MEETING RECAP
Sunday, July 11, 2021
By: Joseph F. QuinnLAKEWOOD – A REAL COMMUNITY
THE LAKEWOOD KEY FOR JULY 9, 2021
President Jim Rooks called his second meeting of the new Rotary Year to order right on time. He called upon Bob Hammar who gave a fine invocation. Jan Gee led us well in the Pledge to our flag.
President Jim then asked for a moment of silence to honor Ward Fletcher, who passed away earlier this week. Rick Selden then delivered a brief eulogy of Ward, noting that this quiet-spoken Rotarian always worked on projects. Ward never raised his voice; he just did his job, Rick said. On the Fort Steilacoom Playground project, Ward organized all of the food for the scores of volunteers. A big job for sure. He always helped at the Courage Classic rest stop up near Leavenworth, bringing his motor home to provide security. Ward was the epitome of service. (Ed. Note: Ward was the most humble person you’d ever want to meet. He had earned many, many Paul Harris awards but never wanted anyone to mention how many, as he did not do it for the recognition at all.)
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 27th 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 3rd Tuesday, the 4th Wednesday and the 4th 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.
(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 27th 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 3rd Tuesday, the 4th Wednesday and the 4th 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.
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