MEETING RECAP
Sunday, June 26, 2022
By: Paula T. OlsonA Night of Aloha
Paula T. Olson
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
If anyone were to venture into the Tacoma Country and Golf Club banquet room Saturday evening, they would believe that they had been magically transported to a resort in Hawaii. Thanks to Jan Gee and her team, the room was transformed with straw umbrellas, tiki gods, leis, and table centerpieces of candles and shells. Guests were dressed in their finest Hawaiian garb. It was the Installation Dinner for Lakewood Rotary and a wonderful night.
Above: The lovely Greeters, Mary Marlin and Barb Spriggs
Before dinner, we were treated to a fantastic performance of hula dancing with live Hawaiian music performed by the folks from the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. Jan had contacted Lue Pritchard who made the arrangements. Saving the best for last, we went out onto the patio where we watched a fearless young man do an exciting fire dance. Then we made our way upstairs to dinner.
Above: The entertainment folks from Asia Pacific Cultural Center
When the program started it was MCed by our own Chris Kimball, Barlow Buescher did a very nice invocation and Connie Coleman-Lacadie led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chris got us warmed up for the evening with some tasteful stories about our new President Jason Whalen. There was the one about the time he was Mayor of Sequim and then one about this cat at Gonzaga running out of gas, and one that had to do with a brick. Somehow none of these seemed to be strongly based in fact but more in pure silliness.
Chuck Hellar presented Martin Olmos with the Bernie Ootkin Non-Rotarian of the Year award. Martin worked with West Pierce Fire and Rescue helping people install smoke alarms in high fire risk areas. Martin’s compassion and empathy with people certainly came through with the stories from Chuck and Jim Sharp. Jim told us that at the end of the rigorous training for fire fighters, they are pinned, to show they are new members of the team. Jim pinned Martin who was quite emotional and grateful for the special acknowledgement. Rose Stevens was recognized as the Russ Klauser Rotarian of the Year, another very well deserved award. Rose was in New York, we woke her up on the phone so she could hear our applause and good wishes. Chuck listed all the ways that Rose works behind the scenes to care for and enrich the world, one project at a time. To make sure we didn’t get Rose mixed up with other members so named, Chris held up a large picture of Rose.
Above: Rotarian of the Year Rose Stevens
Ellen Mazoff gave us an overview of the work of the Partners and how they enjoy fellowship. They have accumulated over $10,000 in the past year. Poor Past President Jim Rooks, stricken by the dread disease, thanked his board of directors and assured us we were in the best of hands with Jason. President Jason presented Jim with a plaque. Greg Rediske, in his official capacity as our Secretary, installed the new board members and the President Elect, Mary Horn, as well as “re-installing” the hard working John Lowney as Treasurer. Joe Quinn was called on to install the “new” Secretary, Greg Rediske, because Greg could not install himself! (Well in his case, he probably could.) Joe threw away the script and talked about what a great Secretary Greg has been. He described Greg as the linchpin, who holds Lakewood Rotary together. Greg then installed Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen as our next LR President.. When it came time to hear his first official remarks, Jason called on us to serve our community and each other and be the foundation of our city.
Above: Our new President with his First Lady, Gael Whalen
If you missed it this year, mark your calendar to attend next year. It was a lovely evening.
Upcoming LR events:
6/25 Rotary Installation Banquet
7/21 Floating Board Meeting (picnic)
7/30 Pints for Polio (at Horns’ water ski lake near Orting)
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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