MEETING RECAP
Sunday, April 3, 2022
By: Wendy Jo McGowanIt’s All Bull!
THE LAKEWOOD KEY for April Fool’s Day 2022
by Wendy McGowan
I didn’t think this assignment came with a byline, but I’ll accept it… graciously. My kinfolk, especially brother, father and grandfather (all astute newspapermen) will be proud.
Fortified with the holy tomes of William Strunk, E.B. White, Noah Webster, Peter Mark Roget and, of course my buddy, Google, I begin this hallowed journey of the Bull Writers. Joining the likes of Hemingway, Shakespeare, Dickens, Faulkner and Agatha Christie it’s not, but much to Ole’s anxiety, I will give it my all. Ole, I am counting on you to not fall asleep of sheer boredom. Boring or not, a little dose of the King’s English doesn’t hurt anyone. That, I am sure of. (Might that be a dangling preposition? Oh, well.)
Speaking of kings, King James…(er, that’s the name of another holy tome)…ahem, King James Rooks, with a gold crown atop his head, began this April Fool’s meeting right on the stroke of 12:30 p.m. with the help of the gong. Somehow, I find myself giggling at the vision of Dr. Rooks wearing a crown on his shiny noggin.
Forgetting the podium mic was active, the president was heard mumbling, “Who needs a day for the fools. I’m surrounded by them all year.” April Fools!
No fool he, President Rooks began the meeting by asking Bob Hammar to give the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Don Daniels.
Our trusty set-up crew, consisting of Rob Erb, James Osundwa, Terry Roarke, Bob Martin and Dave Swindale, were then thanked by President Jim for pulling it off once again. The president went on to acknowledge Steve Enquist for taking charge of the Foundation desk, Gary Barton for doing double-duty as sergeant-at-arms and overseer of the raffle ticket sales, Treasurer John Lowney for recording the fines, and Secretary Greg Rediske for keeping him in line. Additionally, President Jim thanked our photographer, Walt Richardson, and scribe, Wendy McGowan, for making sure this day was duly recorded.
The Puffins, James Osundwa, Veronica Bronkema, Andy Phillips, Anthony Veliz, Steve Saalfeld, Hank Kerns, Dwight Williams, Linda McDermott, Bob Martin and “yours truly” were then invited to stand.
Local architect, Jim Merritt, was a welcomed guest. And Jason Whalen introduced Brad Johnson and Avery Champagne.
Eric Warn normally provided a Health and Wellness Report at this point in the meeting, but Eric was traveling. We were, however, apprised that Dave Betz had suffered a heart attack. All send our very best Dave for your speedy recovery.
A couple of pranksters broke into the local police station and stole all the lavatory equipment. Chief Mike Zaro was quoted by a reporter as saying:“We have nothing to go on.” April Fool!
Greg Horn took the mic and enumerated the many member April birthdays: Dan Livingston, Leon Titus and Bill White, all April 8; Dave Betz April 12; Mary Covelli Johnson April 18; Donn Irwin April 19; Jerry Williams April 21; and Mark Edgecomb April 28.
Greg continued with Partner birthdays: Stephanie Wilcox (partner of Troy) April 6, Brandee Sharp (partner of Jim) April 10, and Carol Bisceglia (partner of Jim) April 18.
Several members are celebrating their anniversary in Rotary: Steve Saalfeld 1 year in our club, plus 5 years in a previous club; Barb Spriggs 6 years, Kim Prentice 16 years; Chris Kimball 12 years in Lakewood Rotary plus 9 years in a previous club; and Joan Strait 31 years.
And, to top it off, several of our members and their partners share their anniversaries this month: Troy and Stephanie Wilcox 22 years on April 2; Kim and Tom Prentice 24 years on April 4; Bill and Sue Potter 28 years on April 28; Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Michael 31 years on April 30; Donn and Debbie Irwin 37 years on April 27; Rob and Vickie Erb 45 years on April 9; and Bob and Stacia Cammarano 67 years on April 16. Wowie!
President Jim asked for any announcements. Jason Whalen spoke of our 3-5 Year Strategic Plan Survey and asked the members to look for it in their email.
Rose Stevens gave us an update on the Ukrainian student attending Pierce College. The exchange student’s name is Anna. She is interested in law and business administration. Outside of the classroom, Anna is a member of the track team and is a community volunteer. We are looking to form a network with another organization to assist Anna with the cost of her coming classes at Pierce.
Cheerleader, Gayle Selden, provided an update on The Auction which is being held virtually on Saturday, May 21. To date, $20,000.00 has been committed in sponsorships, but Gayle encouraged every member to gather procurements in the next couple of weeks.
Above: Cheerleader Gayle
To access Auction procurement forms and/or sponsorship forms, just sign on to http://www.lakewoodrotary.com, go to Get Involved (at the top), and down to 2022 Auction. Thanks to Leanna Christian, no password is required.
And, then came President Jim’s favorite part of the meeting: Fines and Generous Giving. He called on John Lowney to give us the lowdown on the recent Ski Trip to Sunriver. Participants included John and Pam Lowney, Phil and Judy Eng, Greg and Sharon Rediske, Steve and Anne Enquist, Joe and Kris Quinn, Rick and Sharon Selden, Steve and Ellen Mazoff, Jan Reeder and Jack, Sally Saunders, and Jan Gee.
A few Rotarians actually got in a couple of snowy ski runs, but apparently the highlight of the trip was the annual ping pong tournament. The ultimate winner among the male players was John himself, and not to be outdone, John’s wife, Pam, beat out the other women. Fun was had by all.
THE PROGRAM:
“There’s something funny going on! The Art of Clowning.” Jan Gee was invited to the podium to introduce today’s speakers. Before the guest speakers appeared, Jan enlightened us with tidbits of her “other life.” Following a 40-year career in Olympia representing the retail and grocery industries, Jan began an under-cover identity for the ensuing 15 years. She became Cupcake the Clown.
Jan admitted that those were the most joyous years of her life. She loved every smile she found on the face of a child with cancer or the happiness she brought to severely developmentally disabled adults. But, most of all, Jan delighted in serving with her fellow clowns. She let us in on her secret: “Clowns care.”
She introduced us to two of her favorite clowns: Donald Cormier, who is Teeny the Clown and Terry Cormier who is Lil’ Britches. Donald and Terry spend most of their time today volunteering at social service and community events. In addition, they train new and upcoming clowns.
Donald “played the straight man” today as he took us through the centuries of clowning: from ancient Greece in 1560, to Shakespeare, through the Elizabethan Era, and to the more recent years of Charlie Chaplin, Red Skelton, Emmett Kelly, Bozo the Clown, J.P. Patches and Ronald McDonald. Throughout Donald’s history lesson, “Lil’ Britches” enjoyed teasing Donald with her array of props, much to our delight.
Above: Lil’ Britches with prop
For many years clowns only entertained large audiences in places like the Roman colosseums and the “Big Top”. However, during the 1960s clowns became popular at children’s birthday parties. Following that, in the 1980s clowns were encouraged to appear in hospitals and the like.
Donald introduced us to many types of clowns: Jesters, magicians, white-faced clowns, tramps, harlequins, and hobos. Teeny the Clown and Lil’ Britches are known as August (pronounced “agus”) Clowns.
The program was enlightening! And was most appropriate on this day of April Fools.
Why do eggs like April Fool’s Day? They love practical yokes! (Oh, Ole, where do you get these tidbits? Groan!!!)
Dave Reames was the unlucky one to pull a white chip. No foolin’!
Upcoming LR events:
5/21 Lakewood RotaryAuction
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
Forgetting the podium mic was active, the president was heard mumbling, “Who needs a day for the fools. I’m surrounded by them all year.” April Fools!
No fool he, President Rooks began the meeting by asking Bob Hammar to give the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Don Daniels.
Our trusty set-up crew, consisting of Rob Erb, James Osundwa, Terry Roarke, Bob Martin and Dave Swindale, were then thanked by President Jim for pulling it off once again. The president went on to acknowledge Steve Enquist for taking charge of the Foundation desk, Gary Barton for doing double-duty as sergeant-at-arms and overseer of the raffle ticket sales, Treasurer John Lowney for recording the fines, and Secretary Greg Rediske for keeping him in line. Additionally, President Jim thanked our photographer, Walt Richardson, and scribe, Wendy McGowan, for making sure this day was duly recorded.
The Puffins, James Osundwa, Veronica Bronkema, Andy Phillips, Anthony Veliz, Steve Saalfeld, Hank Kerns, Dwight Williams, Linda McDermott, Bob Martin and “yours truly” were then invited to stand.
Local architect, Jim Merritt, was a welcomed guest. And Jason Whalen introduced Brad Johnson and Avery Champagne.
Eric Warn normally provided a Health and Wellness Report at this point in the meeting, but Eric was traveling. We were, however, apprised that Dave Betz had suffered a heart attack. All send our very best Dave for your speedy recovery.
A couple of pranksters broke into the local police station and stole all the lavatory equipment. Chief Mike Zaro was quoted by a reporter as saying:“We have nothing to go on.” April Fool!
Greg Horn took the mic and enumerated the many member April birthdays: Dan Livingston, Leon Titus and Bill White, all April 8; Dave Betz April 12; Mary Covelli Johnson April 18; Donn Irwin April 19; Jerry Williams April 21; and Mark Edgecomb April 28.
Greg continued with Partner birthdays: Stephanie Wilcox (partner of Troy) April 6, Brandee Sharp (partner of Jim) April 10, and Carol Bisceglia (partner of Jim) April 18.
Several members are celebrating their anniversary in Rotary: Steve Saalfeld 1 year in our club, plus 5 years in a previous club; Barb Spriggs 6 years, Kim Prentice 16 years; Chris Kimball 12 years in Lakewood Rotary plus 9 years in a previous club; and Joan Strait 31 years.
And, to top it off, several of our members and their partners share their anniversaries this month: Troy and Stephanie Wilcox 22 years on April 2; Kim and Tom Prentice 24 years on April 4; Bill and Sue Potter 28 years on April 28; Connie Coleman-Lacadie and Michael 31 years on April 30; Donn and Debbie Irwin 37 years on April 27; Rob and Vickie Erb 45 years on April 9; and Bob and Stacia Cammarano 67 years on April 16. Wowie!
President Jim asked for any announcements. Jason Whalen spoke of our 3-5 Year Strategic Plan Survey and asked the members to look for it in their email.
Rose Stevens gave us an update on the Ukrainian student attending Pierce College. The exchange student’s name is Anna. She is interested in law and business administration. Outside of the classroom, Anna is a member of the track team and is a community volunteer. We are looking to form a network with another organization to assist Anna with the cost of her coming classes at Pierce.
Cheerleader, Gayle Selden, provided an update on The Auction which is being held virtually on Saturday, May 21. To date, $20,000.00 has been committed in sponsorships, but Gayle encouraged every member to gather procurements in the next couple of weeks.
Above: Cheerleader Gayle
To access Auction procurement forms and/or sponsorship forms, just sign on to http://www.lakewoodrotary.com, go to Get Involved (at the top), and down to 2022 Auction. Thanks to Leanna Christian, no password is required.
And, then came President Jim’s favorite part of the meeting: Fines and Generous Giving. He called on John Lowney to give us the lowdown on the recent Ski Trip to Sunriver. Participants included John and Pam Lowney, Phil and Judy Eng, Greg and Sharon Rediske, Steve and Anne Enquist, Joe and Kris Quinn, Rick and Sharon Selden, Steve and Ellen Mazoff, Jan Reeder and Jack, Sally Saunders, and Jan Gee.
A few Rotarians actually got in a couple of snowy ski runs, but apparently the highlight of the trip was the annual ping pong tournament. The ultimate winner among the male players was John himself, and not to be outdone, John’s wife, Pam, beat out the other women. Fun was had by all.
THE PROGRAM:
“There’s something funny going on! The Art of Clowning.” Jan Gee was invited to the podium to introduce today’s speakers. Before the guest speakers appeared, Jan enlightened us with tidbits of her “other life.” Following a 40-year career in Olympia representing the retail and grocery industries, Jan began an under-cover identity for the ensuing 15 years. She became Cupcake the Clown.
Jan admitted that those were the most joyous years of her life. She loved every smile she found on the face of a child with cancer or the happiness she brought to severely developmentally disabled adults. But, most of all, Jan delighted in serving with her fellow clowns. She let us in on her secret: “Clowns care.”
She introduced us to two of her favorite clowns: Donald Cormier, who is Teeny the Clown and Terry Cormier who is Lil’ Britches. Donald and Terry spend most of their time today volunteering at social service and community events. In addition, they train new and upcoming clowns.
Donald “played the straight man” today as he took us through the centuries of clowning: from ancient Greece in 1560, to Shakespeare, through the Elizabethan Era, and to the more recent years of Charlie Chaplin, Red Skelton, Emmett Kelly, Bozo the Clown, J.P. Patches and Ronald McDonald. Throughout Donald’s history lesson, “Lil’ Britches” enjoyed teasing Donald with her array of props, much to our delight.
Above: Lil’ Britches with prop
For many years clowns only entertained large audiences in places like the Roman colosseums and the “Big Top”. However, during the 1960s clowns became popular at children’s birthday parties. Following that, in the 1980s clowns were encouraged to appear in hospitals and the like.
Donald introduced us to many types of clowns: Jesters, magicians, white-faced clowns, tramps, harlequins, and hobos. Teeny the Clown and Lil’ Britches are known as August (pronounced “agus”) Clowns.
The program was enlightening! And was most appropriate on this day of April Fools.
Why do eggs like April Fool’s Day? They love practical yokes! (Oh, Ole, where do you get these tidbits? Groan!!!)
Dave Reames was the unlucky one to pull a white chip. No foolin’!
Upcoming LR events:
5/21 Lakewood RotaryAuction
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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