MEETING RECAP
A Day of Special Significance
Sunday, February 27, 2022
By: Eric T QuinnA Day of Special Significance
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
President Jim Rooks (PJR) rang the meeting to order at 12:30 PM.
Tom George gave our invocation, citing to three principles: truth, peace and honesty. In his invocation, he asked that we let these tenets, and the Four-Way Test of Rotary, guide us in our everyday life.
Greg Rediske led us in the Pledge, which took special significance given the state of affairs in the Ukraine.
As for those who made our meeting happen, in the absence of Rob Erb, James Osundwa completed the setup with the help of Duncan Cook and Terry Roarke. John Lowney collected fines. Eric Quinn wrote the bulletin from Zoom and implored participants at least twice to use the microphones so he could accurately (and somewhat adequately) record the meeting. Greg Horn sold raffle tickets and Mary Marlin was at the Foundation desk. Andy Phillips was our greeter. Bob Hammar staffed the Rotary Store.
Eric Warn provided the health and wellness report. Two Lakewood Rotary members have passed recently: Mick Johnson and Larry Banks
PJR and other members of the club lauded Mick as a man of special significance. He had been a member since 1986. Mick was a prominent member of the business community and a wonderful man. Rick Selden informed us that Mick started his business as a carpet cleaning company in the 1970’s. He was one of the founding members of the Abbey Carpet group. Rick mentioned that Mick believed in healthy competition and stated, quite humbly, that “You don’t mind losing a job to a fellow like that.” Mick lived his faith, although he came to it later in life. We will miss you, Mick. Indeed, here is a short bio (and picture) of Mick, originally written by Kay Shinn in 1987 and updated by Greg Rediske one or two years ago.
Mick Johnson (By Kay Shinn, 1987)
His name is really “Michael”, but nobody knows that….he’s gotta be “Mick.” Mick is one of our new breed of members. He hasn’t been with us very long, but he’s been busy! He was born in Tacoma during April of 1944, attended Clover Park High School and Central Washington College. His wife is Cynthia and up to now they have one child, a son, Christopher. (And if anyone reads any hidden meaning in that last sentence, it is intentional!) Mick is the President of Abbey Carpet, which is located at 8615 South Tacoma Way (well, it was then). He is a heckova good golfer, all year round, and he skis when the time is right. He has been active with our new member Puffins, and he is now on our program committee.
Update from 1987: Mick served as president of our club in 2010-11. He has been a stalwart on the Paul Harris Committee for decades. If something needs doing, Mick is there, always. Mick is still working at his Abbey Carpet store with his wife Mary Covelli Johnson (married in 1998), as he nears 78 years old.
Above: Mick Johnson in 1987
PJR expressed that Lary Banks was an excellent Rotarian. He was a chiropractor in the Lakewood area.
As for Announcements:
Above: Puffin Bob Martin and his wife Sue, on a day of special significance
As for guests, Bob Martin introduced wife Sue, who enjoyed 50% of his first PHA. Duncan Cook’s son Peter was also with us. On May 6th, Peter will be our Program Speaker, about the Titanic. There were some other guests, we think, but they were introduced without the use of a microphone and the bulletin writer was on Zoom. Alas. We think one was named Hank, who is Ron Messenger’s successor as Director of the New Tacoma Cemetery, and we think he should be a LR Rotarian, don’t you?
There were further announcements. From PJR: There will be discussions at the Board meeting, pertaining to the Club’s COVID policy. The present policy is that non-vaccinated members cannot attend in-person meetings. PJR encouraged members to contact a Director with their thoughts on this prior to the next BOD meeting on March 17.
The Pierce County Rotary Presidents discussed an Earth Day Celebration. There will be a cleanup and picnic at Fort Steilacoom Park. From President-Elect Jason Whalen: This will be a great way to celebrate Earth Day and Parks Appreciation Day on the same weekend. Earth Day is April 23.
May 21 is the date of the Auction—the committee is working on a projected launch date for the Maxgiving website, as we are doing another virtual auction this year.
Mary Marlin was speaking with Sally Smith, who has done so much for the Auction in the past. We have a lot of Puffins who have not had much opportunity to help with the Auction. There is a meeting next Friday, about how members can help out with the Auction. This will occur immediately after the regular meeting, 1:30 to 2:30 PM.
Generous Giving: (not all of which were captured because of microphone “malfunctions”)
Above: Debbie Moore
Barlow Buescher introduced Debbie Moore, which commenced the program on Partners for Work, an organization of special significance. This has been a District 5030 project since 2008, and has resulted in approximately 140 jobs for individuals with disabilities. Debbie Moore has a long history of assisting individuals with disabilities with their career goals. Debbie has some amazing stories. Barlow stated that Debbie “reminds him to be human.” Debbie thanked Barlow for his introduction. Debbie has been the coordinator for District 5030 in this area since 2010. She can say wholeheartedly that Partners for Work is making outstanding changes in King County. Sky Chafee introduced Margaret Connor, but not before we learned more about him. Sky Chafee is the director of Morningside, an employment provider. Learn more about Morningside here: https://www.morningsideservices.com/
Morningside partners with local employers to enact a School to Work program for young adults with disabilities. Once Morningside helps the individual obtain a job, they then receive job coaching. This is truly a “beginning to end” transition program.
Margaret Connor then spoke a bit more about Partners For Work. She shared a success story regarding Soleil, a beneficiary of the Transition team led by Margaret. Soleil now has a job doing amazing cleaning and sanitization work at Chuck E. Cheese. She loves her job and Chuck E. Cheese loves her.
Margaret is from New York and she advised us that we would “hear that and we would see that.”
Margaret shared some inspirational videos of three young adults who have succeeded in the work they obtained through Partners for Work (and through their own grit and determination): Amy, Casey and Lexi.
Margaret implored us to develop an understanding and an open mind in helping individuals with disabilities in finding work. Margaret mentioned to everyone that her contact information is available and she is available for questions. And learn more about Partners for Work here: https://www.gowise.org/what-we-do/partners-for-work/
And finally, for the Drawing: There were 16 White and One Red chip. Steve Enquist drew the RED chip! But alas, our Zoom bulletin writer did not hear how much Steve won. Actually, no one said how much it was but it was a lot more than $5.
Above: Steve Enquist and a look of disbelief!
(All candid photos thanks to Walt Richardson)
Thus ended a day of special significance. Another note of special significance: Please do your online shopping at Amazon Smile, so a portion of your purchase can be allocated to Lakewood Rotary.
And do not forget these days of special significance to all Lakewood Rotarians:
Calendar of Upcoming LR Events: (if you have an item send it to me—Joe Quinn, Editor)
3/27-31 Sunriver Rotary Ski Trip (sold out)
5/21 Lakewood Rotary Auction
6/25 Rotary Installation Banquet
8/20-21 The Courage
9/11-13 Reeder Rotary Roadster Romp to Sun Mountain
12/16 Tom and Jerry Party and President’s Roast
PJR and other members of the club lauded Mick as a man of special significance. He had been a member since 1986. Mick was a prominent member of the business community and a wonderful man. Rick Selden informed us that Mick started his business as a carpet cleaning company in the 1970’s. He was one of the founding members of the Abbey Carpet group. Rick mentioned that Mick believed in healthy competition and stated, quite humbly, that “You don’t mind losing a job to a fellow like that.” Mick lived his faith, although he came to it later in life. We will miss you, Mick. Indeed, here is a short bio (and picture) of Mick, originally written by Kay Shinn in 1987 and updated by Greg Rediske one or two years ago.
Mick Johnson (By Kay Shinn, 1987)
His name is really “Michael”, but nobody knows that….he’s gotta be “Mick.” Mick is one of our new breed of members. He hasn’t been with us very long, but he’s been busy! He was born in Tacoma during April of 1944, attended Clover Park High School and Central Washington College. His wife is Cynthia and up to now they have one child, a son, Christopher. (And if anyone reads any hidden meaning in that last sentence, it is intentional!) Mick is the President of Abbey Carpet, which is located at 8615 South Tacoma Way (well, it was then). He is a heckova good golfer, all year round, and he skis when the time is right. He has been active with our new member Puffins, and he is now on our program committee.
Update from 1987: Mick served as president of our club in 2010-11. He has been a stalwart on the Paul Harris Committee for decades. If something needs doing, Mick is there, always. Mick is still working at his Abbey Carpet store with his wife Mary Covelli Johnson (married in 1998), as he nears 78 years old.
Above: Mick Johnson in 1987
PJR expressed that Lary Banks was an excellent Rotarian. He was a chiropractor in the Lakewood area.
As for Announcements:
- Rob Erb was absent, but he sought approval from the Club for the Military Appreciation Committee, for a $2000 grant to the Lewis McChord Family Scholarships. These scholarships provide support to children of military families. A motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
- Steve Enquist spoke about the Rotary Foundation. Three Paul Harris awards (PHA) were issued today, a day of special significance. Bob Martin received his first Paul Harris, presented by his wife Sue. Duncan Cook earned his fourth PHA. Gayle Selden also received a PHA by signing up on Rotary Direct. This is Gayle’s fourth PHA. Steve pointed out that 40% of the Lakewood Rotary membership has given at least $25.00 for the Rotary Year (Eric believes he heard this). A gift of $100 to the Paul Harris Annual Fund will get you listed as a sustaining member
- All Puffins stood up and were applauded.
- Dwight Williams received his blue badge. He gave John Lowney $5.00 for the privilege
Above: Puffin Bob Martin and his wife Sue, on a day of special significance
As for guests, Bob Martin introduced wife Sue, who enjoyed 50% of his first PHA. Duncan Cook’s son Peter was also with us. On May 6th, Peter will be our Program Speaker, about the Titanic. There were some other guests, we think, but they were introduced without the use of a microphone and the bulletin writer was on Zoom. Alas. We think one was named Hank, who is Ron Messenger’s successor as Director of the New Tacoma Cemetery, and we think he should be a LR Rotarian, don’t you?
There were further announcements. From PJR: There will be discussions at the Board meeting, pertaining to the Club’s COVID policy. The present policy is that non-vaccinated members cannot attend in-person meetings. PJR encouraged members to contact a Director with their thoughts on this prior to the next BOD meeting on March 17.
The Pierce County Rotary Presidents discussed an Earth Day Celebration. There will be a cleanup and picnic at Fort Steilacoom Park. From President-Elect Jason Whalen: This will be a great way to celebrate Earth Day and Parks Appreciation Day on the same weekend. Earth Day is April 23.
May 21 is the date of the Auction—the committee is working on a projected launch date for the Maxgiving website, as we are doing another virtual auction this year.
Mary Marlin was speaking with Sally Smith, who has done so much for the Auction in the past. We have a lot of Puffins who have not had much opportunity to help with the Auction. There is a meeting next Friday, about how members can help out with the Auction. This will occur immediately after the regular meeting, 1:30 to 2:30 PM.
Generous Giving: (not all of which were captured because of microphone “malfunctions”)
- Don Daniels went to Phoenix and Mexico for a month. He gave $50 for the fine budget and $50 to the Foundation.
- Scott Buser: Quality grandparent time down in Long Beach CA. $100.
- Andrew Neiditz and his wife took a short trip to Palm Springs and Scottsdale AZ. $25.00
- Sally Smith: Thanked Mary Marlin for recruiting. She added one thing: She will be in person next week for the meeting after the regular meeting. Sally gave $25.00.
- Jim Rooks put in $20.00 in honor of the Foundation
- Joe Quinn: $20 for trip to Lake Tahoe to see grandkids
- PROGRAM
Above: Debbie Moore
Barlow Buescher introduced Debbie Moore, which commenced the program on Partners for Work, an organization of special significance. This has been a District 5030 project since 2008, and has resulted in approximately 140 jobs for individuals with disabilities. Debbie Moore has a long history of assisting individuals with disabilities with their career goals. Debbie has some amazing stories. Barlow stated that Debbie “reminds him to be human.” Debbie thanked Barlow for his introduction. Debbie has been the coordinator for District 5030 in this area since 2010. She can say wholeheartedly that Partners for Work is making outstanding changes in King County. Sky Chafee introduced Margaret Connor, but not before we learned more about him. Sky Chafee is the director of Morningside, an employment provider. Learn more about Morningside here: https://www.morningsideservices.com/
Morningside partners with local employers to enact a School to Work program for young adults with disabilities. Once Morningside helps the individual obtain a job, they then receive job coaching. This is truly a “beginning to end” transition program.
Margaret Connor then spoke a bit more about Partners For Work. She shared a success story regarding Soleil, a beneficiary of the Transition team led by Margaret. Soleil now has a job doing amazing cleaning and sanitization work at Chuck E. Cheese. She loves her job and Chuck E. Cheese loves her.
Margaret is from New York and she advised us that we would “hear that and we would see that.”
Margaret shared some inspirational videos of three young adults who have succeeded in the work they obtained through Partners for Work (and through their own grit and determination): Amy, Casey and Lexi.
Margaret implored us to develop an understanding and an open mind in helping individuals with disabilities in finding work. Margaret mentioned to everyone that her contact information is available and she is available for questions. And learn more about Partners for Work here: https://www.gowise.org/what-we-do/partners-for-work/
And finally, for the Drawing: There were 16 White and One Red chip. Steve Enquist drew the RED chip! But alas, our Zoom bulletin writer did not hear how much Steve won. Actually, no one said how much it was but it was a lot more than $5.
Above: Steve Enquist and a look of disbelief!
(All candid photos thanks to Walt Richardson)
Thus ended a day of special significance. Another note of special significance: Please do your online shopping at Amazon Smile, so a portion of your purchase can be allocated to Lakewood Rotary.
And do not forget these days of special significance to all Lakewood Rotarians:
Calendar of Upcoming LR Events: (if you have an item send it to me—Joe Quinn, Editor)
3/27-31 Sunriver Rotary Ski Trip (sold out)
5/21 Lakewood Rotary Auction
6/25 Rotary Installation Banquet
8/20-21 The Courage
9/11-13 Reeder Rotary Roadster Romp to Sun Mountain
12/16 Tom and Jerry Party and President’s Roast
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