MEETING RECAP
Human Rights in China
By Wendy Jo McGowanSunday, June 4, 2023
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Human Rights in China
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
Today I learned (and you will too, if you read on) even more bull than I learned a month or so ago. I’ll bet our honorable president doesn’t even know that the Hawaiian conch shell is called Pu (pronounced “poo”). Whether he does or not, he played it like a ceremonial fanfare trumpet today as he called our meeting to order. I also learned that the conch shell is capable of emitting a sound that carries as far as two miles. Whoa-Ha! Or is that, Aloha!!!
President Whalen then asked Paula Olson to give our Thought for the Day and Tom George to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Those who comprise the set-up crew (Rob Erb, James Osundwa, Rick Selden and Tom George) were recognized for making our meeting run smoothly.
The president also announced that the treasurer, John Lowney, would be recording fines and that Linda Disney is Sgt. At Arms today and is also manning (womaning) the $2 table. Jason let all know that Walt Richardson would be snapping photos and that I would gather facts to write this bulletin. I must not forget Steve Enquist who took charge of the Foundation Desk and did a fine job of emptying our checkbooks. He collected $219.00 prior to the meeting.
Visiting Rotarians, Jim Merritt, Tom Lynn, Dennis Bushman and Dan Howell were welcomed as were several guests of Rotarians. And the Puffins were recognized, as well.
Above: Puffin Cat with her hat at the Rotary Rodeo
President Whalen asked if 911 had been called as Jim Sharp happily appeared on the scene, and none-too-soon!
Today I learned that tomatoes have more genes than humans. Plant geneticists from 14 different countries have discovered that the tomato contains 31,760 genes…and that’s 7,000 more genes than a human being! Is Peter Marsh aware of this astounding bit of medical minutia?
The President announced that there was no Health and Wellness report. No news is good news! In addition, there were no New Member inductions, Paul Harris presentations, or Educators of the Month introduced during the meeting.
Jason did ask Greg Horn to enumerate the many birthdays and anniversaries in June:
BIRTHDAYS
Don Daniels June 25
Andrew Neiditz June 21
Chris Kimball June 19
Leanna Albrecht June 2
Don Anderson June 3
Astrid Arola June 2
Jan Gee June 29
James Guerrero June 1
Andrew Kruse June 23
Mike Murtha June 24
Paula Olson June 9
Kim Prentice June 7
Mahmoud Sarram June 20
Eric Warn June 23
Jason Whalen June 18
Connie Coleman-Lacadie June15
Linda Disney June 25
NO PARTNER BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
John Lowney 34 years
Jan Gee 7
Sam Hunter 40
Mary Moss 13
Mary Jo Strom-Copland 25
Bill White 22
Lua Pritchard 1
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Ron Banner to Vanessa June 6/25 years
Bob Hammar to Mary June 15/66 years
Andrew Kruse to Rachel June 20/8 years
Bob Lordahl to Janet June 27/64 years
Steve Mazoff to Ellen June 13/58 years
Joe Quinn to Kirsten June 29/55 years
Mary Jo Strom-Copland to Russ June 23/22 years
Jason Whalen to Gael June 28/36 years
Announcements:
Anne Enquist reminded us that the “Mission Impossible” movie at the AMC, followed by a BBQ dinner at the country club, is scheduled for July 23rd. Please RSVP if you would like tickets. Rotary has up to 75 reserved. To date, 42 tickets have been sold. Buy your ticket online at Rotary.com or get your check to John Lowney.
Barlow Buescher announced that “Rotary On Tap” is scheduled for next Thursday at Hops n’ Drops in Lakewood. Please let Barlow know if you plan to attend.
Our president announced that he is retiring from his law practice and is taking a position as a real estate attorney with Pierce County.
And the last, but surely not the least, announcement: be certain that the evening of June 23rd is on your calendar. We will be saying farewell to President Jason, enjoying a delicious dinner at the club, and celebrating Mary Horn’s installation as President of Lakewood Rotary for 2023-2024. Be sure to make a reservation ($75) at Rotary.com or send a check to the treasurer, John Lowney.
Today I learned that Walt Disney currently holds the most Academy Awards and that visitors are not allowed to scatter loved ones’ ashes at Disney World or Disneyland. If you don’t believe me, just ask Linda (Linda Disney, that is!)
There was a throng of “generous givers” and fines! I’ll do my best to report on the dough our president raked in. Puffin Kat Frederickson paid dearly for her oldest son who is moving out of the house and into an apartment. John Caulfield paid-up for three goddaughters who are each graduating and one grandson who has been named No. 1 goalie in the US. Steve and Anne Enquist forked out $50 for a trip to Cornwall and the Cotswolds. Barlow Buescher came across with $20 for Peter Marsh’s gifts of tomatoes. Jan Gee coughed up a tad of cash for her birthday, but John Lowney raised it to $100, saying he wouldn’t tell just what birthday this is. Tyler Parker paid $50 as he was approved for life insurance. And, our president settled up by paying $50 for his daughter who was honored as Student Athlete of the Year at Bellarmine.
Above: Walt Richardson caught Tyler wincing
This factoid was rather disturbing: The fuller the refrigerator and freezer are the more energy-efficient they are. I learn something new every day. Unfortunately, I cleaned my freezer two days ago and filled the dumpster at my condo! I think it must be about three-years worth! My neighbors are so happy with me!!!
Mary Marlin, that lucky duck, drew another try at the raffle, her 4th…this week was worth $1,081. However, Mary came up short again…white chip for $5.
The Program:
I must end this bulletin on a much more serious note. It is fun to engage in the humor the scribes provide in our weekly bulletins, but we must deal with the harsh realities others around the world have to cope with.
Above: Our Speaker today, Wen Chen, Ph.D.
The program speaker today was Dr. Wen Chen. Her topic was horrific. Her knowledge is astounding. What we learned would be eye-opening for the majority of Americans. Dr. Chen spoke of the Human Rights Movement in China. More specifically, she shocked us with the details of the Chinese government’s practice of Forced Organ Harvesting, which has been going on for more than 20 years. Dr. Chen not only told of the inconceivable violence, but the propaganda perpetuated by the Chinese government…propaganda they spread even right here in the U.S., especially in our news media. She likened the situation to the Holocaust. Dr. Chen enlightened us as to her role and the role Rotary has played to help overcome this practice.
As I left the meeting and walked home I marveled at the serenity and beauty, which I am so fortunate to have surround me. I hope soon we can learn in detail what Rotary’s role and participation is currently in this Chinese human rights debacle, and how our own club might aid the victims of this cruelty. What role might we play?
Wendy
Above: Lakewood Rotarians ran the yard
The day after the meeting, six Lakewood Rotarians had the pleasure of “running the yard” at the home of Rob and Vickie Erb. The popular auction item sold twice this year for a considerable sum. Rick Selden, Steve Mazoff, Joe Quinn, Steve Saalfeld, James Osundwa, and Puffin Patrick Aravena played Edward Scissorhands with bushes and vines, dug a hole for a sump pump, cut an irrigation line (and also an electric wire—oops!) while working about four hours. This was followed with a barbecue, graciously hosted by the Erbs for the workers and their spouses.
Above: Steve Saalfeld and James Osundwa (Steve missed the group picture but this proves he worked hard)
THE LAKEWOOD KEY
Today I learned (and you will too, if you read on) even more bull than I learned a month or so ago. I’ll bet our honorable president doesn’t even know that the Hawaiian conch shell is called Pu (pronounced “poo”). Whether he does or not, he played it like a ceremonial fanfare trumpet today as he called our meeting to order. I also learned that the conch shell is capable of emitting a sound that carries as far as two miles. Whoa-Ha! Or is that, Aloha!!!
President Whalen then asked Paula Olson to give our Thought for the Day and Tom George to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Those who comprise the set-up crew (Rob Erb, James Osundwa, Rick Selden and Tom George) were recognized for making our meeting run smoothly.
The president also announced that the treasurer, John Lowney, would be recording fines and that Linda Disney is Sgt. At Arms today and is also manning (womaning) the $2 table. Jason let all know that Walt Richardson would be snapping photos and that I would gather facts to write this bulletin. I must not forget Steve Enquist who took charge of the Foundation Desk and did a fine job of emptying our checkbooks. He collected $219.00 prior to the meeting.
Visiting Rotarians, Jim Merritt, Tom Lynn, Dennis Bushman and Dan Howell were welcomed as were several guests of Rotarians. And the Puffins were recognized, as well.
Above: Puffin Cat with her hat at the Rotary Rodeo
President Whalen asked if 911 had been called as Jim Sharp happily appeared on the scene, and none-too-soon!
Today I learned that tomatoes have more genes than humans. Plant geneticists from 14 different countries have discovered that the tomato contains 31,760 genes…and that’s 7,000 more genes than a human being! Is Peter Marsh aware of this astounding bit of medical minutia?
The President announced that there was no Health and Wellness report. No news is good news! In addition, there were no New Member inductions, Paul Harris presentations, or Educators of the Month introduced during the meeting.
Jason did ask Greg Horn to enumerate the many birthdays and anniversaries in June:
BIRTHDAYS
Don Daniels June 25
Andrew Neiditz June 21
Chris Kimball June 19
Leanna Albrecht June 2
Don Anderson June 3
Astrid Arola June 2
Jan Gee June 29
James Guerrero June 1
Andrew Kruse June 23
Mike Murtha June 24
Paula Olson June 9
Kim Prentice June 7
Mahmoud Sarram June 20
Eric Warn June 23
Jason Whalen June 18
Connie Coleman-Lacadie June15
Linda Disney June 25
NO PARTNER BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
John Lowney 34 years
Jan Gee 7
Sam Hunter 40
Mary Moss 13
Mary Jo Strom-Copland 25
Bill White 22
Lua Pritchard 1
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Ron Banner to Vanessa June 6/25 years
Bob Hammar to Mary June 15/66 years
Andrew Kruse to Rachel June 20/8 years
Bob Lordahl to Janet June 27/64 years
Steve Mazoff to Ellen June 13/58 years
Joe Quinn to Kirsten June 29/55 years
Mary Jo Strom-Copland to Russ June 23/22 years
Jason Whalen to Gael June 28/36 years
Announcements:
Anne Enquist reminded us that the “Mission Impossible” movie at the AMC, followed by a BBQ dinner at the country club, is scheduled for July 23rd. Please RSVP if you would like tickets. Rotary has up to 75 reserved. To date, 42 tickets have been sold. Buy your ticket online at Rotary.com or get your check to John Lowney.
Barlow Buescher announced that “Rotary On Tap” is scheduled for next Thursday at Hops n’ Drops in Lakewood. Please let Barlow know if you plan to attend.
Our president announced that he is retiring from his law practice and is taking a position as a real estate attorney with Pierce County.
And the last, but surely not the least, announcement: be certain that the evening of June 23rd is on your calendar. We will be saying farewell to President Jason, enjoying a delicious dinner at the club, and celebrating Mary Horn’s installation as President of Lakewood Rotary for 2023-2024. Be sure to make a reservation ($75) at Rotary.com or send a check to the treasurer, John Lowney.
Today I learned that Walt Disney currently holds the most Academy Awards and that visitors are not allowed to scatter loved ones’ ashes at Disney World or Disneyland. If you don’t believe me, just ask Linda (Linda Disney, that is!)
There was a throng of “generous givers” and fines! I’ll do my best to report on the dough our president raked in. Puffin Kat Frederickson paid dearly for her oldest son who is moving out of the house and into an apartment. John Caulfield paid-up for three goddaughters who are each graduating and one grandson who has been named No. 1 goalie in the US. Steve and Anne Enquist forked out $50 for a trip to Cornwall and the Cotswolds. Barlow Buescher came across with $20 for Peter Marsh’s gifts of tomatoes. Jan Gee coughed up a tad of cash for her birthday, but John Lowney raised it to $100, saying he wouldn’t tell just what birthday this is. Tyler Parker paid $50 as he was approved for life insurance. And, our president settled up by paying $50 for his daughter who was honored as Student Athlete of the Year at Bellarmine.
Above: Walt Richardson caught Tyler wincing
This factoid was rather disturbing: The fuller the refrigerator and freezer are the more energy-efficient they are. I learn something new every day. Unfortunately, I cleaned my freezer two days ago and filled the dumpster at my condo! I think it must be about three-years worth! My neighbors are so happy with me!!!
Mary Marlin, that lucky duck, drew another try at the raffle, her 4th…this week was worth $1,081. However, Mary came up short again…white chip for $5.
The Program:
I must end this bulletin on a much more serious note. It is fun to engage in the humor the scribes provide in our weekly bulletins, but we must deal with the harsh realities others around the world have to cope with.
Above: Our Speaker today, Wen Chen, Ph.D.
The program speaker today was Dr. Wen Chen. Her topic was horrific. Her knowledge is astounding. What we learned would be eye-opening for the majority of Americans. Dr. Chen spoke of the Human Rights Movement in China. More specifically, she shocked us with the details of the Chinese government’s practice of Forced Organ Harvesting, which has been going on for more than 20 years. Dr. Chen not only told of the inconceivable violence, but the propaganda perpetuated by the Chinese government…propaganda they spread even right here in the U.S., especially in our news media. She likened the situation to the Holocaust. Dr. Chen enlightened us as to her role and the role Rotary has played to help overcome this practice.
As I left the meeting and walked home I marveled at the serenity and beauty, which I am so fortunate to have surround me. I hope soon we can learn in detail what Rotary’s role and participation is currently in this Chinese human rights debacle, and how our own club might aid the victims of this cruelty. What role might we play?
Wendy
Above: Lakewood Rotarians ran the yard
The day after the meeting, six Lakewood Rotarians had the pleasure of “running the yard” at the home of Rob and Vickie Erb. The popular auction item sold twice this year for a considerable sum. Rick Selden, Steve Mazoff, Joe Quinn, Steve Saalfeld, James Osundwa, and Puffin Patrick Aravena played Edward Scissorhands with bushes and vines, dug a hole for a sump pump, cut an irrigation line (and also an electric wire—oops!) while working about four hours. This was followed with a barbecue, graciously hosted by the Erbs for the workers and their spouses.
Above: Steve Saalfeld and James Osundwa (Steve missed the group picture but this proves he worked hard)
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