a Texan. "Tell me, what have you done in life?" says St. Peter. The Texan says, "Well, I struck oil, so I became rich, but I didn't sit on my laurels--I divided all my money among my entire family in my will, so our descendants are all set for about three generations." St. Peter says, "That's quite something. Come on in. Next!" The second guy in line has been listening, so he says, "I struck it big in the stock market, but I didn't selfishly just provide for my own like that Texan guy. I donated five million to Save the Children." "Wonderful!" says Saint Peter. "Come in. Who's next?" The third guy has been listening, and says timidly with a downcast look, "Well, I only made five thousand dollars in my entire lifetime." "Heavens!" says St. Peter. "You must have been a trumpet player.”

Q: What do you call a successful trumpet player? A: A guy whose wife has 2 jobs.

A B flat, a G flat, and an E flat walk into a bar, and the bartender says, "Sorry, we can't serve minors"

In a small town, a man just opened a small store selling trumpets and guns. One day his neighbor pays him a visit and says, "So how is your strange business going?"
"What do you mean strange?"
"Because you sell only trumpets and guns!"
"So?"
"Well, let me put it this way, what do you sell the most, trumpets or guns?"
"It evens itself out. Each time a customer buys a trumpet, one of his neighbors buys a gun."

What does a trumpet have in common with King Tut? They have the fact that both toot in common.

The Trumpet Program:

There. Got that out of the way. Bill Potter introduced (wait for it….) a trumpet player! Not just any trumpet player, either, but a world-renowned, world-traveled trumpet player. And one who has been a member of Lakewood Rotary since 2006 (spotty attendance being his only crime). Morris Northcutt graduated from UPS with a mathematics major and a music minor (the former to keep his mom happy). He is the owner of Cloud Easy 4 (website developer) and Northcutt Commercial Properties. Morris has played with everyone but the New York Philharmonic, based on what I heard Bill recite. Morris recounted how he began having people close to him die, beginning in 2011 and continuing seemingly non-stop. This led him to the revelation that if he wanted to pursue this music thing, NOW was the time. All of this work brought him to the recording project, resulting in TONADA. Morris was contacted on Instagram by a Latin Grammy winner, leading to extended conversations (Google translate helped) and finally a plan to make a record. (Or more properly, make a recording….). Morris recorded his part in his bedroom, while the orchestra was located in Venezuela. All arrangements were custom, taking about 30 days each to prepare. The executive producer was Morris: meaning, he “handled” the finances. TONADA has been streamed in over 50 countries, with 150 streams per day so far: exceptional for a new artist. Songwriters included Jerry Reed (yes, that Nashville-Jerry Reed), Raphael Mendez (a hero of Morris’), Astor Piazzolia, Jay Ungar (bluegrass king) and Simon Diaz. This bulletin writer wrote a one-word review on Apple iTunes: “Beautiful!” Morris hopes you have a nice glass of wine while listening. Add some romance for extra enjoyment.
Stream it (and/or buy it): https://songwhip.com/morrisnorthcutt/tonada
Buy the physical CD: https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/collections/accessories/products/morris-northcutt-tonada-trumpet-cd/?ltclid=0b21d44f-e4ff-4fea-8325-b68073865c35

And last but not least: the drawing. Almost $500, or $5, depending on the color chip. Terry Roarke went with the latter, but not by choice.

My apologies for not having any Swedish jokes. Next time.

Royal “Ward” Fletcher
September 1, 1931 – June 29, 2021
Olympia, Washington
Ward was an adventurer from a young age.  He grew up in Mossyrock, Washington, camping fishing, hunting, and woodcutting and mushrooming.  Those were life-long activities he enjoyed with his many friends and family members.  Ward passed away at 89 years of age, June 29, 2021, at his sister, Dayle Workman’s home in Olympia, Washington.  He was a skilled draftsman and carpenter, building and remodeling houses and businesses, some of which he managed.  Ward was an active and proud Rotarian for over twenty-one years with Lakewood Rotary.  His volunteer work with Rotary involved numerous local fund-raising and civic events, such as the Courage Classic and travel to Latvia to help build a hospital.  Ward received the Rotarian of the Year Award (2005-2006) and was a Paul Harris Fellow and Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation. 
As a remembrance, Ward requested donations be made to the Lakewood Rotary.  Donations can be sent in Ward’s name to:  Lakewood Rotary, PO Box 99786 Lakewood WA 98496
We will miss you Ward and your willingness to serve others!


 

Given an Opening…
President Jim Rooks opened the meeting with Jan Gee’s meaningful invocation followed by Jim leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. President Jim expressed his gratitude to Leanna Christian for making the Zoom meeting work so flawlessly and her contribution to upcoming hybrid meetings. He also thanked John Lowney, who looked suspiciously like Greg Rediske, for collecting fines. He went on to apologize to Ole for not realizing he – Ole – is writing this bulletin. Much ado about nothing – not the William Shakespeare play. President Jim’s illegitimate twin, Manus G. Thigpen, Sopchoppy, FL made a surprise appearance to set the record straight. What makes me think that is not the last we’ll see of Sopchoppy’s favorite son this year? Here follows a pitcher of the plaque commemorating where Thigpen proudly attended high school (although his academic career was cut short by Gator hunting season in nineteen hundred and sixty seven.) The Sopchoppy Rotary Club erected the plaque, wouldn’t you know.



He continued….
Wynn Hoffman responded to the call for guests with the introduction of Bob Estrada who has expressed interest in joining the club. Who knows how he’ll feel after witnessing much of the meeting, however.  Puffins present were Anthony Veliz, James Osundwa, and Wendy McGowan. The member spotlight was a surprise to the member! Eric Quinn and his band – Memorial Garden – performing Cure All now on a single record… well, not really a record … a vinyl… but not really one of those either… a 45? It is interesting that two Lakewood Rotarians have – let’s ust call them productions – out this week: In addition to Eric, Morris Northcutt’s EP is being released today – 8/20 on Spotify and iTunes.






Above: Morris Northcutt and his new album

  I really liked the groove on Cure All and the guitar solo – nice work Eric! There was no Sunshine reported by Brother Forkenbrock.  Jan Gee, Don Daniels, Tom George, Bob Zawilski, Rose Stevens and others have been working diligently on grant programs. Often behind the scenes, much has been accomplished with grants that multiply money.

Raising Money through generous….

Joe Quinn was $50 proud of son Eric for his music. Bud Montgomery has had an interesting month so far: getting T-boned in his Honda Odyssey and catching King Salmon – not at the same time, though. $50. Of note: The Richardson’s and the Rediske’s are relieved to hear that the Montgomery Honda Odyssey wasn’t irretrievably damaged and will rejoin the ranks of the Honda Odyssey Automobile Fan Club soon. PP Zawilski went on a cruise that he recommends with faint praise, had an anniversary and enjoyed others (Five Rotarians!)  working in his yard. $150. Eric Quinn – for Cure All.  $40. Ole turned 47 years old and has been married to Bonnie for 81 years – or something like that. $128.  Chief Jim Sharp has been married 24 years. $25. Nicole Hancock has a new house in Gig Harbor, took a two-week trip to Jellystone Park and missed a board meeting. $200.

Contributions to the causes of Rotary….

Which has nothing to do with the following puzzle or riddle?

Surely, if you got the first one you can get this one, even if your name is not Shirley.

Can a cow jump higher than a house?  Answer below.



[Mike Zaro's talk provided much food for thought. The Lakewood Key believes in giving its writers the opportunity to provide their opinions, as you will see below.  Obviously, this is Ole's unvarnished opinion that many of us may share. But we will note that the following is not the official position of this humble publication, nor the opnion of the Lakewood Key.  The Editor.]

Rotary’s Four Way Test is better than all legislation combined.

Wouldn’t it be nice if everything were simpler? If people behaved as if The Golden Rule or The Four Way Test were law? In reading about the laws passed in Washington State this past legislative session it makes one wonder why. So much of what was passed was as a result of efforts in other states to address issues that happen “there” and not “here.” It is as if many felt a moral imperative to do “something” even though there was little evidence of wrongdoing on a scale necessitating such drastic measures. Are we better off now than we were before? Answer this with all the honesty you can muster: do you feel safer as a result of these new laws?

Chief Zaro took the lead in explaining how the LPD is addressing the impact of the legislation. This community is blessed to have Chief Zaro and Chief Sharp at their respective helms.  Sixty –four years between them and substantial time leading their forces.  Rather than parroting what was said, and risk getting something wrong, I suggest Bulletin readers do their own research. The Internet is absolutely stuffed with articles, recaps, editorials and opinions of what took place in Washington State this past legislative session. If you don’t know where to start, try making sense of the differences between Reasonable Suspicion and Probable Cause and how a Police Officer will respond. Put yourself in an imaginary position of potential harm and ask, “How do I want the First Responders to protect me, my property, my family, my business?” Be honest now and not merely “woke.”

‘Nuf sed.
Who Reads This Stuff?
Ole

Answers:

Key differences between riddles and puzzles:  Riddles are generally verbal, whereas puzzles are tangible things. Riddles are intended to make people think and reflect, while puzzles seek to test people’s ability to reason.

A wooden leg is not a camera.

 Friday. The “day before tomorrow” is today; “the day before two days after” is really one day after. So if “one day after today is Saturday,” then it must be Friday.
A house can’t jump.


Above: Yogi the Bear.  Only Ole knows why this is here!  A riddle or a puzzle?



 

 Our leader, Jim Rooks, began the meeting at 12:30 p.m.
Clint Johnson gave the invocation and President Jim led us in the Pledge.
Making our meeting happen:
Meeting set?up: Leanna Christian.
For fines/foundation/etc:  John Lowney
Bulletin writer: Donn Irwin
Bulletin photographer:  Each and every Rotarian in the meeting!

President Jim then went into his explanation of what had happened with all of the “pmails” as DACdb calls what the rest of got as emails. This writer stopped counting at 6 notifications for the meeting, meeting, meeting figuring that I had been notified enough and that I would just pick one of the messages and hope for the best, best, best. The pmail pandemic cost the Pres a Greenleaf. ($20.00) (I got a total of 12 notices, so thanks Jim but I had to miss the meeting anyway. –Ed.)

Our illustrious leader thanked the set-up team for their hard work in preparing for the upcoming hybrid meetings where we will be face-to-face and in person as well as having concurrent Zoom participation. (Ole, that means they will happen at the same time.  I apologize for using big words.)

In 1521 what is now Mexico City fell to the Spanish and the Aztec Empire ended.




Above:  Kids love Ivan!  (Credit to Donn Irwin and his grand-daughters.)

Puffins and new members present: Wendy McGowan, Rachel Mazoff, James Osundwa and Steve Saalfeld.

Sunshine: As reported earlier in the week by Greg Rediske, long time LR member Joe Ghilarducci passed away. A copy of the obit is at the end of this Bulletin.





Above:  Joe Ghilarducci and the flag of Italy  (Thanks to Greg Rediske)

Announcements: The Courage Classic is canceled. Living Access Support Alliance (LASA) is having a breakfast Wednesday, October 22ns at the McGavick Center at Clover Park Technical College. The cost is free but donate what you can to help the homeless.

Pres Jim gave a shout out to Sally Porter Smith and the Program Committee for their hard work. Sally asked for help with leads in lining up speakers with an emphasis on businesses.

Alfred Hitchcock was born in London, England on August 13, 1899.

President Jim had the honor and privilege of inducting a new member into Lakewood Rotary – one Anthony Veliz. Coincidentally, Jim also sponsored Anthony.  Mr. Veliz is a duly elected member of the Clover Park School Board and is looking forward to working with his new fellow Rotarians on projects that help the Lakewood community. Anthony was born in Tacoma but attended school in Lakewood. He graduated from Bates through the Running Start program and now runs a cleaning business. (Writers note: Anthony is a nephew of a former Rotarian and President of the Tacoma Narrows Club, Jose Veliz, but we shouldn’t hold that against him).

Julia Child passed away on this day in 2004.
Mickey Mantle passed in 1995.

Fines: Jim Bisceglia paid a fine for his wedding anniversary - $100.00. He claims that the check is in the mail. Kendra Riconosciuto paid $20.00 to brag about her summer intern. Said intern just happens to be John Lowney’s grandson. James Osundwa managed to come back from Las Vegas after a long weekend with his wife with enough coin to pay a $50.00 fine. He also mentioned that his Mom was here visiting from Kenya. That answers the question of who was watching the kids whilst Mom and Dad played. Steve Saalfeld stated that he was about to take a second child off to college (San Antonio). I didn’t get what he paid for the privilege. Bob Peterson donated $60.00 to the cause for 60 years of marriage.

In 1898 the US Army took control of Manila Bay in the Philippines.

The Program:

Speaker: Earl Borgert, Chairman of the Board
The Legacy of Ivan the Gorilla®: The I.V.A.N. Foundation


President Jim introduced my brother from another mother, Ron Irwin, who in turn introduced our program speaker - his nephew Earl Borgert. Ron, in his long-winded introduction stated (not in brief) that his nephew holds several board positions and has a day job.

Earl: Ivan’s story has shaped a large part of Earl’s life. As we know from our member Ron and from previous presentations, Ivan stayed with the Johnson family in his infancy and after three and a half years (and the total trashing of the Johnson home) Ivan went to live at the B&I on South Tacoma Way. In 1994 Ivan moved to Zoo Atlanta and was able to commingle with other gorillas for the first time since he was an infant. Earl noted that, because Ivan knew only humans for so long, he was the only gorilla that would approach visitors at Zoo Atlanta.
Ivan lived at the zoo until his passing on August 12^th 2012 at age 50. At his peak Ivan weighed 550 pounds!

The bronze statue of Ivan that is at the entrance of Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium was commissioned by the Friends of Ivan Foundation. They chose local artist Doug Granum to design the statue and Two Ravens Studio in Tacoma to cast the bronze. The Milgard Family donated $125,000 of the $250,000 needed to  create and cast the statue and cad cam technology was used for the first time to create the mold for the casting.




Above: And Ivan loved kids too!  (Credit to Donn Irwin)

In 2015 a book was published that was written by Katherine Applegate, “The One and Only Ivan”, based on Ivan’s life story. Disney made a movie from the book.
You can find out more about Ivan by going to ivanthegorilla.org. The Ivan Foundation is focused on the importance of conservation and protecting endangered species. The Foundation works with Central Washington University Primate Behavior Program.

Earl is trying to raise funds to travel to Africa so that he can bring Ivan’s ashes back to Washington. He puts on Zoom meetings with kids to share Ivan’s story and promote conservation. Earl said that when we buy items from the website, a portion of the sale goes to support the Foundation.  Earl mentioned during his talk that some of the patina on Ivan’s statue has been rubbed off by all of the kids that crawl up on Ivan at the entrance to zoo. My two granddaughters have contributed to that change of patina. Our granddaughters are big fans (they haveread the book AND seen the movie).

The floor was opened for Q & A.
Q. Why was Zoo Atlanta chosen? They have the best gorilla program in the country and the weather in Atlanta is better suited for gorillas.
Q. To Ron Irwin: Did Ivan live with you. Ron: No – only with the Johnson’s. Side bar: Ron used Ivan to meet girls when cruising 6^th Ave in Tacoma. (Is this an unsubstantiated rumor, fake news or fact)?
Q. How were Ivan’s communication skills. Ron: Couldn’t really communicate but they knew what he wanted.
Q. His origins:  Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Q. Cost to feed him.  Expensive. Ron – 60% fruits and vegetables, 40% monkey chow.

President Jim thanked Earl for the presentation, reminded the Board of the meeting this Thursday and closed the meeting at 1:29PM
 

He was a Lakewood Rotarians from 1970 to 2017   Joe Meade Ghilarducci was born in Tacoma, Washington, on October 12, 1937. He was the youngest son of Lawrence "Gilly" and Dorothy "Dotty" Ghilarducci. He lived his entire life in Lakewood, WA (previously part of Tacoma), eventually graduating from Clover Park High School in 1955. Joe initially attended Stanford University, completing two years then enlisting in the U.S. Army for a two-year term. After his discharge he chose to finish his education at the University of Washington. It was here that he met his future wife, Carolyn Davis, and they were married on April 10, 1960. They both graduated in June of 1961. Joe went to work for Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith the following month, and settled down with his bride in Lakewood. He was to remain with Merrill Lynch for over 35 years, retiring as a Vice President in August of 1997. Joe was active in local education and business organizations most of his life, serving on the boards of the Clover Park School District, the Lakewood Rotary, The United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Tacoma Country and Golf Club, and others. He also served as president of the Greater Lakes Mental Health Foundation and his local PTA, as well as coaching two Little League teams each season. Joe played a "little" golf, and was a dedicated Seattle Mariners fan. He and Carolyn had three children together. After retiring, Joe and Carolyn took the opportunity to travel, visiting Joe's ancestral home of Italy several times as well as many other parts of the world. After Carolyn's passing in June of 2017, he lived a quiet life in his home of 55 years in Lakewood. Joe passed away peacefully at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood. Joe is survived by his sons Paul and Joe, his daughter Rena, and his brother Lawrence "Larry" Jr, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be remembered as a man of kindness and generosity, who cared for his wife and family above all else, and he will be missed. In light of the current health crisis and concerns surrounding public gatherings, the family has chosen to hold a small private service, with a Celebration of Life planned for 2022. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association in Joe's memory would be gratefully appreciated.   Above: Nice pic of Joe Ghilarducci (Credit to Greg Rediske)

  



 
 

When you see italics, that’s when you know the joke starts. And speaking of starting, the Lakewood Rotary meeting of August 6 did. We learned plenty before 12:30 started, including how Miami Dolphins’ retired fullback Larry Csonka proudly wore his Nehru jacket as a rookie despite being belittled by the veterans on the team. (That in response to John Warner’s having lost his Nehru jacket at some juncture--or maybe he never had one-- but would wear it, if he had one, to the Tom George-auction item Indian dinner at John’s house that evening.) Mike Murtha is in Hawaii again but plans on paying $10 for each trip there. Bob Hammar proclaimed “I need some help, Sweetheart” to all, but only because he thought he was talking to Mary but was really unmuted. And so it went prior to the imaginary clanging of the bell at 12:30 by President Rooks, he the retired ENT doc.

 Andrew Kruse gave a Rotary invocation, and Bob Hammar led all his sweethearts in the Pledge, specifically the one originated by President Eisenhower in 1954 (added “under God”). Puffins in attendance included Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff and Wendy McGowan. Mary Jo Strom-Copland was the Member Spotlight and suggested that we not hamper our travel agent with too many particulars: let them do their job and get you a good trip.




Above:  Mary Jo

I went to my Ear Nose and Throat doctor for sinus infections, migraines, and ringing in my ears. After a battery of tests he took me aside for my diagnosis: "I am afraid your problems are all in your head."

Sunshine Report:
President Jim passed along the sad news that Gary Fulton’s brother, Richard, recently passed away. Richard was a Lakewood Rotarian for a short while in the 1980s. Gary’s 102-year old mother is ill, also. Steve Mazoff noted that Bud Montgomery was t-boned by someone running a red light on Bridgeport. He’s OK, but the car is battered (but fixable).

My doctor told me I was going deaf. The news was hard for me to hear.

Announcements:
(Pardon the poor reporting below. My computer told me that I was unstable and punished me by making things freeze up periodically.)
--Need more bodies for the Set-up Committee. Technical and otherwise, both. See Rob Erb





Above: Mary Marlin and Barb Spriggs on the Roadster Romp

--Peanut Butter Challenge. Go to www.lakewoodrotary.com, Make A Payment, and follow the bouncing ball to contribute. We have a challenge from the Kenai Club in Alaska. If we win, it’s a fishing trip for two up there. We haven’t contemplated a loss, apparently. (It occurs to me that some of you younger members might be unaware of the “follow the bouncing ball” reference. We are always interested in educating here at the Lakewood Key: The bouncing ball is a device used in motion picture films and video recordings to visually indicate the rhythm of a song, helping audiences to sing along with live or prerecorded music. Wikipedia)  Treasurer Lowney noted we have received $450 already. PDG Greg Horn noted that the peanut butter this purchases stays here; it does not go to Alaska.  Most $$ collected per capita wins the trip.

--Jim updated us on a Johns Hopkins report on COVID. The U.S. has 35.4 million confirmed cases total and more than 600,000 deaths attributed to COVID.  Follow recommended guidelines, with the main point: don’t die.

--For all things Lakewood Rotary, go to www.lakewoodrotary.com, including to access DACdb.
 
I had an ear infection, so I went to the doctor, who took a look and quickly diagnosed it and wrote a prescription and handed it to me. Dr. Rooks: “It's just an ear infection, so 4 drops of this daily should clear it right up.” Me: “Cortisporin? So, I put the drops in my mouth?” Dr. Rooks: “No, no, no, you put it in your ear!”  Me: “Oh, I read the name and Cortisporin sounds like something you'd take orally.” Dr. Rooks: “Nope, in the ear.” Me: “It's a good thing that you didn't prescribe me analgesics.”

Fines: Jim says please-please-please R.O.A.R. Which stands for Rat On A Rotarian. Email or call Jim to tattletale on yourself or someone else. It’s for a good cause!
--Jan Gee paid $50 as an apology for being hacked. Probably a misplaced apology but love the money!
--$100 from Greg Horn for the PB Challenge, making his total $200 to that.
--$50 from Phil Eng in honor of another wildly successful Reeder Roadster Romp. Phil is an amazing organizer, with thanks to Rick Selden, Wagonmaster.
--$100 PB Challenge from Steve Mazoff, and a reminder to deliver food, etc. to the Little Food Pantries, like the one at LASA on Gravelly Lake Drive.
--Rose Stevens offered up $100 for a birthday and much traveling.
--John Lowney told a story about getting struck behind a garbage truck on the Astoria Bridge, causing his Thunderbird to stink all the way home of dead fish!  He gave $50 to the cause and $50 to the peanut butter, I think!
--Wynn Hoffman turned 39 again. $100 fine was volunteered.
--Leanna Christian went double kayaking with her hubby to celebrate 18 years of wedded bliss. She rounded it up to $20.
--Chuck Hellar gave $54 for his 54^th.  Must have been his anniversary, because he could not be only 54 years old.  Sorry Chuck!
--Donna Phillips gave $50 for the PB Challenge in honor of the “magical” boat tour that they “won” at the auction.




Above:  Cars and Rotarians Romping

Program:
Jan Gee introduced former state representative (2017-19) Paul Graves, who is one of the five members selected for the Washington State Redistricting Commission. This commission is formed every ten years after the census. There are no currently elected officials allowed on it, and all are prohibited from running for office for at least two years. Two are appointed by the Republican caucus, two from the Democratic caucus, and the fifth is selected by those four. Three votes are needed to pass the final plan. There were some significant population changes: Federal Way was up 10%, but Gig Harbor was up 58%. Washington State’s population was up 13% since 2010. Incorporated areas were up 17%, unincorporated areas were up 7%, with suburbs growing the fastest of all.  The commission is required to make the districts roughly proportional, and: 1. Contiguous; 2. Compact; 3. Proportional; 4. Preserve interests by community; 5. Show no favor to a specific party or candidate. Their plan goes for approval in Olympia on 11/15/21, with very limited oversight or control at that point by the elected officials. For an update, you can go to www.redistricting.wa.gov. They have great software to help the process, and Paul expressed his gratitude that Washington has such a fair and non-partisan system. Great program!

And, for seemingly the millionth week in a row, there was no drawing. But wait for it: August 27 will be our first of many in-person meetings.

A guy goes to Dr. Rooks and says, "Listen Doc, my wife is slowly becoming deaf. What should I do? How can I cure her?"
Dr. Rooks answers: "Well, take her to me and I'll see what I can do."
But the guy says: "No, I don't want to."
Dr. Rooks is surprised and says: "Why? How can I make a diagnosis without seeing her?"
The guy explains: "I don't want her to feel bad. I would like to cure her without her acknowledging it."
So Jim says: "Okay, let's try this: You go home, say to her a phrase just when you enter. If she doesn't answer, step a few yards closer and repeat the same phrase with the same tone of voice. If she still doesn't answer, repeat the process until she hears it. When she hears, calculate the distance and you come to me and tell it to me so we can do something."
The guy goes home, he opens the door and says, "Honey, what's for dinner tonight?". No answer. He steps a couple of yards closer and repeats: "Honey, what's for dinner tonight?". Again no answer. He steps another couple of yards forward and repeats, "Honey, what's for dinner tonight?". Still no answer.
He steps yet another couple of yards closer. He's now very close to the door of the kitchen when there's the wife, only 3 feet away, and he repeats: "Honey, what's for dinner tonight?".
"CARNE ASADA! I SAID IT 4 TIMES ALREADY! GO SEE DR. ROOKS!!!"

Uff da.






Above: Life is a Beach. Uff da.

 

Our President then introduced very special guests Scott and Karen Seitz from the Kenai Rotary (that is Alaska). Scott is a Past President of Tacoma Narrows Rotary (which has been renamed University Place/Fircrest) and came today to challenge our membership to a Peanut Butter drive.
They said: “Last year 11 Rotary clubs collected cash and peanut butter for local food banks and had a great time doing it. (They collected over 6,125 pounds of Peanut Butter AND over $7,550 dollars in cash donations.) They are doing it again and you are invited to join us in our Peanut Butter Challenge.”
Rules are simple: Most pounds of peanut butter per Rotarian. Duration of Challenge: August 1st to August 31st.
Kenai Rotary offered us an additional side bet. They offered us fishing on the Kenai River and a couple nights lodging but we have to come up with an alternative prize to make the side bet.
Last year’s overall winner was University Place – Fircrest Rotary in Tacoma, Washington area with more than 1,330 pounds of PB or more than $2,750 dollars. That equates to 78 pounds per person.
Last year’s winner for the State of Alaska was Kenai Rotary Club with about 64 pounds per person.
Greg Horn started us off with $100 toward the peanut butter challenge.
Jim Rooks also let us know about the Cross Egypt Challenge — Rotary Matters. I had to take a phone call at this time as you all heard as I wasn’t muted but it looks fascinating.  (I hope Gayle was fined for that!  Ed.)
For Sunshine we send condolences to Stephanie Wilcox who lost her mother.
Mary Horn also reported, despite his wishes, there is a gravesite service for Ward Fletcher planned. It will be held in Mossyrock and we will have a small gathering after to celebrate his life. Date will be forthcoming.
Former member Jim Walter’s son Craig was in a serious car accident in Texas and could use our thoughts and prayers.
September 9^th will be Rotary Night at the Rodeo. The event welcomes the start of the four-day Rodeo at the Puyallup Fair Washington State Fair. You’ll watch some rodeo and then get to enjoy the sounds of the Oak Ridge Boys and dance in the dirt. $36 Tickets get you into the fair and into the special Rotary Section at the Rodeo and a scone. To buy tickets click this link: https://tickets.thefair.com/PremiumSectionSelect.asp?performanceid=1990&qualifierID=62&qualifiertype=paymenttype




Above: It will not get you an Egg like this at Winlock, Washington
President Rooks invited us to join in Fines and Generous giving. Scott Buser started it off with a trip to Minnesota and a Massage he just had ($100). Bob Hammar shared something I missed. Rick Selden paid a Greenleaf (that’s $20) because he got to see Ron Irwin on the screen and $100 to the Peanut Butter Challenge. Jim Rooks also donated $20 to see Ron. It should be noted that Ron didn’t pay a fine back for being seen. David Swindale paid $20 for a trip to Deception Pass. New member Carl Bronkema was taught the acronym ROAR, when Anne Enquist practiced Rat-On-A-Rotarian, about Carl’s recent Farmers Insurance Awards. Barlow Buescher’s wife Karen Johnston was retired and he paid $50 for that and $50 for Peanut Butter. Rob Erb paid $20 to thank the Zoom and Hybrid committee. Wendy McGowen made a donation. Phil Eng paid $20 for an 8-day camping trip and donated $100 to Peanut Butter. Gayle Selden paid $20 for interrupting the meeting by not muting herself after talking, equating it to having a phone ring during an in-person meeting. Mark Edgecomb donated $100 to the Peanut Butter challenge.




Above:  A picture from the Saturday night event at Steilacoom Lake
THE PROGRAM
Our Program was our very own Jim Rooks who invited some committees to share about what is coming up in the year and where we have been as well as his personal goals and hopes for our club.
Steve Enquist gave an update on the Foundation. The Rotary International Foundation has given globally over 4 billion dollars.  $4 billion leveraged in real projects. Our club used matching grants from the annual fund, we leveraged $7,000 with grants from District and international into $21,000 and the Indian clubs further leveraged that into $129,000 to provide the Dialysis center we learned about from Tom George and Rose Stevens. For a second project the World Community Service committee leveraged $4,500 into $!3,500 which was further leveraged by another Indian club for the Mammography machine.
Last Rotary year (July1 to June 30^th) our Rotary Club gave $18,753 to the Annual Fund, $15,737 to Polio Plus, $12,900 to the endowment and $11,818 to global grants. In total, our Lakewood Rotary giving over time is $1,275,988.
Our club has 96 Paul Harris Fellows, 19 Benefactors, 8 Bequest Society Members, 13 Major Donors, 93 who give at least $100 per year, and 81 Sustaining members of the Foundation. You can donate three ways: at the desk at in-person meetings, online at Lakewoodrotary.com and Direct Deposit to RI.
President Rooks then praised the fundraising committee for a successful online auction. Nicole Hancock let us know that this year we changed and called ourselves the fundraising committee instead of the Sportsman’s dinner committee. The switch to online was profitable due to less expenses. The committee is working to decide whether next near will stay online or go back to a live auction. The committee is also looking to add some members to help in our fundraising efforts. Contact Nicole Hancock to join!
President Rooks also let us know that he has tapped PE Jason Whalen to head a Strategic Planning Committee for our club. If you should like to help shape our future, please join Jason in this committee. He is also hoping that we can start a Rotaract Club at Pierce College or Clover Park Technical College.
Our Little Free Pantry project has been going strong. Special thanks were given to the library builders and installers John Lowney and Mark Blanchard. The seventh little free pantry was just installed at LASA (Living Access Support Alliance). Here are the addresses of all seven pantries:

• Lakewood Presbyterian Church 8601 104th St SW, Lakewood
• Youth for Christ Family Center 14511 W Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood
• Springbrook Connections? 12601 Addison St SW, Lakewood
• Crossroads Treatment Center 4928 109th St SW ?
• Tillicum #2 8409 Orchard St SW,
• Springbrook Connections #2 5506 Boston Avenue SW
• LASA 8956 Gravelly Lake Drive SW

Pantries are supported by the giving of the neighbors but Anne Enquist suggests when you grocery shop grab some pop top cans of spam or tuna or hygiene items and drop them off at one of the pantries. Check out the latest on The Sub Times. Lakewood Rotary Dedicates Little Free Pantry at LASA – The Suburban Times (thesubtimes.com)
In thoughts of Membership, Dr. Rooks would love to see us increasing our membership especially with women and people of color. Let’s try and get our club to match the community we serve. The Fellowship committee has been challenged to come up with some more family friendly events.
Jim is looking forward to Hybrid Meetings starting August 27^th. Having a hybrid meeting allows members to participate whether they are immune-compromised, not vaccinated or not ready to join larger groups. Our Assistant District Governor, Tony Camoroda, shared that it is suggested that clubs comply with the rules of the meeting facilities and that all conveners are encouraged to consider others’ health concerns.  The Tacoma Country and Golf Club is following CDC guideline and L&I regulations. For us that means that masks are optional for all but those without a vaccination.  An unvaccinated person must wear a mask. There is no exception there and the regulations could continue to be changed.
Reminding us of our Rotary motto of Service above Self. . .remember to put others before yourself. Use the four-way test and protect others at all Rotary events—outside and inside. Dr. Rooks believes in the science and that the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others.
Dr. Rooks then invited the second half of the Covid Committee to talk about the Delta Variant. Dr. Peter Marsh let us know that The Delta Variant of Covid is much more contagious than the original virus. It presents differently in the vaccinated -with a sore throat, cough and fever being the most prevalent symptoms. There is still a lot being learned but it does look as though vaccinated persons can pass this variant on. Those who are vaccinated are usually saved from hospitalizations and long-term damage. Once more, data is available and recommendations may change. The CDC is a great source of information and recommendations. Dr. Rooks also highlighted the Infectious Disease Society of America as a great source of information as well.
Looks like it’s going to be a wonderful Rotary year.
Thanks Dr. Rooks!



Above:   Dr. Rooks






 

Has anyone heard any good “non jokes” lately? I guess not. Here’s one:
What does one French Guy say to another French Guy? “My name is also Guy.”  (We still haven/t heard any good ones.  The Ed.)
Greg Rediske introduced no visiting Rotarians. Greg also introduced no guests. But Jim Rooks introduced a guest named Anthony Veliz, who was with us last week too and is checking out Lakewood Rotary.


Jim recognized the Puffins:   Mike Brown, Carole Wier, Jessica James, Dave Hall,  Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff, Steve Saalfeld, Jamie Simons; James Osundwa, and Wendy McGowan, some of whom were in attendance and some who were not.

Jim is reinstituting the Member Spotlight program that Chris Kimball did a few years back. Our Member Spotlight was on Bob Bruback today. Bob is the new Chairperson of the Community Concerns Committee, and is an outstanding Rotarian. Bob graduated from Bellarmine High School and the University of Puget Sound. After graduation, Bob spent 25 years at what became Key Bank. He then moved on to Columbia Bank for five years. Then he was recruited by Heritage Bank and retired from there in 2013. He enjoys the job of retirement better than any job that he ever had. Bob was sponsored by Jim Rooks. Bob recently became a member of the Lakewood Rotary Board. Bob and his wife Karen have been married for 23 years. Bob paid $50 to the Club. Thank you, Bob, for being an outstanding Rotarian.

Another non-joke: You know what's really odd? Numbers that aren't divisible by two.  (Gawd, these non-jokes are non-funny!  The Ed.)

John Forkenbrock had no Sunshine to report. Greg Rediske informed the Club that Donn Irwin is making headway toward full recovery after his 11 days in the hospital. He is doing well.

Jan Gee had an announcement about hybrid meetings. Lakewood Rotary is going to be getting back together again, in person, toward the end of August. Jan is the Board Member responsible for Administration and therefore oversees how our meetings take place. Rob Erb stated that as Chair of the Setup committee, he is in need of volunteers to help run the hybrid meetings that we are going to be doing soon. The committee is meeting on August 3 and August 11. To be clear, a hybrid meeting is a meeting where some attend in person and some attend virtually. Jim thanked Jan and Rob.






Above: We get back here August 27^th. Be there!

And another: Why do we dress baby boys in blue and baby girls in pink? Because they can't dress themselves.




Chuck Hellar reminded us that the Courage Classic is taking place on August 28 and 29. We need more volunteers to staff our rest stop on Saturday and help other Rotary clubs on Sunday. Please inform Chuck if you are able to help out. Chuck also informed us that Sam Hunter and his wife are recovering from a recent bout of Covid.

Jim and Jason Whalen went to a general assembly of the Pierce County Rotary Club Presidents, where various members were discussing how to increase membership. Jim informed us about a lead agent of the consortium of clubs, who discussed the “97 Ways to Increase Membership.” Jim has a “blurb” on the “97 Ways” that he can send to you. 

Heard any non-jokes lately? Here is one for you: Why did the dinosaur eat the baby? He didn't. Humans did not appear until after the extinction of dinosaurs.
As for fines, Kendra Riconosciuto and her family went on a trip to Orlando and Disney World. The temperature there was over 90 degrees. Because of that, and after adding 90% humidity, Kendra gave $100. Leanna Christian received a scholarship from the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Women of Influence-Lytle Enterprises Scholarship Fund. Here is a link to some information on the fund: https://seattlefoundation.smapply.org/prog/psbjs_women_of_influence_-_lytle_enterprises_scholarship/.  Leanna gave $20.00 for her achievement. Jim gave $20 to match Leanna. Rob Erb went on a bike ride recently and he gave $20. Mark Edgecomb and his wife had a staycation in Ruston and told a story about the water they sprayed out of the hotel jacuzzi. Mark gave $20 for that. Barb Spriggs donated $100 for a return to her pre-retirement hospital, about the Arctic Circle in Kotzebue, Alaska.. Barlow Buescher gave $16 for his 16^th Anniversary of his marriage to Karen. Jan Gee gave $25 for a keepsake flag that a legislator gave her upon her retirement. Chuck Hellar’s friend accidentally flew to North Bend, Oregon instead of Bend Oregon. So, Chuck paid $25 for his friend’s screw up. Dave Hall gave $50.  Generous Giving indeed!

One last non-joke: What did one lawyer say to the other lawyer? "We're both lawyers!"  (Now that is really hilarious!  Not.  Everyone knows lawyers do not talk to one another—they shout. The Ed.)
Our Program was from our very own resident Fire Chief, Jim Sharp. Jim is the Fire Chief of West Pierce Fire and Rescue (WPFR). The Mission of WPFR is to “Save Lives, Improve Health and Safety, and Protect Property.” The motto of WPFR is “Respond Efficiently, Execute Flawlessly, Be Nice.” Jim provided us an update on WPFR. He obviously spoke about the impacts of Covid. Jim also discussed how wildfires have become a major problem in Western Washington, especially last year (2020). There has also been a lot of civil unrest that WPFR has had to coordinate with law enforcement on. Calls slowed down a little bit last year (about 100-200 fewer calls than 2019 at the same time). This is likely because people were scared to go to the hospital, during the early months of the pandemic.
WPFR received $1.35 Million in Grant money in 2020. This money has been devoted to improving automobile extrication equipment and training, smoke alarm provision, purchasing a new technical rescue vehicle, and improving hazardous-material spill mitigation. WPFR graduated its largest recruit academy in 2020, its largest graduation of recruits in WPFR’s history, despite the uncertainty of the time. WPFR also employed its first all-female firefighting crew. That is a landmark.
One thing that WPFR struggled with in 2020 was community engagement, due to all of the closures resulting from the pandemic. But WPFR adapted. For example, WPFR started a reading program where WPFR firefighters were reading stories virtually to children in the community. They were also delivering pumpkins!
Underlying all of this is the fundamental shift in how emergency medical services (EMS) are being provided, particularly by virtue of low-acuity calls that do not necessarily require EMS. It is important to note that the EMS system was designed to take care of critical patients. Jim discussed changes in the response model of WPFR that have been made in response to the increase in non-emergent or less-emergent calls. To respond to these non-emergent/less emergent calls, a “squad unit” was formed in 2020 as a pilot. The squad unit is staffed with two people in a pickup truck that responds to the low-acuity calls.
Another way that the response model has changed is using a “hybrid program” where a medic unit includes one paramedic and one EMT—rather than having two paramedics on a unit. This allowed WPFR to add a new medic unit. Jim discussed how this change has improved patient outcomes. WPFR now has medic units in five out of six stations.
WPFR also discussed its Connected CARE program (we will call it the CARES program). The term “CARES” stands for “Community Assistance, Referral and Education Services.” CARES is designed to reduce burdens on the EMS system by providing non-emergency services (within supervision of the applicable medical program director) to those suffering from crises that do not necessarily rise to the level of an emergency—such as issues involving mental health, substance abuse or poverty, or issues specific to the elderly. WPFR’s plan was to get its CARES program implemented in 2020. Covid got in the way of that and therefore WPFR is hoping to implement a CARES program in 2021. Jim has great hopes for the program. He opened up his presentation for questions.
Jim Bisceglia asked a question pertaining to how 911 dispatchers (and law enforcement) would be involved in the context of these low-acuity calls. Chief Sharp stated that this is an ongoing conversation nationwide. Chief Sharp noted that it is very difficult for dispatchers to isolate calls by type, and therefore EMS may be dispatched to certain calls which could have been properly addressed by law enforcement.
Dave Coleman—who initially was muted but who made it out of the darkness—thanked WPFR for responding to a few emergencies involving his son, who was suffering from sepsis. WPFR transported his son to St. Clare, and he is doing well. Dave gave $20 for that. Jim wished Dave’s son well.
Jim Rooks thanked Chief Sharp for the amazing presentation. Jim adjourned the meeting at 1:29 PM.



Above: West Pierce F& R:  Save Lives, Improve Health & Safety, and Protect Property
The non-jokes today were brought to you by https://bestlifeonline.com/anti-jokes/

Oh yes, remember that if you shop online, do so at Amazon Smile so a portion of your purchase can be allocated to Lakewood Rotary. Also, if you read this bulletin, tell Greg Rediske so you can get a make-up for a missed meeting.

 

Above:  One of the Floating Board boats

            Leanna had a special announcement: Hybrid meetings! Oh boy. That means that you can show up in person or stay in your hot tub and zoom into the meeting. Thanks to Sally Porter Smith taking the pulse of the club in terms of who would come in person and who would zoom; it turns out 69% of us will do either. Leanna, Rob Erb, Tom George and others have formed a committee to figure out what equipment is necessary to carry this out. The team asked the club to approve $7,000 to buy the right equipment. A motion was made, seconded, and passed with no discussion and the vote approving the request was unanimous. Go forth and buy!

            Pres Jim is bringing back a tradition started by Chris Kimball to spotlight a member. This week was Sally Porter Smith. Sally told her story with pictures from her life. She grew up in Southwest Washington in view of Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Mount Adams. Her dad ran a small lumber mill in Randle and then they moved to Centralia. Sally was a skeet shooter as a kid and cleaned so many small birds from her hunting family that she refuses to do it ever again. Her family was big into hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. When Sally was 10 years old, she was in third grade and walked into a library for the first time. That was all it took. Her career as a librarian took her to many communities and many kinds of libraries. She is retired now and enjoys the outdoors with hiking and spending time in cabins around the state. She ended with a picture of Mount St. Helens taken from the roof of the family lumber mill and a beautiful picture of Spirit Lake as it is today. Thank you, Sally for sharing your story with us! President Jim called on members to sign up for the spotlight…. or he’ll call on you.





Above:  A Before Picture of Mount St. Helens

            Anthony Veliz was a guest at the meeting. Puffins in attendance were Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff, Steve Saalfeld, James Osundwa, Wendy McGowan, and our honorary Puffin, Carole Wier. There was no Sunshine report but Don Daniels announced that Mr. Dennis (a dear friend of the club) and his family are struggling with health issues. Don said they need our thoughts and prayers but no calls or visits. He was a basketball coach for Clover Park and director of the driver’s ed program.

            Pres Jim asked the club to approve a budget of $8,000 for the Partners by a show of hands. Everyone’s hand went up because we know we aren’t nearly as effective without the participation of our Partners. Tom George continued his plea for help setting up the meetings once we are in person. He said that it will be about an hour before and after the meetings to deal with the hybrid equipment but that once we get used to the new system, it won’t take as long. So sign up, people!

            Steve Mazoff reported that he is getting started with the ring recovery and asked if anyone left a pair of sunglasses.

            Warning, club members! President Jim is trying to change “fines” into “generous giving.” Nice try, Prez! It’s still fines. And we had some nice fines. Chris Kimball kicked in $100 for achieving a secret dream in his career: to earn a Top of the Table award, which he did last year. Congrats, Chris! And his son Donny got married so Chris put in another $100. Rachel Mazoff donated $50 for her promotion to Quality Manager for Behavior Health and proud dad, Steve, matched it. Steve Enquist pledged $48 for his and Anne’s 48th wedding anniversary, which they celebrated at the Floating Board meeting. Hhmmm, Steve, gotta work on that romance thing. Anne matched Steve and rounded up to $50. So Steve matched that to make it an even $100.





Above: What a cake! What a Year!
 
            Phil Eng thanked everyone for the successful Floating Board meeting and talked about how much work went into it. He thanked Rick Selden, Bud Montgomery, Gayle Selden and John Lowney, who cut those steaks. Greg Horn thanked everyone for the surprise celebration of his ending year as District Governor. He paid $100.





Above:  The District Gov and his Chief of Staff

 David Swindale just got back from three weeks in Hawaii but not lying on the beach. He was helping his dad recover from surgery and Dad is now doing well. Sally Porter Smith paid $100 because last week she paddled a kayak for the first time in four years and after her hip replacement surgery! Jim Rooks (yep the President) paid $50 because he scored a late ticket to the Seamus cocktail lesson on Sunday. Mike Murtha and Andrew Neiditz also paid fines.

            Now to the program. Phil Eng introduced Puffin Steve Saalfeld who works in donor relations. He was previously with Good Samaritan Foundation and now works with Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation. Steve met his wife, Jennifer in biology class. They live in Fircrest with their four children. Two are in college, and the twins are still at home. Steve likes to read, spend time with his family, hide away in his treehouse, and lots of sports. He was training for the Courage but got blood clots in his leg and had to stop. He’s hoping he can resume so he’ll be ready. Speaking of the Courage, we need volunteers to work at our rest stop. The Courage is August 28th and 29^th.
            Steve told us the history of Mary Bridge Hospital which is celebrating 100 years. Back in 1921, the Tacoma Orthopedic Association (TOA) was formed to help children get medical care in Seattle by driving them up there for appointments and paying the $2.50 a day for a bed in the hospital. That organization later became the Mary Bridge Brigade, which is still in existence today. In the early ‘40s, guilds were formed and at their height had 2,500 members. They were primarily stay at home moms who would organize events to raise money. For example they would have roller skating parties and passed out wishing candles at taverns and restaurants for people to donate change. Over the years, they raised $50 million.
            In 1947, a local physician named Albert W. Bridge passed away. He had amassed a surprisingly large estate and intended that the money would be used to build a children’s hospital in Tacoma. He wanted it named after his mother, Mary, because of her support in helping him become a doctor. Dr. Bridge partly earned his money by practicing in Eatonville with loggers as patients. He charged them $1.00 a month for care. He was the Mayor of Eatonville for a while and once chased down robbers and lectured them sternly for their wrongdoing. In 1953-54, his hopes were realized when plans were announced for the building of a 60-bed general children's hospital. It was built in 1955 and in 1987 expanded into Tacoma General Hospital. The first Festival of Trees was held then and other than 2020, has been a key fundraiser ever since. In 1994, Mary Bridge was the only emergency room for pediatric trauma with a helipad coming in 1996. Steve told the story of a nurse who was so proud of these services for children.
            In 2005, the Mary Bridge Children’s Health Center was opened in celebration of the 50^th anniversary. In 2008, the Treehouse program started giving out of town families a place to stay so they can be with their sick children at no cost to them. 2011 brought the first separate emergency department to care for children. Steve gave us many amazing statistics showing the number of children helped and the range of services provided to children. 70% of that care is paid by Medicaid so no child is turned away.
            One of the key partners for Mary Bridge is the Rotary Clubs of Pierce County including the Lakewood Rotary. There is a plaque on the Safe and Sound Building dedicated for the Child Abuse Intervention Department announcing the donation of Rotary Clubs. In 2020, Mary Bridge received for the third time an award as one of the top children’s hospitals in the country. They are rated by the Leap Frog Group and it is a great honor.
            What’s next? Coming at the end of 2024 is a new stand-alone hospital with 82 private rooms, lots of technology and services, and much shelled space for future expansion. Steve showed us some pictures of what they hope it looks like, including some purple lighting that will change color with the seasons and special events. Mary Bridge Brigade has donated $10 million for the project and the Emergency Department was named in their honor. To help, you can donate $200 and get a special Mary Bridge recycling cart.
            Several members commented on Steve’s presentation. Pres Jim said that he had many cases at Mary Bridge in their old operating room. Members talked about what a great thing Mary Bridge is for the community.

Thanks Steve for an informative program.
 

President Jim then thanked Leanna Christian for her help in hosting the Zoom and her great PR work for Lakewood Rotary.  Jim also mentioned that our erstwhile Treasurer John Lowney stands ready to accept fines and do all things financial.

(At this point, my mind wandered to the idea that “President Jim” sounds sorta lame and that this writer used to always think of nicknames early in the Presidential year.  So let’s see….”President Rooks?” (too formal);  “JustJim” (cuz he is so humble); “The Rookster” (Ooolala, I like that one!); “The Runner” (that’s why he’s so lean and healthy); “The Lake Diver” (he did it once so we can make him do it again).   The possibilities are endless.)


Above: President Jim: “The Runner?”
Next, President Rooks noted that the assigned bulletin writer was MIA and wondered aloud what would happen there.  As we all know, there is an army that supports the LR President, so not to worry … some sucker will step forward. 
Under “Guests” on the agenda, JustJim introduced Anthony Veliz who he knows through the Lakewood (community) Multi-Cultural Coalition.  Anthony is also in his second year serving on the Clover Park School Board.  Who thinks he should be a member of Rotary?  A lot of hands went up. The Rookster (ooolala) then welcomed back member Skip Stephan who has not been with us for a while. 

The Runner then featured all Puffins in attendance this day, but noted that really some of them have passed the one-year mark and should no longer be considered Puffins.  He called out Tom George, Brehen Freeman, and Mike Murtha in that regard and it was noted that Carole Wier is getting close to the threshold too. We love our Puffins and we want more.


Above: See how we love Puffins
With one eye on the chat box, your writer today noticed that John Lowney said that Little Free Pantries 5 and 6 have now been installed!   Amazing that those are popping up so fast all over Lakewood so we are grateful to Sally Porter Smith, Rose Stevens, Bob Zawilski, John Lowney, Mark Blanchard, and a few others I am too dumb to remember, for the LFP idea which has taken off rapidly in this community.


Above: LFPS proliferating!  What a community!
There was no Sunshine Report today as John Forkenbrock was not “in the house” (some hackneyed phrases carry over from year to year).   Seriously, we had enough of sickness etc. for one day.

The Lake Diver then said he and President-Elect Jason Whalen have a desire to resurrect an idea put forward by Past President Chris Kimball (I think that’s who it was):  the Member Spotlight.  So if you want to spend 1-2 minutes at a meeting telling the new members who you are, or what you do (for those who are still employed) just contact President Rooks.
President Jim then called for announcements.  Starting that off himself, JustJim said the Military Appreciation Committee is sponsoring a LR golf team of four to play at Whispering Firs Golf Course at McChord (aka JBLM) AFB on August 14th.   It is a fundraiser for the Air Force Association and the Daedalians, so if you like cigars and booze this is for you.   Rob Erb needs three more golfers so contact him.  Oh, forgot to mention that it is free as LR’s Military Appreciation Committee is paying for the round of golf, the cart, and the food.  All fees paid!  Jan Gee asked if volunteers to help are needed, which prompted the Rookster (ooolala) to mention that we are sponsoring a hole and need one or more persons to staff that hole during the tourney. 

The Runner then noted that the next Board Meeting of Lakewood Rotary is this coming Wednesday, the day before the Floating Board Meeting.   You should arrive at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club at 5:00 p.m. for that meeting.
Speaking of Fellowship, the Lake Diver called on Phil Eng to discuss upcoming events.  Phil reviewed for new members the long history of the Floating Board Meeting, which used to be a board meeting but is now strictly a social event.   Be there on Thursday evening this coming week! This year it will again be held at Holly Hedge, near the homes of Rotarians Steve Mazoff, Dave Reames, and Jason Whalen.  Phil said to bring tents if you need shelter from that sun.  We will have steaks and drinks and the cost is only $15 per person.  It was noted that the day may include boat rides on historic Lake Steilacoom as the Horns and the Rediskes both have party boats.

President Jim asked Tom George to speak about our prospects for holding hybrid meetings, with an in-person group as always meeting at the Country Club but others, as needed, participating remotely.  Before speaking, however, Tom lamented the fact that there was no “cap and gown ceremony” for those members graduating from Puffoonery to being seasoned (old) members. Sorry Tom.  Mr. George said our first meeting back at the club will be August 27^th and hopefully this hybrid option will be available.  But they need “operators” for the equipment to make that system run smoothly.  This new committee would set up and take down the equipment at meetings.  The current “hybrid meeting committee” will of course train the newbies 

JustJim then explained the tradition (that was lost during the pandemic and Zoom meetings) of passing on the actual Puffin (well, not a real bird but a reasonable stuffed facsimile) when a brand new member is inducted.  Usually a gleeful affair! 

Someone pointed out that the Courage is scheduled for August 28-29. Volunteers to be asked for soon.
Well it was time for fines but Gentleman Jim (a new potential nickname) said he is going to call it Generous Giving.   So maybe we’ll call him GG or Gigi.  (NO JIM, what about Rat on a Rotarian…is that over?) John Magnuson stepped up first and donated $100 in honor of Gary Fulton who usually enjoyed making the first $100 fine of the new regimes, but wasn’t Zooming today. Then some idiot (OK it was me) opened his mouth and said he would donate $100 to the Lakewood Community Foundation in memory of Ward Fletcher.  Greg Rediske liked that idea since he is on the board of the foundation, so he pledged to “piggyback” on that with $100 to the same.  Well, then, as is the habit at Lakewood Rotary, a hailstorm of generous giving took place so forgive the writer if I missed anyone while scribbling down these names:  Also giving $100:  Anne and Steve Enquist, Greg and Mary Horn, Rick Selden, Barlow Buescher, Carole Wier, Mark Edgecomb, John Warner, Rose Stevens, and Phil Eng.  A quick $1000 or even more.  Hope I did not miss anyone.  Help…where is Lowney? 

Someone was kind enough to put the mailing address of the LCFF in the chatbox:  Lakewood Community Foundation Fund, P.O. Box 39578, Lakewood, WA 98496

THE PROGRAM:   Leanna Christian then introduced Suzanne Pak, the Director of Community and Behavioral Health for the Korean Women’s Association (KWA).  Her department provides CRISP (Culturally Responsive, Integrated & Strength-Based Parenting) education for parents of young children and many other programs.  Suzanne also serves as co-chair of the Pierce County Opioid Taskforce Prevention and Education Committee.
Suzanne started with some history of the KWA, which has been in existence for more than 50 years.  She said they bought a building in Lakewood pretty recently and they have a training room that will hold 20-24 people.  She invited Lakewood Rotary to sign up to use it; sounds like a possible place for a board meeting.  Later in the program, upon questioning, Suzanne said the location is the former Klauser Building, which is on Perkins Lane, right behind the motorcycle shop on South Tacoma Way near the 512 intersection.
Suzanne described the collaboration of KWA with multiple partners such as the City of Lakewood, Communities in Schools, Pierce College, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and many others.  The KWA focuses on many health issues such as heart disease and even mental health.  She mentioned a few times during her talk that, while the KWA focuses about half of their attention on helping folks of Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicities, their programs are in fact open to all.  Almost half of the beneficiaries are neither Asian nor Pacific Islander. 
She discussed in depth her program known as CRISP, which stands for Culturally Responsible, Integrated and Strength-Based Parenting. The program focuses on children ages 0-6 and also pregnant women.   They have three classes per month—on the 3^rd Tuesday, the 4^th Wednesday and the 4^th Thursday of each month. Register at:  https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/5911890/CRISP-Online-w-Baby-Catchers-Answers-Counseling
 She also discussed the PPH Learning Collaborative. Any adult in Pierce County can register:
The online registration form is at:  https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/5957869/PPH-Learning-Collaborative-Registration
Then Suzanne talked about Teens for Destiny, sponsored by Greater Density Church, the Family Hope Center and KWA.  For ages 12-19 this program offers teens a chance to talk to each other about issues like life skills, leadership, and emotional health. While they focus on certain races and ethnicities it is open to all. Now it is going to be in-person instead of online and they are planning a barbeque.
 When asked about the increase in hate crimes against Asian people in the nation, she said that she and the KWA were pleased with responses by the Mayor of Tacoma and others including the County Council, but she told them bluntly that it was not enough to raise the consciousness of society that this phenomenon is real and growing. 
Thanks to Suzanne Pak for an informative program.
Who is up for a “Nickname the President” contest?  What if someone pledged a $100 contribution to the Paul Harris account for the chosen winner?  This writer is ineligible due to an inability to settle on one favorite nickname for Jim.

 

 So here's the overview:  Jim Bisceglia is selling his million plus house! He smiled when asked if Rotarians could benefit from our friendship with him. Mary Jo Copland is working overtime to assist numerous travelers wanting to get out of town. Pres. Jim always wears his Rotary pin at meetings and encourages others to do the same. (Where did I put mine?) Marnee Obendorf, a colleague and friend of the Pres. wanted to be present at her friend's first meeting and Jim appreciated her loyalty. They've worked together for several years at Multicare. Bob Hammar has the 4 Way Test on his wall. Leanna Christian has perfected muting incoming members on zoom so that conversations will not be compromised and interruptions will not accidentally occur.  Oh, to have tech skills is such a bonus in life! Carole Wier challenged neighbor Mark Edgecomb about yard mowing and mentioned that her husband's idea to use electric poles is now being validated by the Fire Dept.  Walt Richardson is still fixing his house after a neighbor's tree made a negative "impression".  Greg Horn has perhaps had the most virtual meetings in Rotary history and the picture behind him with his long beard and the longer hatchet appears to go WAY back in history.  





Above:  And he jumped right in!

     Then the bell rang and the meeting was called to order. President Rooks welcomed all. Dave Coleman gave the invocation.  Jim led the Pledge as all members stood in respect to our flag.  Pres. Rooks then thanked members for coming, and appreciated former Pres. Mark Edgecomb for his assistance with the meeting agenda.  Making the meeting set up happen today was Leanna Christian who, by the way is a pro. Just so you know.  John Lowney enjoys taking fines and Foundation contributions. The Bulletin writer was Mary Marlin and each member was encouraged to send pictures to Joe Quinn to brighten the Bulletin. Pres. Rooks also paid kudos to his wife Penny, who has taught advanced English classes and assisted him with "learning".  Visitors today included our own District Governor who, I believe, has completed his responsibility. Bob Cammarano was welcomed. Marnee Obendorf, a past president of Rotary with another club and a district trainer was also welcomed.  The Puffins that joined us today were: Mike Brown, Tom George, Mike Murtha, Brehen Freeman, Carole Wier, Tonya Winski, Jessica James, Dave Hall, Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff, Steve Saalfeld, Jamie Simons, James Osundwa, and Wendy McGowan.  We love our new Puffins....our life blood...as Pres Jim said,  and we also love all the energy they bring to keep our legacy vibrant and ongoing.  John Forkenbrock of the Sunshine Committee had no news to report.

However, there was sad news to report over the weekend.  Ward Fletcher passed away last Tuesday;  at his request there will be no service.  We will miss Ward, who was a solid, steady Rotarian.  Also, he quietly contributed a large amount to the Rotary Foundation.   (Ed.)

 Greg Rediske encouraged members to pay their dues ASAP for Rotary membership. Phil Eng is all about organizing fun events and mentioned several. The Floating Board Meeting will meet at Holly Hedge at 4:00 p.m. on July 15th. Bring food items to donate and a check if you haven't paid online.   August 1-3 will be the Roadster Romp to Astoria and the Courage Classic bike ride will be on August 28th. Mark your calendars and thank you, Phil!!

     Other good news was incoming.  Bill Potter at the Clover Park Installation dinner was honored for the strong RI Foundation legacy of Lakewood Rotary. We donated a lot to assist Polio Plus and to help eradicate polio around the world during his term.  Presidents Bill Potter, Mark Edgecomb and Jim Rooks are also noted as Covid fighters and the club supports their efforts.
Sally Smith will use her tech skills to keep those who are out of town informed and will send info as it is available.  Morris Northcutt is becoming famous. His first lead-single will be released on July 23rd with the EP release coming later in August. Check the Spotify link (https://sptfy.com/morris) so you will be notified as soon as the new music is available. Well done!

     President Rooks then welcomed the new Board Members and welcomed back those who will help for another year.  The three new Board Members are Kendra Riconosciuto who will support Community Youth Services, RYLA and Scholarships, Bob Bruback who will work with Fellowship and Membership, Community Concerns and the Courage Classic, and Anne Enquist who will be responsible for World Affairs, World Community Service and the Foundation.  Welcome new members!  Those who will continue to be on the Board will be Jan Gee who will be working on Fundraising, Risk Management, Club Administration, Sergeant at Arms and the Installation Dinner.  Leanna Albrecht will be working with Public Relations, Communications, and IT issues.  Nicole Hancock will support Community Services, Major Projects and Military Appreciation.  Many kudos to all of you!!

        If you thought this club was generous before, this DAY 1 of Dr. Rooks’ term will amaze you!!!  As always, we have a "fine time", but our new Pres. mentioned he likes "generous givers", not fining people.  Here's what happened.....

$100 from Mark Edgecomb to honor his successor.
$100 from Steve Mazoff to "muddle through" with all your great training and obvious skills
$100 from Jim Bisceglia for rehabilitation while working on his house
$100 from Peter Marsh to the club and being proud of one of his favorite colleagues, Dr. Rooks
$100 from Scott Buser as "seed money" to the club
$100 from Rachel Mazoff....(Puffin generosity at its best)
$31 from Rick Selden for 31 great years with the club for President Rooks
$100 from Jim Rooks who is honored to serve
$100 from Rob Erb just because you are a great guy, Dr. Rooks
$100 from Jason Whalen who is excited for the new pres.
$100 from Jim Sharp to celebrate graduations of both of his sons ....one from WSU and the other a high school grad
$30 from Barb Spriggs for thanking the "jumping in the lake bravery" of Jim Rooks, Mark Edgecomb and Jason Whalen




Above:  Yes, here they are, All the Presidents Men

$100 from Carole Wier for a wonderful year
$100 from Charles Heberle celebrating his son's travels to New Guinea
$50 from John Lowney for not blowing up Rediske’s house while working on a compressor
$50 from Greg Rediske for being challenged by his friend(?),  John Lowney, to match him

So if I added this correctly, in one meeting with one suggestion of donations we acquired
.......$1361!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Wow! Who said we can't do this!!!!

The Program:



Above: Nick Athia today

         With this excitement out there, our speaker for the day was introduced by Greg Rediske who mentored Nick Athia from 2007-2008 when Nick came here from Brazil as a Lakewood Rotary exchange student.  Others who participated and mentored were John Korsmo, Bill Allen and Mark Blanchard.  Nick is now a successful architect who still enjoys soccer and tennis even though, apparently, he had a tough go at a soccer game when he was here.  All is well now. Here are some things we learned about Nick and about Brazil.  He has been in Sao Paulo, Brazil for six years now as an architect. He is enjoying his job and has been featured in a local magazine there. When asked questions he mentioned that Brazil has only 35% of the population with one vaccination and only 12% with the second vaccination. Masks must be worn, although the government is less than helpful.  The weather is cold at this time because this is their winter. If you wish to visit mark your calendars for Nov.-March. He wishes he could practice his English more at home, but to listen to him you would never know there was an issue with language. Brazil soccer is not a favorite of his because of the political issues that are behind it all. Nick mentioned that one doesn't get a lot of pay in Brazil, but he is smart to work as an intern in certain jobs so he can learn more "on the job".  Sometimes schools can only teach so much. Bricks are used more than wood when building.  Concerns about deforestation and climate change as well as human needs seem to be of less concern to government leaders.  A suggestion to use the app, What's App, has proven to be very helpful to this architect and Sally Smith is also a big advocate. As James Osundwa mentioned "There's always an expert at something!" (Just like in Kenya) We welcomed Nick back to visit at any time and his enthusiasm and generous attitude made us grateful for sharing his experience with us.




Above: Nick with the Coveys as an Exchange Student back in the day

     Then before Pres. Rooks called the end to the meeting, Bob Peterson said he wanted to donate to this great club with another $31 as he wished Dr. Rooks the best! With that, the meeting was ended even if the bell was waiting for the ding.  See you July 9th with speaker Suzanne Pak, the Director of Community and Behavioral Health with the Korean Women's Association.                Till next time......yours truly, Mary Marlin



 

If you Google famous quotations by past presidents you won’t find any by Mark Edgecomb. That shouldn’t surprise anyone – he hasn’t been on the job long enough.   (Well actually he does not start in that job until July 1, 2021.) But you’ll find 175 famous quotations by former president Ronald Reagan, so Mark has his work cut out for him.

Notable This Year

• The pandemic. Something we haven’t experienced [before] in our lifetimes. Whether you believe it was a scientific/medical or a political event, it changed the world.  Global political divides erupted proving there is no room in Rotary for politics. We cannot afford to cut our Rotary power in half by alienation.  Speaking of power, Greg Rediske learned how to transform matter just using Norwegian brainpower. He converted a solid into a fluid just by staring at it. Specifically, for those of you who are really into physics – He placed an ice cube on a plate and gazed at it. It took a lot longer than he thought it would, but success! Mark was able to navigate all the exigencies of the year with a smile and a suit and tie. Even in a hot tub.
• Zoom. Perhaps one of the best and unforeseen consequences of the year is a new paradigm of how Rotary  (and other organizations) meet. Certainly challenging at the beginning, a Zoom meeting is now an ordinary event. Mark very smartly engaged Leanna Christian to assist in the process.
• Membership. Perhaps it is part and parcel of the Zoom experience but our membership has grown. Whod’a thunk it a year ago? Puffins galore. And, in my opinion, it has been a very democratic process. Everyone seems to be equally engaged. An aside, if you will: my youngest son is a Navy veteran who lives and works on Whidbey Island. He was at a gathering of business people in Coupeville a couple of weeks ago and met a group of Rotarians. As his father, mother, grandfather and grandmother have all been involved in Rotary he has always wanted to join Rotary. He asked, “How does one become a Puffin?” He was greeted with totally blank stares. He knows a new Rotarian in the Lakewood Club is a Puffin so he obviously assumed a new Rotarian in any club would be a Puffin. Wrong! Just Lakewood.
• The Auction. That engagement surpassed all expectations. Whereas money is not the lifeblood of Lakewood Rotary – fellowship is – we cannot do what Mark, the directors and now President Jim wants to do - without money. I know Mark will bow modestly to his chairpersons – Eric Quinn and Nicole Hancock - who maneuvered the event but it was during his year as president. One of the items I bought was the Homing Pigeon. The instructions say simply sell it on eBay as many times as you like. Feed it corn.
• Fellowship.  What a challenge. Masks? No masks? Social distancing? In person? Via Zoom? For a club that thrives on friendships rooted in Rotary fellowship, the year was a reflection of the world around us. Extroverts worked harder to establish and maintain relationships. Reclusive people became more so. Social psychologists are having a field day writing about the phenomena of the pandemic. Medical researchers will write their reports on how COVID happened. Political scientists will expound on domestic and global political gyrations causing unprecedented change. Lakewood Rotary will survive and prosper because we connect with one another. Caution: Such circumstances that are beyond our control must NEVER divide us. To do so would damage so much. Mark Edgecomb has a wonderful smile (as do Tom George and Leanna Christian) and a welcoming nature. Every meeting was a greeting of welcomeness by Mark. Well-done friends!
• Passages. How strange it was to not bid goodbye to old friends who may have left your family and friendships. But how wonderful it is to welcome Carole Wier and Wendy McGowan into the club.

Friday’s meeting was an embarrassment of riches. Rotarians have told me there is so much to report that I may not know where to begin. So as to not alienate anyone whom I may miss in the “normal” bulletin format, I will refer to that format, but loosely. You may ask, “But Ole, why would you do that?”  My reply is that I missed the meeting and will have to make stuff up. Or, more grammatically correct (not end with a preposition) - I will have to up make stuff. Let’s see how I do.
 

• President Mark rang the bell for the last time. (Aha, got that one right.)
• Barlow Buescher appointed Jan Gee as his sub for the invocation. Even though retired he directed her to be thankful for our blessings in life and grateful for our leadership and service. (Total guess, on this one.)
• PP Ralph Lockhart was slated for his special rendition of A Salute To The Flag but called from the freeway. His 1949 Hudson Hornet overheated and he couldn’t make it to the meeting so President Mark led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. (If you’ve never seen Ralph’s flag salute, it is quite stirring.)
• President Mark gave thanks to his helpers for the meeting. Leanna Christian wasn’t there for the Zoom so Gayle Selden filled –in, capably, as always. Treasurer John Lowney took a break from repairing his failing air conditioner to collect monies. Bulletin by Ole. Well, I was on a ferryboat from Ballard to Poulsbo to replenish my pickled herring supplies. I am re-creating this Lakewood Rotary meeting much as Leo Lassen used to re-create Seattle Rainiers baseball games back in the 1950’s. Remember those? Oh, that’s right. You’re too young. Too bad.
• Puffins attended Mark’s final meeting: Carole Weir, Carl “Horse Thief” Bronkema, Smiling Tom George, and Steve Saalfeld. (By this time you’re probably thinking, “Wait just a darn minute here. If Ole really was on a ferryboat from Ballard to Poulsbo, how come he knows these details about the meeting?” Well you’re sure a lot smarter than you look! Because you’d be right. I was on a ferryboat from Edmonds to Kingston. By golly, I yust can’t pull the wool over your eyes.)
• Old Neighbor Forkenbrock was absent but Mark mentioned Donnnn Irwin’s road to recovery is now in the therapy stage. I heard from Donnnn last week because I had referred a Swedish Faith Healer to him for heart health.  Doctor Knute K. Knutsen, PdQ prescribed Vitamin N. To wit:

Dis here’s a prescription
To correct your heart’s conniption.
Your recovery clearly depends
On your consumption of Vitamin N’s.

You know that they will make you strong
And make your life so very long

• In the eyes of many clairvoyants –

For you to be to your wife,
a bit of an annoyance.

Two N’s in the Ayem and a couple more at noon
Two more then nightly until the end of June,
And you’ll be ever so much more rambunctious
And never ever again malfunctious!

Dr. K

Clearly a miraculous marvel of modern medicine.
 

• Another Don – PP Daniels turned 32 years of age on this day. He was 16 when president of Fife-Milton Rotary. Huh?
• Incoming President Jim Rooks Community Concerns Committee gave away a pile of cash that Treasurer John Lowney had squirrelled away. All the usual suspects got an extra $1800 apiece. Nice windfall for the organizations we support.
• Phil Eng announced a floating board meeting on Lake Steilacoom for July 15^th. Stay tuned for further plans.
• President Mark announced a second winner of his Accounts Receivable prize, Carole Wier having won the first installment in December. And the winner is: Rob Erb. A $200 gift certificate for lodging or dining at The Silver Cloud Hotel on Ruston Way.
• Presidential Privilege. Mark is a very gracious man and took the time to thank people who spearheaded both planned and unplanned projects throughout the year.
• Rose Stevens and Tom George raised both donated money and grant money for a project in India.
• Bob Zawilski asked for support of The Little Free Pantry endeavor. Just asking raised $3950. There are 5 locations with more coming.
• The Selden Family matched $2250 that was asked for. AED Defibrillators are being installed at Fort Steilacoom Park.
• Between fines and asks, $23,120 was put to work this Rotary year
• Game night raised $10,000 plus.
• The recent virtual auction had an ambitious budget of $40,000. They didn’t make that goal however. WE DOUBLED IT! More than $80,000 was raised.

Now, if you don’t believe I missed the meeting, the following report should change your mind on that matter. I am going to guess that someone from the City of Lakewood - an unelected official - was the speaker. I am going to guess that the speaker was someone who is highly educated (not an Evergreen State College graduate), articulate, well practiced and has several municipal solutions seeking problems.  If I am correct in that guess, I have nothing further to report on the noon meeting. However, PP Phil Eng wants to share the following about the installation dinner. What I observed at that event was fellowship at its finest. A really fun time shaking hands – gasp! – with friends, hugging – No! - Dear old pals, and smiles everywhere. Now Past President Mark can get on with those quotable moments. He has thanked his directors, chairpersons, helpers and family copiously. No more, Mark. We know you are grateful and we have been blessed with your leadership under the most extraordinary circumstances. What a year!




Above: What a great smile!

Who reads This Stuff?

Ole

Phil Eng added this:

“Everyone I spoke with said they had a great time at the Installation Banquet.  The fact that we had 91 attendees was a loud statement that we were ready to say good riddance to Covid.  Kudos to Gayle, Mark, Greg, Jim and all the others that put together the program.   

During our regular meetings we’re always grateful to the “behind the scenes” setup crew and acknowledge their efforts.  Last Friday, I didn’t get a chance to grab the mic, so I want to take this opportunity to thank Terry Roarke, with an assist from Duncan Cook, for setting up and taking down the meeting paraphernalia.  We had not met in-person for almost a year and a half.  Getting the sound system set up was of paramount importance.  Thank you Terry and Duncan!”



Above:  We are in good hands moving forward





 

Prez Mark thanked Bill Potter for standing in for him last meeting while Mark was on a mini vacation. His Honor Clint Johnson led us in a heartfelt invocation and Mark did an outstanding job of leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Those are going to be some big shoes for the President Elect to fill on that job. Kendra Riconosciuto subbed for Leanna Christian on electronics, John Lowney sitting by to collect fines and other money, and yours truly, Paula Olson tapping out the bulletin.

            Before we move on to more meeting substance, what about this farewell saying. “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” By T.S. Eliot. We had another short timer in our midst – District Governor Greg Horn who is also counting the days before his term ends. I wonder how Mary feels. We had a couple of guests: Shiru Osundwa, James Osundwa’s wife, Shiru, and Bob Martin. Welcome! Puffins in the house included Tom George, Steve Saalfeld and our honorary Puffin Carole Wier who put out all of her fires before she logged on, plus Carl Bronkema, James Osundwa and Wendy McGowan. For Sunshine,  Rob Erb reported that Donnnnn Irwin was home and doing well and Carole Wier reported that Bob Lordahl was making progress.

            Celebrating his real birthday was Jason Whalen who later reported he was 58 years old and celebrating their real anniversary were Ed and Jayne Shannon with 55 years of marital bliss even though Ed was not present at the meeting. Pres Mark read a lovely thank you letter from the Family Renewal Shelter thanking us for the $2,000 we donated to them. The letter told a story of a single mom escaping a violent relationship and how the money we gave helped her start a new and safe life with her children.

            Pres Mark explained the Rotary year to uninformed members. And that recalled these words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” Our fiscal year ended on June 30, 2021 and started on July 1, 2021 with a new President, a new President Elect and three new board members, new committee chairs, and new committee opportunities. The board approved the 2021-2022 budget which is available for viewing if you contact John Lowney.



Above:  A goodbye kiss to Mark is timely

            Pres Mark then introduced our new Program Committee Chair – Sally Porter Smith. Sally told us that we are going to do programming a little differently by getting 20 people to commit to bringing two speakers from their own community. With the wide range of interests in the club, that will be 40 very interesting topics. Sally asked everyone to think about what they would like to hear about. Sally will need an admin person to introduce the speakers and herd them around once we are in person. So call or email her if you want to get involved. Already committed are Carl Bronkema, Mark Edgecomb, Jan Gee, Anne Enquist, Paula Olson, Barlow Buescher, Andrew Neiditz, Dave Hall and Mary Jo Strom-Copland.

            President Mark introduced our newest honorary member: Ward Fletcher. Ward was going to resign because of health reasons but thank goodness someone figured out how to keep him around. If anyone paid for the Rotary International Zoom Conference, see John Lowney about a refund. Fellowship events included the Installation Dinner in person at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club on Friday, June 25^th starting at 5:00 pm social hour. Cost for surf and turf is $60 per person. Puffins are going to get a special invite. July 15^th is the Floating Board Meeting with more information coming. The Reeder Roadster Romp is August 1 -3^rd. And Greg Horn and others want to get Monday Night Football going again.

            Fine time. Someone let the cat out of the bag by wanting to push Mark over some benchmark of fines but Mark was all hush hush so as not to impede fine flow. Jan Gee paid $50 for her three week vacation to Arizona, California and Oregon. Mark paid $25 for his short trip and to honor Bill Potter’s sub. Wendy McGowan paid a Greenleaf for her trip to California to see her oldest granddaughter graduate from high school at the San Francisco Giants Stadium. Jason Whalen paid for his birthday and then rounded up to $100 because he missed the past board meeting. Turns out he was in Hawaii to celebrate a friend’s mom’s 100^th birthday. Barb Spriggs paid $25 each for her twin granddaughters’ high school graduation with honors. Greg Rediske paid $20 in gratitude for a grandchild’s successful heart surgery and another grandchild hitting .800 for the Little League.

            And before we read about the program, here’s a little saying from Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie: “Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” We’ll never forget this past Rotary year in more ways than just Mark.






Above: Mark presiding from his hot tub

            PROGRAM:  Greg Rediske introduced Marc Blau, President of the Shanaman Sports Museum aka Tacoma Sports Museum. Marc is a 1969 Stadium High grad and he attended UPS but graduated from UW with a recreation major. He worked for the Pierce County Parks Department and was a director of Sprinker Recreation. He retired from Parks after 29 years in 2004. Marc has had a passion for sports of all kinds since he was a kid. He’s a baseball nut and reffed high school volleyball. He knows the local sports history like no one else around and he’s met the best and most talented the Pierce County area has to offer. He told story after story.

            His latest venture is with the Shanaman Sports Museum, a rescue operation from the Tacoma Sports Museum that was attached to the Tacoma Dome for about 23 years. It contained all kinds of memorabilia that was packed up and stored. It was originally going to his attic but his wife was worried about theft or fire and Marc wanted to stay married so it went to storage. They are looking for an appropriate place to relocate and now enjoy a great website at: https://www.tacomasportsmuseum.com/ . Marc shared  part of a wonderful video on some local sports legends going back to 1858 with the first sporting event in Tacoma being a horse race. In 1874, the Invincibles Baseball Club got started and 20 years later, the Tacoma Country and Golf Club was organized, followed by the Fircrest Golf Club in 1928. Marc told us about the first Tacomans who won Olympic medals in skiing, rowing and swimming.

            Marc walked us through part of the virtual tour of the exhibits in the sports museum and told us some stories. There was a leather hockey jacket belonging to Joey Johns of the Tacoma Rockets Hockey Team. Joey wore it when he changed his car oil, did yard work and as a result, it was in bad shape. He was going to throw it out when someone took it from him, cleaned it up and put it in the museum. When Joey went to look at the exhibits, he saw the jacket and wondered whose it was. He was amazed to learn it was his.

            Marc told stories about collecting soap box derby cars and athletic jerseys. He told us about recreating sports announcers. One very popular was Art Popham who recreated announcing a Tacoma Tigers played out of town. Art’s wife and a manager got information on the phone about the game and passed notes to Art who announced it as if he was sitting in the stands. Marc played a clip of that and it was absolutely astounding. There was no way to know that he wasn’t actually present at the game. Truly a lost art, one Rotarian chatted. 

            Marc knew some long time Lakewood Rotarians such as Tom Names who is long retired. He invested in a little company that was going to sell sports shoes and it grew into Nike. The museum has its eye on a couple of physical locations. Marc shared that Fred Shanaman was also a sports enthusiast and he donated money to make the museum happen, hence the museum’s name. Marc has kept busy doing podcasts – check out the website for the schedule. Carole Wier shared that Ted’s company  (Weyersomething?) supplied some of the beams to the Tacoma Dome and noted that the late Lakewood Rotarian Jim McGranahan was the dome’s architect.

            Thanks Marc for a very interesting program. And President Mark ended his second to the last meeting of his year.  (It was a penultimately good one—The Ed.) Here’s a couple more quotes for next Friday: “Good-bye and hello, as always.” ? Roger Zelazny, The Courts of Chaos. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” By Dr. Seuss


Remember that if you shop online, you should do so at Amazon Smile so you can allocate a portion of your purchase to Lakewood Rotary. Also remember to tell Greg Rediske that you read the bulletin so you can get a make-up for a missed meeting.
 

(That aside, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out what a wonderful job Mark has done during this challenging year. Between the bathtub meeting and his frequent fines of himself, he has done it all. And we at the bulletin staff will be especially sorry to see him depart, as ridiculing him for the sake of good humor has been like shooting fish in a barrel. (Which means, “not very hard”, for any Swedish readers who might be out there.))

Here we are, two paragraphs in, and not a word about this week’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood. This bulletin writing crew will not be held to commonly accepted rules of how to present the events of a Rotary meeting! We will follow our own path, which in this case begins now with the realization early on that Mark wasn’t there, replaced by the familiar face of Mr. Potter, specifically Bill Potter. Bill is in the waning days of his term as Past President. But did you know that except for the 2010-11 year, Bill has served on the Board of Directors of this club since 2008! Ten CONSECUTIVE years! And now he is going out in a blaze of glory, virtually hosting one more Rotary meeting.



Above:  Past President Potter has not lost his touch

 Or is that hosting virtually….at any rate, here is what happened:
--Guests included Charlie Hancock, Shiro Osundwa, and unnamed dogs of Chris Kimball, Peter Marsh and Greg Horn.

Puffins in the House: Tom George, Carole Wier, Carl Bronkema, James Osundwa, Wendy McGowan.
--Sunshine: Donn Irwin is still in the ICU from his heart surgery, but improving nicely.
--Andrew Kruse’s Invocation/Thought revolved around a quote that said we shouldn’t hide our wounds but use them in service to others.
--Flag salute by Acting President Bill. This is probably where I could note that Bill screwed up the order of the agenda big time, but I won’t because he has already endured his year of presidential abuse.
Announcements: Pay Attention!
--Installation Banquet, not to be missed. Friday, June 25, 5:00 (6:45 dinner). Surf & Turf, $60. No mask required if you are vaccinated, at the Country Club. Check to our PO Box 99786, or credit card online (lakewoodrotary.com; go to Get Involved, then Make A Payment).
--Lunch Pricing: Jim Rooks, John Lowney and Mark Edgecomb engaged in high level negotiations with the Country Club about lunch pricing. After deciding that we love them and they love us, the new lunch pricing after 6 years of no increase is $22 ($10 for cookie and coffee). It should be noted that this includes 18% gratuity. The next Board meeting will be on July 14, 5:30 at the Club. The first back-to-the-club Friday meeting will be August 27.

--Reeder Roadster Romp, aka Rotary Roadster Romp (RRR): August 1-3. On to Astoria and points south! See Phil Eng ASAP.





Above: Some “roadsters” back in the day


Above: Beautiful Rides

--RI International Convention starts now: June 12-16. $65 registration, Rotary.org.
--Little Free Pantry: 5 are up and running. If you have one near you, consider being a regular or semi-regular stocker of the pantry. Popular items: pull-top canned items, baby food, personal hygiene.
--Vaccination: Peter Marsh has been named to a board promoting COVID vaccines. He used the Four Way Test as his guide: Vaccinate for your self; Vaccinate for your family; Vaccinate for your friends; Vaccinate for your community.

--Auction: Wow!!!!! Eric Quinn announced preliminary numbers, a net of nearly $70K. Amazing. Sainthood awaits those on the committee who worked so tirelessly. And kudos also to all the Lakewood Rotarians and guests who were oh-so-generous.

Educator of the Month:
Leanna Albrecht introduced two administrators from the Clover Park School District, Meghan Meakin and Rainier Principal Kylie Danielson. The Educator of the Month is Christina Villena, a 12-year veteran of the CPSD. Leanna’s audio was tough for these damaged ears, so I didn’t hear a lot, but what I heard was: “Great teacher!” And this is a great program of Lakewood Rotary, to honor our best teachers.

Birthdays and Anniversaries:
Sam Hunter won the contest for most years in the Club, 37. Duncan and Joan Cook won the award for most years married (to each other, by the way): 65! And of the plentiful June birthdays, only five were in the house: Andrew Kruse (favorite song: Don’t Stop Believin’), Leanna Albrecht (favorite song: What a Feeling (maybe that was it….). Eric Warn and Don Daniels didn’t pipe up, and Chris Kimball ignored the rules of his own contest.

Program:
Leanna Christian introduced Rachel Vaughn, Executive Director of the UW Tacoma’s Milgard School of Business in the Center for Leadership and Social Responsibility. Rachel took us through the online offerings from the school, including some videos free for the looking  (https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/uwt/business/clsr). She highlighted their mentoring program, one-on-one between graduate students and community leaders. Particularly emphasized was the Milgard Women’s Initiative, dedicated to advancing women as creative and innovative leaders in their communities. One of the questions from our group was about “imposter syndrome”. Rachel explained that many of their students are the first in their family to attend college, and they often feel like they don’t really belong. The school recognizes this and addresses these emotions. To wrap up her presentation, Rachel praised Leanna Christian with this comment: “How does she get it all done? She is amazing.” Tell us something we don’t already know. Leanna rocks. Thanks, all!

A Good Story:
Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of…..service above self, and how this very motto works in business and life in general. Barlow Buescher and Karen were hosting several couples for the auction night last week. One of those invitees saw the $500 gift certificate at Ed Selden Carpet One, and immediately bid…..$825, the Buy It Now price. Why, you ask? Some time before, this guest of Barlow’s had purchased and had installed some carpeting from Rick and Gayle’s place. But somehow, the wrong item number was entered or given, and the wrong carpet was installed. Distraught, she went into the store and complained to Rick. Rick immediately assured her that it would be taken care of to her satisfaction, not to worry. It’s what good business people do, and it’s what good people do. This customer was so very impressed with Rick’s response, she felt compelled to show her appreciation by bidding $325 OVER the value of the gift certificate. And that, my fellow Rotarians, is another reason why the Selden family was named this year’s recipient of the Larry Saunders Community Service Award. Leo Durocher was wrong: Nice guys finish first!

At a recent Swedish soccer game, the beautiful blonde cheerleaders yelled out: “Gimme an ‘F’! Gimme an ‘I’! Gimme a ‘G’! Gimme an ‘H’! Gimme a ‘T’! Now what’s that spell????”
And all they got back was heavy “thinking” and total silence…..


NEXT WEEK
Marc Blau, President of the Shanaman (Tacoma) Sports Museum
Marc is also co-author of PLAYGROUND TO THE PROS, an encyclopedic book on the history of sports in Pierce County and nearby. Lakewood Rotary is tied to that history by a number of our past members. The book contains references and pictures of these past Lakewood Rotarians:
Cap Peterson, Ron Herbel, Rudy Tollefson, Jim Rediske, Harry Mansfield, Tom Names, Jim McGranahan, Randy Peterson and many more Lakewood legends.

And lastly, as this keyboard seems intent on going on forever: a new and improved sign indicating one of Lakewood Rotary’s first projects (building the first two baseball fields at Ft. Steilacoom about 1974) is ready to go up. Here’s a picture sent by Mary Dodsworth, along with her promise that it is going up “very soon!”. (No Rotary emblem, but that seems to be how we roll, do the work and forget about the credit!!)






Above:  The sign!
 

DON’T FORGET:  THE AUCTION IS HERE TODAY!
The Auction has so many sponsors to thank for their support of our Lakewood Rotary activities in the coming year. We are so thrilled to have Domino’s sponsor us once again with the GOLD level sponsorship ($3,500). Domino’s commitment to help the community in time and talent is appreciated. The Brown family puts this community in high regard. Thank you, Domino’s!






Above:  Domino’s Logo will appear in The Lakewood Key weekly from July 1 to June of 2022.
Mark welcomed District Governor Greg Horn who was putting the final work into the District Conference taking place that evening. He called on Greg to introduce guests and Visiting Rotarians if any—all of whom we will meet later in the meeting. Mark also recognized the Puffins “in the house”.   We noticed that one of them in attendance on the screen was Mike Brown, who in case you did not know it is Nicole Hancock’s brother.  Their parents (who did a Rotary program a few months back) own several Domino’s franchises, and voila, there you have our Gold Sponsor.

More Auction Sponsors:
We love all our new members but really want to give a shout out to Carl Bronkema who is an Auction Night Sponsor ($500) with the Farmers Insurance Bronkema Agency. Other auction night sponsors include Alliance Law Group, PS; Gary and Cynthia Barton; Connelly Law Office; Phil Eng; Quinn and Quinn, PS and James Rooks. Thank you all for your support.
Mark shared that Donnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Irwin made it through his heart surgery and is starting his recovery. We wish him welllllllllllll. Carole Wier reported that Bob Lordahl is making positive steps forward. Great news.
Mark read a letter from EFN thanking Lakewood Rotary for our donations to their cause. Although Mark said Michael Douglas sent the letter, it was Michelle Douglas the Executive Director. Michael is probably too busy with Catherine Zeta Jones to send us a thank you.  We hope that is gentle enough for Mark.

$1000 Level sponsors:  The Blue Level!
Do you know how we are able to donate $3700 to EFN? Our Auction! Thanks to our Blue Level sponsors ($1000) Christopher Kimball Financial Services, Ed Selden Carpet One, Kelly’s Tax Service, Korsmo Construction, Russo Ranch Veterinary Services and Twin Star Credit Union. You all are helping keep Lakewood Rotary a strong force in making Lakewood a wonderfully strong community.
Leanna Albrecht and Bob Peterson introduced our student of the month from Clover Park High School. Bob welcomed Ron Banner, Superintendent; Kevin Ikeda, Assistant Superintendent and Tim Stults, Principal of Clover Park High School.  Rene McCord was also present. Bob highlighted student Rosalie. Rosalie is looking forward to her future at Whitworth College studying business next year.  A top student, Rosalie thanked us eloquently during the meeting from Rene McCord’s office at school.  Our world is in good hands with you leading us Rosalie!

Purple Level Sponsor is $1500:
Our Purple Level Sponsor ($1,500) Rose Stevens and RMS Financial Services helps us support our Lakewood Rotary programs locally and internationally.
Tom George filled us in on an amazingly completed Global Grant with the Rotary Club of Kottayam North in India. A Global Grant is where two international Rotary Clubs join to complete a large project. Each club finds other clubs to join and then the money raised gets matched by the Rotary Foundation. The goal of this grant was to provide two dialysis machines for the poor to use at two hospitals in India. The project grew and ended up providing five dialysis machines. Mercy Hospital is now home to the Rotary Dialysis Center; before this Global Grant they had exactly ZERO dialysis machines. What amazing change has happened due to the work of this Global Grant. This grant is leading to the next project--providing a digital mammography machine to the same hospital. Tom showed a video that would not leave the room with many dry eyes. BRILLIANT work World Community Service Committee.  Thanks to Tom George & Rose Stevens for bringing us this project. Save a Kidney and Save a Life.



Above:  Rose Stevens—Grant Guru AND Purple Level Sponsor
Reminder:  It is tonight!
Do you know how else you can support Lakewood Rotary’s auction? By bidding or encouraging friends to bid on auction items. If you click this link https://lakewoodrotary.maxgiving.bid/about-us you’ll see that Tom George and his wife, Neeni, have provided an East Indian Dinner for six delivered to your home. Rumor is Bob Hammar thinks he is going to win this item. He better hit the buy it now button because that is an amazing item and will be bid up HIGH.

Above:  Tom George?
FELLOWSHIP:
Phil Eng announced upcoming events for Lakewood Rotary. Friday, June 25^th is the date for our Installation Dinner where we will install Jim Rooks as President as well as our board members. We also give an award to the Rotarian and Non-Rotarian of the Year. The event will be held at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club where the dinner will be surf and turf. A $60 ticket must be purchased to attend—you can do that at www.lakewoodrotary.com (under “get involved”) or send a check to the Rotary Club of Lakewood PO Box 99786, Lakewood, WA 98496.
Another Fellowship Event is the “Floating Board Meeting.” A long-standing tradition, the Floating Board Meeting, is actually a fellowship event and not a board meeting at all.  It’s a picnic you can bring your family to with a great dinner, some boat rides and a lot of laughter. We will be returning to Lake Steilacoom this year for the festivities. The date is July 15^th and the party starts at 4pm with dinner starting at 5:30. (So come after work!) And as a bonus we will be celebrating our own Greg Horn and the completion of his year as District Governor.
Phil also talked about the Reeder Roadster Romp -a long getaway where you no longer need to have a convertible to join in! This year’s event will be Aug 1, 2 and 3 and everyone will be heading to Astoria, Oregon. There is an email in your inbox to explain the details. Join in on the FUN.
Lakewood Rotary has two sides—Charitable and Operational
Do you know that the auction supports absolutely zero part of fellowship? Lakewood Rotary has two accounts—one operational and one charitable. The auction only raises funds for the charitable side. The money raised goes into the local and international community, not into our own pockets. Fellowship and the operational side is supported instead by fines, so go ahead and fine yourself.  You do not have to wait for the President to catch you!
Get Registered now and bid on experiences:
There are many experiences you can buy a ticket to that will feel like a fellowship event at the Auction. If you click on the “item sales” tab you can buy a ticket to a trip around Lake Steilacoom, a wine tasting event, a creative painting party or an online cocktail class. Don’t delay….. buy your ticket to enjoy some fun with friends-old and new.
Joe Quinn and Mark Edgecomb said there will be some changes to our meetings on the return to the Country Club. The Country Club is excited to have us back but the meeting and our food is going to look and be different. Our board will fill us in soon. If you have any input there will be a special board meeting Monday or Tuesday. Please let Mark know if you’d like to be there.

Mark almost forgot to allow our Auction Chairs to speak about THE AUCTION!  Almost.

  Lakewood Rotary couldn’t provide funding for EFN, School District recognition and international projects without raising funds through the auction. Eric Quinn provided a great rap and reminded us to register for the auction ahead of time. He also mentioned that you need to invite your friends. An easy way to invite your friends is by sharing Lakewood Rotary’s posts about the auction on your Facebook page. Let’s get more outside money into our community by sharing our auction and our actions.
THE PROGRAM
Andrew Kruse introduced South Sounder, Andrea Krook, from the Children of the Nations International group. Andrea got involved in Children of the Nations when visiting a Kenyan slum and realizing the need of the international community. Children of the Nations is dedicated to raising children out of poverty and hopelessness so they can become leaders who transform their nations. COTN currently serves in Sierra Leone, Malawi, Uganda, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Andrea talked about the holistic help provided for children in these countries. The destitute and impoverished children are provided medical services, nutrition, education and mentoring. COTN provides full-time care for orphaned children and partners with communities to care for orphaned and destitute children living with caregivers who are unable to provide for them.
From Wikipedia, “COTN's main goal is to raise these children to become future leaders of their communities. This is accomplished through child sponsorship as well as the donation of funds, resources, and volunteer work related to the construction of children's homes, schools, medical clinics, vocational skills centers, farms, and feeding centers. This assistance is intended to lead to self-sustainability, not dependence.”
The organization offers mission trips for giving community members access to see their work in action. Their goal is these countries will have no need for services. And these children’s hearts will be mended.
Your bulletin writer was on her phone listening to the meeting today. I have got to say that is the worst way to experience a ZOOM meeting. You can’t see many faces, the chat is hard to access and when someone calls you on your phone, the Zoom cuts out and you miss Bob Peterson talking about our student of the month. So, as you are writing the bull you wing it and hope the editor makes you look good. 
 One thing that looks just fine from your phone is the auction items at https://lakewoodrotary.maxgiving.bid/about-us . Don’t forget to use the max bid feature so you don’t have to be married to your phone all weekend!
Also, Congrats Lakewood Rotary on your 65^th Birthday as was just announced at the District Conference.
Gayle



 

President Mark then introduced the visiting Rotarians except there weren’t any except our District Governor Greg Horn who is also a five week short timer in his job. Then he will no longer visit but just show up. La Marco Mitchell was kicking our tires to see if he likes us. Puffins in attendance included our special honorary Puffin Carole Wier, and the regular Puffins: Tom George, Carl Bronkema and Rachel Mazoff. So back to those letters. Here’s a good example seen on a medicine bottle: Take 1 capsule every 12 hours with wood.” Getting my drift? The Sunshine Report was given by lots of people. President Mark reported he is recovered and his dad is out of the hospital and Mark finally has much peace of mind. Donnnn Irwin will have some major heart surgery so keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Walt Richardson is doing better after back surgery and Ward Fletcher has lost a lot of weight but is starting to come around.

            No one was born on this day and no Lakewood Rotarian got married on this day. A day to chill throughout history I guess. Here’s another letter disaster: “Shoplifters will be prostituted!” There were several announcements. The Little Food Pantry program needs a web design upgrade and photographer. If that’s you, contact Bob Zawilski. The District Conference will be held via Zoom on Friday June 4^th starting at 5:30 pm for some great entertainment and then the conference will begin at 6:00 pm. It’s the second time in history that our club will have the District Governor so everyone attend and support Greg in his final moments. Register at rotary5020.org. It’s a grate price – Free!!







Above:  Say good riddance oops goodbye to DG Horn!

Calling all tech savvy Rotarians. Our DG Horn needs 6-7 individuals (no couples allowed) to work on a District 5020 Technology Committee. Contact Greg for more info. Greg Rediske reminded us of a great price on advertising: only $180 a year to advertise with our club. Contact Greg for more info. Here’s a spelling error: “No pubic bathrooms!” Please send fellowship ideas to Phil Eng. An upcoming one is the Reader Roaster Rump to Astoria, Oregon during last week in August. The Installation Dinner is a not to be missed affair when we finally get rid of (I mean say good by to) President Mark and the old board members and get fresh new ones, like new President Jim Rooks and new board members. It will take place on Friday, June 25^th so stay tuned for more details as we hope to be in person at the Country Club. The May/June edition of the UD5020 magazine is available on the District 5020 website. Read it; you’ll lick it.

The Rotary International Convention on June 12 – 16, 2021 in Taipei, Taiwan has been cancelled and will be replaced with an outstanding visual event. Registration for the convention is still available but will cost a whooping $65. Barlow Buescher is retiring and giving his last sermon at Lakewood Presbyterian Church this coming Sunday. Congratulations, Barlow! Greg Rediske announced that Ron Messenger is moving to Eastern Washington and leaving the club.  Good bye, Ron! Carole Wier announced that Bob Lordahl needs our prayers for his health concerns. But he wasn’t sick enough not to pay his dues. He already did and Greg reminds all of us to pony up too. Invoices are out in the universe. Mary Marlin reported that Bob also donated $2,000 to the auction so we are doubly grateful. President Mark observed that due to the generosity of our members, money flows through our accounts like cool, clean water. Water, water. (Huh? Hey don’t look at me; I just report it.)

IT'S A FINE TIME

How about this one: “Illegally parked cars will be fine.” Speaking of fine or fines, people paid a bunch. President Mark announced another fine contest where you give $20 and you get a ticket for a raffle for a wonderful prize that he has yet to get. I’m waiting until I find out what the prize is. Greg Rediske paid $50 to honor Barlow for his retirement after 35 years as a pasture. (Sorry Barlow, I just had to do it!) Pres. Mark matched that. Mary Marlin paid $50 because she just got back from her trip to Marietta, Ohio where she visited her three sisters. She said that she was Rotary signs everywhere, such as trails, parks, statutes (that last one is a lawyer pun). Carole Wier paid $300 for negligent destruction of Rotary property. Actually, it was her property but it was a Rotary thing. So she likes to store stuff on her range (think oven), including her Rotary book. After a time, she heard the smoke alarm go off and what was burning? Her Rotary book. Her fine was hush money so none of us wood tell Jim Sharp. Rick Selden missed a few meetings for a noble porpoise. He went to Florida to get some dirt on Jim Rooks. Turns out there’s lots to be had there but he was more interested in his daughter and granddaughter so he paid $50. 

Gary Barton shared his good/bad news. Good that his son earned his best grades ever in his pre-med program, so Gary paid $50. But the bad news is that his sister in law is in the hospital and not doing well. He also lost a couple of people very close to him so we will remember him and his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers as well. Joe Quinn unfortunately slept through last week’s meeting when son Eric announced he and Johanah are expecting their second child. Joe was $50 proud to announce it thinking it was the first time we heard that. He thought Eric was too cheap to tell us himself or he’d have to pay money. Eric immediately chimed in that he did announce and he did pay so there. Steve Enquist shared more news about Joe. Steve said that Joe won gold in his weight class in the World  Masters Championship in weight lifting last Monday in the 75-79 age group. Joe said there were only 9 lifters in the entire age group and he ranked third. Another $50. Congratulations, Joe! Barb Spriggs reminded us to wave our flags on Monday for Memorial Day.

THE PROGRAM:  OUR AUCTION

Now for the program and introducing our own Fundraising Committee Chairs, Eric Quinn and Nicole Hancock to talk about the auction. It starts on line on Friday June 5^th with Sip by Sip starting at 5:00 pm to preview auction items and a show of our service projects that we spend that money on. Then bid away starting at 6:00 pm. Steve and AnnE Enquist talked about the Sip by Sip (not to be confused with Slip n Slide) as a new and unique opportunity to spend $50 for an individual and $100 for a couple for wine tasting and a wonderful charcuterie from the Country Club.  Delivered to your home or place of party. A non-alcoholic version of sparkling cider is available for half price. So the idea here is to invite NON Rotarians to this shin dig. If you hosted a table in the past, invite folks over to your house and get more Sip by Sip tickets. Of course you don’t need to sign up for Sip by Sip to register for the auction but you have to register for the auction even if you got a ticket for Sip by Sip.

Sally Porter Smith talked about the exciting items on sale at the auction. As of the time of the meeting, there were 54 items valued at $22,788, although they should bring in much more money with competitive budding. There is a huge variety, such as Ocean Shores condo, Long Beach condo, seven days in San Francisco by Knob Hill.






Above:  Party boat on Lake Steilacoom

 There are birdhouses, a magnum of L’Ecole wine, fun stuff like partying on Lake Steilacoom, and water boarding lessons by Greg and Mary Horn. Yep, you heard her right. Little did we know that Greg and Mary Horn were so torturously educated on the fine art of water boarding. Okay, Sally misspoke. Letters matter. She meant wake boarding because it turns out that water boarding is illegal torture. And Greg and Mary wouldn’t let people sign up for punishment. They are too nice. 

Nicole and Eric wanted everyone to recognize new sponsors and donors to the auction. Rose Stevens and RMS donated $1,500, Chris Kimball donated $1,000 as did John Korsmo. Jim Rooks, Quinn & Quinn, Connelly Law and Farmers Insurance donated $500 each. New donors included Gordy Quick at $500 and Bob and Janet Lordahl at #2,000. See that’s how it’s dun. You just take out the check book and write a number with a bunch of zeros and we will be flowing with water.

Deadlines included sponsorship forms in by June 1^st, procurement forms by June 1^st, and Sip by Sip tickets by June 1^st. The club then went into brake out rooms for teams to discuss their procurement plans. When we came back, there was some follow up. There isn’t the traditional Rise the Puddle this year but there is a general ask to donate to the community needs that the Community Concerns can spend where needed. Any questions on sponsorships, contact Nicole or Eric. Take auction items to Gayle Selden at the store. Note any minimum bid on yore procurement form. So far only 46 people are registered, so get with the registration. An email is coming out to remind you if this isn’t enough.

Sally finally figured out her mistake with the water/wake boarding and paid a $100 donation. President Mark ended the meeting with wishes for a safe holiday and great week. And if you are an employer needing new employees, don’t advertise like this: “Now hiring smiling feces!”
 

John Warner said he wanted to take part in the pre-event (Sip by Sip) but was not sure about delivery and payment.  In seconds, the problems were solved with Eric Quinn promising to deliver to his fellow University Place Resident Warner and Sally Porter Smith promising she would take care of John’s payment question.  $50 earned right there in a few moments!
Right at 12:30 p.m. our ruddy-looking President rang the bell-- or  banged the gavel-- so we could kick off the formal meeting.  Paula Olson invoked for us all, Leanna Christian organized us all on Zoom, Treasurer John Lowney collected for us all, and Editor Joe Quinn is writing for us all, while all of us all shall submit photos to the Editor for use herein. See Below.
President Mark, as is his custom, recognized our erstwhile District Governor—Greg Horn—who used rotating winter and summer backgrounds showing Lake Steilacoom in every season.  Very cool. Then Mark highlighted all Puffins in attendance. 
SUNSHINE:   John Forkenbrock reported that Walt Richardson had back surgery and is recovering.  Bob Zawilski was reportedly in the hospital briefly with shortness of breath, but Bob was with us today and rapidly added that he is OK now.  President Mark explained to the group what he had revealed in the pre-meeting chat….he is down with Covid-19 for about a week but starting to feel better despite losing weight.  He said Nicola, a nurse at St. Clare’s, has been vaccinated and is safe they believe.
EDUCATORS OF THE MONTH:   Leanna Albrecht coordinated and Bob Peterson presented, the awards to our two May Educators of the Month.  Bruce Hayes has been a teacher in the Steilacoom Historical School District (and a coach) for about 40 years. He teaches at Pioneer Middle School and is going to retire at the end of this school year.  Demetricia Hodges of Lochburn was the Clover Park School District honoree.  Both educators were supported by their principals today online;  Celena Zanuttini and Greg Wilson joined us as did Ron Banner—the Superintendent of Clover Park School District--and Kevin Ikeda, the Deputy Superintendent.  Each of the awardees was recognized with the usual plaque and of course the obligatory  $100 bill.  They were admonished by the Prez NOT to spend that money on school supplies or on the kids but on themselves.  They earned that much and more.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:   Steve Enquist said  that, while his committee has received numerous nominations for Rotarian of the Year, only two nominees’ names have been submitted so far for the Non-Rotarian of the Year.   So if you have a person who has made large contributions of their time and talents to the Lakewood community and its people, puleeeeze get those names in to Steve.  The winner gets a $1000 Paul Harris award for this recognition, usually given at the Installation Banquet in June.


Above: Send me some nominees puleeeze-Steve Enquist
GLOBAL GRANTS:  Puffin Tom George reported on a recent global grant.  Rose Stevens mentored Tom on these kinds of international projects and global grants.  They were instrumental in getting a grant to install four dialysis machines in two hospitals in India; these are primarily for kidney patients who could not otherwise afford dialysis. Paying patients can also use these machines.





Above: Rose Stevens our World Service guru
Other Announcements:  The Little Free Pantry organization still needs help with web design and photography.  Contact Bob Zawilski if you have these skillsets.  The District Conference for 5020—which will be FREE—will be held by Zoom on Friday, June 4^th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  There will also be a pre-function starting at 5:30 p.m. Feel free to join us in thanking Greg Horn for a great year in 2020-21 despite the challenges.  Greg said his predecessor as the District Governor---who we simply know as “Mo”—will be feted as well.  She missed out on District Conference in her year due to the pandemic so for those who have not met her, she was also a great DG and you will enjoy meeting her if you join us.
More…. Greg Horn is still looking for tech savvy Rotarians to serve on a District 5020 Technology Committee.  And Greg Rediske insists that you can still advertise in our bulletin every week for a mere $180 per year.  Speaking of Greg, after the meeting did you notice in your mailbox that the annual dues invoices were sent out by Secretary Rediske?  We are sure he would urge you not to drag your feet.  Make a positive decision to keep John Lowney happy by paying your dues so that John and Greg do not have to send Luigi Badalucco to your house to break your arm for non-payment.
And remember to send Fellowship ideas to Phil Eng.  In that regard, some of you went along on Rotary walks to Fort Steilacoom Park, Point Defiance Park and the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge earlier this year so Anne Enquist and Joe Quinn were wondering if you enjoyed those simple walks in the park for fellowship and if you had any desire to do that some more.   Ideas for walk locations gladly accepted such as Steilacoom and maybe including Farrell Marsh…or the walk to Sequalitchew Creek near Dupont.  Call Anne or Joe with ideas or feedback.
The Rotary International Convention will be virtual but will be held, we believe, between June 12 and 16, 2021.  Registration fee is now $65. 
THE PROGRAM:  OUR 2021 ONLINE ROTARY AUCTION – SIP BY SIP
Mark introduced Eric Quinn and Nicole Hancock to lead us through the What,  How and the Why as to our 2021 Auction. 
Eric said the auction will go live at 6:00 p.m. on June 5^th but first we need to procure a lot more; they want mostly “experiences” but do not want to discourage folks from giving “stuff”—physical items—as we have done traditionally too.  But the Committee wants us to reflect now on WHY we do this auction.  The reason is that we try to do so much for the community of Lakewood and the world,  so the Committee introduced Jim Rooks the Chair of Community Concerns Committee to tell us about their giving (ours really, as a Club) this year.  This year Jim said they had a $30,000 budget for these miscellaneous gifts and have about $6,000 left that can carry over to next year if not given away by end of June.  Jim has been chair for two years and will be handing the mantle over to Bob Bruback for next year.  Jim itemized some of the great grants of this cycle including $3000 for Clover Park Schools for I-pads or computers, $1000 to Operation Homefront, $2,000 to the Lakewood Multicultural Coalition that Mary Moss has championed, partnering with Clover Park Kiwanis to buy a new freezer,  the Build a Bike giveaway program at Christmas, Caring for Kids with Diane Formoso,  the West Pierce Firefighters Christmas Project, Network Tacoma, LASA, Family Renewal Shelter, and many more.  The CCC does great work so thanks to Jim and all those who have done that committee work over the years. 
Sponsorships:
Nicole went back a little more into the HOW by stressing sponsorships.  There are four different levels of sponsors this year ranging from $500 all the way up to $5000 for the “naming rights” to the entire auction.  All levels provide online marketing recognition for these sponsors and this effort basically underwrites the auction for us.  If this effort can cover our overhead, the money donated and items or experiences sold at auction are pure profit!  We can meet our goal if we get sponsors to underwrite this event.  Also buy a ticket for Sip by Sip, Nicole urged. 




Above:  Sponsorships explained some more
Going back to the WHY, Chuck Hellar was called upon to spotlight the Next Step Program.  These mentors carry on the tradition originated largely by Mike McGowan to assist outstanding students with the sometimes mystifying process of applying for college and gaining admission to the best college or university possible.  Next Step has an $8000 budget but this committee is all about the close work with students, starting in their Sophomore year.  They work with top 10 in the class students ordinarily.  They look for students whose parents did not go to college as these are the kids who need to work with someone who knows about college admissions.  It is done in teams; Chuck partners up with Nicole Hancock on their team.  Anne and Steve Enquist are a team.  Rachel Mazoff is interested in being a volunteer mentor as well and she has just finished the screening through our club and district individual certification process for all volunteers who work with youth in Rotary. (Our club has at least 10 or 12 individuals who have completed that process, which includes a criminal background check and--believe it or not-- a check of the National Sex Offender Registry.  Every President and all Rotary volunteers who work with youth have to undergo that screening.)
The Next Step Program works. One recent grad got a $70000 scholarship to attend Princeton!
Eric Quinn also mentioned that the winning team captain will get a ticket worth $50 to the Sip by Sip auction pre-event, so get busy captains procuring donations and stuff or EXPERIENCES!  So far we have procured a stay at Seabrook near the ocean beaches, some John Lowney planters, Five Rotarians Run the Yard, and a Lake Steilacoom cruise with fun stops at Rotarian docks along the way.  We need much more.
Chris Kimball was next up in the Why Group.  He spoke of Major Projects such as Network Tacoma that deals with homeless families. Chris has served on the board of Network Tacoma.  We gave them $6000 in the summer of 2020.  The Major Projects traditionally have included one large donation per year and oftentimes this amounts to as much as a $50,000 grant.
Next, we watched and listened to a video from L’Ecole No. 41 winery’s Mark Clubb, who provided a brief history of this Walla Walla area winery and description of its Frenchtown red blend. It seems that area was first populated by French Canadians so this wine has been developed to recognize that rich French history.  If you have not been to L’Ecole you need to visit the old schoolhouse in the small town of Lowden, a few miles before you arrive in Walla Walla.   Just in case you are not a wine lover, this year there is a non-alcoholic libation available.  Anne Enquist says she has bought several bottles of Martinelli’s Cider that is a very acceptable alternative.  That option costs $25 per person or $50 per couple and comes with the same charcuterie as the wine tasting, brought to you by Tacoma Country and Golf Club.   In that regard, a member of the Country Club Team (Eric is Team Captain) will deliver your wine or cider, and charcuterie to you if you cannot or do not want to pick it up at the country club on the day of the auction.
 Eric Quinn urged us to remember the tradition of buying a table for 8 or 10 and inviting our friends and neighbors to come to the auction for dinner, fellowship and of course to bid on items.  Instead, how about inviting friends to buy tickets to Sip by Sip, but also register for the auction and bid on items.  You can have friends over to join in your Zoom or they can do that in the comfort of their own home. 
But WHY you ask?  Well, Bill Potter told us about his experience helping out Clover Park Rotary at the recent South Sound Wildlife Park where there was a big cleanup.   Two Rotary benches were installed, which were pictured in a prior bulletin.  But look at this cool Rotary Logo that they installed near the benches:



Above:  The Rotary logo in that wildlife park.

Thank you to the FUNdraising Committee for an enlightening program but if you still have questions call Nicole Hancock or Eric Quinn.


 

Greg Horn, our very own District Governor, joined our meeting – and he was so excited to be with us! 

Guests – while there were lots of familiar and unfamiliar guests sharing our screen space, most were part of the presentation planned for later. Jim Rooks did have a guest visitor who was checking us out as a potential member.

Puffins joining the meeting included me, Tom George, Mike Murtha (all of the way from Maine!), and Carol Wier.  Secretary Greg Rediske announced that we have added about 12 new members this Rotary year so far!





Above: Don’t you just love Puffins?

There was no Sunshine to share.

No Birthdays or Anniversaries on this date either. Mark also noticed that we only have two wedding anniversaries in the month of May – if this is incorrect, please reach out!

Greg Horn and Chris Kimball celebrated May Anniversaries (club and marriage). Chris asked those celebrating a marriage anniversary to share the most awkward thing to happen on a first/second date. Bob Hammar had me giggling when he let us know that on a second date, his date’s father took him to the cemetery and introduced him to all the deceased relatives. I certainly have an idea now for when I meet my children’s future spouse!

Mark led us in the Induction of our newest member, Wendy McGowan!   See below too. Wendy is the widow of long-time member Mike McGowan and spent 37 years in communications after being immersed in it from an early age, watching her father and mother work for the newspaper. She shared that she and Mike met at college (MSU) and had a long-distance relationship early in their courting while Mike was serving his country. At the age of 24, Wendy was hired to help with advertising at a local grocery store where Mike was the Assistant Manager – and at one point was the only woman in a meeting of men.  (Actually, Wendy was quite a pioneer as a successful businesswoman.)  From there, advertising became a passion for her and grew into a solid career.  Wendy and Mike mentored many young people, watching them grow into esteemed professionals.  It was a cornerstone of their relationship.




Above: Wendy McGowan

Steve Enquist gave an update on the annual Rotarian and non-Rotarian awards.  Nominations are due by May 20^th! Currently, there are several Rotarian of the Year nominations but more nominations are needed for the non-Rotarian award. As a reminder, the non-Rotarian award should go to someone in the Lakewood community who best exemplifies the principles of Rotary-- Service Above Self--but is not a member of Rotary.



Get your tickets to our June 5^th Sip by Sip Online pre-event (and to the Auction) and Virtual Gathering. Pre-Event details:

Date: June 5, 2021
Time: 5pm
Location: Zoom

Chef Jamie from Tacoma Country & Golf Club will provide a kit with Charcuterie (delicious cheeses, meats, tapenade, and crackers) and L’Ecole wine for your exclusive enjoyment. Purchasing a ticket to this pre-event gives you a front-row seat to Rotary (and wine)!

We will taste four different L’Ecole wines (the 1-person kit has 3 ounces of each wine and the 2-person kit has 6 ounces of each wine).

During the event we will hear vivid descriptions of each wine AND the auction committee will preview some of the best auction items as well as highlight what we do at Lakewood Rotary.

The price is $50 for a 1-person kit and $100 for 2-person kit.

Tickets can be purchased online at lakewoodrotary.maxgiving.bid/itemsales or by using this Ticket Order Form. Order before June 1.

This is going to be a limited offer so reserve your kits today. Kits will be available before the event through pickup at the club or delivered to your home. Delivery will be available to those in the Greater Lakewood area with scheduling conflicts or other limitations.

When you sign up, you will receive a customized Zoom link to join the fun.

For any questions, please contact Nicole Hancock at nhancock@alliancelg.com or Eric Quinn at eric.quinn253@gmail.com.

Lakewood Rotary’s  (and CPSD retiree)  Kim Prentice introduced us to all eight of the outstanding 2021 Mike McGowan Educational Incentive Award winners. Joining them were key members from each of the schools as well as Ron Banner, superintendent at Clover Park School District.   







Above:  Isn’t Zoom Great?  Well, usually.
 

Offering incentive awards of $1,000-1,500 each: The Mike McGowan Educational Incentive award honors Lakewood Rotarian Mike McGowan who contributed greatly to Rotary’s support of students pursuing a college education. Applications are accepted from any student living or attending school in Lakewood and contiguous communities, including Clover Park and Steilacoom School Districts.

Criteria for selection includes: Demonstration of a clear plan to attain academic goals, past academic work, community involvement, school extracurricular or work activities, good citizenship and the recommendation of your school counselor, among other areas.

From Clover Park High School:

Daisy Martinez – will be attending UW in pursuit of her goal to become an Accountant.

From Harrison Prep:

Kathleen Rupprecht – will be attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology in pursuit of a Computation and Cognitive degree.

Lindsay Mwangi – will be attending UWT with a long-term goal to become an OB- GYN focused on women’s health, especially for women of color.

From Lakes High School:

Sam Anderson – will be attending the University of Oregon to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an Architect.

Mia Combs – Will be attending TCC and their radiological science program. After graduating from TCC, Mia is planning to use this skill abroad.

Aaliyak Danas – Will be attending TCC to study sonography. 

Aidan Wisdon – Will be attending Texas A&M.

Kyygmin Yook – Will be attending Williams College in Massachusetts with her eye on medical school.

After applause all around for these motivated young adults, Wendy McGowan shared inspirational words of courage as they are each getting ready to set off on their very exciting educational journey. They all have a great future in front of them.






Above: And Mike McGowan was looking on proudly at Wendy

Finally, it was shared that we may be heading back to the club for Rotary meetings soon, but will also keep a virtual component to our meetings. Stay tuned for more details!

Late Breaking News from Auction/Fundraising Committee:

Hey Rotarians, Nicole Hancock and Eric Quinn want your Teams to get together and think up all of the fun experiences you want to see up for bid at the Auction. Physical "stuff" will also be accepted, but we would far prefer that your Teams think up some fun experiences/adventures that Rotarians and non-Rotarians would bid on. All Rotarians (and non-Rotarians) can locate a procurement form here: https://www.dacdb.com/Accounts/5020/Downloads/69/Procurement%20Form%20-%202021%20(fillable).pdf

Eric has also posed this challenge to the Team captains: The captain of the team that raises the most cash between now and May 21 (this coming Friday) will get a free ticket ($50) to the Sip by Sip pre-event. A description of the Sip by Sip event is included above in this bull. 

For those of you who are less "tech savvy" about registering for the auction, check out this "how to" guide from the Maxgiving website: https://maxgiving.kayako.com/article/345-the-how-to-guide-for-using-maxgiving

If you are not going to be able to procure an experience or item this year, we understand. Instead, you should consider donating here: https://lakewoodrotary.maxgiving.bid/donations

If you or someone you know may be interested in sponsoring the auction rather than procuring an experience or item, email Eric or Nicole with questions about sponsorship. 

Remember that if you shop online, you should do so at Amazon Smile so you can allocate a portion of your purchase to Lakewood Rotary. Also remember to tell Greg Rediske that you read the bulletin so you can get a make-up for a missed meeting.



 





 

 Lorraine Baldwin will be joining Rotary and lives near Bill Potter. Jim Rooks said Jason Whalen saved him after their willingness (also with Pres Mark) to dive into American Lake to celebrate the auction goals for 2021.  Nicole said about $9000 has already been raised! And Greg Rediske has a brand new boat that was perfect for viewing the star-studded event.  Thank you, Leanna, for the video. We should put it on U-tube!!  John Lowney will be sponsoring Wendy McGowan as a new member. Ron Banner said the last day of school is June 16 and summer school will be available to support students K-12 academically as well as socially and emotionally.  He also says he has a great team working with him. Well done!



Above:  Lake Jumpers

Leanna Christian then muted all members and the meeting was called to order.

The Formal Meeting:
     President Mark Edgecomb then welcomed Rotarians and guests.  Jan Gee gave the invocation and thanked all mothers and women who have been there for us during both good times and bad. With Sunday being Mother's Day, we all celebrated the generosity of those who have impacted our world. Mary Jo Copland then led us in the flag salute. John Lowney will be happily taking fines.  Mary Marlin is the Bulletin writer and every Rotarian is a photographer.  Greg Horn, our esteemed District Governor, was then introduced. Greg Rediske then welcomed guests Mike England, the AG of 5030 on Vashon Island, Jim Mullinax (today's speaker), Jesse Saltez, James Osundwa (new member soon), Lori Baldwin, and Jamie Simons  (another soon new member). Puffins attending were : Mike Brown, Tom George, Mike Murtha, Brehen Freeman, Carole Wier, Tonya Winski, Jessica James, Dave Hall, Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff and Steve Saalfeld. 
     Mark asked John Forkenbrock about the Sunshine report. He had nothing to report except Mary Horn had news about Ward Fletcher.  She has been trying to get ahold of Ward's family because he apparently is not doing well. He is homebound and needs help. We will keep you informed. Keep positive thoughts going his way! Bob Zawilski then thanked Brian Humphrey and Jamie Simons for their excellent help with the food pantries.  Julie White's birthday was celebrated.  Unfortunately, she was not able to be here today.




Above:  Rotary Benches at old game farm-wonderful project

     There were two Students of the Month celebrated in May. Leanna Albrecht introduced them and their principals. Olivia Batista is the first Student of the Month today and she is from Steilacoom High School. She is a member of the Principal's Cabinet which provides student perspectives on a variety of subjects. She is an outstanding student and an athlete and the 2021 class president.  She was sincerely grateful and thanked the club for this recognition.  Lindsay Miwangi from Harrison Prep promotes women of color, wants to become a doctor, has attended Multi-Care Nurse's Camp and is active in her school community.  Both students are obviously well deserving of the accolades.

     Today we also welcomed two new members of Lakewood Rotary after Mark led the installation by noting the Four Way Test.  James Osundwa, sponsored by Mark Edgecomb, and Jamie Simons, sponsored by Rose Stevens, were welcomed happily into the Lakewood Club.  James was born and raised in Kenya, participated as a Rotaractor in Kenya, is married and has two children and works as a Tacoma IT.  He was impressed with our multi-generational club,( i.e. Seldens family specifically) and it "stayed in my mind." He is excited about serving and finding fellowship with our members.  Jamie Simons is a middle school teacher at Jason Lee and is working toward becoming a principal. She has a 4 year old son. The food pantries were a project she really loves and she is excited to learn more.  Welcome, James and Jamie!!

   AUCTION NEWS:    Everyone: Let's Help Rotary Help Lakewood by attending the Lakewood Rotary Online Auction, which takes places Saturday, June 5 at 6 PM to midnight on Sunday, June 6.  We need to procure items for the auction! Get your procurement forms in today, and (coming directly from the Fundraising Committee) no later than May 31! Here is a link to the form: https://www.dacdb.com/Accounts/5020/Downloads/69/Procurement%20Form%20-%202021%20(fillable).pdf Please send your completed procurement form to Paula Olson. 



Above: Pretty fancy banner

Speaking of procurement, Team Country Club (TCC), one of our Auction teams, got busy. TCC, in conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, is presenting Sip By Sip, a Pre-Auction Virtual Gathering. Sip By Sip will begin at 5:00 p.m.-- one hour before live bidding starts at the Auction. Purchase your tickets to this awesome pre-event ASAP (this will sell out fast). Purchase tickets here: https://lakewoodrotary.maxgiving.bid/itemsales
Tickets to Sip by Sip are $100.00 per couple and $50.00 per individual. Each participant will receive a kit with four different types of wine from L'Ecole Winery, in 3 oz pours, along with a charcuterie board from the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. The charcuterie board is packed with delicious meats and cheese. More importantly, Sip by Sip will not only be packed with delicious wine and charcuterie, but with a rich discussion of all we do at Rotary and all of the amazing Auction items up for bid. Let the Adventure Begin with Sip by Sip! Tell all your friends—this is not just for Rotarians.
Greg Horn also reminded us of the FREE District Conference on June 4th at 5:30 when it opens, starts at 6:30 and ends at 8:30.....all by Zoom.  Celebrating 99 days of the world being free of polio is an added bonus!

THE PROGRAM

     Andrew Kruse then introduced our speaker of the day, Jim Mullinax.  Jim is a Deputy Director for the State Department and works in the Economic and Business Affairs Bureau while traveling extensively to nations around the world. He's quite familiar with Lakewood being a Clover Park graduate who loves Dunkin' Donuts, Daffodil Festivals and Clover Park Jazz Choir.  Bill Potter seems to know much of Jim's high school history too. Having been with the State Dept for 27 years, Jim acknowledges it has been a fantastic journey to be able to support our country while learning about other countries and their ways of operating. He mentioned that Rotarians are everywhere and it has been a privilege to see the good that is happening around the world with Rotarian efforts. The specific mission of the State Dept. is to promote a strong American economy, protect US security, attract foreign investors and generate prosperity and security.  The Divisions that are addressed are:   Commercial Business Affairs, Economic Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy, Address Threat and Sanctions, International Finance and Development, Trade Policies and Negotiations, Transportation Issues, and International Communications and Information Policy.  With over 200 Ambassadors, or posts, in almost every country, there is much work to be done. Embassies abroad have missions to: Level the playing field for American companies, Identify opportunities, Keep high standards, and Protect American security by working with trusted partners. Jim has worked with five presidents and truly understands the needs of our government to make America stronger and be aware of how state policies impact American workers and their families.  The current Biden-Harris focus is on the following:

1. Stop Covid 19
2. Build our economy and the global economy
3. Create humane and effective Irrigation systems
4. Revitalize ties with Allies and Partners
5. Tackle the climate crisis....Drive a Green Energy Revolution
6. Secure Technology Leadership....75% of Dow Jones is Intellectual Properties
7. Better Manage our relationship with China
8. Strengthen relationships with allies
9. Address needs of middle class with foreign policy
10. Abandon "Organizing Principles" for US Foreign Policy
11. Protect access to crucial materials.....security
12. Breakdown domestic and foreign policy silos....e,g. childcare, health issues etc.
13. Safeguard our own house before we reach out....better coordination between agencies
     

With that, Jim took questions and agreed with Peter Marsh that vaccinations should be required for in-person gatherings. Gayle Selden said the impact of Chinese goods here in the US is significant. He mentioned a new person is in charge and has extensively worked with these issues. The Chinese government provides subsidies and it has been a challenge for us. We need to be aware of being "choked" by Chinese supplies being cut off. Barlow Buescher mentioned that many students are interested in coming to the US. We need them to share their talents. Jim agreed. There are currently 1.3 billion people in China.  All in all, a very special program and many more questions are on the table. Hopefully, we will invite our speaker back and enjoy the progress being made.   The meeting was then adjourned.     Till next time......................................yours truly, Mary Marlin

Late Breaking News:  Peter Marsh wanted to announce that the Marsh Tomato Emporium is now open, so if you want to get tomato starts before they are all gone email Peter at pusrus@aol.com.




Above: Some Marsh Tomato starts-- all labeled

Remember that if you shop online, you should do so at Amazon Smile so you can allocate a portion of your purchase to Lakewood Rotary. Also remember to tell Greg Rediske that you read the bulletin so you can get a make-up for a missed meeting.

 

There’s more discovery but I fear for the safety of my wife and 12 children. I will weave what has been unearthed into a code and disclose some tidbits in the following bulletin. If you don’t hear anything further from me please check with the Irwini Brothers, Donnnn and Ronnn. They hold the key to evidence supporting knowledge of disappearances! I have entrusted them with documents that are being held in a safe at the Lakewood Branch of Puget Sound National Bank – and we can trust that institution with their safe-keeping, without doubt! Right?

The Rotary Club of Lakewood
April 30, 2021

“ Clang, Clang went Mark so Jolly. Ding, ding, ding went the bell….” Oh my, no one opens a meeting like President Mark. It is safe to say that for the past 10 months – yes, it has been 10 months – Mark has done the best job of opening meetings at Lakewood Rotary.

Launching continued because of the invocation by Dave Coleman. That was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by Chuck Hellar. President Mark generously thanked Leanna Christian for making the meeting happen. Treasurer John Lowney is getting rich collecting the dough. Ole is creating the Bulletin. The Zoom Rogue’s Gallery of attendees took a collective bow as photographers.

Introductions of visiting Rotarians by Greg Rediske: James Osundwa – soon to be a new Lakewood Rotarian. Puffins introduced: Carole Wier, Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff and Tom George. Sunshine report by John Forkenbrock: Sam Hunter had a hip replacement a few minutes ago and is back home – skiing, biking, karate! Yep, that’s Sam. Janet Lordahl is back behind the wheel and seeing Bob at Tobey Jones – heal, Dentists, heal!

So, a note to all newish Lakewood Rotarians: the above references are Past President Bob Lordahl – member since 1974 and Sam Hunter – member since 1983. Both are dentists. Both have been strong supporters of everything Lakewood Rotary and are exemplary people. For those of you who believe that we are all connected within 6 degrees of separation, wrap your imagination around the following. Sam is an Alpha Delta Phi at the UW – house president as a matter of fact. Garrett Lordahl – Bob’s son, is also an ADPhi. Past Assistant Governor Dave Covey is an Alpha Delt too. As am I. I just thought you needed to know.

Jag informerar er om dessa godbitar så att när bulletinen rör sig in i den häpnadsväckande världen av Little Free Pantries kommer du inte att bli överväldigad av spänning.

(That is the previously mentioned code, in case you missed it.) Dave Swindale, head honcho of Team Lakewood, reported from “his new ranch after returning from a Hawaiian trip and that he has a new dog, Jack,” and from there I lost it trying to calculate all the fine dollars those admissions represented – needed a 20 minute team meeting. From there we deviated into the May 1 work party at the Phillips Road Game Farm that is no longer known as that. In any event, you can read about it next week.






Above: The Work Party on May 1








Above; Carole Wier getting down to work.

Then center stage came Eric and Nicole with a report on Game Night. A fabulous time was had by all and $7695 was raised. That approached the $10,000 overall goal but surpassed the first goal of $5000 to get Jim Rooks into the lake. President Mark was rudely interrupted and reminded of an ancient tradition in Lakewood Rotary.  The bank is always open and despite the raffle drawing or trip tickets or passage of some event, one can always give. So in that vein John, Ole, Andrew, Bob, Barlow, Dave, Mary, Wynn, Rose, Carl, Bob, Jason, Carole, Greg and Donn all gave copiously. Now President Elect Dr. Jim Rooks will ceremoniously “go jump in the lake” at Steve Mazoff’s at 1:00 Tuesday May 4^th. Jason Whalen may join him, sans mermaid gear. Nicole and Eric thanked Gayle, Kendra, Dominoes and Bill Potter for all the work they contributed to the success of the Game Night.

Dr. Rooks brought forth a motion to support Family Renewal Shelter with a contribution of $2000. It was seconded and passed. Our pandemic chaos continues with the cancellation of the DLTA at Great Wolf Lodge. It will be conducted via Zoom. That is sad because DG Greg Horn and Mary have worked very hard  - for several years – on the coming event. Our DG’s term is ending on June 30^th and we need suggestions for a way to fete him and Mary for all the work they have done – not only this year, but for the work they have done ever since being selected. Ideas for an outdoor event should be forwarded to President Mark (who is also going out of office at the same moment!) An outdoor party? Yes? Party planners get your ideas together for Mark.

?§¶°°°ixxx?

?

Bob Zawilsky launched the report of Little Free Pantry. Admitting that he writes his notes early in the day in disappearing ink, he found it difficult to discuss the subject for anything more than one half hour. So, being the smart man that he is, he enlisted the capable aid of Rose Stevens. Between them appreciation was extended to John Lowney for construction, Mark Blanchard for installation, Sally Porter Smith for the concept, Barlow Buescher for the site at his church, Andrew Kruse for the site in Tillicum, Springbrook Park community leaders for their site,  and others noted but not recorded in my disappearing graphite.




Above: A Little Free Pantry in action

Other sites may be coming at St. Clare Hospital, LASA, Crossroads Treatment Center, Pierce College, some apartment communities. Comments included: fun project because it is making a difference, there is ample food to be distributed, it is an opportunity for others to serve – Rotarians always serve – but these are people who perhaps haven’t, people are very gracious and helpful.

Bob Zawilski sent in some links for LFP folks to use:  Molly Harmon:  thelittlefreepantries.org.. For Sue Z Hart:   buildingbeyondthe walls.org,

Our CPA-in-Chief reported that $1300 +/- was collected for Game Night. Isn’t that something? You just never know how accounts receivable are going to just show up!

Who Reads This Stuff?
Ole



Above: Ole looking dignified because Bonnie made him!

Late Breaking News:
 

1. Our LR Online Auction takes place June 5.  Registration for bidding will be up and running soon on the Maxgiving site.
2. Problem: Procurement is lagging.  Let’s get to work Rotarians.  Meet with your team ASAP to brainstorm.
3. After you meet, or sooner, get your procurement forms in.  See the fillable form at lakewoodrotary.com.  Questions:  Call Nicole or Eric to get copies of the form if you have trouble.

 

Above: A golf course you will hear about below, bedecked in fall colors

Pre game chatter:
There was a ton of stuff chatted about before the meeting began.
Below is a cryptic sampling of the important cultural musing of the collective minds gathered together via Zoom before our meeting begins.
Discussion of various whiskeys and their potencies.
Is Rediske really Mark Edgecomb’s cousin? The rumor persists.
Traveling during hurricane season…why??!!!
Just a few looooonng weeks left of the current Presidency.
Canada’s woes concerning Covid (really bad).
Waking up Gary Barton……well, his computer anyway.
Mary “The Fish” Marlin and fields of flowers. (Tulips that is)





Above: Tulips like these were discussed

President Mark getting thrown out of a pub (in his younger days…I think?).
John Lowney and his wrestling days.
Pub crawls…...in Mt. Vernon of all places!
Charlene Miseli announced that there is no covid in Texas.
Jan Gee commented on last week’s meeting…...I believe she said it was boring but she put it in a nice way. (Actually, she was just having some fun).
This might be Charlene M’s last meeting with us.
Somehow there was talk about vampires, of all things. This writer has no idea how that happened but it did – check the tape.
Charlene M coined a new slogan for us “Pay to Pray” as she paid a fine for her daughter’s accepting her appointment at West Point.

Our leader, Mark Edgecomb began the meeting at, gasp! 12:32PM.
Charlene Miseli gave the invocation and President Mark led us in the Pledge.

Making our meeting happen:
Meeting set?up: Leanna Christian.
For fines/foundation/etc:  John Lowney
Bulletin writer: Donn Irwin
Bulletin photographer:  Each and every Rotarian in the meeting!

Visiting Rotarians – District Governor, our very own Greg Horn
Guests: James Osundwa and eminent new member Steve Saalfeld.
Puffins Present: The guy with two first names: Tom George. Carl Bronkema and Rachel Mazoff  too.

There was no sunshine (and no Forkenbrock) but the Pres said all is well with his family.
None of us in the club had a birthday on this particular day but over the years there have been a few people of note born on this day. Some writer dude back in the 1500’s that went by the name Billy Shakespeare, a little silver screen star back in the “ago” named Shirley Temple and a modern-day comedian of Latino descent – George Lopez.
Bill “I’m a lucky guy” Potter and his lovely bride, Sue, celebrated their anniversary on this day. Bill generously anted up $100.00 for his anniversary and other family blessings.

NOTE: Lakewood Rotary turns 65 on Sunday the 25^th. Our District Governor and esteemed fellow Rotarian, Greg Horn, showed off his math skills by informing all of us that, in 35 years we will be 100. No wonder he was made DG!

The actual distance a bad golfer is going to hit the ball with any club obviously depends on many factors, not the least of which is whether the ball was actually hit at all.

The Honorable Mr. Horn also introduced and inducted new member, Steve Saalfeld to us.

Steve was asked to say a few words to us. He agreed but first had to let the dog in as it was scratching at the door. (Yet another amazing example of the effectiveness of Zoom – we get to share in the everyday occurrences of other people’s lives).
With the dog being taken care of, Steve went on to share “a few “words about himself. This writer didn’t get everything but managed to capture the gist of what Steve had to share: Oregon born. Raised on a farm. One of eight kids from a Catholic family. Bucked hay, moved irrigation pipes, watched cows being butchered – you know, the usual farm stuff. Steve loved the farm but not the farming. Attended the University of Puget Sound (Go Loggers), met his wife, played some football. Steve’s wife, Jennifer, works at Dwyer, Pemberton and Coulson. They have 4 kids, including twins. Our newest Puffin has worked for the Loggers and Charles Wright but decided to try the corporate world. He soon discovered he didn’t much like the corporate thing and decided to get back into nonprofit work. Steve has been at MultiCare since 2018 and is now in Donor Relations at The Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation.


The statute of limitations on forgotten strokes is two holes.

The Olio (Announcements and other necessary stuff)

Greg R gave a shout out to Tonya Winski for helping get our new member, Steve, into the club.

Eric Quinn hyped the upcoming FUNdraising night on Saturday.  Joe Quinn hyped the matching funds for the FUNdraising event.   

LFP (Little Food Pantry)– Needs help with web design upgrade and photography. Please contact Bob Zawilski if you are interested in helping and have the skill set.
District Conference – Will be held the last week of October 2021 at the Great Wolf Lodge and will, for the next 4 years, be held in October.
Tech Savvy Rotarians: DG Greg Horn – Looking for 6?7 individuals who are tech savvy to work on a District 5020 Technology Committee. See our DG for more information.
Club Advertising: Greg Rediske. Only $180/year to advertise with the Rotary Club of Lakewood. Contact Greg Rediske for more information.
Fellowship:  Please send fellowship ideas to Phil Eng that could be accomplished during this epidemic.
UD5020 Magazine: April edition is now available on the District 5020 website. 
Rotary International Convention, June 12?16, 2021 in Taipei, Taiwan has been cancelled and will be replaced with an outstanding virtual event. Registration for
the virtual convention is now open. Early registration is only $49 through May 7, 2021 and after is $65.

Fines: President Mark thanked PP Joe Quinn for stepping in for him last week. The Pres then proceeded to pay fines for the trip he took and Lakewood Rotary’s anniversary. The anniversary fine was $65.00 and that was matched by Jan Gee, the Greg brothers – Rediske and Horn as well as john Lowney, Carol Wier and Barb Spriggs. (That was all that this writer heard anyway so please accept my apologies if I missed your name).

President Mark called out the Mighty Joe Quinn to harass him about a trip to Florida and his weightlifting prowess. Seems as though Mighty Joe has once again out muscled fellow lifters and walked away with national gold medals. Joe paid a fine equal to half of the 65^th year anniversary fines paid by the above.  Hopefully our CPA President can figure out the fine. (That would be $32.50.  Eric, do you know if that is real gold and are you in line to inherit?)

Above: Fool’s Gold

The Program: The Lifeblood of the Tacoma Country & Golf Club…. Our Committees.

Anne Enquist introduced our guest speaker, Barb Dalton: Barb and her husband are from Indiana (fellow Hoosiers!) and came here in 1974. Barb has her own Interior Design firm (1983). She and her husband, Bart, joined Tacoma Country & Golf Club (TCGC) in 1995. She has been involved with various committees since then, including the House & Grounds Committee. Barb has served on the board and held all of the Executive Board positions including her current position as President. NOTE: She is the first female President of the Board of the Tacoma Country & Golf Club.

Point of order: It is tough to use the title President when you are writing about two different ones but I figured it out – President Barb will be called Madam President for the purpose of writing up her presentation so that the readers know “who’s on first”. Madam President (MP) opened up her remarks with a thank you and explanation of what she wanted to present to us. She announced that the club has a new General Manager and a new Golf Pro.

 Then it was onto the real work of the club – the work done at the Committee level.

Committee action summaries:
The Vision Statement and the Mission Statement are both being fine-tuned.
Greens Committee – completed the Oaks Preservation Project
Irrigation Committee – miles of pipe being replaced. Landscape Unlimited is working on the project.





Above:  The Tacoma Country & Golf Club Hole #4

Golf Committee – working with the head pro to shape the summer schedule.
House and Grounds Committee – preparing a master plan for the club
Membership – membership is strong and there is a waiting list.
Legacy – Focusing on the history of the club. Historic clock installed, commemorative flags near the clubhouse and Legacy Plaza.
Social Committee – Putting together another Putt Putt Wine & Nine evening. This event is for both full and social members.
Junior Committee – focuses on programs for younger folks to help them learn the game of golf. The committee is hoping for swimming and tennis programs depending on covid sanctions.
Technology Committee – Working on improving security on the grounds and updating the website and social media presence.
Finance Committee – (or as Pres Mark would say – the most important committee) are working on assets and replacement needs.

Madam President, Barb, wrapped up her presentation with a thank you and entertained several questions from the LR Zoom audience.

NOTE: The meeting adjourned at 1:36PM…. but who keeps track of such things?

On this date:
1348 – First English order of knighthood founded
1500 – Pedro Cabral claims Brazil for Portugal
1789 – George and Martha Washington move into the first Presidential Residence, the Franklin House in New York.
1896 – Motion Pictures premier in New York city.
1950 – Chang Kai-Shek evacuates mainland China leaving it for Mao Zedong and the Chinese communists.
1969 – Sirhan Sirhan is sentenced to death for the assassination of Robert Kennedy.


Remember that if you shop online, you should do so at Amazon Smile so you can allocate a portion of your purchase to Lakewood Rotary. Also remember to tell Greg Rediske that you read the bulletin so you can get a make-up for a missed meeting.