MEETING RECAP
A Memorial Memorial Day
By Gayle SeldenSunday, May 28, 2023
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A Memorable Memorial Day
By Gayle Selden
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
The day was March 26th. Anticipation was building for the sound that the collected had endured for the last 11 months. There it was… the sound the room obeyed by standing in unison. It was the conch shell blown by President Mayor Whalen, signifying the beginning of Aloha Friday.
Bob Peterson unfurled a handwritten thought that provided moments of reflection. Tony Camoroda raised his voice to lead the pledge.The screen was then filled with a tribute to our veterans who are no longer with us. Seeing the faces of these men. . .I swear I could hear their laughs. It was excellent work by Rob Erb.
President Mayor Whalen had collaborators throughout the room. Dick Ferrell on the foundation desk. Leon Titus working as raffle ticket seller and court jester. Rob Erb led a team of Tom George, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, Wynn Hoffman and James Osundwa making sure mics, badges and zoomers were all in order. Greg, with the surname of Rediske, handled fines. The words that you are reading are presented by Selden with the forename of Gayle. Bob with the often-mispronounced name of Zawilski took the official photos.
It was time to introduce the Rotarians visiting from the lands further away. . .but we had to wait a moment for Mr. Titus to emerge and say there were none. The room was enlightened with the presence of Gael Whalen and Jennie Weinand. The speaker Lt Governor Heck brought partner Paula and deputy chief Ryan Jackson.
It was at this moment it was realized that President Mayor Whalen was showing a side of himself often seen only on the interweb. It had been a couple weeks since this scribe had been at a meeting. She had forgotten that when the temperature rises above 76 degrees the legs of Rotarian pants shrink to above their knees. Shorts season had returned to Lakewood Rotary.
President Mayor Whalen invited Past President Dr. Jim Rooks to the podium to share his Rotary story. Jim is a fifth generation Floridian, member of the Gainesville Rotary and in a flourishing medical practice before he was recruited to move to the Lakewood area and set up shop here. Jeanie Latta Gina Lotte (the first woman inducted into Lakewood Rotary) recruited Jim to join our club and assured him it wasn’t a singing club. His favorite project was providing seed money to the YMCA. He also appreciated the work the club did to discover and identify International Baccalaureate as a way to make Clover Park schools more enticing for students to stay in the district.
Charles Heberle (pronounced Eberly), who has been living as of late in New Mexico with his new wife, has had some health concerns, as has his wife. They both seem to be on their way to better health.
District Governor Nominee Tony Camoroda presented some awards to Lakewood Rotary. Both Bob Zawilski and Jan Gee were recognized for their leadership and contributions to District 5020 leading committees on the foundation and governance. The club won 1st prize for best promotional video. And we also learned that Greg and Mary Horn have added to their plate the job of District Communication Officers.
The star of Lakewood Rotary’s promotional video, Rose Stevens, made an announcement that a member of the club wrote a $5000 check to be used for the Ukrainian project she had previously asked for funding of $4700. With this donation Rose asked the club to reallocate that $4700 to use toward the District Grant for next year. That motion was moved, seconded and voted in the affirmative.
Previously recognized Jan Gee showed her gift from the district for her service. A painting by Derek Rickwood, a Rotarian from Nanaimo, who paints for a cause. She then promoted a Communities in Schools fundraising breakfast on Wednesday the 31st at 7:30 am at McGavick. Head to lakewoodcis.org to register as an attendee.
The call for Aloha dollars was given by President Mayor Whalen. The first to respond to the call was Bob Martin and this scribe has no idea for what he paid. Dave Reames paid $20 to announce his boat is on the lake and all are welcome to take a ride. It seemed this was going to be a lead off announcement for the Floating Board Meeting/ Family Picnic which is held at Holly Hedge Lane where Dave’s boat resides. That is an event where Rotarians and their families are invited to dine lakeside, cruise around Lake Steilacoom in members’ boats and attempt to play yard games. The fun happens on August 3rd with steak as the dinner course.
Before that fellowship event we have the Installation Dinner Friday, June 23rd where Mary Horn and her board will be installed. This year the theme for Mary is “The Family.” Head to lakewoodrotary.com to pay for your surf and turf dinner under the “buy it now” tab by clicking on Installation of Officers. Dinner is $75 per person.
Speaking of family, Jason Whalen paid $20 to recognize daughter Allison who was competing in the State Track meet running both the 1600 and the 3200. (That is about a mile run and a two mile run, respectively, for you non-metric Rotarians.) Another club Dad sold out his daughter after paying $20 for a trip to Florida. This Father said his daughter was also in Florida and the good daughter said she would match his fine. The truth of the matter is that the daughter was with her father in the states of Georgia and Alabama, not Florida. But the fine will still come from her when she logs into lakewoodrotary.com and goes to buy it now and clicks the fine button. Recently, I learned that many members pledge a fine but do not pay it. Two seconds on the website with Square and the $20 will be in the club’s coffers.
The Program:
Andy Phillips introduced our speaker, Lt. Governor Denny Heck. Denny has a long political career, first serving as Chief of Staff to Governor Booth Gardner, then as a representative in the WA State House, then as a representative in the US House and currently sitting as Lieutenant Governor. Denny is also an accomplished author, which he couldn’t speak of on Friday, because he was appearing in his official capacity as Lt. Governor.
The Lieutenant Governor position is the lowest paid statewide elected Official position at $119,353 per year. The Lt. Governor does not run as a match to the Governor (like President-Vice President) and is not part of the Governor’s cabinet. The Lt. Governor does act as Governor when the Governor leaves the state. Main job is as President of the Senate where once in the last three years he had to vote when the floor vote was tied. Heck is also the chair of the legislative committee on economic development and international relations.
Heck spoke of how they look at the business competitiveness of the state. One of our challenges is housing. The ratio of housing units per household nationally is 1.14 and, in our state, it is 1.06. That is a significant housing supply issue at all levels. Market research shows the housing market is in equilibrium when a house is on the market for 6 months. Right now, in Thurston County 12 is the average number of days a house is on the market. It makes it a difficult barrier to home ownership for those who are renting (and paying higher rents due to increased demands).
Equity in a home is the #1 asset of the average American. Without homes the retirement ability reduces. There are environmental issues that are created as people live further and further away from their workplaces, in order to find affordable housing. And there is a great racial disparity due to generational home ownership. This year the legislator stepped to the plate by designing legislation to increase the supply of housing. Creating space for condos to be built, providing money and grants to encourage building were some legislative highlights
Heck left a lot of time for questions, and they were numerous from the crowd. Highlights included:
Lack of Civility problem in Government and generally in society. Heck says to set a good example. Social media benefits from anger so do not feed it. Elevate yourself to respectful discourse by speaking and listening.
Jan Gee, who has worked with Denny for 51 years, asked Denny to talk about the top five bills that came about this year. He returned to the topic of housing. Condo reforms are at the top of the list as those are usually the first rung on a ladder of home ownership.
The end of the meeting was signified by President Mayor Whalen standing in front of the crowd. Excitement filled the room as it was revealed that there were 4 whites and 1 red in the pot of the raffle. Mary Marlin’s name was called, and she drew a chip to see if $992 would be added to her bank account. She drew a chip in the color of white. . .so next week the raffle will ride strong again.
A note about the Dolly Parton imagination library. We are live for signups! Now, it is time to get the word out. Children 0-5 get a free book delivered monthly to their home. Check out https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/WALAKEWOOD/ . Sign up your kids, grandkids and neighbors. The committee is currently working on events for promoting the program locally. If you are interested in helping, see Bill Potter or Gayle Selden. Current plans include a Summerfest tent and reaching out to local pediatricians.
By Gayle Selden
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
The day was March 26th. Anticipation was building for the sound that the collected had endured for the last 11 months. There it was… the sound the room obeyed by standing in unison. It was the conch shell blown by President Mayor Whalen, signifying the beginning of Aloha Friday.
Bob Peterson unfurled a handwritten thought that provided moments of reflection. Tony Camoroda raised his voice to lead the pledge.The screen was then filled with a tribute to our veterans who are no longer with us. Seeing the faces of these men. . .I swear I could hear their laughs. It was excellent work by Rob Erb.
President Mayor Whalen had collaborators throughout the room. Dick Ferrell on the foundation desk. Leon Titus working as raffle ticket seller and court jester. Rob Erb led a team of Tom George, Terry Roarke, Rick Selden, Wynn Hoffman and James Osundwa making sure mics, badges and zoomers were all in order. Greg, with the surname of Rediske, handled fines. The words that you are reading are presented by Selden with the forename of Gayle. Bob with the often-mispronounced name of Zawilski took the official photos.
It was time to introduce the Rotarians visiting from the lands further away. . .but we had to wait a moment for Mr. Titus to emerge and say there were none. The room was enlightened with the presence of Gael Whalen and Jennie Weinand. The speaker Lt Governor Heck brought partner Paula and deputy chief Ryan Jackson.
It was at this moment it was realized that President Mayor Whalen was showing a side of himself often seen only on the interweb. It had been a couple weeks since this scribe had been at a meeting. She had forgotten that when the temperature rises above 76 degrees the legs of Rotarian pants shrink to above their knees. Shorts season had returned to Lakewood Rotary.
President Mayor Whalen invited Past President Dr. Jim Rooks to the podium to share his Rotary story. Jim is a fifth generation Floridian, member of the Gainesville Rotary and in a flourishing medical practice before he was recruited to move to the Lakewood area and set up shop here. Jeanie Latta Gina Lotte (the first woman inducted into Lakewood Rotary) recruited Jim to join our club and assured him it wasn’t a singing club. His favorite project was providing seed money to the YMCA. He also appreciated the work the club did to discover and identify International Baccalaureate as a way to make Clover Park schools more enticing for students to stay in the district.
Charles Heberle (pronounced Eberly), who has been living as of late in New Mexico with his new wife, has had some health concerns, as has his wife. They both seem to be on their way to better health.
District Governor Nominee Tony Camoroda presented some awards to Lakewood Rotary. Both Bob Zawilski and Jan Gee were recognized for their leadership and contributions to District 5020 leading committees on the foundation and governance. The club won 1st prize for best promotional video. And we also learned that Greg and Mary Horn have added to their plate the job of District Communication Officers.
The star of Lakewood Rotary’s promotional video, Rose Stevens, made an announcement that a member of the club wrote a $5000 check to be used for the Ukrainian project she had previously asked for funding of $4700. With this donation Rose asked the club to reallocate that $4700 to use toward the District Grant for next year. That motion was moved, seconded and voted in the affirmative.
Previously recognized Jan Gee showed her gift from the district for her service. A painting by Derek Rickwood, a Rotarian from Nanaimo, who paints for a cause. She then promoted a Communities in Schools fundraising breakfast on Wednesday the 31st at 7:30 am at McGavick. Head to lakewoodcis.org to register as an attendee.
The call for Aloha dollars was given by President Mayor Whalen. The first to respond to the call was Bob Martin and this scribe has no idea for what he paid. Dave Reames paid $20 to announce his boat is on the lake and all are welcome to take a ride. It seemed this was going to be a lead off announcement for the Floating Board Meeting/ Family Picnic which is held at Holly Hedge Lane where Dave’s boat resides. That is an event where Rotarians and their families are invited to dine lakeside, cruise around Lake Steilacoom in members’ boats and attempt to play yard games. The fun happens on August 3rd with steak as the dinner course.
Before that fellowship event we have the Installation Dinner Friday, June 23rd where Mary Horn and her board will be installed. This year the theme for Mary is “The Family.” Head to lakewoodrotary.com to pay for your surf and turf dinner under the “buy it now” tab by clicking on Installation of Officers. Dinner is $75 per person.
Speaking of family, Jason Whalen paid $20 to recognize daughter Allison who was competing in the State Track meet running both the 1600 and the 3200. (That is about a mile run and a two mile run, respectively, for you non-metric Rotarians.) Another club Dad sold out his daughter after paying $20 for a trip to Florida. This Father said his daughter was also in Florida and the good daughter said she would match his fine. The truth of the matter is that the daughter was with her father in the states of Georgia and Alabama, not Florida. But the fine will still come from her when she logs into lakewoodrotary.com and goes to buy it now and clicks the fine button. Recently, I learned that many members pledge a fine but do not pay it. Two seconds on the website with Square and the $20 will be in the club’s coffers.
The Program:
Andy Phillips introduced our speaker, Lt. Governor Denny Heck. Denny has a long political career, first serving as Chief of Staff to Governor Booth Gardner, then as a representative in the WA State House, then as a representative in the US House and currently sitting as Lieutenant Governor. Denny is also an accomplished author, which he couldn’t speak of on Friday, because he was appearing in his official capacity as Lt. Governor.
The Lieutenant Governor position is the lowest paid statewide elected Official position at $119,353 per year. The Lt. Governor does not run as a match to the Governor (like President-Vice President) and is not part of the Governor’s cabinet. The Lt. Governor does act as Governor when the Governor leaves the state. Main job is as President of the Senate where once in the last three years he had to vote when the floor vote was tied. Heck is also the chair of the legislative committee on economic development and international relations.
Heck spoke of how they look at the business competitiveness of the state. One of our challenges is housing. The ratio of housing units per household nationally is 1.14 and, in our state, it is 1.06. That is a significant housing supply issue at all levels. Market research shows the housing market is in equilibrium when a house is on the market for 6 months. Right now, in Thurston County 12 is the average number of days a house is on the market. It makes it a difficult barrier to home ownership for those who are renting (and paying higher rents due to increased demands).
Equity in a home is the #1 asset of the average American. Without homes the retirement ability reduces. There are environmental issues that are created as people live further and further away from their workplaces, in order to find affordable housing. And there is a great racial disparity due to generational home ownership. This year the legislator stepped to the plate by designing legislation to increase the supply of housing. Creating space for condos to be built, providing money and grants to encourage building were some legislative highlights
Heck left a lot of time for questions, and they were numerous from the crowd. Highlights included:
Lack of Civility problem in Government and generally in society. Heck says to set a good example. Social media benefits from anger so do not feed it. Elevate yourself to respectful discourse by speaking and listening.
Jan Gee, who has worked with Denny for 51 years, asked Denny to talk about the top five bills that came about this year. He returned to the topic of housing. Condo reforms are at the top of the list as those are usually the first rung on a ladder of home ownership.
The end of the meeting was signified by President Mayor Whalen standing in front of the crowd. Excitement filled the room as it was revealed that there were 4 whites and 1 red in the pot of the raffle. Mary Marlin’s name was called, and she drew a chip to see if $992 would be added to her bank account. She drew a chip in the color of white. . .so next week the raffle will ride strong again.
A note about the Dolly Parton imagination library. We are live for signups! Now, it is time to get the word out. Children 0-5 get a free book delivered monthly to their home. Check out https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/WALAKEWOOD/ . Sign up your kids, grandkids and neighbors. The committee is currently working on events for promoting the program locally. If you are interested in helping, see Bill Potter or Gayle Selden. Current plans include a Summerfest tent and reaching out to local pediatricians.
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