MEETING RECAP
Friday, April 8, 2022
By: Eric T QuinnWe Love Our Parks!
THE LAKEWOOD KEY for April 8, 2022
President Jim Rooks (PJ) rang the hybrid meeting to order at 12:30 PM. Dave Coleman gave the invocation, and paid special attention to promoting peace in the Ukraine. Hank Kerns led us in the Pledge.
Making the Meeting happen: Rob Erb thanked his amazing set-up crew including James Osundwa, Duncan Cook, Terry Roarke, Kendra Riconosciuto and others who stepped up.
John Lowney collected fines.
Jan Gee is the sergeant at arms and running the raffle desk.
Eric Warn collected RI Foundation money.
Walt Richardson is the photographer.
Mary Moss introduced Visiting Rotarians: Judge Mansfield from Rotary 8 and Patti Belle from the Lakewood City Council. Pat Price attended with husband Bill Price.
PJ recognized the Puffins:
Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff, Steve Saalfeld
Jamie Simons, James Osundwa, Wendy McGowan, Connie Coleman-
Lacadie, Anthony Veliz, Bob Martin, Andy Phillips, Angela Connelly, Linda McDermott and Dwight Williams
PJ asked if a Puffin was willing to act as Greeter Coordinator, so that we can organize an effective Greeter program again.
Eric Warn gave the health and wellness report. Dave Betz had a heart attack recently while in the hospital. He then had a heart attack a few days later due to blood clots from Covid. John Forkenbrock is doing well.
Jason Whalen announced that Parks Appreciation Day will take place Saturday, April 23 at Fort Steilacoom Park. There will be a Fellowship event organized around this.
Mary Horn discussed the Lakewood Rotary Strategic Plan survey. If you did not get the email about that Mary has hard copies.
Gayle Selden gave an announcement about the Auction. Recently Gayle went to the Little Free Pantry at LASA. She saw a woman and her child get food from the pantry and go sit at a picnic table and eat what they obtained from the pantry. This exemplifies the needs of our community. We meet that need by giving of our time and money The virtual auction—our one and only fundraiser—will take place on May 21. We have over $20,000 in sponsorships already! But what we really need to work on is procurement. She mentioned how the Indian dinner, donated by Tom George was very popular. We need to procure experiences, so think about those things. Anne Enquist talked about the Top Gun event that will be taking place on June 5 at 3:55 PM at the AMC Theater in the Lakewood Town Center. Tickets are $65.00 per person. About 55 tickets have already been sold and they have room for 75. Sally Smith discussed some of the cool procurements we have received.
Above: Rick Selden says “Get out there and procure.” (Actually Gayle said it, but it’s all in the family, right?)
Register for the event and purchase tickets to Sip and See and the Top Gun event here:
https://lakewoodrotary.maxgiving.bid/about-us
Ukraine help: Rose Stevens gave an update on the $7,800, which has been raised by the Club; District 5020 has raised $150,000 toward the disaster relief fund for the Ukraine.
PJ then moved on to fines and generous giving.
Above: Our Treasurer John Lowney
John Lowney offered $40 but PJ refused it! That may have been a Lakewood Rotary first, but it went unnoticed. David Swindale went to Oahu and gave $20.00 for the privilege. Rick and Sharon Selden went to Arizona recently and he pledged a Greenleaf-- $20.00-- for that. Bill Potter forked over $50.00 for a trip to Nashville courtesy of First Citizens Bank—he received many awards so was feeling very generous.
Above: Bill Potter felt magnanimous
John Caulfield introduced our speaker, Mary Dodsworth, the Parks and Recreation (“Parks”) Director of the City of Lakewood. Mary has been in public service for over 35 years. Mary and her team are responsible for maintaining over 600 acres of parks and open space. She creates fun and diverse programs, and is a firm believer in Parks and Recreation. She is a graduate of Central Washington University. She loves playing sports and travelling the world.
Mary thanked the Club for inviting her. She noted that this Club has been around since long before the City of Lakewood was a City. She provided the annual report on what is going on with Parks.
Here are some big things that happened in 2021:
[A huge hailstorm hit at the Tacoma Country Club during Mary’s talk but our indomitable Parks Director just talked louder and louder so she could be heard. She is not a quitter!]
Above: Mary Dodsworth (not a quitter)
Coming soon:
Mary discussed partnerships with the Nisqually Tribe, which is crucial to the improvement of the parks.
In terms of special events, Mary talked about the Reel Life film festival and the MLK virtual event. Mary reminded us that Parks Appreciation Day is coming right up on April 23. She also discussed many Youth and Family outdoor education events that are being planned. This summer, we will be utilizing the Colonial Plaza for a variety of events that include dancing. The Lakewood Farmers Market is coming back. It takes place on Tuesday nights at Fort Steilacoom Park. Mary reminded us of the other cool events that have taken place recently, including the trucks day and the tree lighting.
Learn more about all of the great things that are happening with Parks and the City of Lakewood at its website: cityoflakewood.us
Mary closed by discussing the importance of a vibrant community. She opened it up for questions and there were many.
The Drawing: There was one….I think…but it was not the big one!
Upcoming LR events:
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
PJ recognized the Puffins:
Carl Bronkema, Rachel Mazoff, Steve Saalfeld
Jamie Simons, James Osundwa, Wendy McGowan, Connie Coleman-
Lacadie, Anthony Veliz, Bob Martin, Andy Phillips, Angela Connelly, Linda McDermott and Dwight Williams
PJ asked if a Puffin was willing to act as Greeter Coordinator, so that we can organize an effective Greeter program again.
Eric Warn gave the health and wellness report. Dave Betz had a heart attack recently while in the hospital. He then had a heart attack a few days later due to blood clots from Covid. John Forkenbrock is doing well.
Jason Whalen announced that Parks Appreciation Day will take place Saturday, April 23 at Fort Steilacoom Park. There will be a Fellowship event organized around this.
Mary Horn discussed the Lakewood Rotary Strategic Plan survey. If you did not get the email about that Mary has hard copies.
Gayle Selden gave an announcement about the Auction. Recently Gayle went to the Little Free Pantry at LASA. She saw a woman and her child get food from the pantry and go sit at a picnic table and eat what they obtained from the pantry. This exemplifies the needs of our community. We meet that need by giving of our time and money The virtual auction—our one and only fundraiser—will take place on May 21. We have over $20,000 in sponsorships already! But what we really need to work on is procurement. She mentioned how the Indian dinner, donated by Tom George was very popular. We need to procure experiences, so think about those things. Anne Enquist talked about the Top Gun event that will be taking place on June 5 at 3:55 PM at the AMC Theater in the Lakewood Town Center. Tickets are $65.00 per person. About 55 tickets have already been sold and they have room for 75. Sally Smith discussed some of the cool procurements we have received.
Above: Rick Selden says “Get out there and procure.” (Actually Gayle said it, but it’s all in the family, right?)
Register for the event and purchase tickets to Sip and See and the Top Gun event here:
https://lakewoodrotary.maxgiving.bid/about-us
Ukraine help: Rose Stevens gave an update on the $7,800, which has been raised by the Club; District 5020 has raised $150,000 toward the disaster relief fund for the Ukraine.
PJ then moved on to fines and generous giving.
Above: Our Treasurer John Lowney
John Lowney offered $40 but PJ refused it! That may have been a Lakewood Rotary first, but it went unnoticed. David Swindale went to Oahu and gave $20.00 for the privilege. Rick and Sharon Selden went to Arizona recently and he pledged a Greenleaf-- $20.00-- for that. Bill Potter forked over $50.00 for a trip to Nashville courtesy of First Citizens Bank—he received many awards so was feeling very generous.
Above: Bill Potter felt magnanimous
John Caulfield introduced our speaker, Mary Dodsworth, the Parks and Recreation (“Parks”) Director of the City of Lakewood. Mary has been in public service for over 35 years. Mary and her team are responsible for maintaining over 600 acres of parks and open space. She creates fun and diverse programs, and is a firm believer in Parks and Recreation. She is a graduate of Central Washington University. She loves playing sports and travelling the world.
Mary thanked the Club for inviting her. She noted that this Club has been around since long before the City of Lakewood was a City. She provided the annual report on what is going on with Parks.
Here are some big things that happened in 2021:
- The playground at Fort Steilacoom Park has been updated to support all abilities;
- A warming kitchen and restrooms were added at the Pavilion at that park;
- The Harry Todd park in Tillicum has seen some waterfront improvements;
- Angle Lane South at Fort Steilacoom Park has been substantially improved;
- The Chambers Creek Canyon bridge is up-and-running! The bridge connects Lakewood to University Place. It is a great way to connect our communities;
[A huge hailstorm hit at the Tacoma Country Club during Mary’s talk but our indomitable Parks Director just talked louder and louder so she could be heard. She is not a quitter!]
Above: Mary Dodsworth (not a quitter)
Coming soon:
- There will be a series of improvements to Springbrook Park, including but not limited to bike paths;
- There have been changes to the American Lake Park, which right now include a new playground; and there are more exciting changes to come. A new entry plaza and sign will be completed. ADA accessibility at the park is of paramount concern. Everyone is welcome to get to the shoreline and play.
- Wards Lake Park is another important space. The City is looking at purchasing land to improve Wards Lake Park. Planned improvements include but are not limited to a loop trail and dog park.
- There are also planned changes to Edgewater, Oakbrook and Primley Parks. Improving playgrounds is a major priority for Parks.
- Another plan is to improve gateways and park signs, which is a major component of welcoming the public to the space.
- Improvements to the parks at Pierce College.
- We are working on a barn restoration project at Fort Steilacoom Park
Mary discussed partnerships with the Nisqually Tribe, which is crucial to the improvement of the parks.
In terms of special events, Mary talked about the Reel Life film festival and the MLK virtual event. Mary reminded us that Parks Appreciation Day is coming right up on April 23. She also discussed many Youth and Family outdoor education events that are being planned. This summer, we will be utilizing the Colonial Plaza for a variety of events that include dancing. The Lakewood Farmers Market is coming back. It takes place on Tuesday nights at Fort Steilacoom Park. Mary reminded us of the other cool events that have taken place recently, including the trucks day and the tree lighting.
Learn more about all of the great things that are happening with Parks and the City of Lakewood at its website: cityoflakewood.us
Mary closed by discussing the importance of a vibrant community. She opened it up for questions and there were many.
The Drawing: There was one….I think…but it was not the big one!
Upcoming LR events:
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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