MEETING RECAP
Sunday, September 25, 2022
By: Mary MarlinTHE LAKEWOOD KEY
And Then It was Fall.
First it was summer. And then it was fall! Bring on the colors, the cool breeze, the vibrant sunsets and the Friday Rotary meetings. And so it was on Friday, September 23rd! President Jason Whalen and his conch shell announced the meeting and all members and guests stood up in respect and appreciation. Bob Hammar opened with a thoughtful prayer and Leon Titus led us with the Pledge of Allegiance. Thoughtful thank-yous from the Pres. were given to the set-up team of Tom George, James Osundwa and Rob Erb. Bud Montgomery was accepting Foundation contributions and Leon Titus was given a standing ovation for being missed for so long and for encouraging members to buy raffle tickets. Fine payments were registered by John Lowney with Greg Rediske maybe encouraging them? Photos were being taken by Phil Eng and Yours Truly had pen in hand for the Bulletin.
How amazing it is that nearly one hundred people come together every week to contribute to the common good!! Yea Lakewood Rotary! Visiting Rotarians were then introduced. Dave Harkness from Tacoma South was present with fun information to share about their putt-putt fundraiser. Guests were Ellen Mazoff, Rotary Partner and wife of Steve Mazoff, and Mark Kerr who Carl Bronkema mentioned would be a guest for only a few moments more. Eric Warn was happily sharing that "Everything is great in Rotary Land" and there are no health concerns of members or difficult news to share. Good news!
Above: New Member Mark Kerr
It was then time for Carl Bronkema to introduce his friend, Mark Kerr, to the club and announce that Mark would soon be a member of Lakewood Rotary. They walked to the podium since Mark has made his decision to join and had met with members to share his interest in the club. With that, President Whalen then presented a Hawaiian shirt to Mark to encourage his comfort and help with the 4 Way Test. Mark completed the 4 Way Test and was eagerly applauded by the members watching. Welcome, Mark! As is the protocol, the membership then learned more about the new member as he gave the group information that they probably didn't know. We learned many interesting things that Mark has experienced. Did you know.....Mark was hit by a car while on his motorcycle and the accident changed his life? He said it was the best thing that has ever happened in his life. He left the army after 18 years, entered the carpet cleaning business, did a handshake deal with an army buddy for another business, bought another business in Olympia, developed a partnership in Tacoma with a group that needed help, and is now the owner of Hammond Knoll Carpet Cleaning Company. Mark met Carl via business and they talked about how they both wanted to help others. Carl then suggested he come to one of our Rotary meetings and Mark was impressed. His comments were: "Your club does amazing things and it feels so great to help out. I feel blessed to be a member of this club." With that, the members stood and applauded our new member. Yorleny Clapper donated her Puffin to our newest member Mark (even though she said she would miss her Puffin buddy) and Mark generously gave back his Hawaiian shirt to the President. With that, Pres. Whalen gave our new member a packet of info... as well as a bill, of course! Tradition! And with a smile, the Pres also mentioned that "I bet Tacoma South is jealous."
Tacoma South Rotary member, Dave Harkness, smiled as he was then welcomed to inform members and guests of the Annual Mini-Golf Tournament on October 21st at Harkness Furniture. This annual fundraiser of Putt-Putt golf has raised over a million dollars to benefit twelve non-profits and free dental clinics for those in need. Put this on your calendar! Roaring 20's theme! Doors open at 5pm. Bar is open. Dinner at 6. At 7:00 p.m. tee time begins. 18-hole course. Sponsors: Silver level is $250. Gold is $500. Platinum level of funding is $1000. A gift certificate to the winner. Find three friends and make your team a winner. Your $75 allows you to play and will go a long way to helping others! If questions send to dave@harknessfurniture.com. See you there!
Above: Sally Porter Smith earned recognition!
Mary Horn and Sally Porter Smith then arrived at the podium for an emotional tribute to a deserving member. Mary Horn said she and Sally shed some tears when Sally found she was being honored with the special International Club Service Award for outstanding Club Service. With the District Governor's signature in the framed award, it was a touching moment for all. Sally's comment of "I have worked a long time in the club....am so humbled....and thank you" brought on generous applause.
Greg Horn then encouraged others to join him and Mary in Australia at the International Conference in 2023. Both Greg and Mary will also be attending the Zone Leadership Institute from Nov. 10- 12 this year. Thirty districts and 500 people have already signed up to visit Salt Lake City.
Anne Enquist then gave us news about the Little Free Pantry. With help from Rotarians Rose Stevens, Yorleny Clapper, Anne Enquist, Barlow Buescher, Bob Zawilski, Mark Blanchard, Chuck Hellar, Eric Warn, John Lowney and generous others, much is getting done. Currently, there are 8 pantries in Lakewood and Steilacoom. Some are self-sustaining, others need support. The theme of "Give what you can and take what you need" is the essence of it. There is a 24/7 barrier-free access and with team efforts they help to supplement food banks. The last Friday of the month is our donation encouragement for Lakewood Rotarians. Each pantry is cleaned and filled by a steward and community partners, such as Judy Eng with Little Church on the Prairie help, support the pantry at LASA. Clover Park, Lions, Kiwanis, and drop off sites such as Lakeview Power and Light, Lakewood YMCA, Moon Rise Cafe, and school drop-offs also contribute. Getting the word out is definitely helped by Dave Reames' electronic sign, Suburban Times articles, programs for student awareness and a current video being created all add to the outreach program. We encourage all to contribute as you can.
Announcements: Jan Gee, the chair of Community Concerns committee, mentioned that there is $25,000 available for grants and is "open for business"! Grants range from $500 to $2000 or more, depending on the need. Fines of the day.....Pat Price just got a new Bronco for her birthday! Donation? Not sure! Dave Coleman donated $100 because it is his birthday month and he's going to Lake Coeur d'Alene to celebrate. Jim Sharp is celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary and warm weather so he donated $100. Carl Bronkema was sponsored by Phil Eng when he joined the Country Club so he donated $20. Barlow Buescher appreciated Peter Marsh's tomatoes and donated $20. Leon Titus wants to attend meetings more often and chipped in $100.
Above: Donna Phillips
THE PROGRAM
Sally Smith then introduced Donna Phillips, the speaker of the day with her topic "It's Okay: Dementia...Friendly Programs Around the World". Donna had an opportunity at University of Southern California to take a course with two professors who had knowledge of a neurosurgeon and reporter named Sanjay Gupta . The focus of the class was dementia and the way that different countries treat the people who have extreme difficulty communicating with others. The tendency of people with dementia is to withdraw and decline. Often communities will also restrict and isolate individuals. But there are other ways of addressing this condition that have been effective. The need for friendly programs and initiatives has been helpful. For instance, in Michigan a restaurant with servers who have dementia have found that they are more active when activities are available. Several countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK look for liberation for those with dementia by involving them with physical activities, food prep, yoga, music (Tony Bennett is a good example), and choices that appeal to them. Some countries have set up communities specifically for dementia sufferers and it has been found that there is less agitation and better interactions when fewer meds are used and better protocol addressed. Changing the mindset.....can change the world.....in all sorts of ways! Thank you, Donna, for the interesting information!
President Whalen then drew the raffle ticket; Gayle Selden got $5 for her birthday. Until next time.....Mary Marlin
Above: Steve Enquist sent in this photo about Mary Lou Sclair’s Rotary pins
Last week was our exchange student, Hans Bruun’s 16th Birthday.
This weekend he is spending in Florida with the Murtha family.
Other weekends he’d enjoy spending time with you and your family for adventures. It could be a hike in the woods, a trip to the pumpkin patch, a Seahawks game, a Mariner game, a Kraken game or even dinner and game night at your home. All of these are fun activities Hans could join you in. Seahawks games are his number 1 hope
Call or text Paula Murtha at (210) 722-0768 and set up some time with Hans.
We are also looking for host families for after the Holidays (End of December/January start), if you have space in your home and want to enhance your life contact Bob Martin (bobandsuemartin@gmail.com).
Above: New Member Mark Kerr
It was then time for Carl Bronkema to introduce his friend, Mark Kerr, to the club and announce that Mark would soon be a member of Lakewood Rotary. They walked to the podium since Mark has made his decision to join and had met with members to share his interest in the club. With that, President Whalen then presented a Hawaiian shirt to Mark to encourage his comfort and help with the 4 Way Test. Mark completed the 4 Way Test and was eagerly applauded by the members watching. Welcome, Mark! As is the protocol, the membership then learned more about the new member as he gave the group information that they probably didn't know. We learned many interesting things that Mark has experienced. Did you know.....Mark was hit by a car while on his motorcycle and the accident changed his life? He said it was the best thing that has ever happened in his life. He left the army after 18 years, entered the carpet cleaning business, did a handshake deal with an army buddy for another business, bought another business in Olympia, developed a partnership in Tacoma with a group that needed help, and is now the owner of Hammond Knoll Carpet Cleaning Company. Mark met Carl via business and they talked about how they both wanted to help others. Carl then suggested he come to one of our Rotary meetings and Mark was impressed. His comments were: "Your club does amazing things and it feels so great to help out. I feel blessed to be a member of this club." With that, the members stood and applauded our new member. Yorleny Clapper donated her Puffin to our newest member Mark (even though she said she would miss her Puffin buddy) and Mark generously gave back his Hawaiian shirt to the President. With that, Pres. Whalen gave our new member a packet of info... as well as a bill, of course! Tradition! And with a smile, the Pres also mentioned that "I bet Tacoma South is jealous."
Tacoma South Rotary member, Dave Harkness, smiled as he was then welcomed to inform members and guests of the Annual Mini-Golf Tournament on October 21st at Harkness Furniture. This annual fundraiser of Putt-Putt golf has raised over a million dollars to benefit twelve non-profits and free dental clinics for those in need. Put this on your calendar! Roaring 20's theme! Doors open at 5pm. Bar is open. Dinner at 6. At 7:00 p.m. tee time begins. 18-hole course. Sponsors: Silver level is $250. Gold is $500. Platinum level of funding is $1000. A gift certificate to the winner. Find three friends and make your team a winner. Your $75 allows you to play and will go a long way to helping others! If questions send to dave@harknessfurniture.com. See you there!
Above: Sally Porter Smith earned recognition!
Mary Horn and Sally Porter Smith then arrived at the podium for an emotional tribute to a deserving member. Mary Horn said she and Sally shed some tears when Sally found she was being honored with the special International Club Service Award for outstanding Club Service. With the District Governor's signature in the framed award, it was a touching moment for all. Sally's comment of "I have worked a long time in the club....am so humbled....and thank you" brought on generous applause.
Greg Horn then encouraged others to join him and Mary in Australia at the International Conference in 2023. Both Greg and Mary will also be attending the Zone Leadership Institute from Nov. 10- 12 this year. Thirty districts and 500 people have already signed up to visit Salt Lake City.
Anne Enquist then gave us news about the Little Free Pantry. With help from Rotarians Rose Stevens, Yorleny Clapper, Anne Enquist, Barlow Buescher, Bob Zawilski, Mark Blanchard, Chuck Hellar, Eric Warn, John Lowney and generous others, much is getting done. Currently, there are 8 pantries in Lakewood and Steilacoom. Some are self-sustaining, others need support. The theme of "Give what you can and take what you need" is the essence of it. There is a 24/7 barrier-free access and with team efforts they help to supplement food banks. The last Friday of the month is our donation encouragement for Lakewood Rotarians. Each pantry is cleaned and filled by a steward and community partners, such as Judy Eng with Little Church on the Prairie help, support the pantry at LASA. Clover Park, Lions, Kiwanis, and drop off sites such as Lakeview Power and Light, Lakewood YMCA, Moon Rise Cafe, and school drop-offs also contribute. Getting the word out is definitely helped by Dave Reames' electronic sign, Suburban Times articles, programs for student awareness and a current video being created all add to the outreach program. We encourage all to contribute as you can.
Announcements: Jan Gee, the chair of Community Concerns committee, mentioned that there is $25,000 available for grants and is "open for business"! Grants range from $500 to $2000 or more, depending on the need. Fines of the day.....Pat Price just got a new Bronco for her birthday! Donation? Not sure! Dave Coleman donated $100 because it is his birthday month and he's going to Lake Coeur d'Alene to celebrate. Jim Sharp is celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary and warm weather so he donated $100. Carl Bronkema was sponsored by Phil Eng when he joined the Country Club so he donated $20. Barlow Buescher appreciated Peter Marsh's tomatoes and donated $20. Leon Titus wants to attend meetings more often and chipped in $100.
Above: Donna Phillips
THE PROGRAM
Sally Smith then introduced Donna Phillips, the speaker of the day with her topic "It's Okay: Dementia...Friendly Programs Around the World". Donna had an opportunity at University of Southern California to take a course with two professors who had knowledge of a neurosurgeon and reporter named Sanjay Gupta . The focus of the class was dementia and the way that different countries treat the people who have extreme difficulty communicating with others. The tendency of people with dementia is to withdraw and decline. Often communities will also restrict and isolate individuals. But there are other ways of addressing this condition that have been effective. The need for friendly programs and initiatives has been helpful. For instance, in Michigan a restaurant with servers who have dementia have found that they are more active when activities are available. Several countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK look for liberation for those with dementia by involving them with physical activities, food prep, yoga, music (Tony Bennett is a good example), and choices that appeal to them. Some countries have set up communities specifically for dementia sufferers and it has been found that there is less agitation and better interactions when fewer meds are used and better protocol addressed. Changing the mindset.....can change the world.....in all sorts of ways! Thank you, Donna, for the interesting information!
President Whalen then drew the raffle ticket; Gayle Selden got $5 for her birthday. Until next time.....Mary Marlin
Above: Steve Enquist sent in this photo about Mary Lou Sclair’s Rotary pins
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This weekend he is spending in Florida with the Murtha family.
Other weekends he’d enjoy spending time with you and your family for adventures. It could be a hike in the woods, a trip to the pumpkin patch, a Seahawks game, a Mariner game, a Kraken game or even dinner and game night at your home. All of these are fun activities Hans could join you in. Seahawks games are his number 1 hope
Call or text Paula Murtha at (210) 722-0768 and set up some time with Hans.
We are also looking for host families for after the Holidays (End of December/January start), if you have space in your home and want to enhance your life contact Bob Martin (bobandsuemartin@gmail.com).
Upcoming LR events: 10/21 Putt-Putt Golf Fundraiser at Harkness Furniture (Tacoma South Rotary) 10/22 “Make a Difference Day”- Playground Fix Work at Fort Steilacoom Park 11/5 Murder Mystery fundraiser 12/16 Tom and Jerry Party and President’s Roast |
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