MEETING RECAP
Sunday, July 31, 2022
By: Eric T QuinnKeeping it Potable
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
President Jason Whalen (“Aloha Man” or “AM” for short) rang the meeting to order at 12:30 PM. AM had just gotten out of court but was able to transition quickly to his Hawaiian shirt. Tom George provided our Rotary Moment, which was briefly interrupted by Carole Wier having no sound on Zoom. Tom reminded us to follow the Four Way Test and to consider how small we are in this infinite universe. The Pledge was led by Joe Quinn.
Herein and bolded are seven quotes that indicate why “water is life” according to the Canadian Federation:
“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” — Loren Eiseley
The setup crew was Tom George, James Osundwa, and Rob Erb, who were greatly assisted by Bob Martin and the Seldens, especially Gayle who ran the sound system—for which she has no problem expressing her disdain. Kendra Riconosciuto hosted Zoom. Bob Martin was Sergeant at Arms and manned the Foundation Desk with Eric Warn. Barlow Buscher ran the $2 raffle table. Greg Rediske collected fines. Eric Quinn drafted this bulletin. Phil Eng snapped photographs.
“Water is the driving force of all nature.” — Leonardo da Vinci
We had one visiting Rotarian: Randy Black from Clover Park, who was also our presenter. We had one guest, Yorleny Clapper, hosted by Mary Marlin. Yorleny may be a member of the Club very soon. There were no Puffins in attendance and AM held up a lonely puffin stuffed animal.
As for Health and Wellness, Eric Warn—who was also a greeter for the meeting—reported that Gordon Quick is still having back problems.
“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” — Lao Tzu
Then Aloha Man asked for announcements:
Greg and Mary Horn reminded us that Beerstock is taking place today as this is written, July 30. There are over 200 different beers on tap—and Greg Horn will take a small sip of each. Tickets are $40 ($35 of which goes to Paul Harris, and to your credit) and there are matching grants being provided by RI. Beerstock is taking place between 2 and 6 PM, so you might be late or truant already. Mary reported that there would be fire dancers at night and music all day.
Above: Bob Martin, the cowboy (photo by Phil Eng)
Bob Martin, playing a German-Hawaiian Cowboy, reported on Youth Exchange. Our incoming Danish student, Hans Bruun, will be arriving on approximately August 12. Mike and Paula Murtha have graciously agreed to be our first host family. We need two more host families! Hans will be attending Lakes High School.
“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.” — Jacques Yves Cousteau
Phil Eng reported on Fellowship. August 15-19 will be the Picnic Dinners. There are plenty of hosts but we need more guests. Contact Kendra Riconosciuto about that. The Roadster Romp is taking place Sun-Tues, September 11-13. There are approximately eight days left to register and only one cabin left. . Phil is looking for other suggestions for Fellowship opportunities. Monday Night Football is in the works.
Joe Quinn announced that the Oakbrook Golf event will be taking place on September 1, instead of August 25th due to a big tournament there on 8/25. We will tee off about 12:30 to 1:00 p.m and have dinner at about 5:30 p.m. Nine hole players can tee off about 3:30. Open to non-golfers too, the buffet dinner will cost $30 plus tax and gratuity. Notify Joe Quinn if you want to play and/or eat. Quinn will collect your food money (but not golf or cart money, which goes directly to pro shop) and give the Adriatic Grill one check for all diners. Fantastic prizes.
Above: A glimpse of the prizes
Fines: Bob Peterson donated $61 for 61 years of wedded bliss to Robyn. Gayle Selden was so enamored with the amazing work done by the Five Rotarians who Ran her Yard—a popular yearly Auction Item—that she paid an additional $100 fine. She proclaimed that “my yard has never looked so good in all my life.” Don Anderson paid a fine so Aloha Man would pay a fine.
“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans.” — Kahlil Gibran
THE PROGRAM:
Aloha Man turned the ship toward our presenters, Randy Black and Marshall Meyer from the Lakewood Water District (LWD). Randy thanked the “second best Rotary club” in Lakewood for inviting him. He stated that water demand is the “biggest deal” for the LWD. Water is “all over the news” said Randy. One item for clarification early on: LWD provides water by retail, to the ratepayers within its jurisdiction, and also provides water by wholesale to neighboring cities like Steilacoom and other water purveyors. The usage of water in the LWD’s wholesale areas is “way down.” Randy discussed polyfluoroalkyl substances—PFAS for short—and how those have reached minimal (but problematic) levels in LWD’s water supply. However, there continue to be some issues with communicating whether PFAS may or may not be leaking into LWD-administered aquifers from JBLM. PFAS dissipates over time, but was once used in great volume by fire departments in their firefighting foam, which led to its seepage into local water systems across the nation.
“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” — Isak Dinesen
Randy and Marshall also discussed infrastructure changes that are happening at LWD, including the addition of monitors of earthquake activity—we need water in those wells and what if an earthquake happens?! Marshall delved into the “meat and potatoes” of LWD and reminded us that LWD is only focused on providing drinking water and therefore does not manage wastewater or stormwater. Lakewood is entirely groundwater-fed. There are four different aquifers within LWD, creatively named A, C, E and G.
Of note is that the three LWD commissioners are all Lakewood Rotarians: Greg Rediske, John Korsmo and Gary Barton. Way to represent Lakewood Rotary, fellas!
“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” — W. H. Auden
Randy and Marshall opened it up for questions. Joe Quinn indicated that his fire-department clients stopped using PFAS foam for firefighting decades ago. Fire Chief Jim Sharp affirmed that West Pierce Fire and Rescue has not used PFAS in over 30 years. PFAS foam was discovered in Clover Creek in addition to LWD wells. Greg Horn made a comment regarding little “icebergs” he saw floating in Lake Steilacoom and inquired as to whether that might be PFAS. Randy and Marshall gave no comment on that. Mark Edgecomb wondered who takes precedence in terms of water supply/payment for that water between retail and wholesale clients. Randy answered that they are treated equally. Ron Irwin mentioned that he was the one that took the pictures of the PFAS cloud on Clover Creek, that was shown in the LWD photos.
Above: Our Presenters (photo by Phil Eng).
Thank you to Randy and Marshall for the thorough and interesting presentation. You can learn more about the LWD here: https://www.lakewoodwater.org/
Who Won the Drawing? Someone won, but only $5.
Upcoming LR events:
8/20-21 The Courage
9/1 Rotary Golf at Oakbrook
9/11-13 Reeder Rotary Roadster Romp to Sun Mountain
12/16 Tom and Jerry Party and President’s Roast
“Water is the driving force of all nature.” — Leonardo da Vinci
We had one visiting Rotarian: Randy Black from Clover Park, who was also our presenter. We had one guest, Yorleny Clapper, hosted by Mary Marlin. Yorleny may be a member of the Club very soon. There were no Puffins in attendance and AM held up a lonely puffin stuffed animal.
As for Health and Wellness, Eric Warn—who was also a greeter for the meeting—reported that Gordon Quick is still having back problems.
“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” — Lao Tzu
Then Aloha Man asked for announcements:
Greg and Mary Horn reminded us that Beerstock is taking place today as this is written, July 30. There are over 200 different beers on tap—and Greg Horn will take a small sip of each. Tickets are $40 ($35 of which goes to Paul Harris, and to your credit) and there are matching grants being provided by RI. Beerstock is taking place between 2 and 6 PM, so you might be late or truant already. Mary reported that there would be fire dancers at night and music all day.
Above: Bob Martin, the cowboy (photo by Phil Eng)
Bob Martin, playing a German-Hawaiian Cowboy, reported on Youth Exchange. Our incoming Danish student, Hans Bruun, will be arriving on approximately August 12. Mike and Paula Murtha have graciously agreed to be our first host family. We need two more host families! Hans will be attending Lakes High School.
“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.” — Jacques Yves Cousteau
Phil Eng reported on Fellowship. August 15-19 will be the Picnic Dinners. There are plenty of hosts but we need more guests. Contact Kendra Riconosciuto about that. The Roadster Romp is taking place Sun-Tues, September 11-13. There are approximately eight days left to register and only one cabin left. . Phil is looking for other suggestions for Fellowship opportunities. Monday Night Football is in the works.
Joe Quinn announced that the Oakbrook Golf event will be taking place on September 1, instead of August 25th due to a big tournament there on 8/25. We will tee off about 12:30 to 1:00 p.m and have dinner at about 5:30 p.m. Nine hole players can tee off about 3:30. Open to non-golfers too, the buffet dinner will cost $30 plus tax and gratuity. Notify Joe Quinn if you want to play and/or eat. Quinn will collect your food money (but not golf or cart money, which goes directly to pro shop) and give the Adriatic Grill one check for all diners. Fantastic prizes.
Above: A glimpse of the prizes
Fines: Bob Peterson donated $61 for 61 years of wedded bliss to Robyn. Gayle Selden was so enamored with the amazing work done by the Five Rotarians who Ran her Yard—a popular yearly Auction Item—that she paid an additional $100 fine. She proclaimed that “my yard has never looked so good in all my life.” Don Anderson paid a fine so Aloha Man would pay a fine.
“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans.” — Kahlil Gibran
THE PROGRAM:
Aloha Man turned the ship toward our presenters, Randy Black and Marshall Meyer from the Lakewood Water District (LWD). Randy thanked the “second best Rotary club” in Lakewood for inviting him. He stated that water demand is the “biggest deal” for the LWD. Water is “all over the news” said Randy. One item for clarification early on: LWD provides water by retail, to the ratepayers within its jurisdiction, and also provides water by wholesale to neighboring cities like Steilacoom and other water purveyors. The usage of water in the LWD’s wholesale areas is “way down.” Randy discussed polyfluoroalkyl substances—PFAS for short—and how those have reached minimal (but problematic) levels in LWD’s water supply. However, there continue to be some issues with communicating whether PFAS may or may not be leaking into LWD-administered aquifers from JBLM. PFAS dissipates over time, but was once used in great volume by fire departments in their firefighting foam, which led to its seepage into local water systems across the nation.
“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” — Isak Dinesen
Randy and Marshall also discussed infrastructure changes that are happening at LWD, including the addition of monitors of earthquake activity—we need water in those wells and what if an earthquake happens?! Marshall delved into the “meat and potatoes” of LWD and reminded us that LWD is only focused on providing drinking water and therefore does not manage wastewater or stormwater. Lakewood is entirely groundwater-fed. There are four different aquifers within LWD, creatively named A, C, E and G.
Of note is that the three LWD commissioners are all Lakewood Rotarians: Greg Rediske, John Korsmo and Gary Barton. Way to represent Lakewood Rotary, fellas!
“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” — W. H. Auden
Randy and Marshall opened it up for questions. Joe Quinn indicated that his fire-department clients stopped using PFAS foam for firefighting decades ago. Fire Chief Jim Sharp affirmed that West Pierce Fire and Rescue has not used PFAS in over 30 years. PFAS foam was discovered in Clover Creek in addition to LWD wells. Greg Horn made a comment regarding little “icebergs” he saw floating in Lake Steilacoom and inquired as to whether that might be PFAS. Randy and Marshall gave no comment on that. Mark Edgecomb wondered who takes precedence in terms of water supply/payment for that water between retail and wholesale clients. Randy answered that they are treated equally. Ron Irwin mentioned that he was the one that took the pictures of the PFAS cloud on Clover Creek, that was shown in the LWD photos.
Above: Our Presenters (photo by Phil Eng).
Thank you to Randy and Marshall for the thorough and interesting presentation. You can learn more about the LWD here: https://www.lakewoodwater.org/
Who Won the Drawing? Someone won, but only $5.
Upcoming LR events:
8/20-21 The Courage
9/1 Rotary Golf at Oakbrook
9/11-13 Reeder Rotary Roadster Romp to Sun Mountain
12/16 Tom and Jerry Party and President’s Roast
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