MEETING RECAP
Sunday, September 5, 2021
By: Joseph F. QuinnNew Sheriff in Town!
THE LAKEWOOD KEY for September 3, 2021
President Jim Rooks is settling into his role as the new sheriff in town, as he ably led our second “hybrid” meeting at Tacoma Country and Golf Club, with numerous members and guests participating remotely in the simultaneous Zoom meeting. There were even participants in Nairobi!
Above: The New Sheriff
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 55th 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.
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 55th 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.
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