MEETING RECAP
On this Day in History
Sunday, October 10, 2021
By: Donn IrwinDistrict 5020 Governor Visit for 2021
The Lakewood Key
It all began with the ringing of the bell by President Jim at 12:31 PM.
Then it got different. Traditionally, the Club would honor the visiting District Governor (DG) from Canada with a rousing “O Canada” ……...not this time. Immediate Past DG (our very own Greg Horn) arranged for a wonderful ditty praising our northern neighbors’ wonderful traits. It was fun. It was humorous and it was taken in stride by our honored guest.
President Jim Rooks bypassed the pledge and went right to the invocation. Said words were delivered by Past President Scott Buser.
On this day in history:…1480 - Great Stand on the Ugra river: Standoff between forces of Akhmat Khan, Khan of the Great Horde and Ivan III, Grand Prince of all Russia, ends with a Tatar-Mongol retreat, leading to the disintegration of the Horde.
Making the Meeting happen today: In Person/Zoom Hybrid- Meeting set-up: Leanna Christian (Past President Gayle Selden was in the house doing the job today), Rob Erb, Tom George, Terry Roarke, Greg Rediske, James Osundwa.
Recording of fines: John Lowney
Bulletin Writer: Donn Irwin; Bulletin Photographer: Walt Richardson
$2.00 Desk and Sgt at Arms: Chuck Hellar
Foundation Desk: Bud Montgomery
Visiting Rotarians: District Governor (DG) Lorna Curtis, Assistant Governor (AG)Tony Camoroda.
Guests of Rotarians: Wendy McGowan introduced her daughter, Megan. Carl Bronkema introduced his wife Veronica. Shiru Osundwa was a guest on Zoom.
Above: Andy Phillips, Photo by Walt Richardson
Andy then gave us a thumbnail sketch of his life, which included his being born in Boston and raised in the area. He lived on the East coast for most of his early life. He has a Masters degree and is married to Donna. He served as an officer in the US Public Health Service and has been an administrator for the developmentally disabled. Andy has been a Rotarian before – for about 30 years. He plays basketball about 3 times a week, tennis 5 times a week and jogs in his spare time. He enjoys traveling and reading and expects to be a very active Rotarian. (Note: This writer tried to get everything down correctly but may have inadvertently missed some things. Please feel free to check with either Andy or Donna to confirm the accuracy of the above information and/or to fill out the details).
1945 – The microwave oven is patented by US inventor Percy Spencer
The Puffins in attendance that I saw were: Carl Bronkema (he who ran up to the dais to gladly pass his stuffed Puffin along to newbie Andy), Bob Martin, Wendy McGowan, James Osundwa and, of course, Andy Phillips. Puffins zooming in: Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Steve Saalfeld.
Sunshine: Donnnnnnn Irwin (yes me) was back at a meeting, live and in person. Bob Zawilski reported that his wife, Marilyn, was out of surgery and is doing fine.
1956 – Yankees pitcher Don Larsen throws a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
1957 – Brooklyn Dodgers announce move to Los Angeles (no connection between these two events?)
Announcements: Sally Porter Smith made two announcements: Help for Afghan refugee families and Community Veterans. Bill Potter asked for help with Hudtloff Middle School Cross Country. See the end of this bulletin for details, thanks to Sally and Bill.
Fines and Generous Giving: Bud Montgomery paid money for the privilege of taking his grandson fishing on the Puyallup. His grandson caught 3 pinks. Donnnnnnn Irwin (me again) paid money for being happy to be back amongst all of you, a birthday, and anniversary and the birth of a great grandchild – great granddaughter Drew Ivy. Mary Marlin paid money to thank Rob Erb for giving up his time share at the coast for the auction – she had a great time using it. Troy Wilcox, also happy to be back amongst us after a very hectic opening of the new Emerald Queen Casino, paid up for a vacation in the Dominican Republic.
Above: Bud Montgomery’s proud grandson; Photo credit to Greg Rediske
1944 – The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet debut on CBS Radio.
The Program:
Assistant Governor Tony Camoroda introduced our speaker, District Governor Lorna Curtis.
DG Curtis has been a Rotarian since 1997. Her education is in Public Administration.
DG Lorna recognized past DGs Greg (and Mary) Horn as well as Gordy Quick. She also mentioned that she loves the little food pantries.
The DG confessed that the best part of being DG is the club visits. Conversely, worst part of being the DG is… the club visits.
She challenged us by asking us to ask the questions: On the Rotary road are you a driver, a passenger or a navigator? Or are you a RINO – Rotarian in name only? Are you a Rotarian or just a member of a Rotary Club?
DG Lorna doesn’t want us to go back to the way it was before the pandemic hit but rather that we experience the new that has come out of all that has happened. She believes that Rotary needs to be more inclusive.
Her first Rotary meeting happened when she was 41 years old and she was nervous. After looking around she decided that by joining the Rotary Club she could lower the average age to 75. She found that Rotarians were friendly, caring and that they followed up with her. She didn’t have money (single mom raising several kids) but she offered time and work talent. Within 5 years she became Club President. The Club gave her her first Paul Harris.
This segued nicely into a promotion for the Paul Harris Foundation and becoming a major donor which led into a plug for the next District Conference to be held in……Victoria BC.
We are 8 months without a case of wild polio anywhere in the world!!!
DG Lorna then told a story of 10 Rotary clubs getting together to raise money for “a project”. The fact that they didn’t have “a project” yet didn’t stop them. They raised a bunch of money and then decided to gather food from local sources that was about to be sent to the landfill (blemished fruit, about-to-expire packaged goods, etc.), clean up the gleaned goods and redistribute the food to the food insecure. Today thousands of pounds of food have been consumed by people that need it rather than the landfills being enlarged.
In closing, District Governor Curtis encouraged us to: bring in a new member, participate in a fundraiser and attend a Rotary social event.
Above: Our 2021-2022 DG, Lorna Curtis; Photo by Walt Richardson
Sigourney Weaver, Matt Damon and Chevy Chase were all born on October 8th.
President Rooks rang the bell at 1:20 p.m. to close the meeting. Jim Sharp won the right to draw for a red chip worth over $600.00. He drew a white chip worth $5.00.
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland—former Mayor of Tacoma-- is next week’s speaker.
And one for Ole: 1901 - Eivind Groven Norwegian composer and ethnomusicologist born in Eidsborg Norway.
Important messages from Sally Porter Smith and Bill Potter:
1. Event: Community Veterans Stand Down / Job Fair / Supply Drop
Date: November 13-14, 2021
Location: The Greater Tacoma Convention Center
1500 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402
Time: 9:00AM - 3:00 PM
What is a Community VETERANS STAND DOWN?
Stand Down is military terminology referring to the brief period of time a service member leaves an active combat area in order to rest and regain strength. This event offers Veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness a chance to rest from the weariness of life’s challenges they face daily.
This is an opportunity for the residents and business owners of Pierce County to take a positive proactive approach towards creating a community that fosters prosperity, over poverty by offering a “hand up, not hand out” philosophy. Patriotism without Politics, just direct results.
Free clothing and equipment will be distributed to unhoused veterans, Free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available along with the following services and resources.
Contact for more info:
Liam Riley
American Military Families Action Network
Direct: 253-988-2976
liam@usavet.org
WWW.USAVET.ORG
2. Update on Afghan Refugee Settlement programs:
Received an email from Twin Cities Rotary Club, Chehalis. They are interested in partnering with other Rotary Clubs to support the relocation of Afghan Refugees.
Washington state is expecting to receive more than 1,600 Afghan evacuees from a group of nearly 37,000 settling across the United States, according to the State Department. The evacuees are coming to seven cities in the state, according to information sent Wednesday to Gov. Jay Inslee's office. (TNT)
Here’s how many evacuees are coming to each of the seven cities:
Kent: 600 Greater Seattle: 575 Spokane: 300 Auburn: 105 Vancouver: 49 Richland: 40
Tacoma: 10
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
Current requests: LIRS has some city-specific requests but Tacoma is not listed. In general, their priorities are for housing and financial donations
https://www.lirs.org/
Desperate need: FOSTER AFGHAN REFUGEE CHILDREN
Foster families are urgently needed to support the increase of unaccompanied migrant children coming to the United States, including those from Afghanistan. We ask that you and your family consider this opportunity to serve and help migrant children in need of a loving home.
From Past President Bill Potter:
Rotarians, please see the note below regarding a request for volunteers to serve as course marshals at cross country events for the next several weeks, at Ft. Steilacoom. Note that Brandi has also offered to have her team volunteer for work parties at the Western Washington Wildlife Refuge. For more information or to sign up, please feel free to contact Brandi directly at her email (below).
I am the cross-country coach at Hudtloff Middle School and we would love to chat about a few things and what we could help with. I also wanted to ask about the possibility of Rotary having volunteers that may be able to help us with our Middle school cross country meets at Fort Steilacoom Park. We have meets for 7 teams every Friday until November 5th beginning at 3:45 and finishing around 4:45. I am the sole meet host every week and am always hunting for reliable volunteers to serve as course marshals to ensure the safety of our athletes and youth. We have an amazing program and would love to find out if there are any people or groups that may be able to help us out.
-Brandi R Swortz ( FLOSSFAIRY@COMCAST.NET )
Making the Meeting happen today: In Person/Zoom Hybrid- Meeting set-up: Leanna Christian (Past President Gayle Selden was in the house doing the job today), Rob Erb, Tom George, Terry Roarke, Greg Rediske, James Osundwa.
Recording of fines: John Lowney
Bulletin Writer: Donn Irwin; Bulletin Photographer: Walt Richardson
$2.00 Desk and Sgt at Arms: Chuck Hellar
Foundation Desk: Bud Montgomery
Visiting Rotarians: District Governor (DG) Lorna Curtis, Assistant Governor (AG)Tony Camoroda.
Guests of Rotarians: Wendy McGowan introduced her daughter, Megan. Carl Bronkema introduced his wife Veronica. Shiru Osundwa was a guest on Zoom.
1769 Captain James Cook lands in New Zealand at Poverty Bay on the East Coast of the North Island
Foundation giving this week was $280.00. Nice work.
1908 – Paul Van Buskirk Yoder – a composer was born in Tacoma WA. (Died 1990)
A special event for a new member happened right before our eyes. President Jim turned the duty and the honor of introducing a new member over to (DG) Lorna. The DG handled the job of inducting new member Andy Phillips (husband of member Donna) with aplomb. President Jim then regained the mic and gave Andy all of the info he needs to know to be a member of Lakewood Rotary along with an invoice for membership dues.Foundation giving this week was $280.00. Nice work.
1908 – Paul Van Buskirk Yoder – a composer was born in Tacoma WA. (Died 1990)
Above: Andy Phillips, Photo by Walt Richardson
Andy then gave us a thumbnail sketch of his life, which included his being born in Boston and raised in the area. He lived on the East coast for most of his early life. He has a Masters degree and is married to Donna. He served as an officer in the US Public Health Service and has been an administrator for the developmentally disabled. Andy has been a Rotarian before – for about 30 years. He plays basketball about 3 times a week, tennis 5 times a week and jogs in his spare time. He enjoys traveling and reading and expects to be a very active Rotarian. (Note: This writer tried to get everything down correctly but may have inadvertently missed some things. Please feel free to check with either Andy or Donna to confirm the accuracy of the above information and/or to fill out the details).
1945 – The microwave oven is patented by US inventor Percy Spencer
The Puffins in attendance that I saw were: Carl Bronkema (he who ran up to the dais to gladly pass his stuffed Puffin along to newbie Andy), Bob Martin, Wendy McGowan, James Osundwa and, of course, Andy Phillips. Puffins zooming in: Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Steve Saalfeld.
Sunshine: Donnnnnnn Irwin (yes me) was back at a meeting, live and in person. Bob Zawilski reported that his wife, Marilyn, was out of surgery and is doing fine.
1956 – Yankees pitcher Don Larsen throws a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
1957 – Brooklyn Dodgers announce move to Los Angeles (no connection between these two events?)
Announcements: Sally Porter Smith made two announcements: Help for Afghan refugee families and Community Veterans. Bill Potter asked for help with Hudtloff Middle School Cross Country. See the end of this bulletin for details, thanks to Sally and Bill.
Fines and Generous Giving: Bud Montgomery paid money for the privilege of taking his grandson fishing on the Puyallup. His grandson caught 3 pinks. Donnnnnnn Irwin (me again) paid money for being happy to be back amongst all of you, a birthday, and anniversary and the birth of a great grandchild – great granddaughter Drew Ivy. Mary Marlin paid money to thank Rob Erb for giving up his time share at the coast for the auction – she had a great time using it. Troy Wilcox, also happy to be back amongst us after a very hectic opening of the new Emerald Queen Casino, paid up for a vacation in the Dominican Republic.
Above: Bud Montgomery’s proud grandson; Photo credit to Greg Rediske
1944 – The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet debut on CBS Radio.
The Program:
Assistant Governor Tony Camoroda introduced our speaker, District Governor Lorna Curtis.
DG Curtis has been a Rotarian since 1997. Her education is in Public Administration.
DG Lorna recognized past DGs Greg (and Mary) Horn as well as Gordy Quick. She also mentioned that she loves the little food pantries.
The DG confessed that the best part of being DG is the club visits. Conversely, worst part of being the DG is… the club visits.
She challenged us by asking us to ask the questions: On the Rotary road are you a driver, a passenger or a navigator? Or are you a RINO – Rotarian in name only? Are you a Rotarian or just a member of a Rotary Club?
DG Lorna doesn’t want us to go back to the way it was before the pandemic hit but rather that we experience the new that has come out of all that has happened. She believes that Rotary needs to be more inclusive.
Her first Rotary meeting happened when she was 41 years old and she was nervous. After looking around she decided that by joining the Rotary Club she could lower the average age to 75. She found that Rotarians were friendly, caring and that they followed up with her. She didn’t have money (single mom raising several kids) but she offered time and work talent. Within 5 years she became Club President. The Club gave her her first Paul Harris.
This segued nicely into a promotion for the Paul Harris Foundation and becoming a major donor which led into a plug for the next District Conference to be held in……Victoria BC.
We are 8 months without a case of wild polio anywhere in the world!!!
DG Lorna then told a story of 10 Rotary clubs getting together to raise money for “a project”. The fact that they didn’t have “a project” yet didn’t stop them. They raised a bunch of money and then decided to gather food from local sources that was about to be sent to the landfill (blemished fruit, about-to-expire packaged goods, etc.), clean up the gleaned goods and redistribute the food to the food insecure. Today thousands of pounds of food have been consumed by people that need it rather than the landfills being enlarged.
In closing, District Governor Curtis encouraged us to: bring in a new member, participate in a fundraiser and attend a Rotary social event.
Above: Our 2021-2022 DG, Lorna Curtis; Photo by Walt Richardson
Sigourney Weaver, Matt Damon and Chevy Chase were all born on October 8th.
President Rooks rang the bell at 1:20 p.m. to close the meeting. Jim Sharp won the right to draw for a red chip worth over $600.00. He drew a white chip worth $5.00.
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland—former Mayor of Tacoma-- is next week’s speaker.
And one for Ole: 1901 - Eivind Groven Norwegian composer and ethnomusicologist born in Eidsborg Norway.
Important messages from Sally Porter Smith and Bill Potter:
1. Event: Community Veterans Stand Down / Job Fair / Supply Drop
Date: November 13-14, 2021
Location: The Greater Tacoma Convention Center
1500 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402
Time: 9:00AM - 3:00 PM
What is a Community VETERANS STAND DOWN?
Stand Down is military terminology referring to the brief period of time a service member leaves an active combat area in order to rest and regain strength. This event offers Veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness a chance to rest from the weariness of life’s challenges they face daily.
This is an opportunity for the residents and business owners of Pierce County to take a positive proactive approach towards creating a community that fosters prosperity, over poverty by offering a “hand up, not hand out” philosophy. Patriotism without Politics, just direct results.
Free clothing and equipment will be distributed to unhoused veterans, Free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available along with the following services and resources.
- Clothing
- Shelter/Housing Information
- Information for the Disabled
- Medical Screenings
- Mental Health Screenings
- Legal Services
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Certification of Eligibility
- VA Claims & Benefit Information
- Substance Abuse Treatment Info
- HIV/AIDS Information
- SNAP (Food Stamps) Information
- Help with DD214
- Services for Women Veterans
- Survival Benefits
- Duffle Bags (for those that qualify)
Contact for more info:
Liam Riley
American Military Families Action Network
Direct: 253-988-2976
liam@usavet.org
WWW.USAVET.ORG
2. Update on Afghan Refugee Settlement programs:
Received an email from Twin Cities Rotary Club, Chehalis. They are interested in partnering with other Rotary Clubs to support the relocation of Afghan Refugees.
Washington state is expecting to receive more than 1,600 Afghan evacuees from a group of nearly 37,000 settling across the United States, according to the State Department. The evacuees are coming to seven cities in the state, according to information sent Wednesday to Gov. Jay Inslee's office. (TNT)
Here’s how many evacuees are coming to each of the seven cities:
Kent: 600 Greater Seattle: 575 Spokane: 300 Auburn: 105 Vancouver: 49 Richland: 40
Tacoma: 10
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
Current requests: LIRS has some city-specific requests but Tacoma is not listed. In general, their priorities are for housing and financial donations
https://www.lirs.org/
Desperate need: FOSTER AFGHAN REFUGEE CHILDREN
Foster families are urgently needed to support the increase of unaccompanied migrant children coming to the United States, including those from Afghanistan. We ask that you and your family consider this opportunity to serve and help migrant children in need of a loving home.
From Past President Bill Potter:
Rotarians, please see the note below regarding a request for volunteers to serve as course marshals at cross country events for the next several weeks, at Ft. Steilacoom. Note that Brandi has also offered to have her team volunteer for work parties at the Western Washington Wildlife Refuge. For more information or to sign up, please feel free to contact Brandi directly at her email (below).
I am the cross-country coach at Hudtloff Middle School and we would love to chat about a few things and what we could help with. I also wanted to ask about the possibility of Rotary having volunteers that may be able to help us with our Middle school cross country meets at Fort Steilacoom Park. We have meets for 7 teams every Friday until November 5th beginning at 3:45 and finishing around 4:45. I am the sole meet host every week and am always hunting for reliable volunteers to serve as course marshals to ensure the safety of our athletes and youth. We have an amazing program and would love to find out if there are any people or groups that may be able to help us out.
-Brandi R Swortz ( FLOSSFAIRY@COMCAST.NET )
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