MEETING RECAP
Sunday, September 19, 2021
By: Paula T. OlsonC4 – What Is It?
By Paula T. Olson and Mary Marlin
[Hint: It is not the explosive]
Our fearless leader opened the meeting at the appointed time and Paula Olson said an appropriate invocation. President Rooks called on Gary Fulton to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pres. Rooks announced the set up group, including Rob Erb, Tom George, Greg Rediske, Terry Roarke and James Osundwa. Pres. Jim said we are in desperate need of set up help. These guys can’t keep doing it all week after week so, come on, people, call Rob Erb and find out how you can help. Mary Horn was going to collect fines until John Lowney showed up. Paula Olson and Mary Marlin are writing the bulletin with Joe Quinn as the editor. Blame him for any and all errors. Walt Richardson was official photographer and Chuck Hellar was at the front desk, with Carol Wier collecting $2.00 for every raffle ticket. Kendra Riconosciuto womaned the Foundation desk.
Sadly, we had no visiting Rotarians. We had a couple of guests: Angela Connolly who is looking us over to see if we will be a good match, Syndey Balogh, a friend (and another possible member) of Kendra R., and Mary Horn brought Bob Martin, a Past President of the Monroe club, who will be inducted soon into Lakewood Rotary. Puffins in attendance were Carl Bronkema, Steve Saalfeld, James Osundwa (although Pres. Jim said he’s been around so much it’s hard to think of him as a Puffin) Wendy McGowan and Anthony Veliz.
Steve Enquist continued his presentation of Paul Harrises from the past year or so. Tom George received his third Paul Harris and Don Daniels also received his third Paul Harris. Thank you both for your generosity! Steve announced that since we’ve been in person at meetings, over $2,000 has been donated. There was no Sunshine report and Pres Jim still needs a taker for that job.
Greg Horn and Bob Martin did double duty announcing the birthdays and anniversaries for the month.
Walt Richardson has been a member of the club as long as I’ve been alive – 37 years. (Never trust a journalist or an attorney—The Editor). Wow Walt --such commitment. For wedding anniversaries, Mark and Joan Blanchard have been married 45 years, Greg and Mary Horn for 45 years. Greg chipped in $1.00 per year for both of them or $90 total. Scott and Kathy Buser for 46 years, Wynn and Margie Hoffman for 53 years, Rick and Sharon Selden for 53 years and ? and ? for 64 years. You'll have to guess... as the writer could not hear all that on the Zoom. Prize goes to the first to guess.
In honor of our club doing “something peculiar” on birthdays, Bob Martin had the birthday members tell us the fastest you have ever driven and if you can match his top speed you don’t have to pay a fine. Dave Coleman said 115 mph and he paid a fine, Mark Blanchard went 145 mph, the same speed as Bob, but on Highway 512 going to Parkland. Mark should get a prize for a) living to tell the story and b) not getting a ticket. Bob did his speed in a Volvo sports car on the Autobahn so that should hardly count at all. Greg Horn went 135 mph across country in a Porsche AND he took a picture of the speedometer to prove it. (yes, that means he was driving 135 with one hand on the wheel.)
President Rooks asked if anyone had information to share. Here is some of the information: South Tacoma Rotary is doing a Dinner, cocktails and Putt Putt Golf tournament coming up soon. See Jim for sign up forms. Kendra Riconosciuto reminded the club that there will be a peanut butter collecting opportunity at the Steilacoom Blvd. Safeway. Some have already signed up to volunteer, but the slot from 1 to 3 is still available. On the 25th there are also spots to fill. Check in with Kendra if you love peanut butter...okay collecting peanut butter.
Heritage Bank has closed some banks due to covid issues. Check before you go. Jim Sharp mentioned that AEDs have been placed in several community places such as Steilacoom Park to help those who may be challenged with heart issues. Awards like the Larry Saunders Award and generous donors like The Selden Family and West Pierce donations have helped to make these AEDs available. https://thesubtimes.com/?s=AEDs+Fort+Steilacoom+Park is the link to the article in The Suburban Times. Check the internet for the video showing lots of volunteers helping. Jason Whalen suggested you sample the beverages on the beer trucks and other trucks at the Lakewood Colonial Center next Saturday, the 25th.
Hot off the press, Peter Marsh announced that minutes ago the FDA Advisory Panel approved Pfizer Covid 19 booster shots for everyone 65 or older, but not for those 64 or younger. He also made the comment that if anyone has an issue about fetal cells being used in the development of the vaccine, then they need to be aware that such cells were also used in the development of Tylenol, Tums, Pepto Bismo, and his personal favority--- Preparation H. As to the Puffin update check in, James Osundwa had his Puffin "secured" on the counter in the back of the room, while Carl Bronkema had no clue where his Puffin buddy was. People have been arrested for such negligence of their dependents but he did pay $50 for his lost Puffin. I think James got the Good to Go card. Lucky break!
[Paula then handed the baton to Mary Marlin]
THE PROGRAM: C4
Mary Horn then gave a warm introduction for Kendra Riconosciuto, her newly appointed President/Coordinator of the Community Calendar Coordination Committee, better known as the C4 organization. There is much fascination about this committee! Let it be known that it was initially organized at Donna Phillips's party, which I know is a happenin' event. When Mary realized that Lakewood and Puyallup had major events like Sportsman's Dinner on the same day as a major Puyallup Rotary event, she knew something had to change. And she did! She also invited Kendra to be secretary (now promoted to President/Coordinator) and to take some notes and keep them on track. With that, Kendra's life story was outed which gave us interesting information we didn't know. Yes, she was sponsored by Greg Horn in Rotary in 2018 when she joined Lakewood Rotary. She has been a successful financial advisor with several firms. She grew up in Lacey and now lives in Steilacoom with her husband and two children, ages 7 and 5. An unknown fact is that she lived in Vegas and sold cars for four years. With her name a little difficult Mary suggested you remember Turner, her maiden name, and prosciutto , then put the two together. Or was that rigatoni? Mary also suggested you give Kendra extra time to get to a meeting and her Zodiac name would be Old Souls which definitely addresses her thoughtfulness toward others and her enjoyment of new friendships.
So let's take a look at C4. Yes, Community Calendar Coordination Committee! The need for getting the community together regarding events, to help each other with specific tasks, to learn about the objectives of each organization and to personally know all members involved was the initial reason for getting these clubs/school districts/ service groups/colleges/youth organizations/ JBLM/non-profit organizations and partnerships more organized together with common goals. The specific Mission of C4 is to improve coordination of community events. The Goals are to reduce overlapping of events and to collaborate and share resources. As Kendra mentioned, you learn so much from all these organizations. There are now more than 20 involved! They meet at different places...no longer just for breakfast at a restaurant. The meetings are every other month and are now meeting live. What one club may need, others provide. Opportunities become available. Even with the covid challenge, organizations helped one another solve problems that seemed unsolvable. This open dialogue has brought the community closer in two years than would ever have been realized unless two amazing women had taken charge! Well done!
Here are some examples of how C4 has handled challenges. Nourish, run by Sue Potter, addressed the need for soup to be available to her needy community members. C4 stepped in to help. Bikes were going to be trashed since others didn't know what to do. C4 stepped in. A boutique for young girls who wished to have some new clothing was handled by Coffee Oasis who had clothes offered to them and they shared the wealth. Clover Park Technical College wanted to help folks and a grant was given immediately at one of their C4 meetings! Rotaract and Pierce College are together solving problems that they could not have managed alone. Communities in Schools connected seniors who sewed masks to community members who had none. And there is now a Podcast to connect military folks with needed information from the community. Yes, change can happen with resourcefulness, intention and attention to detail.
Several members, after hearing of the amazing progress in the two years C4 has been working, congratulated Kendra and Mary Horn on the amazing work that has been done in such a short time. Kendra mentioned that some projects are not advertised and need not be put in the public sphere. Steve Saalfeld suggested that maybe a C5 or C6 may be next! Anne Enquist suggested Facebook or another website. She also volunteered to help! Andrew Kruse who has been a major player in C4 congratulated Kendra on her presentation. Nicole Hancock suggested a Board Meeting discussion would be helpful. Kendra agreed. With that, warm applause was given and Kendra welcomed all to join C4!! An exciting opportunity to give back in any way you can!!
The meeting was then adjourned by President Jim Rooks. Nice hat, Sheriff! Till next time....... Yours truly, Mary Marlin
Steve Enquist continued his presentation of Paul Harrises from the past year or so. Tom George received his third Paul Harris and Don Daniels also received his third Paul Harris. Thank you both for your generosity! Steve announced that since we’ve been in person at meetings, over $2,000 has been donated. There was no Sunshine report and Pres Jim still needs a taker for that job.
Greg Horn and Bob Martin did double duty announcing the birthdays and anniversaries for the month.
Walt Richardson has been a member of the club as long as I’ve been alive – 37 years. (Never trust a journalist or an attorney—The Editor). Wow Walt --such commitment. For wedding anniversaries, Mark and Joan Blanchard have been married 45 years, Greg and Mary Horn for 45 years. Greg chipped in $1.00 per year for both of them or $90 total. Scott and Kathy Buser for 46 years, Wynn and Margie Hoffman for 53 years, Rick and Sharon Selden for 53 years and ? and ? for 64 years. You'll have to guess... as the writer could not hear all that on the Zoom. Prize goes to the first to guess.
In honor of our club doing “something peculiar” on birthdays, Bob Martin had the birthday members tell us the fastest you have ever driven and if you can match his top speed you don’t have to pay a fine. Dave Coleman said 115 mph and he paid a fine, Mark Blanchard went 145 mph, the same speed as Bob, but on Highway 512 going to Parkland. Mark should get a prize for a) living to tell the story and b) not getting a ticket. Bob did his speed in a Volvo sports car on the Autobahn so that should hardly count at all. Greg Horn went 135 mph across country in a Porsche AND he took a picture of the speedometer to prove it. (yes, that means he was driving 135 with one hand on the wheel.)
President Rooks asked if anyone had information to share. Here is some of the information: South Tacoma Rotary is doing a Dinner, cocktails and Putt Putt Golf tournament coming up soon. See Jim for sign up forms. Kendra Riconosciuto reminded the club that there will be a peanut butter collecting opportunity at the Steilacoom Blvd. Safeway. Some have already signed up to volunteer, but the slot from 1 to 3 is still available. On the 25th there are also spots to fill. Check in with Kendra if you love peanut butter...okay collecting peanut butter.
Heritage Bank has closed some banks due to covid issues. Check before you go. Jim Sharp mentioned that AEDs have been placed in several community places such as Steilacoom Park to help those who may be challenged with heart issues. Awards like the Larry Saunders Award and generous donors like The Selden Family and West Pierce donations have helped to make these AEDs available. https://thesubtimes.com/?s=AEDs+Fort+Steilacoom+Park is the link to the article in The Suburban Times. Check the internet for the video showing lots of volunteers helping. Jason Whalen suggested you sample the beverages on the beer trucks and other trucks at the Lakewood Colonial Center next Saturday, the 25th.
Hot off the press, Peter Marsh announced that minutes ago the FDA Advisory Panel approved Pfizer Covid 19 booster shots for everyone 65 or older, but not for those 64 or younger. He also made the comment that if anyone has an issue about fetal cells being used in the development of the vaccine, then they need to be aware that such cells were also used in the development of Tylenol, Tums, Pepto Bismo, and his personal favority--- Preparation H. As to the Puffin update check in, James Osundwa had his Puffin "secured" on the counter in the back of the room, while Carl Bronkema had no clue where his Puffin buddy was. People have been arrested for such negligence of their dependents but he did pay $50 for his lost Puffin. I think James got the Good to Go card. Lucky break!
[Paula then handed the baton to Mary Marlin]
THE PROGRAM: C4
Mary Horn then gave a warm introduction for Kendra Riconosciuto, her newly appointed President/Coordinator of the Community Calendar Coordination Committee, better known as the C4 organization. There is much fascination about this committee! Let it be known that it was initially organized at Donna Phillips's party, which I know is a happenin' event. When Mary realized that Lakewood and Puyallup had major events like Sportsman's Dinner on the same day as a major Puyallup Rotary event, she knew something had to change. And she did! She also invited Kendra to be secretary (now promoted to President/Coordinator) and to take some notes and keep them on track. With that, Kendra's life story was outed which gave us interesting information we didn't know. Yes, she was sponsored by Greg Horn in Rotary in 2018 when she joined Lakewood Rotary. She has been a successful financial advisor with several firms. She grew up in Lacey and now lives in Steilacoom with her husband and two children, ages 7 and 5. An unknown fact is that she lived in Vegas and sold cars for four years. With her name a little difficult Mary suggested you remember Turner, her maiden name, and prosciutto , then put the two together. Or was that rigatoni? Mary also suggested you give Kendra extra time to get to a meeting and her Zodiac name would be Old Souls which definitely addresses her thoughtfulness toward others and her enjoyment of new friendships.
So let's take a look at C4. Yes, Community Calendar Coordination Committee! The need for getting the community together regarding events, to help each other with specific tasks, to learn about the objectives of each organization and to personally know all members involved was the initial reason for getting these clubs/school districts/ service groups/colleges/youth organizations/ JBLM/non-profit organizations and partnerships more organized together with common goals. The specific Mission of C4 is to improve coordination of community events. The Goals are to reduce overlapping of events and to collaborate and share resources. As Kendra mentioned, you learn so much from all these organizations. There are now more than 20 involved! They meet at different places...no longer just for breakfast at a restaurant. The meetings are every other month and are now meeting live. What one club may need, others provide. Opportunities become available. Even with the covid challenge, organizations helped one another solve problems that seemed unsolvable. This open dialogue has brought the community closer in two years than would ever have been realized unless two amazing women had taken charge! Well done!
Here are some examples of how C4 has handled challenges. Nourish, run by Sue Potter, addressed the need for soup to be available to her needy community members. C4 stepped in to help. Bikes were going to be trashed since others didn't know what to do. C4 stepped in. A boutique for young girls who wished to have some new clothing was handled by Coffee Oasis who had clothes offered to them and they shared the wealth. Clover Park Technical College wanted to help folks and a grant was given immediately at one of their C4 meetings! Rotaract and Pierce College are together solving problems that they could not have managed alone. Communities in Schools connected seniors who sewed masks to community members who had none. And there is now a Podcast to connect military folks with needed information from the community. Yes, change can happen with resourcefulness, intention and attention to detail.
Several members, after hearing of the amazing progress in the two years C4 has been working, congratulated Kendra and Mary Horn on the amazing work that has been done in such a short time. Kendra mentioned that some projects are not advertised and need not be put in the public sphere. Steve Saalfeld suggested that maybe a C5 or C6 may be next! Anne Enquist suggested Facebook or another website. She also volunteered to help! Andrew Kruse who has been a major player in C4 congratulated Kendra on her presentation. Nicole Hancock suggested a Board Meeting discussion would be helpful. Kendra agreed. With that, warm applause was given and Kendra welcomed all to join C4!! An exciting opportunity to give back in any way you can!!
The meeting was then adjourned by President Jim Rooks. Nice hat, Sheriff! Till next time....... Yours truly, Mary Marlin
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