MEETING RECAP
Gathering to Make a Difference
Sunday, October 24, 2021
By: Mary MarlinGathering to Make a Difference
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
For October 22, 2021
And the meeting began.....gently startling my coffee cup right after the intentional ding of the opening bell. Welcome, Lakewood Rotarians! President Jim Rooks called the meeting to order and asked Clint Johnson to give our invocation. Soon after, Peter Marsh then invited fellow Rotarians and guests to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Rooks then mentioned that many days have been given special names like National Nut Day, Dog Day, Mole Day, Boston Cream Pie Day (a favorite), and Make a Difference Day in March (always needed). So today we will also Make a Difference by assembling, working for the common good and enjoying our time together.
Above: Making the meeting happen, this picture includes Bud Montgomery at PH desk, Chuck Hellar at the raffle table, and Mary Marlin waving about bulletin writing. John Lowney, fine fine recorder, is trying to discern if he has the $2 for a raffle ticket. I bet he does. Phil Eng, our photog for the day, gets credit for this one. Dave Hall, Sergeant at Arms, is not shown here but he was there.
Making the meeting happen and helping with set-up was Leanna Christian, Rob Erb, Tom George, James Osundwa, Greg Rediske and Terry Roarke. It makes you appreciate how many energetic people it takes to make a meeting happen both in house and with zoom availability!
Tony Camoroda, our AD Governor, was welcomed by the club as well as Angela Connelly, and Mrs. Bronkema, wife of Carl, who will soon be a new member of the club! The new Puffins were asked to stand and were applauded for their energy in joining our special membership. They were: Jessica James, Dave Hall, Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff, Steve Saalfeld, Connie Colman-Lacadie, Jamie Simons, Wendy McGowan, Anthony Veliz, Bob Martin and Andy Phillips. Great to have them here! Eric Warn had no Sunshine news today which sometimes is good news.
Above: Our new Sunshine Chair, Eric Warn, had nothing to say (never true). Phil Eng photo.
Announcements were then made. Bob Bruback mentioned that the Community Concerns Committee had three grant requests. The first one was for the Lakewood Art Festival. The approval of $900 to promote the arts and encourage young people to learn more about opportunities they may want to pursue to advance their own artistic passions was given by all members. Last year 1600 people attended the festival. The second request was from Hope Sparks Family Services. This organization is 125 years old and has helped families deal with behavioral and emotional issues in their families as they reach out for assistance. Note that 4000 children were helped in 2020! Instead of the $500 requested, the committee felt more was needed and doubled the request to $1000 and all members approved. The third grant request was from Making a Difference Foundation and $2000 was requested for children in need of food or school supplies. Elderly and disabled adults are also helped by this organization and have had food delivered and given assistance as needed. The Rotarians then moved and seconded the request of $2000. (Under our bylaws, donations of $2000 or more need formal member approval.)
Rose Stevens spoke about World Service organization and the work they do with young Rotarians in Nepal who are daily wage workers and how this organization works to keep them in school and have needed supplies and food. Mary Horn was given recognition for her commitment to the Paul Harris Society by (as Greg Horn says), checking the box!
It was then time for Birthdays and Anniversaries. Greg Horn and Clint Johnson were the presenters ...and outers...of both Birthdays and Anniversaries which often carry a fine....just because. Clint suggested folks mention a special Halloween costume they may have loved to wear. Bob Bruback loved his lumberjack costume because he liked to carry the ax around. Mary Horn was nine months and two weeks pregnant and could only fit in the Rainier Beer Bottle costume one year. Gotta ask her about the M and M costume she didn't want to talk about. Hmm. Birthdays noted were Gordy Quick, Mary Horn, Bob Bruback, Charlie Hyde, Tom Sadler, Barb Spriggs, and Mike Zaro. Partner birthdays were Leanna Christian’s husband Dalles Christian and Jason Whalen’s wife Gael. Members who had anniversaries in Rotary were: Dave Hall, Bob Bruback, Chuck Hellar, Rose Stevens, Ed Shannon, Duncan Cook and Bob Zawilski. Wedding anniversaries were being celebrated by Dave Reames and Barbara for 20 years and John Lowney and Pam for 22 years.
Generous Giving:
President Rooks then mentioned that he knew of several people who had been tripping.....okay, going on trips. James Osundwa and his wife enjoyed 6 days in Cabo (not to be confused as some were, with Kabul). They had great fun and had time to unplug, reset and hydrate. $50 generously donated. Rob Erb drove across the country from Minnesota to Montana with snow and checked out a Project Corvette, I believe, in Minnesota. $50 generously donated. Greg Horn was touring upstate New York with Mary and Rose Stevens. Fall foliage was great. He donated $50. Steve Saalfeld visited his daughter at Trinity University in Texas and was amazed by the new football stadium with the giant screens. His daughter loves it there too. A $25 donation was given. Sally Porter Smith announced she is putting her house in Dupont up for sale because she is moving to Seattle the first of the year. She will continue to help with the auction this coming year and will be a consultant as needed. She offered to donate $25, but Jim Rooks jumped in and said he would pay because she has given so much time and effort and help to our club. Jan Gee also matched that amount and gave kudos to Sally for all her hard work as an amazing problem solver and great leader. Bill Potter donated $20 to Nourish to help supply food to 600 families. If you are a van driver, call him. Clint Johnson has traveled up and down the west coast to see his grandkids and mentioned that he is the president of Tacoma Arts and encourages all to attend the Rialto and Pantages. He has a 20% discount if you step up soon. He also welcomed the Puffins and is excited about the Christmas Party and Puffin participation he and John Korsmo will celebrate together with them. His donation of $100 was appreciated. Mary Horn donated, I believe, $20 for her birthday, $25 for Sally, and $50 to match Greg's donation. Very generous!
OUR PROGRAM:
Above: Mark Haskins of Pierce College/JBLM. Phil Eng photo.
Barlow Buescher then introduced our speaker of the day, Mark Haskins, the Executive Director of Pierce College at JBLM. Barlow has known Mark for some time and his admiration for Mark is that he offers steady, clear leadership with both students and colleagues alike. Mark appreciated Barlow's comments and gently apologized to Rotarians because he is in Kiwanis. All is forgiven and with that he enlightened us about the work that he is doing to help students stay on the educational path while working in positions at JBLM that often can be challenging. Mark came from a military family. His father was in the army and suggested that Mark join the Air Force. And the rest is history. A former USAF weapons systems officer, Mark had much experience in different fields. His goal was to serve military students and make the educational opportunities "friendlier" and more available. He is super proud of the attention that Pierce College has attained through 54 years of educating....at the top 5 list of colleges and in the top 10 on the list of best colleges. The Military award for Best for Vets in the US is quite an honor. The whole idea is to address the diverse learners and help them to thrive in the world. The emphasis is to have a Plan, not an agenda! Often the students he works with are from single parent families, are the first to graduate from college, and have faced challenges not everyone does. These students are on active duty which is different than most. Some are veterans seeking a degree. They are motivated, need access to meaningful programs, need face to face time with some classes even though now 90% are online. Many students use federal aid and need assistance with English and math classes, specifically. JBLM has science classes on base at Madigan and it is really helpful. Career pathways for teachers, nurses, and doctors are all available and there is one student who is currently attending Harvard. Some students cannot complete the requirements in the usual time frame, but they are given an incomplete and are encouraged to come back without penalty and with military allowance for books and needed resources. Barlow, Mark mentioned, has supported many students in many ways. He gives of his time, and energy and encouragement. JBLM connects team members and gives human perspective so that values are shared and Service Before Self becomes the heart of the population that is served. Mark then took questions. Eric Warn mentioned that Denise Yoakum had worked hard with students at Pierce/JBLM and Dr. Michelle Johnson, the Chancellor and CEO definitely gets it about helping students succeed. Both totally appreciated their success.
Concern was raised about PTSD and veterans who are suffering. Mark mentioned that, yes, it is a definite concern but new therapies are being addressed. For instance, service animals such as horses and dogs have helped many. Medications are lower on the list than personal interactions and helping those in need find the resources that are more specific to the needs of the patient. "It's about finding the way to the resources and the accommodations that are there", said Mark. With that, the members applauded his work and his attitude toward his work. Inspiring, indeed!
President Rooks then read the raffle number and John Warner jumped up and started for the podium. Don Daniels quickly shouted that the number called was on HIS raffle ticket, not his ex-friend, John Warner's! Whew.....all over $5!! And the meeting was adjourned!
Above: Frenemies? Look at Don Daniels'face! Photo by Phil Eng.
Late Breaking News: Our investigative reporters were out in the field this weekend and uncovered a fine-worthy fact. Apparently, John Lowney won about $387 in the Putt Putt Golf Tourney at Harkness Furniture, sponsored by Tacoma South Rotary! Many LR Rotarians attended including Jim Rooks, the Merciful. The Lakewood Key staff will be disappointed if President Jim does not TTT (tithe the treasurer). Oh, also it was noted that the Rediskes topped the Lowneys in a small best-ball bet.
Till next time........................Yours truly, Mary Marlin
Making the meeting happen and helping with set-up was Leanna Christian, Rob Erb, Tom George, James Osundwa, Greg Rediske and Terry Roarke. It makes you appreciate how many energetic people it takes to make a meeting happen both in house and with zoom availability!
Tony Camoroda, our AD Governor, was welcomed by the club as well as Angela Connelly, and Mrs. Bronkema, wife of Carl, who will soon be a new member of the club! The new Puffins were asked to stand and were applauded for their energy in joining our special membership. They were: Jessica James, Dave Hall, Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff, Steve Saalfeld, Connie Colman-Lacadie, Jamie Simons, Wendy McGowan, Anthony Veliz, Bob Martin and Andy Phillips. Great to have them here! Eric Warn had no Sunshine news today which sometimes is good news.
Above: Our new Sunshine Chair, Eric Warn, had nothing to say (never true). Phil Eng photo.
Announcements were then made. Bob Bruback mentioned that the Community Concerns Committee had three grant requests. The first one was for the Lakewood Art Festival. The approval of $900 to promote the arts and encourage young people to learn more about opportunities they may want to pursue to advance their own artistic passions was given by all members. Last year 1600 people attended the festival. The second request was from Hope Sparks Family Services. This organization is 125 years old and has helped families deal with behavioral and emotional issues in their families as they reach out for assistance. Note that 4000 children were helped in 2020! Instead of the $500 requested, the committee felt more was needed and doubled the request to $1000 and all members approved. The third grant request was from Making a Difference Foundation and $2000 was requested for children in need of food or school supplies. Elderly and disabled adults are also helped by this organization and have had food delivered and given assistance as needed. The Rotarians then moved and seconded the request of $2000. (Under our bylaws, donations of $2000 or more need formal member approval.)
Rose Stevens spoke about World Service organization and the work they do with young Rotarians in Nepal who are daily wage workers and how this organization works to keep them in school and have needed supplies and food. Mary Horn was given recognition for her commitment to the Paul Harris Society by (as Greg Horn says), checking the box!
It was then time for Birthdays and Anniversaries. Greg Horn and Clint Johnson were the presenters ...and outers...of both Birthdays and Anniversaries which often carry a fine....just because. Clint suggested folks mention a special Halloween costume they may have loved to wear. Bob Bruback loved his lumberjack costume because he liked to carry the ax around. Mary Horn was nine months and two weeks pregnant and could only fit in the Rainier Beer Bottle costume one year. Gotta ask her about the M and M costume she didn't want to talk about. Hmm. Birthdays noted were Gordy Quick, Mary Horn, Bob Bruback, Charlie Hyde, Tom Sadler, Barb Spriggs, and Mike Zaro. Partner birthdays were Leanna Christian’s husband Dalles Christian and Jason Whalen’s wife Gael. Members who had anniversaries in Rotary were: Dave Hall, Bob Bruback, Chuck Hellar, Rose Stevens, Ed Shannon, Duncan Cook and Bob Zawilski. Wedding anniversaries were being celebrated by Dave Reames and Barbara for 20 years and John Lowney and Pam for 22 years.
Generous Giving:
President Rooks then mentioned that he knew of several people who had been tripping.....okay, going on trips. James Osundwa and his wife enjoyed 6 days in Cabo (not to be confused as some were, with Kabul). They had great fun and had time to unplug, reset and hydrate. $50 generously donated. Rob Erb drove across the country from Minnesota to Montana with snow and checked out a Project Corvette, I believe, in Minnesota. $50 generously donated. Greg Horn was touring upstate New York with Mary and Rose Stevens. Fall foliage was great. He donated $50. Steve Saalfeld visited his daughter at Trinity University in Texas and was amazed by the new football stadium with the giant screens. His daughter loves it there too. A $25 donation was given. Sally Porter Smith announced she is putting her house in Dupont up for sale because she is moving to Seattle the first of the year. She will continue to help with the auction this coming year and will be a consultant as needed. She offered to donate $25, but Jim Rooks jumped in and said he would pay because she has given so much time and effort and help to our club. Jan Gee also matched that amount and gave kudos to Sally for all her hard work as an amazing problem solver and great leader. Bill Potter donated $20 to Nourish to help supply food to 600 families. If you are a van driver, call him. Clint Johnson has traveled up and down the west coast to see his grandkids and mentioned that he is the president of Tacoma Arts and encourages all to attend the Rialto and Pantages. He has a 20% discount if you step up soon. He also welcomed the Puffins and is excited about the Christmas Party and Puffin participation he and John Korsmo will celebrate together with them. His donation of $100 was appreciated. Mary Horn donated, I believe, $20 for her birthday, $25 for Sally, and $50 to match Greg's donation. Very generous!
OUR PROGRAM:
Above: Mark Haskins of Pierce College/JBLM. Phil Eng photo.
Barlow Buescher then introduced our speaker of the day, Mark Haskins, the Executive Director of Pierce College at JBLM. Barlow has known Mark for some time and his admiration for Mark is that he offers steady, clear leadership with both students and colleagues alike. Mark appreciated Barlow's comments and gently apologized to Rotarians because he is in Kiwanis. All is forgiven and with that he enlightened us about the work that he is doing to help students stay on the educational path while working in positions at JBLM that often can be challenging. Mark came from a military family. His father was in the army and suggested that Mark join the Air Force. And the rest is history. A former USAF weapons systems officer, Mark had much experience in different fields. His goal was to serve military students and make the educational opportunities "friendlier" and more available. He is super proud of the attention that Pierce College has attained through 54 years of educating....at the top 5 list of colleges and in the top 10 on the list of best colleges. The Military award for Best for Vets in the US is quite an honor. The whole idea is to address the diverse learners and help them to thrive in the world. The emphasis is to have a Plan, not an agenda! Often the students he works with are from single parent families, are the first to graduate from college, and have faced challenges not everyone does. These students are on active duty which is different than most. Some are veterans seeking a degree. They are motivated, need access to meaningful programs, need face to face time with some classes even though now 90% are online. Many students use federal aid and need assistance with English and math classes, specifically. JBLM has science classes on base at Madigan and it is really helpful. Career pathways for teachers, nurses, and doctors are all available and there is one student who is currently attending Harvard. Some students cannot complete the requirements in the usual time frame, but they are given an incomplete and are encouraged to come back without penalty and with military allowance for books and needed resources. Barlow, Mark mentioned, has supported many students in many ways. He gives of his time, and energy and encouragement. JBLM connects team members and gives human perspective so that values are shared and Service Before Self becomes the heart of the population that is served. Mark then took questions. Eric Warn mentioned that Denise Yoakum had worked hard with students at Pierce/JBLM and Dr. Michelle Johnson, the Chancellor and CEO definitely gets it about helping students succeed. Both totally appreciated their success.
Concern was raised about PTSD and veterans who are suffering. Mark mentioned that, yes, it is a definite concern but new therapies are being addressed. For instance, service animals such as horses and dogs have helped many. Medications are lower on the list than personal interactions and helping those in need find the resources that are more specific to the needs of the patient. "It's about finding the way to the resources and the accommodations that are there", said Mark. With that, the members applauded his work and his attitude toward his work. Inspiring, indeed!
President Rooks then read the raffle number and John Warner jumped up and started for the podium. Don Daniels quickly shouted that the number called was on HIS raffle ticket, not his ex-friend, John Warner's! Whew.....all over $5!! And the meeting was adjourned!
Above: Frenemies? Look at Don Daniels'face! Photo by Phil Eng.
Late Breaking News: Our investigative reporters were out in the field this weekend and uncovered a fine-worthy fact. Apparently, John Lowney won about $387 in the Putt Putt Golf Tourney at Harkness Furniture, sponsored by Tacoma South Rotary! Many LR Rotarians attended including Jim Rooks, the Merciful. The Lakewood Key staff will be disappointed if President Jim does not TTT (tithe the treasurer). Oh, also it was noted that the Rediskes topped the Lowneys in a small best-ball bet.
Till next time........................Yours truly, Mary Marlin
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