MEETING RECAP

And Then Came Friday

Sunday, May 9, 2021 By: Mary Marlin

THE LAKEWOOD KEY
May 7, 2021
AND THEN CAME FRIDAY
By Mary Marlin

And then came Friday. Now just so you know, there is a catch-up (not the hot dog ketchup) opportunity with club members if you choose to zoom at 11:30 before the official meeting at 12:30. President Mark Edgecomb will be available to take questions, answer questions and tell jokes! This is a great chance to meet up with fellow Rotarians and learn even more about what's happening in the world.... especially the world of Lakewood. So here is what I learned today at the informal meeting:

John Warner generously mentioned he will be contributing $2000 to the auction! Andrew Kruse said he'd had a rough week. So did Mike Murtha when his car was broken into at Chambers Bay. The good news is that he knows who did it!!!! Wow! Leanna has new curls. Very cute. Rick Selden is living the good life! Said that floormasters live the dream. Mark thought it was the accountants. (To be continued)

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A Startling Discovery

Sunday, May 2, 2021 By: John W. Magnuson

THE LAKEWOOD KEY

A Startling Discovery

In preparation for writing this bulletin, I did some research. I happen to have an August 8, 2003 bulletin on file. It comes as no surprise that the meeting format at the Rotary Club of Lakewood since then hasn’t changed one whit. Or, even two whits. Now some claim that the meeting format is traditional and doesn’t need alteration. Others may say that we are stuck in the whits. It is not up to me as a mere Reporter to suggest change or keep stuff the same. But there is something very sinister that needs disclosure. Reading that bulletin from almost 17 years ago and checking the names of those people involved with and attending that one meeting – many have mysteriously vanished! So, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that the format and conduct of meetings at Lakewood Rotary is making people disappear! Even more disturbing is the possibility that there exists a shadow group of Rotarians who control the format of the meetings and once crossed… Well, I’ll just let you draw your own conclusions, but can you say “Lakewood Rotary Mafia?”

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Shooting Par at Lakewood Rotary

Sunday, April 25, 2021 By: Donn Irwin

THE LAKEWOOD KEY
Shooting Par at the Lakewood Rotary Club Meeting
April 23, 2021 by Donn Irwin
A sure way to hit a par is to leave a four-foot birdie putt two inches from the hole.

Golf, a very short history:
First century Romans played a game similar to golf – it was called “paganica”.
Between the 8^th and 14^th centuries the Chinese played “chuiwan”. They used a club like stick to hit a small ball into a hole.
The modern game of golf originated in 15^th century Scotland while the 18-hole game we have today began in 1764 and was created at St. Andrews, Scotland on the “Old Course”.
The first written record of golf in the west shows up in a document written by King James II in 1457 banning the game because it was a distraction to learning archery. (As well as many other things I would imagine).
In 1502 Jimmy the second’s wiser descendant, James IV, lifted that crazy ban…. mainly because he became a golfer himself.
The oldest golf tournament in the world is the “Open Championship”, better known to us as the British Open.

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A Different Sort of Meeting

Sunday, April 18, 2021 By: Gregory J. Rediske

THE LAKEWOOD KEY

A Different Sort of Meeting, Lawyer Style by Greg Rediske

I looked at my calendar: bulletin writing, April 16. Oh, no. Another meeting with a CPA running the show. A guy whose life is built around 2 + 2 equaling 4. Every. Dang. Time. But wait!!! Who is that in the Big Guy’s chair?!? Why, it’s Joe Quinn, lawyer! 2 + 2 might equal 4, or not, depending on what the judge might want to hear….Yes, a lawyer! The profession with more (scathing) jokes than any other profession (and with good reason, perhaps?). You know, the guys of whom it is said that 99% of them give the others a bad name. Lawyers, who are buried 600 feet in the ground, because deep down they’re really nice people. The age-old question: If a lawyer is talking in the forest and there is no one around to hear him, can he still bill for it? And what’s the difference between a CPA and a lawyer? CPAs KNOW they’re boring. (Like the lady who is given 3 months to live, and the doctor advises her to immediately go out and marry a CPA. “But why?”, she understandably asks. The doctor replies, “Because 3 months will then seem like an eternity.”)

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Our DG Greg Horn

Sunday, April 11, 2021 By: Gayle Selden

THE LAKEWOOD KEY for April 9, 2021

All Hail the District Governor by Gayle Selden
The April 9^th Meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood was called to order by President Mark Edgecomb. Mark called on Andrew Kruse who provided an inspiring thought relating to Martin Luther King, Jr and Dietrich Bonhoeffer and our service as Rotarians. He shared this quote from Bonhoeffer, “We are not simply to bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.” A life committed to service does not come without a cost but it surely seems our work is worth it. Andrew provided a great start to the Official Visit of District Governor Greg Horn.
In honor of the District Governor, we had both the American and Canadian Anthem played. I am thankful for Zoom as we didn’t have to sing them this time.

President Mark thanks Leanna Christian, John Lowney and Gayle Selden for helping with the meeting.
President Mark introduced District Governor Greg Horn and AG Tony Camoroda. Greg Rediske welcomed Bob Martin, former Rotarian and new Lake Steilacoom resident and visitor Tom Georgen. Joke was on Greg as Tom Georgen was actually our member Tom George with his camera off and a typo in his name. Wynn Hoffman introduced his friend Stan Liebenberg from the San Juan Rotary club, who was in town with his spouse for a visit with the Hoffmans.
President Mark gave a shout out to all the Puffins in the House.
President Mark shared a sunshine report to think of member Sonia Martinez and her family as her husband is having continued surgery on his brain.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
President Mark then congratulated Rob Erb for his 44^th Anniversary which was happening this very day (the 9^th). Then District Governor Greg Horn interrupted Mark and said “WAIT, aren’t we doing Birthdays and Anniversaries?” (Meaning he and Chris Kimball, our own Lakewood Rotary Birthday and Anniversary Committee.) So, President Mark immediately ceded to Greg and Chris to begin Birthdays and Anniversaries for April.

Above: The DG doing his thing
Chris led his drum solo and congratulated all the Anniversaries. Then Greg highlighted the Birthdays and asked those present what was the best April Fools Prank they have experienced. Tonya Winski told of a boss leaving dixie cups of water throughout a hallway so in order to reach your desk you had to empty all the water cups first. Then President Mark totally Bah humbugged and said No April Fools for me. Note for next year: I have a feeling then Past President Mark will have lots of stories. And then Greg, thinking we were not going to hear from him enough today shared his favorite April Fools joke in which he read an email he wrote five years ago to then President Chris Kimball in which he said he loved Rotary but was being called to join the Lions and also to make note of the date.
Happy Birthday to: Dan Livingston, Leon Titus, Bill White, Dave Betz, Mick Johnson, Mary Covelli Johnson, Donn Irwin, Tonya Winski, Jerry Williams and Mark Edward Edgecomb.
Happy Anniversary to: Troy and Stephanie Wilcox, Kim and Tom Prentice, Bill and Sue and Harry Potter, Donn and Debbie Irwin, Rob and Vickie Erb and Bob and Stacia Cammarano.
Happy Rotary Anniversary to: Mary Marlin, Barb Spriggs, Christopher Vernon Kimball, Kim Prentice and Joan Strait.
DACdb:
Super thanks to Greg Horn for sending me the list. Apparently, I can now pull it myself in Dacdb. I need to practice using that database! I love how I learned today that Chris Kimball’s middle name is Vernon. So next time when he plays his drums too loud we can bust out the middle name to keep him in line. In fact, that would’ve come in handy when he was President. I blame my hearing loss on his weekly drumming.
AWARDS:
President Mark then shared two awards for Lakewood Rotary-one from Pierce County for a Special Service Award for volunteers helping at a vaccine event and the Sterling Circle from Multicare for Lakewood Rotary’s giving to the Multicare Foundation.
FUNdraising:
For a Fun change of pace Kendra Riconosciuto talked about the SPRING FLING GAME NIGHT! April 24^th join in on Zoom to play games and raise FUNds for Lakewood Rotary. The games will be easy for you to play at home. You will be playing with your fellow Rotarians via Zoom, your partner at home or a mini party with a few friends. If you don’t want to play you can still join for the entertainment. We can have more than Lakewood Rotarians present so please invite your friends. It’s a fundraising event but we are trying to have some FUN too! Use this link https://lakewoodrotary.maxgiving.bid/about-us to make your $30 donation (includes your game pack that includes all the items an individual needs for game night). You can also enhance your ticket with a party pack for two or six which includes wine, Domino’s pizza, dessert and party décor. This is going to be a great opportunity to get your spring sillies on and raise funds for Lakewood Rotary. If we raise $5000 President Elect Jim Rooks will be jumping into Lake Steilacoom to celebrate. And the committee will celebrate members with the BEST Spring Fling costume by delivering you ice cream at a later date. Please sign up today and join this new FUNdraising effort.

Above: Kendra was stoked!
WORK PARTY
Not announced at the meeting but still on our calendar is the work party at the South Sound Wildlife area Community Work day on May 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Come join Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions clubs and other community groups as we work together to improve Lakewood’s Wildlife area. Located on Phillips Road just across from Hudtloff Middle school, this public space has been adopted by Clover Park Rotary as a signature local project to improve public accessibility and to return it to the educational area it was 50 years ago. Workers will be dispersed over the 100-acre site to maintain social distancing and working in family groups. Jobs will include: Picking up garbage along Phillips Road, install permanent benches along the trail (including one from Lakewood Rotary), Hanging Signage, Weeding Indigenous garden area and rock wall, pull Scotch broom in education area, pull Scotch broom around Garry Oak plantings and Cut down black berries at North end of fence. Come join your community and enjoy some safe outside time helping make our community a better place. For more information contact Alan Billingsley alanb@toolpak.com project coordinator.

THE program: Our very own DG
President Mark then tried to introduce our speaker, but Tony Camoroda did a much better job with his introduction (minus a misdate on the Presidency Greg had) telling us about Greg’s commitment to Rotary. A man not afraid of change and a world accomplished bare foot skier.

Above: The barefoot DG
It could have been the program--so many wonderful things Tony said about Greg and his life on water, with family and with Rotary. He and his Wife, Mary Horn, have raised three boys and count 12 grandchildren as part of their family (4+8 bonus—ask the story… it’s phenomenal).
Greg’s Rotary career includes being President of Lakewood Rotary (2009-2010), being Assistant Governor to Area 12, Creating Beer Fest (a homebrew festival that supports Polio Plus) and creating district change by converting the District from Club Runner to Dacdb. Greg is someone who truly has fun getting things done!
Greg joined us for his 88^th official talk of his year (out of 93 total clubs in the district). He is thankful for Zoom as because of Zoom he has gotten to visit clubs multiple times during the year. His unofficial count is 200 Rotary meetings attended for the year (so far). And he is learning so much more about clubs and their members. He also officially thanked Lakewood Rotary on behalf of Rotary International for the work this year with Food Insecurity and virtual learning. Two tasks that became more important to spring into action with the year of Covid.
District 5020 is the largest district in number of clubs (93) and number of members (4400). We are part of the largest international district with 38 clubs on Vancouver Island and 55 in Western Washington. The District, and Greg as District Governor, operates to serve the Rotary Clubs. The District Governor, Assistant Governors and a multitude of chairs work together with clubs to strengthen our membership and our efforts.

Above: Greg and his hard-working Chief of Staff
Greg talked about the future of Rotary and VIP meetings. That means Virtual and In Person meetings. He has attended a couple in person meetings this year and they always include a Virtual component.
Greg is very excited about Dacdb, a database that will help clubs operate better. Lakewood Rotary joined Dacbd April 1^st (no fooling). Get on and explore and learn people’s middle names. He suggests using the mobile version as well.
Greg highlighted the power of 1 in Rotary and talked about the District Conference held in Tacoma a few years back where one person, our own Sally Porter Smith, asked if we could add a day of service-a food packing project to the conference. That one thought turned into 15,000 meals made.
He also thanks Lakewood Rotary for donating 1-1/4 million dollars to the Foundation. He spouted off some numbers I caught—96 Paul Harris Society Members, 20 Benefactors, 13 Major Donors, 34 Polio Plus Society Members. He thanked committee chair Steve Enquist for his hard work as chair. And encouraged us to continue to donate to the Foundation.
District Conference will be taking place in person Oct 29^th and 30^th at the Great Wolf Lodge. Greg invites us all the join in on the fun.
Greg also let us know that Rotary International has added a seventh area of focus which is supporting the environment. He also highlighted the connection between Rotary International and Toastmasters and suggested checking out the local group.
Greg talked about coming from Lakewood Rotary and realizing that we were a special club that runs very well. He credits Greg Rediske, super secretary, for helping us maintain such a good ship.
Greg shared so much more information than we can share here and so much great praise. Greg included these notes of tips in the chat for all of us to use:
DACdb.com – to log in to DACdb. Just use your e-mail you use to log in to ClubRunner, then click “Forgot password.” You may then reset it with any new one. m.dacdb.com is the mobile access for cell phones
rotary5020.org is our District website – lots of great information
zone2627.org is our Zone website – lots more great information
endpolio.org for the latest updates on our fight against polio. This is updated every Thursday morning. 140 cases in 2020, only 2 cases as of yesterday in 2021!

tgig.org – The Global Impact Group – V/IP meetings – the future of Rotary club meetings
Rotarians Leveraging Technology for the Greater Good

toastmasters.org – to locate a nearby Toastmasters club

rotary.org/donate – to sign up for Rotary Direct donations. You may specify Polio Plus

rotary.org/learn – to get to the Rotary Learning Center

gigharborrotary.org – club to Zoom visit for great, fun meeting ideas

We are really lucky to have a Rotary Champion like Greg. We are proud to be the home club of the District Governor and will continue to proudly display the banner on Zoom. His dedication to Rotary is unequaled. He believes that Rotary is changing the world and we as Rotarians have it in us all to be the changemakers.
I have personally seen the dedication he and Mary have to our district and I cannot wait to celebrate in a VIP way their accomplishments as our District Leaders. Cheers Greg and Mary thanks for being amazing Cheerleaders!
Gayle Selden

Spring is Here

Sunday, April 4, 2021 By: Paula T. Olson

THE LAKEWOOD KEY

Springtime comes to Lakewood Rotary by Paula Olson

When President Mark opened the meeting on Friday, he was stepping into a special period of time with flowers coming up and bees buzzing and starting with yesterday’s April Fool’s Day on April 1^st. Next, Easter or Bunny Day on April 4^th for some, Passover for others and Ramadan a bit later for more others. Maybe it was the excitement that caused our Prez and our Illustrious District Gov. Greg Horn to talk about staging a coup d'état and staying in office for two or three more years. And why he was not willing to relinquish control of the meeting to our top tech person, Leanna Christian who had to get stern with the Prez so she could get the controls to mute us, since we are so wild and crazy, we can’t mute ourselves. Nonetheless, the meeting started promptly at 12:30 pm.

Scott Buser opened with a very nice Invocation and Prez Mark led us in the Pledge of Allegiance (yet another sign he doesn’t intend to step down in June). Leanna Christian did and continued to do meeting set up, John Lowney was not present to take fines so we were all off the hook, Paula Olson was madly taking notes to write the Bulletin and all of us served as photographers.

            Visiting Rotarians included our aforementioned District Gov. Greg Horn, Howard Svigals, 5020 District Foundation Chair, Becky Fontaine and Daniel Wirth from Tacoma 8 Rotary and Alan Billingsley from Clover Park Rotary. Our guests, also participating in other parts of our meeting, were: Emily Woodford, Karen Mauer-Smith, Kevin Ikeda, Moira Neal and Carmela Neal. Puffins in attendance were Tom George, Mike Murtha, Jessica James, Carl Bronkema and Rachel Mazoff. There was no official Sunshine Report but Greg announced the passing of Eric Warn’s beloved wife, Kathie. Eric shared with us some of his thoughts, that after a heroic two year struggle she is now in heaven and out of pain. Eric is also free of caregiving and looking forward to finding new activities for his time. May Kathie rest in peace and our love to you, Eric!

            Although Prez Mark was not able to play any April Fool’s jokes on us, I am happy to announce that coming up on April 4^th in addition to Easter Sunday is National Hug a Newsperson Day. I hope you all celebrated appropriately. Prez Mark asked us to give a round of applause to Troy and Stephanie Wilcox on their wedding anniversary in absentia. Alan Billingsley sent us a chat message that the Lakewood Rotary bench is being dedicated at the work party at the old game farm site on May 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. More details to come but put it on your calendar.

Howard Svigals, the District Foundation Chair, reported that Lakewood Rotary is known as a “great club” which exceeded $10,000 in contributions to the Foundation and $7,000 to Polio Plus in the match program during March. He explained that since March is usually a low month for contributions, he did the match to beef it up. And we responded like the champs we are. Howard also said that we are just short of $250,000 into our next $1 million. He said that we should be very proud and he thanked us profusely. He reported that there are only two cases of polio in the world right now, one in Afghanistan and one in Pakistan. Steve Enquist also chimed in and said that in one week, we contributed $4,000. Last week 89 different people contributed $17,800. Steve wanted us all to know that Howard was using his personal points to match contributions during March. Steve then gave out a Paul Harris to Rachel Mazoff, her first. He had wanted her dad to present it to her but life intervened. Congratulations, Rachel!!

            Leanna Albrecht stated that we are starting up our Teacher and Student of the Month program again and today we honored the Student of the Month for April: Carmela Neal from Lakes High School. We welcomed Kevin Ikeda, Assistant Superintendent of Clover Park and Karen Mauer-Smith, the Principal of Lakes High School to share in Carmela’s achievement. Bob Hammar described Carmela’s qualifications. Carmela is an excellent student with a 3.8 GPA and participates in many other activities and programs. She is the Editor of the school Newspaper, Lancer Ledger and intends to major in journalism and poetry when she goes on to one of the many universities and colleges that she has been accepted to. She is on the cross-country team, volunteers for Red Cross and church programs, and participates in theater productions at JBLM. She graciously thanked us for our recognition.

            Dr. Jim Rooks, who is duly elected to serve as our next President if he can combat the impending coup, announced that the Community Concerns Committee recommended that we give a $2,000 grant to Palmer Scholars, an organization that works with students from low income families for assistance in higher education. These funds are particularly needed now with many students have difficulties. A motion to approve the grant was made and seconded. All members voted affirmatively to pass the motion. Thanks Jim and CCC for this opportunity to help needy students.

            Tom George talked about two Global Grants he’s involved in with Rose Stevens and others assisting, with one almost completed. We are supplying two dialysis machines to Sacred Heart Medical Center and Mercy Hospital in Kollayam, North India. These machines will enable poor people to get the treatment they need at no cost. Ordinarily, it would cost about 80% of their total monthly income if they were forced to pay. The hospitals are both run by religious nuns and they have pledged to subsidize the cost of treatment for ten years. Tom showed us pictures of the acknowledgement of the first machine. Lakewood Rotary will be memorialized at the contributing organization by a banner and plaque at both locations. Tom said that Lakewood Rotary was also mentioned in the local news for its donation. The second machine will be installed in another two weeks. Yet another example of how Lakewood Rotarians’ generosity is known around the world!

            Thank our lucky stars that Prez Mark acknowledged that he was unable to imitate Eric Quinn’s excellent rapping to announce the next fundraising event. Eric came on the screen and commissioned Gayle Selden and Kendra Riconoscuito to take a paper plate and a marker, put the plate on their heads and draw a picture of Prez Mark in a hot tub, clothing optional. We watched these three for 60 seconds although someone was done in less time. Showing us their efforts, Eric and Kendra’s were what you expect of drawing on your head in front of 40 or so people and eerily recognizable as Mark sitting in a hot tub. Gayle on the other hand cheated. She produced a photograph of Mark which she photo shopped to make it look like she drew it. This stunt was part of introducing “Let the Good Times Roll Night” on April 24^th at 6:00 p.m., virtual of course. It’s game night and there are several ways to play. Pony up $30 a person and you’ll get the basics of what you need. Kick in $100 for two people and you’ll get pizza, dessert from the Partners, a bottle of wine and playing stuff. Go the distance for a party of six for $400 and you’ll get even more pizza, more dessert, two bottles of wine, lots of playing stuff, and a decorating kit to be the envy of your block. In addition, if that’s not enough, decorate your house and/or yourselves in your best rendition of spring fever for extra excitement. This is only for those whose health is strong enough. Let’s have a ball together and raise some cash!!

Above: Miracle Drawing!

THE PROGRAM:

            Finally, we got down to the program with Daniel Wirth, dubbed “Mr. Hurricane” by Prez Mark and the Executive Director of South Puget Sound Red Cross. Dan was so nicknamed because of the all the hurricanes he had responded to in his job with the Red Cross as well as other disasters. Dan and his wife also served in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic back in the day. Dan was joined on stage by Becky Fontaine who heads up the development end of the local Red Cross. Dan gave us an overview and an update on the Red Cross in our area.
            Dan began his presentation by showing us a very moving video of the work of the Red Cross and the many ways in which it helped people though natural disasters, big and small. The Red Cross has five lines of service: Disaster Relief; Biomedical; Service to Armed Forces; International Service; and Training. Within the Disaster Relief area, Dan also wanted to emphasize the Home Fire program now going on. Taking each area one by one, Dan walked us through what the Red Cross does for the world.
            For Disaster Relief, the Red Cross responds to 60,000 disasters a year, mostly single family or multi family home fires. There were 250 such fires locally. The critical needs are within the first 72 hours providing shelter, food, medical care and clean up supplies. Since COVID, victims are sheltered in hotels throughout the area to reduce the number of people in group settings. The home fire program that Dan wanted to emphasize started in 2014 as intentional preparedness. The Red Cross is working with the fire department to canvass neighborhoods with a higher risk of home fire to pass out smoke alarms and help people develop a fire escape plan. You have two minutes to get out of a burning house and it’s important that everyone knows where to meet each other outside. Now with COVID, you can set up a virtual appointment to go over potential hazards and develop your escape plan.
            In the biomedical arena, the Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply. Locally, it supplies 60 hospitals with blood. Probably a less known service is that to military families. The Red Cross is a 24/7 call center for active duty military and their families. It is the only approved message service between a commanding Officer and family, such as a death announcement to a deployed service member. The Red Cross can also provide loans for emergency travel. It also puts on transitioning workshops when going from active duty to civilian life and networking for work and home.

Above: Giving Blood

            The Red Cross trains about five million people a year with such skills as First Aid, CPR and AED as well as swimming and life guarding. With COVID, the classes are reduced but still available. Internationally, the Red Cross assists with disasters such as the recent hurricane in the Bahamas. It provides a reconnection service of separated family members. Dan told a story about the several days that a young son looked for his father and the joy that he shared when the Red Cross could unite them.
            Dan emphasized that the Red Cross relies heavily on volunteers to the tune of 90% of their workforce. They have about 300,000 volunteers in 235 chapters across the country. There are eight counties in the South Puget Sound chapter covering 30,000 square miles. Contact Dan with more questions or opportunities to help or donate at dan.wirth@redcross.org.
            In response to a question about how we can help, Dan turned to Becky Fontaine. Becky told us that the Red Cross very much appreciates cash donations instead of hard goods like clothing and food. They are able to leverage cash to obtain far more goods than the average person could provide and they make efforts to buy locally. Unless you have 50 pairs of new shoes, cash is much more valuable as relief. A disaster is simply not the time to clean out the closets and dump a pile of clothes on the doorstep of the Red Cross and call it help. It becomes too much to organize when time is of the essence. Becky encouraged everyone to sign up for a home fire appointment at redcross.org/NWhomefire or call 1-833-918-1531. There are Spanish speakers available for those who communicate in Spanish. Becky said she could be nicknamed “Mrs. Wildfire” for the number of fires she has responded to including the one at Paradise, California.

Above: ARC Home Fire program

            Greg Horn stated that the district is behind the home fire program in an effort to help people from dying in fires. Jim Sharp expressed the Fire Department’s appreciation of Dan and the Red Cross for all they do to help people. Jim said every volunteer is fantastic.
            Prez Mark wanted to know if his nickname for Dan, Mr. Hurricane, was appropriate. Dan stated that he would attribute the nickname to Mark and told us about all the hurricanes he had responded to in his work with the Red Cross, giving care and comfort and assessing needs to be met. He was able to offer a warm meal and safe shelter to folks who had lost everything. Dan said that he loved his job and how rewarding it was to help people every day.
            Prez Mark led us all in a round of virtual applause to Dan and Becky for a very interesting and informative program.

            A few odds and ends before we closed. First, we must remember to ask Mark how he celebrated National Deep Dish Pizza Day and Read-a-Map Day on April 5^th or if he was too wiped out from partying with the Easter bunny.
            Next, Greg wanted to remind everyone that we are officially hooked up to dacDB.com so delete Club Runner and be sure and set up your email service for announcements at mailservice@dacdb.net. Finally, Prez Mark wanted to acknowledge Chris Kimball for a new award he received. Chris explained that he has made so much money for so many people that he was awarded the Top of the Table award, one of the highest industry awards in 2020. He’ll get a glass plaque that he’ll display proudly in his office. He will only charge a small fee to see it and he’s going to do some calculations to figure out if/how much he can pay as a fine for his accomplishment. Congrats, Chris!

            Be sure to show up next Friday to hear District Gov. Greg Horn talk about the district and what he’s been doing the past year or so. Have a wonderful week, everyone!!

                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.

State of the City

Sunday, March 28, 2021 By: Eric T Quinn

The State of the City by Eric Quinn
Lakewood Rotary Key for March 26, 2021
President Mark Edgecomb rang the meeting to order at 12:31 PM
Invocation: Chris Kimball gave the invocation. He asked a Higher Power to assist us in knowing “who to help, how to help, and when to help.”
Flag Salute. Jim Bisceglia led us in the pledge.
Making Our Meeting Happen
Gayle Selden ran the Zoom meeting.
John Lowney handled the cash.
Eric Quinn wrote the bulletin.
Everyone at the meeting took photographs (well almost everyone)

Visiting Rotarians
Our very own District Governor Greg Horn was with us.
Steve Saalfeld was a visiting Rotarian and so too was James Osundwa.
There were no guests.
Mark recognized the Puffins, specifically those present at the meeting, Tom George, Rachel Mazoff and Jessica James
For Sunshine. Jan Gee had back surgery. Bob Lordahl is at Tobey Jones. Send them your thoughts.
Announcements
Mark wished Walt Richardson a Happy Birthday.
Steve Enquist thanked everyone for their generosity. The Foundation collected $6,000 in the past week (!).
Anne Enquist made an announcement about Little Free Pantries. John Lowney has been doing an amazing job of building all of the pantries. The second pantry has been installed in Tillicum on the property of Youth for Christ. There was a great turnout of Rotarians for the ribbon-cutting. The pantry is chock full and is being used. The third (and perhaps fourth) pantry will be placed in Springbrook. Anne will entertain thoughts from the Club on other good locations for the pantries. Anne thanked members of the committee for their work.
Eric Quinn announced that Youth Exchange has been cancelled for 2021-2022. So the Youth Exchange Committee will turn its attention to the 2022-2023 Exchange Year.
The District Conference will be held the last week of October 2021 (Friday Oct 29-Sat Oct 30) at the Great Wolf Lodge and will, for the next 4 years, be held in October. Greg and Mary Horn showed us a video about that. He was of course, in characteristic fashion, made the star of the video. There was even a clip of him careening down a waterslide in a suit. Classic Horn.

Gayle made an announcement about the Break Bag Delivery that will be taking place on March 29, starting at 9 AM. Thus far we have about 10 cars to help out, but we could always use more.
Mark informed us that the Tacoma Area Literacy Council thanked Lakewood Rotary for our generous donations.
Andrew informed us that Communities in Schools is going to be having a virtual Champions for Youth breakfast next Wednesday, March 31. Go to their website for more details: https://lakewood.ciswa.org/event/champions2021/
Greg Rediske reminded us that $180.00 will get your business regular advertising on the Lakewood Rotary website and in the weekly bulletin. Contact Greg with questions.
UD5020 Magazine: The March edition is now available on the District 5020 website.

The Rotary International Convention, which was scheduled to take place on June 12?16, 2021 in Taipei, Taiwan has been cancelled and will be replaced with an outstanding virtual event.
Registration for the virtual convention will begin in mid?April.
Fines
Mark thanked Jim Bisceglia for being present. Jim asked whether Mark was fishing for money. Jim informed Mark that a $50.00 check is in the mail.
Jason Whalen said that his oldest daughter will be coming home for a family trip to Hawaii. He paid a fine $50.00 for that. Greg Rediske ratted out Jason’s dog (a French Bulldog) for being a member of the second-most popular breed of dog in the country. Jason gave $10 for that.
James Osundwa had a trip to Kenya and discussed his purchase or donation pertaining to 67 goats. The writer did not capture the full details of James’s goat triumph. He gave $1 per goat for a $67.00 fine.
John Lowney gave $21 for his grandson’s 21^st birthday.
Dave Coleman paid a fine for his 52^nd wedding anniversary. I think it was $52.

Above: Open your eyes John!
Program
Our very own John Caulfield presented to the Club on the State of the City of Lakewood (“City”). John joined the City in September 2013, after being appointed by the City Council. He previously was City Manager for Mountlake Terrace from January 2006 to September 2013. Prior to that he was Deputy City Manager, Community and Economic Development Director and Finance Director for the city of University Place from 1997 and 2006. Caulfield also worked for the city of Federal Way from 1991 to 1997 as a Senior Financial Analyst, Financial Analyst and Accounting Technician. Caulfield served in the U.S. Army as an Army Ranger assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington. John provided a very informative overview of the State of the City:
The City was incorporated on February 28, 1996. So the City is celebrating its 25^th anniversary.

Above: Yay for 25 years.
John discussed the promises of incorporation that were made by the City and how those promises have been kept. The City Council adopted some goals for the City in 2015, to be met in 2026 in the 30^th year since incorporation. Those goals include improvements to economic development, dependable infrastructure, public safety, fiscal responsibility and transparency, and promoting a robust community.
As for 2020-2021, John spoke to continuity of government services and how much technology has helped in responding to Covid-19. The City created a website to keep the community informed. The City’s revenue did fall off somewhat but the City is in sound fiscal shape. There will not be a Summer Fest this year. The numbers just won’t shake out. Although the City’s budget was constrained somewhat by Covid-19, John was proud to announce that the 2021-2022 budget is balanced.
Although many events were cancelled during this pandemic, John was happy to announce that a variety of events are being reinstituted, such as the Farmers Market. Also, the Concerts in the Park and even drive-in movies are going to be available at Ft. Steilacoom Park.

Above: The Mountain from Fort Steilacoom Park
John discussed the important safety net that the City provides through a number of programs devoted to Human Services, i.e. LASA, Boys and Girls Club and Greater Lakes Mental Health, to name a few supported programs. Of course, partnerships are crucial in all of this and the City has a great one with Pierce County. One item of note: Housing is very affordable in Lakewood (second only to Spanaway in lowest rent in Pierce County).
The City received $2.865 Million from the State for Covid relief, much of which was put toward Human Services.
John discussed the various programs the City is implementing right now, which include but are not limited to LASA Expansion, a Community Policing Partnership at Western State Hospital, Wards Lake Park improvements, American Lake ADA Accessibility and a Multimodal Transportation Plan.
Some transportation projects include improvements to Onyx Drive, Veterans Drive and the Phillips-to-Custer stretch.
The City is commencing Phase One of Lakewood Landing, a 25-acre park along I-5. John also pointed to the various other transportation projects that are ongoing. One such project is the JBLM-North Access Road Improvement. It should start in May and continue through October 2022.
Crime is down.
For a full copy of the State of the City, go here: https://cityoflakewood.us/city-manager/state-of-the-city/
John opened it up for questions:
Jim Sharp commended the City for engaging in milfoil cleanup, which drastically increases West Pierce Firefighters’ ability to rescue potential drowning victims.
Bob Hammar thanked John for the fantastic presentation. Bob commented on the upgrades to Onyx Drive, but wondered whether the new awesome mailboxes are going to be available for use. John said that would be happening shortly.
Jessica James asked who the best person is to contact with respect to road repairs. John pointed her to My Lakewood 311.
David Swindale voiced his appreciation for the services and affordable housing that are being facilitated by the City.
Thank you John for the thorough and highly informative presentation.
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.
At our next meeting on April 2, Daniel Wirth will be giving a Red Cross Chapter update.

And of course, April 9, District Governor Greg Horn will be giving the presentation.

Puppies, Kittens and Much More

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 By: Tonya Winski

The Lakewood Key for March 19, 2021 (corrected version)
Kittens, puppies and so much more!
By Tonya Winski

Kittens, puppies, vacuuming, bells ringing, and so much more! The sights and sounds of Zoom meetings are always entertaining (and maybe just a little distracting, Barlow!).

I’ve noticed over the past several months of reading our weekly bulletin that I am more of a meat and potatoes writer – I suppose I’ve been trained to get to the point in my writing, using the fewest words possible, so here I go with today’s bulletin:

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