Love is in the Air
By
Wendy McGowan

Valentine wishes of love and friendship. You may remember those endearing messages imprinted on sugary, little candy hearts that came in pastel colors when you were a child (or more than likely, when you were a teenager!). “BE MINE,” ‘LUV U,” “SWEETIE PIE,” “COOL DUDE,” “DREAMIE,” “SMOOCH,” XOXOXO,” “CRAZY 4 U”, “TRUE LOVE,” “I’M IN 2 U,” “LOVE BUG,” “HI CUTIE,” or “FIRST KISS.” The language may have changed a bit. Today you will find “TEXT ME” and “LOL”. No matter when, the same sentiments pop up just before February 14 every year. 2023 is no different.
 “HOT STUFF” got today’s meeting off on the strike of 12:30 with his trusty conch shell. He asked Scott Buser to give the invocation which he did with “7 prayers for spring”. Barlow Buescher followed with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Prez Jason thanked the set up crew for their trusty work. “ROCK STARS” all.

James Guerrero took charge of the Foundation desk, while Jan Gee did duty as Sergeant at Arms both employing “SWEET TALK” to gather shekels from our pockets and purses.

Our president recognized the Puffins, with a special nod to the newest Puffin, Jacob Cuthbertson. When Jacob was asked to show his Puffin, Jacob answered, “I didn’t get the bird.”

There were no guests of Rotarians, yet “SO COOL,” Ralph Lockhart, was introduced, as was “ADORED,” Carole Wier, on Zoom. When Prez Jason wondered aloud at the Minnesota weather, Carole announced, “It is a balmy 24 degrees!” Scott Buser introduced Dick Ferrell, Lakewood Rotary’s newest member. Dick has spent his career in the pharmaceutical industry.

President Jason revealed that, sometime in the near future, he is going to call upon members to tell of their favorite Rotary stories in a one-to-two minute conversation. “ONLY YOU,” mister president, could dream this up.

Leanna Albrecht introduced the educators of the month, Linda Merritt and Amelia Pernell. Linda was accompanied by Chloe Clark Elementary School Principle Loretta Duncan and Amelia was accompanied by Lochburn Middle School Principle Carla Eastes, Superintendent Ron Banner and Assistant Superintendent  Dr. Gloria Henderson. Linda is a second grade teacher with a diverse background in teaching. Last spring, fueled by her desire to grow, she became an ECI (Enriched Core Instructor). In this capacity, she analyzes educational practices and works with teachers to improve instructional practices to directly impact student achievement. She is passionate about science and all things STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math).

Amelia is a math teacher at Lochburn Middle School. Her nomination stemmed from her relentless pursuit to provide safe spaces for students through Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Among other programs, she also facilitates the Art to Living Program with the SEL curriculum for special ed and general ed students and makes math relevant to students in their everyday lives. Such “COOL KIDS” both of them!

Eric Warn solemnly gave his Health and Wellness report. Ed Shannon is ill with a lung infection and Gary Fulton’s son died suddenly. Prayers were felt throughout the room and President Whalen noted ‘how listening to these stories shared weekly allows each of us to understand how we are engaged and connected to one another, even if our backgrounds and passions are diverse. Don’t forget to attend John Warner’s memorial at University Place Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 24^th at 2:00 pm. Bring all your best stories of one of best members.

Greg Horn then rattled off the many birthdays and anniversaries:

Member Birthdays:
Gary Barton                                       February 1
Mary Marlin                                       February 3
Barlow Buescher                                February 3  
Carl Bronkema                                  February 10
Dave Reames                                     February 12
Anne Enquist                                     February 17
Mary Moss                                        February 22

Partner Birthdays (Member):
Linda McDermott (Glenn)                  February 6
Thomas George (Neeni)                     February 13
Patrick Clapper (Yorleny)                  February 25

Member Anniversaries:            Start Date:            Total Years:
Veronica Bronkema                 2/11/2022                       1
Kendra Riconosciuto                2/16/2018                       5
Eric Warn                                2/1/2018                         5
Jim Weinand                            2/10/2012                       11
Kris Peterson                           2/12/2010                       13
Dan Livingston                        2/24/2006                       17
Donna Phillips                         2/18/2005                       18
Greg Horn                               3/1/1996                         27
Charlie Hyde                            3/1/1993                         30
Jim Rooks                                3/1/1990                         33
David Coleman                        2/1/1988                         35
Bud Montgomery                     3/1/1988                         35
Mo Sarram                               2/1/1987                         36
Donn Irwin                              2/28/2013                       37
John Magnuson                        3/1/2019                         47              

Wedding Anniversaries:           Partner:                Date:           Years:
Morris Northcutt                      Lavonne               Feb. 7           19
Chris Easter                             Wendy                  Feb. 14        24
James Guerrero                        Susan                    Mar. 1         27
Tom George                             Neeni                    Feb. 6           40
Lua Pritchard                           Dan                      Feb. 23        43
Terry Roarke                           Walli                    Feb. 5 4        5
Donna Phillips                         Andy                    Feb. 21        54
Andy Phillips                           Donna                  Feb. 21        54
Mo Sarram                               Fereshteh              Feb. 6           63              

The president then announced that, following today’s meeting, members are needed to meet at 2:00 p.m. for a video “of Rotarians at work in our community” at Ft. Steilacoom Park. Jason thanked those that volunteered.

PROGRAM:
We will “MISS YOU,” Mike Zaro. Mike is the retiring Chief of the Lakewood Police Department and he was introduced by Pierce County Executive, Andrew Neiditz. Andrew honored Mike with such words as integrity, humility and commitment. An example: Mike became Assistant Chief of Police in 2008 and immediately declined a salary increase. He went on to become Chief of Police in 2015.

Mike spoke sincerely about how he has valued his relationship with the members of this club, especially as he worked with us while on the job and out in the community. He listed the many things he is leaving behind in his retirement:
          -crime is at an all-time low since 2019
          -vehicle theft doubled in the last four years
          -assaults are the lowest since 2016
          -juvenile thefts are up and police ability to intervene is a problem
          -pursuits have become a public safety issue with up to six events per month
          -two years ago the department experienced a huge increase in retirements where they had to rebuild the department
          -today the department is much younger and the new hires are excellent additions, not because of higher salaries, but because of the overall support within the department
          -Patrick Smith, Mike Zaro’s replacement, is stepping in with a great deal of experience, especially with the Los Angeles Police Department

As Mike finished today’s talk, President Whalen sent him off with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We are “CRAZY 4 U,” Chief Zaro.

“BE MINE,” Troy Wilcox, winner of the white chip in today’s raffle.

“HUGS 2 MY LAKEWOOD ROTARIANS”
Your scribe, Wendy McGowan