MEETING RECAP
Trip to Another Planet
Saturday, September 10, 2022
By: Wendy Jo McGowanTrip to another planet.
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
A-lo-HA! President Whalen (devoid of any Hawaiian garb, but decked out in his lawyerly finest) welcomed us to the weekly gathering of Lakewood Rotarians. He then called upon Bob Peterson to give the invocation. Eloquent as always, Bob expressed his thoughts and feelings, noting the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and honored her for her lifetime of service to countries around the world. Referencing the upcoming 9/11 remembrance, President Jason then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next on the president’s agenda were thank yous to those who make our meetings possible (Set-up crew: Tom George, James Osundwa, Rob Erb and Gayle Selden), Recorder of fines: (Jan Gee, sitting in for treasurer, John Lowney), Bulletin Writer: “yours truly”, Photographer: Phil Eng, the Foundation desk: Steve Enquist, and the $2 table and Sgt. at Arms: (Jan Gee)….gee, was Gee a busy girl today!
Nearly out of breath, President Whalen asked if there were any visiting Rotarians, whereupon Gayle Selden announced that Ben Sclair, PP and son of Dave and Mary Lou was joining us today. Guest of Rotarian Carl Bronkema, Mark Herr, was welcomed. Mark is the owner of Hammond-Knoll, the commercial and residential carpet cleaning service in Tacoma. The Puffins in attendance were Veronica Bronkema and Yorleny Clapper.
Eric Warn was then called upon for the Health and Wellness Report. Eric acknowledged Dave Betz in our midst, who looked the picture of health and who stated his “heart attack caused no permanent heart damage”. Eric also let us know that Duncan Cook has left the hospital and now resides at the Weatherly in the memory unit and that Chuck Hellar is doing well. Eric found it important (why, I’m not sure, but most appreciated) to let club members know that I am recovering from a bad fall in July that resulted in a 4-way break in my upper right arm. “Thanks ‘Shutterbug Phil’ for the photo! Eric did convey some sad news that Andie Gernon’s son, Will, died in a recent motorcycle accident.
Steve Enquist had the privilege of letting us know that Mary Lou Sclair, a member of the Foundation’s Bequest Society, made a $10,000 gift in her will to the Foundation in son Ben Sclair’s name. The same is true of Ted Wier, leaving a gift in Carole’s name. Steve encouraged us to learn about how you can include Rotary in your estate and that flyers were on the tables today to learn about how your legacy can live on.
The announcements of birthdays were many and are as follows:
September Birthdays: Clint Johnson 9/4, Bob Zawilski 9/9, Greg Rediske 9/9, Mark Blanchard 9/11, Andy Phillips 9/12, Tony Camoroda 9/18, David Coleman 9/21, Gayle Selden 9/23, Patricia Price 9/23 and Mary Jo Copland 9/28.
Partner Birthdays: Rondi Johnson (husband, Lowell) 9/8 and Sue Martin (husband, Bob) 9/8.
Member Anniversaries: Leanna Albrecht 9/12/18 (4 years), Mike Zaro 9/25/15 (7 years), Eric Quinn 9/12/14 (8 years), Bob Martin 9/24/21 (8 years), and Walt Richardson 9/1/84 (38 years).
Wedding Anniversaries: Kris Peterson to Rosemary 9/3 (29 years), Walt Richardson to Tanya 9/1 (30 years), Greg Horn to Mary 9/18 (46 years), Mary Horn to Greg 9/18 (46 years), Mark Blanchard to Joanie 9/18 (46 years, Scott Buser to Kathy 9/7 (47 years), Wynn Hoffman to Margie 9/21 (54 years), Rick Selden to Sharon 9/6 (54 years) and Sam Hunter to Sybil 9/7 (65 years!) Amazing!
Fines and Generous Giving was next on the president’s agenda. He called on Rick Selden first. By the time Rick concluded his litany of violations I’m not clear what he owed (we think it was $100), but surely President Whalen hit the jackpot. Several $50 bills filled the Prez’s coffer from Yorleny Clapper, Angela Connelly, Walt Richardson, Gayle Selden (birthday) and “your scribe” for $80 (celebrating 80 years ‘young’ on the country club lawns on August 26).
Before the speaker was introduced, discussion ensued about The Fund Raising Committee and how it is searching for innovative ways to raise money without continuing to tap the pockets of members. The president said he’s had a recent discussion with Steilacoom Kiwanis Club member Dick Muri about his club’s ‘wine event’ and asked if our club could “copycat” Steilacoom’s event. Dick agreed to work with us to get such an event off the ground.
Angela Connelly offered the venue of the Highlands Golf Course club house and party room for an event. Mary Horn mentioned a “Girl’s Night Out” event that she had participated in recently. President Whalen encouraged anyone that would like to join the Fund Raising Committee and brainstorm would be most welcome.
He then introduced the speaker, member Bob Martin, who gave a detailed report on his “Fifteen Days in Antarctica.” Bob has a Masters in Geography and spent every summer camping across 46 of the American states. In addition to the continental U.S., Bob has explored the Aleutians, China, Norway, Australia and New Zealand.
Adding to his verve to learn and experience the geography of the earth, Bob spent two weeks on the continent of the South Pole. He commented, “It was almost like being on another planet.” The Antarctic is a landed continent covered over with a mile-thick stretch of ice.
Bob used a transparent, inflated globe of the earth to demonstrate the information he provided. He explained that the Northern Hemisphere is land-centric…a vast area covered with large masses of land. The Southern Hemisphere, by contrast, is covered with very little land mass. He showed with his globe that the Southern Hemisphere is mostly covered by water (oceans) and the only large land masses other than Antarctica are Australia and the tips of South America and Africa.
Rotarians pummeled Bob with questions: “What countries stake a claim of ownership to the Antarctic?” Bob explained that informal districts are claimed by Argentina, Australia and the United States, among others.
“What is the temperature like?” Bob responded that it ranges as low as 75 degrees below zero for the better part of the year. Only in November does the weather warm up to 35 degrees. He noted that the only part of the year one can travel to the Antarctic is between November 1st and March 1st.
“What credentials does one need to travel to the South Pole? Like, passport?” An individual can only travel to Antarctic if he or she is a part of a scientific expedition, is a member of the military, or travels with licensed guides.
“What type of accommodations are available when one reaches Antarctica?” Bob responded, “Most often a ship is “base camp.” Traveling via Zodiacs or kayaks is commonly used to and from the ship.
Bob’s presentation was peppered with interesting, often astounding, facts. Thank you, Bob. What an interesting life you have experienced. It is always so fascinating to learn a little more about our own member Rotarians.
Appropriately, Ben Sclair won the raffle but it was only $5.
Wendy
If buying through Amazon, don’t forget to use Smile.Amazon.com to direct some of the money to Rotary.
Nearly out of breath, President Whalen asked if there were any visiting Rotarians, whereupon Gayle Selden announced that Ben Sclair, PP and son of Dave and Mary Lou was joining us today. Guest of Rotarian Carl Bronkema, Mark Herr, was welcomed. Mark is the owner of Hammond-Knoll, the commercial and residential carpet cleaning service in Tacoma. The Puffins in attendance were Veronica Bronkema and Yorleny Clapper.
Eric Warn was then called upon for the Health and Wellness Report. Eric acknowledged Dave Betz in our midst, who looked the picture of health and who stated his “heart attack caused no permanent heart damage”. Eric also let us know that Duncan Cook has left the hospital and now resides at the Weatherly in the memory unit and that Chuck Hellar is doing well. Eric found it important (why, I’m not sure, but most appreciated) to let club members know that I am recovering from a bad fall in July that resulted in a 4-way break in my upper right arm. “Thanks ‘Shutterbug Phil’ for the photo! Eric did convey some sad news that Andie Gernon’s son, Will, died in a recent motorcycle accident.
Steve Enquist had the privilege of letting us know that Mary Lou Sclair, a member of the Foundation’s Bequest Society, made a $10,000 gift in her will to the Foundation in son Ben Sclair’s name. The same is true of Ted Wier, leaving a gift in Carole’s name. Steve encouraged us to learn about how you can include Rotary in your estate and that flyers were on the tables today to learn about how your legacy can live on.
The announcements of birthdays were many and are as follows:
September Birthdays: Clint Johnson 9/4, Bob Zawilski 9/9, Greg Rediske 9/9, Mark Blanchard 9/11, Andy Phillips 9/12, Tony Camoroda 9/18, David Coleman 9/21, Gayle Selden 9/23, Patricia Price 9/23 and Mary Jo Copland 9/28.
Partner Birthdays: Rondi Johnson (husband, Lowell) 9/8 and Sue Martin (husband, Bob) 9/8.
Member Anniversaries: Leanna Albrecht 9/12/18 (4 years), Mike Zaro 9/25/15 (7 years), Eric Quinn 9/12/14 (8 years), Bob Martin 9/24/21 (8 years), and Walt Richardson 9/1/84 (38 years).
Wedding Anniversaries: Kris Peterson to Rosemary 9/3 (29 years), Walt Richardson to Tanya 9/1 (30 years), Greg Horn to Mary 9/18 (46 years), Mary Horn to Greg 9/18 (46 years), Mark Blanchard to Joanie 9/18 (46 years, Scott Buser to Kathy 9/7 (47 years), Wynn Hoffman to Margie 9/21 (54 years), Rick Selden to Sharon 9/6 (54 years) and Sam Hunter to Sybil 9/7 (65 years!) Amazing!
Fines and Generous Giving was next on the president’s agenda. He called on Rick Selden first. By the time Rick concluded his litany of violations I’m not clear what he owed (we think it was $100), but surely President Whalen hit the jackpot. Several $50 bills filled the Prez’s coffer from Yorleny Clapper, Angela Connelly, Walt Richardson, Gayle Selden (birthday) and “your scribe” for $80 (celebrating 80 years ‘young’ on the country club lawns on August 26).
Before the speaker was introduced, discussion ensued about The Fund Raising Committee and how it is searching for innovative ways to raise money without continuing to tap the pockets of members. The president said he’s had a recent discussion with Steilacoom Kiwanis Club member Dick Muri about his club’s ‘wine event’ and asked if our club could “copycat” Steilacoom’s event. Dick agreed to work with us to get such an event off the ground.
Angela Connelly offered the venue of the Highlands Golf Course club house and party room for an event. Mary Horn mentioned a “Girl’s Night Out” event that she had participated in recently. President Whalen encouraged anyone that would like to join the Fund Raising Committee and brainstorm would be most welcome.
He then introduced the speaker, member Bob Martin, who gave a detailed report on his “Fifteen Days in Antarctica.” Bob has a Masters in Geography and spent every summer camping across 46 of the American states. In addition to the continental U.S., Bob has explored the Aleutians, China, Norway, Australia and New Zealand.
Adding to his verve to learn and experience the geography of the earth, Bob spent two weeks on the continent of the South Pole. He commented, “It was almost like being on another planet.” The Antarctic is a landed continent covered over with a mile-thick stretch of ice.
Bob used a transparent, inflated globe of the earth to demonstrate the information he provided. He explained that the Northern Hemisphere is land-centric…a vast area covered with large masses of land. The Southern Hemisphere, by contrast, is covered with very little land mass. He showed with his globe that the Southern Hemisphere is mostly covered by water (oceans) and the only large land masses other than Antarctica are Australia and the tips of South America and Africa.
Rotarians pummeled Bob with questions: “What countries stake a claim of ownership to the Antarctic?” Bob explained that informal districts are claimed by Argentina, Australia and the United States, among others.
“What is the temperature like?” Bob responded that it ranges as low as 75 degrees below zero for the better part of the year. Only in November does the weather warm up to 35 degrees. He noted that the only part of the year one can travel to the Antarctic is between November 1st and March 1st.
“What credentials does one need to travel to the South Pole? Like, passport?” An individual can only travel to Antarctic if he or she is a part of a scientific expedition, is a member of the military, or travels with licensed guides.
“What type of accommodations are available when one reaches Antarctica?” Bob responded, “Most often a ship is “base camp.” Traveling via Zodiacs or kayaks is commonly used to and from the ship.
Bob’s presentation was peppered with interesting, often astounding, facts. Thank you, Bob. What an interesting life you have experienced. It is always so fascinating to learn a little more about our own member Rotarians.
Appropriately, Ben Sclair won the raffle but it was only $5.
Wendy
| Upcoming LR events: 9/11-13 Reeder Rotary Roadster Romp to Sun Mountain 10/22 “Make a Difference Day”- Playground Fix Work at Fort Steilacoom Park 12/16 Tom and Jerry Party and President’s Roast |
If buying through Amazon, don’t forget to use Smile.Amazon.com to direct some of the money to Rotary.
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