PJW rang the bell, blew the conch and called the meeting to order as the clock struck 12:30PM. Yorleny Clapper gave a beautiful invocation and Clint Johnson led us in the Pledge.

1451 - Sultan Mehmed II, the Conqueror inherits the throne of the Ottoman Empire

James, Wynn and Rob set us up. John Lowney recorded/collected the money. Donnnnnn wrote this stuff and Walt Richardson took pictures. Greg R is pinch hitting for Ole as Editor and Eric Quinn will get this published for us. Our Sergeant-at-Arms was his former eminence Greg Horn……wait, that didn’t come out correctly…..it should be Esteemed Past District Governor….yeah, that’s it.

1743 - Philadelphia establishes a "pesthouse" to quarantine immigrants.

Then it got a little crazy. PJW introduced a special guest that was with us on Zoom, Wen Chen. She will be our speaker sometime in June. Wynn Hoffman introduced Tyler Parker; Mary Moss introduced Geoffrey Bullock – CEO of Harborstone CU. Leanna Albrecht introduced Brian Laubach.
Puffins were recognized.
No news from Health & Wellness

1783 Spain recognizes US independence.



Above: Jacob Cuthbertson, New Member 


PJW had the pleasure of introducing another new member – Jacob Cuthbertson. Jacob is the Marketing Manager for America’s Credit Union. Jacob spoke little about himself but did proclaim that he was anxious to be part of the club and wants to meet everyone. He made mention of his educational background and it had something to do with being a “Beav”. In the not too distance future, I’m sure that Jacob and Don Anderson will be chatting about colleges. Welcome to Lakewood Rotary, Jacob.

1834 Wake Forest University is established in North Carolina.

Steve Enquist was called upon to bestow Tony Camoroda with his 7^th Paul Harris – thank you Tony!


Above: Tony Camoroda, Paul Harris Recipient


Leanna Albrecht came forward to introduce our Student of the Month from Steilacoom High School – Grace Rodgers. Grace thanked us for the recognition. Leanna also introduced Grace’s mother and Mike Miller, the Principal of Steilacoom HS.


Announcements/Fines oops – make that Generous Giving. Don Daniels encouraged us to keep selling the raffle tickets AND that we have covered the cost of the grand prize! Lakewood On Tap #2 is at Hops and Drops and happens Thursday Feb. 9^th at 6:00PM. Anne Enquist let us know that Dinner and a Movie is back. Sunday July 23^rd at the Lakewood AMC. Show starts at 3:50. The dinner part will be at the Country Club and is labeled “The All-American Cookout Buffet”. Vegetarian and Vegan options available (not sure how that works at a cookout but we will see). The movie will be the latest edition of the Mission Impossible movies starring Tom Cruise.

Save the date of March 24^th for the Wine and Beer Festival and Auction. The event will be held at the McGavick center.

The District wants us to promote Rotary more; therefore, Lakewood and Clover Park Rotary Clubs are producing a video touting, you guessed it, all things Rotary.  The Bulletin Committee sent pictures to 5020 of LR Rotarians in Action.

There will be a ceremony for retiring Police Chief Mike Zaro on Monday at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. John Lowney admitted to being in Palm Springs but it wasn’t a vacation or so he says. Evidently, he was working on Rotary stuff – like getting $600.00 out of Phil Eng. He gave $100.00 to his Paul Harris for NOT being on vacation. Gary Fulton paid money for going to Hawaii and another hole in one (his 8^th).

1870 US state of Iowa ratifies the 15th Amendment of the United States Constitution allowing suffrage for all races and colors.

Bill Potter let us know that the swings for the Fort Steilacoom swing repair project are built and that a work party is needed on 4/22. He also asked for a motion to spend $8000….no $3000…. or was it $5000 less…...anyway, a motion was given, seconded and the vote was all yea to approve funds to complete the Claudia Thomas Habitat for Humanity build in Tillicum. Motion passed.

1941 US Supreme Court upheld Federal Wage & Hour law, sets minimum wages & maximum hours.

THE PROGRAM


Above: Our Speaker, David Fischer 

Clint Johnson introduced our speaker, David Fischer. David is a mover and a shaker in the regional arts as well as in the Pierce County community. He is the Executive Director of Tacoma Arts Live, formerly Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, and has been in that position since 2006. (Side bar – I first met David when he was in the process of putting Tacoma Little Theatre back on its feet as the ED there approximately a hundred years ago or so.)

David opened up his informative talk by claiming that one of his children’s science experiments had gone horribly wrong and that the balloon that has been flying over the United States is actually part of the experiment. He has been in touch with the leader of China and believes he has the problem all worked out. He then asked the collective audience what the “arts” meant to them. Responses ranged from music, theater and fine arts. Everyone has their own ideas about art. David pointed out that arts and religion have developed together and it is difficult to determine which came first.
Like virtually everything, Covid has changed the art world. Before the pandemic the arts were 4% of the nation’s GDP. Today ticket sales are down 35% except for “name brands”, i.e. Taylor Swift, Beyonce and the like. When you consider 4% of the GDP is down 35% that’s a lot of money. Today patrons are streaming. Pre-pandemic the largest audience was Baby Boomers – that has changed drastically.
David stated that the arts need to foster new relationships and find new ways to deliver their offerings. One such idea is to go to the audience rather than the audience coming to them. He mentioned a Utopian Garden idea which I translate as an arts and science interactive participation kind of thing.
Tacoma Arts Live is a State leader in arts education as they are working with virtually all of the School Districts in Pierce County – Gig Harbor being an exception – to bring arts to the students.
David closed by informing us that the arts are a hugely effective means of helping people with mental health problems.

Thank you, David, for your time and your dedication to the arts.
Now if we can just get him to join us mid-December to recite from his amazing memory and in that wonderful voice of his, “A Cup of Christmas Tea”.

1971 NYPD officer Frank Serpico is shot during a drug bust while his fellow officers stood outside and failed to call for assistance.

PJW rang the bell and a raffle ticket was drawn. Bob Z had the lucky ticket and a chance for $292. A red chip would win the big prize. Bob drew a white chip that got him $5.

2011 All available blocks of IPv4 internet addresses are officially distributed to regional authorities.
Ferdinand Magellan was born on this day in 1480. So was Horace Greeley (1811) and Norman Rockwell (1894).

Coming attractions:

Upcoming LR (and other) events: 2/9/2023 Rotary on Tap at Hops and Drops 2/11/2023  Caring for Kids Auction 5 p.m. $45 2/25/2023 Lakewood Lions Crabfeed 3/24/2023 Wine Festival (sell those raffle tickets) 4/22/2023  Work Party at park 5/5/23 Ladies Night Out

President Mayor Jason Whalen – PMJW – opened the gala precisely on time and welcomed PP Dave Coleman to invocatulate us. We are to be mindful that even the small things we do add up. Tying that to some of our speakers remarks is worthwhile. Speaking of speaker, Andrew Kruse led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Others making a small but consistent contribution that helps PMJW weekly were thanked: Rob, James, Wynn, Tom, Ole, Greg, Leon, Gary, Don and Bob. Leon introduced some guests: Ryan, Tyler, Christian and Jasmine. Some of those may have even been related. To one another, that is – not to Leon, I think. Gary Fulton strong-armed $465 for Paul Harris. Then came a jumble of guests and visitors some of whom may already have been introduced: Jan Gee introduced Tyler, Angela introduced Elizabeth Hoy, Scott introduced Dick, and Christian introduced some relatives – Jasmine, baby Lillian – maybe? Jim Weinand introduced Jennie, and Greg introduced Jacob Cuthbertson. All of that happened before the Puffins took a bow. Now if you think I got the foregoing all mixed up, the bow that they took was NOT a bow from a package or one with arrows but the kind of bow that is more like a curtsy.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were introduced as Tony Camoroda and Bill Poter (Assistant Governor and incoming Assistant Governor). Eric Warn reminded that the memorial for John Warner will be February 24 at 2:15, University Place Presbyterian Church. He reminded that he collects used eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club – please donate. Also, we need more attendees at the Lion’s Club Crab Feed Saturday Feb. 25^th.

And then there was the lack of a (stuffed) Puffin in the house. Joel Vranna was so disappointed in himself that he gave $40. While the Puffin was freezing in his car.

Extraordinariness abounds with Lakewood Rotary totaling $1,369,323 in donations to the Paul Harris Foundation. There are 14 major donors currently who made a $10,000 contribution. Anne and Steve Enquist joined that esteemed group. PMJW awarded them with their pins and crystal swag. Steve remarked how Mike McGowan informed him of the small weekly contribution plan that adds up. (Reminds me of Dave Coleman’s invocation….) Anne told of checking with Charity Watch that shows Rotary’s dollars work harder and more fully than other charities.

Jan Gee brought a motion from Community Concerns to support Family Renewal Shelters with a $2000 contribution. Motion seconded and carried. Greg Rediske informed that Lakewood Baseball Club got a $1500 donation from the club. You, yes you, can sponsor a team for $500. Rotaract update by Christian Tomlinson: membership and fellowship being worked on as well as food drive support. Rick Selden gave a lengthy and impassioned report on fund raising support with the raffle and wine night and Cinco de Mayo events approaching. To summarize: sell raffle tickets, buy raffle tickets, sponsor tables, volunteer, volunteer, contribute, donate, sponsor, sell – I think that about covers it!

Aloha giving was sparse. Jim Weinand gave something. Whatever it was it had to have been more than PMJW gave for his new Tesla - $20. (Ed. Note: A lot more! $100!)

Greg Horn introduced Andrew Kruse of Youth for Christ, Tacoma Area Director and Lakewood Rotarian. Andrew reported of teenaged youth being very often undervalued and misunderstood. They are universally social media reliant. That is obvious whenever they are observed with their heads in their phones. Social media is where they get their news and gossip. They don’t seek the same news adults do. They have their own “news world” and it is one most adults have never heard of or would recognize.  Most are fearful of being perceived judgmentally rather than meritoriously. Pre-pandemic in 2020 they averaged 9 hours per day online.

They are racially and gender diverse and like it that way.
Challenges:
            Worst mental health ever
            Lack of trust in any organizations (schools, governments,    churches, clubs, etc.)
            Record levels of feelings of isolation and loneliness
            Increased connectivity but less relational communication
            Lack of trust in adults and authoritarian peers

Reasons to Hope
            Highly collaborative
            Seek value
            Trust diversity and inclusion
            Recognize authenticity
            Innovative and independent
Every adult can make a difference by being present. Converse but don’t “fix.” Say and remember their name. Listen attentively and genuinely. Seek opportunities for mentorship but not necessarily yourself. Keep in mind that teens often need “guides” not “repair.”

A very good presentation. Thank you Andrew for believing in what you do. Thank you PMJW for a good meeting and thank you to all Rotarians who believe and act in small ways that make a collective big difference.

Mary Marlin had a ticket with a really big number – 9663998 – that was worth a really small $5.
As a reminder, we have a Danish exchange student. Take time to meet with him and do something fun with him.
Hans’ number is 253-993-9261
Host Mom Tracey Johnston 253-241-4142
Host Dad—Patrick
Address: 7136 72ND STREET CT SW
LAKEWOOD, WA  98498

Val, I ain’t got no Ole yoke today on accounta cuz Ay ban so broke-up about Sven’s bad news. If you ain’t heard, Sven hadda have his brain removed on accounta cuz his weren’t no good no more.  So his family gaddered around to hear what da Doc hadta say about alla dis. “Val,” da Doc said, “Sven’s insurance’ll pay fer da procedure but you gotta buy da dang brain yerselves.”  Helga asked, “Val how much does a brain gonna cost us?” Da Doc he took out his Brain Blue Book and said, “Val, Here’s one from a woman up in Two Harbors and its $200.” He flipped tru some pages and stopped, “Val, here’s vun from a man right near here in Minnetonka. It’s $5000.” Helga vus stunned by dat news and asked, “How come da man’s is $5000 and da voman’s is only $200?” Da dang ol Doc he replied, “It’s all standard pricing dat da voman’s is discounted on accounta cause it’s been used.”

Who reads This Stuff?
Ole

The Rotary Club of Lakewood
The Lakewood Key
Valentines Day 2003, or, if you prefer – February 14, 2003 – eeder vay, its da same dang ting!

President Dave began the Love-In with the disturbing news that Larry LaPrise has died. Dick Hawkins remembers him as the man who wrote “The Hokey-Pokey.” Apparently they had a little problem at Mountain View when Cindy Thompson was putting him in the coffin.  She put his left leg in … and then the trouble started!

Eric Herbel led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Sid Acuff invocationated us.  Both are hereby thanked for their participation. Speaking of participation, Jane Hunt introduced our visiting Rotarians who are always welcome at Lakewood Rotary. Some visiting Rotarians even get special recognition – right Dave Sclair? Everyone’s Valentine – President Dave – never forgets to thank all the little people behind the scenes: Little Pappy Gines, set-up; little Bud Montgomery, Paul Harris desk; and little Ole, bulletin writer. We had lots of guests that were introduced by members and welcomed warmly.  Many of our guests shared same last names with members – what a coincidence.  Another coincidence was our visiting Rotarian from Tacoma 8 – the lovely and talented Florence Covey – was there as a rescue ambassador. Roses and cards were available from Flor for those errant Rotarians who had neglected to recall the significance of the day.

The Sunshine Report arrived a little later than usual but JoAnne Crane shared the worrisome news that Dick Walston is now in hospice care.  Keep your thoughts and prayers with Dick and Joann.

The Sportsman Dinner and Raffle is fast approaching. The wheelbarrow of beer and wine will be at each meeting until the event.  Please drop off the opposite of empties (fullies?) if you happen to have some lying around. Each table held lists of items that will be auctioned.  Dave Burgoyne shared a Grand Canyon painting by Bill Phillips that is signed and numbered by the artist. Dave is that the same Bill Phillips that used to draw military aircraft? Please sign-up to help set-up on the day of the event and take-down on Sunday after the event. We also need waiters (all of the directors please?) and most importantly – Sell Tickets! We don’t make much $ if we don’t get a crowd at the event.
This is the second of our major fundraisers for the year – 99.99% participation would be appreciated!

The 5020 Leadership Assembly, held last week in Victoria, was reported in vivid photographic detail by the founder of Lakewood’s very own: The National Enquirer and Flyer, Past District Governor Dave Sclair. During the Power Point training class, lots of pictorial evidence of fellowship was presented.  Many around the tables were heard to proclaim – “…You musta hadda been there….” To wrap-up the presentation, Assistant District Governor Ted Wier gave an impassioned pitch to attend next year’s leadership assembly. (This from a man who once turned down the opportunity to sell LP siding!) Others who crossed the border included, President-elect-elect Mary Lou Sclair, President-elect Ron Irwin, Ward Fletcher, and Ron Adkins.

Bialystock and Bloom and Selden! It comes as no surprise to anyone that the fellowship bus event to The Producers on February 12^th was “…a smash…a rousing success…foot stomping music…rollicking laughs and Ulla.”  Ulla stole the show with her big set of…of…of …blue eyes! Thanks to Rick, Sharon and Gayle Selden for making the bus trip so much fun. Whatta show…whatta show! President Dave acknowledged his Keep it Gay T-shirt with a gasp and sibilant sigh!

ISFR – the International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians just returned from Sun Valley where the snow was reported to be man made but skiable. Fourteen skiers from Lakewood represented our club with no injuries! Sam Hunter presented Dave with a banner from Ketchum thus proving the fact of make-ups. Sam conceded that it was the Lakewood Rotary Baseball Caps that made them all so popular. Sam passed the lead on to Greg Horn who will be opening a branch office in Sun Valley. Further news on the ski front: The Annual Packwood Ski-in will be a happening event on March 8 and 9. The Seldens and the Reeders have opened their cabins to the public and everyone’s invited!  Oh wait, that’s not it! There are rooms for rent in Packwood for this fun fellowship outing for Rotarians and families. The skiing at White Pass, the sumptuous food at the Seldens on Saturday, the cross country adventures and nature trail tours by Wier – ah, what memories. Sign-ups will be forthcoming.

Puffin Sighting! Ross Heller was accompanied to the meeting by a long-absent Puffin sporting a band-aid.   Ross reported that the Puffin is covering-up for some recent body-piercing!!? This revolting bit of news was followed by some Revolving news.  The Revolving Dinner schedule, administered by James Guerrero, will be enjoying their next outing on February 22.

RI President Bhichai Rattakul will be attending to his minions here at Lakewood Rotary on April 30^th. Does anyone know whether a President of RI has ever visited Lakewood Rotary in the past? Due to the monumental work of Michael McGowan and his hoard of Paul Harris committee members, and the generosity of all Lakewood Rotarians, the Big Guy will be here on April 30^th.  If you don’t already have your money paid to Mick Johnson, get it in soon.  Let’s make this a Lakewood Rotary event that the RI President will remember.

Traveling Rotarians pay their way!  Duncan Cook reported that gasoline in the Sandwich Islands costs $2.15 per gallon. He ceded the $17.95 he had left from his trip. Larry Faulk returned from an outing in Las Vegas with Paul Anka and donated $20.00. Jane Hunt advertised some office space – how do you advertise office space when it’s full? Anyway Jane generously handed over $25.00 for the privilege. Dick Hawkins, doing his Sgt. Schultz imitation, claimed nothing, remembered nothing, didn’t want to talk about nothing and I think some money-changed hands for all of that.  Say, wasn’t that what the Seinfeld Show was all about?
 

Up-Coming Programs

                Feb. 21 – Intel Computer Clubhouse
Nope, it’s not in DuPont.  It is at Lake City Elementary School. Sponsored by Intel, the program creates curriculum for children with creative talents. The children learn software applications only as a tool for creating and presenting their imaginative creations. Intel has opened 100 such clubhouses around the world. Kurt Sample, coordinator, Rick Meeder, Intel, and Deb Gilchrist, Pierce College will present the program. Pierce College, Clover Park School District, The City of Lakewood, Word of Life Church and others created the coalition that makes this program work. Is Lakewood Rotary connected to this program?  Ya shure, you betcha! John Korsmo’s construction company did the retro-fit of the old building, bringing it up to Intel’s requirements and City code. Cherry Tinker will introduce this integral community/schools based program.
Feb. 28 – Tacoma School of the Arts
Mar. 7 – Rod Gideons, Tacoma Opera
Mar. 14 – Erik Spellman, MacKenzie River Adventure’
Mar. 21 – Betsy Brenner, Tacoma News Tribune
Mar. 28 – Randy Hart, UW Football Coach
 

Calendar of Events

                Feb. 22 – Revolving Dinner
                Mar. 1 – Sportsman’s Dinner and Raffle
                Mar. 8 – 9 Packwood Ski Weekend
                Mar. 10 – Partners Meeting, Sharon Selden’s
                Mar. 12 – Board Meeting
                Mar. 22 - Revolving Dinner
                Apr. 3 – Wine Tasting, Lakewood Gallery
                Apr. 9 – Board Meeting
                Apr. 20 – Easter Pancake Breakfast
Apr. 30 – Paul Harris Foundation Dinner at TCGC, Black Tie Dinner with Bhichai Rattakul, $100 per person
May 16 – 17 District Conference, Nanaimo, BC

The Introduction of our dynamic speaker was made by our own Teri Card.
Sunny Kobe Cook, Common Things, Uncommon Ways – Proven Techniques on how to Grow Your Business Through your Staff, Founder of the Kobe Foundation, kobefoundations.org. There is nothing common about Sunny.  Her presentation is at once compelling, humorous and wise. She never failed to make and hold eye contact with every attendee at Friday’s luncheon. Sunny truly knows how to make lemonade out of lemons, revealing how some people responded to her ever-present advertising.

She pointed out the motivators for employees at her company that she feels are universal. Recognition and a sense of contribution and involvement worked for her in many ways. She obviously prides herself on the caliber and tenure of the people whom she worked with at Sleep Country USA. She effectively related the inexpensive nature and efficacy of the 100 things she did for her employees every year. Sunny calculated the miniscule cost at one-half cent per day/per employee and yet those recognitions were extremely effective in achieving exceptional results. She left us with the admonition to create goodwill ambassadors from everyone who works, used to work, and will work for you and your organization.
Thank you for another outstanding program – bay dang!

Attendance:
                69 members present
                12 make-ups
                70%
 

Proposed Members

Unless written the Secretary receives written objection within 10 days, the following will be considered elected into The Rotary Club of Lakewood:

James “Jim” Schultz
Proposed by Gary Fulton
Classification – Information Technology
Retired

Jun Chea
Proposed by Sam Hunter
Classification – Banking
Key Bank, Vice-President

Kelley Caldwell
Proposed by Bill Cosgrove
Classification – Blood Bank Management
Cascade Regional Blood Services

Dis Here, yust in from Ole:
An den, yust a final note about da Valentine’s Day party ol’ Torvald got himself invited to. He’s been livin’ up on a lake in da dang Nort Woods ever since Ulla Bergdahl-Dahlberg-Svensen-Svanson-Jensen-Johnson (what is Clint Johnson’s cousin twice removed) left him.  She vanted to go to Broadway and dem Big City lights an’ her big b…b…b…blue eyes took her dere! Anyvay, Torvald looked out across da frozen lake last Friday morning and dere vus dis here guy a’trudgin’ tovard his cabin.  Ol’ Torvald velcomes him inta da cabin and da guy sez, “I come ta invite ya to my Valentines party tonight at my place across da dang lake. But I vant ta varn ya, dere’s gonna be some drinkin!” “Val, Ay ain’t touched a drop in six months so I might just go fer some hooch,” replies Torvald. Da guy den says, “Val, after da drinkin’ dere’s usually a fight what breaks out.” Torvald stretches himself up to his full 6’2” inches and says, “Ay can handle myself pretty good.  I bin splittin’ wood all winter long so far.” Den da guy he  sez, “After da drinkin’ and da fightin’ dere’ll no doubt be some sex – pretty vild sex, too!” Ol Torvald’s eyes light up and he sez, “Bay Dang! Ay ban alone fer the last six months.  Ay ban up for some’a dat sex, fer shure!”  “Okey den,” sez da guy, “I’ll see ya tonight!” Ol’ Torvald, he sez, “Ya shure – say what should I wear?” Da guy sez, “It don’t make no never mind. Dere’ll yust be da two of us!”

Dat’s about it, fer now. Ole