MEETING RECAP
Love the Wine You're With
By Donn IrwinMonday, January 8, 2024
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As has been the custom over the years, the Lakewood Rotary Club did NOT meet at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club for the first meeting of the New Year. Instead, we gathered at The Pavilion in Fort Steilacoom Park – the building we helped build.
So, Happy New Year everyone!! And GO DAWGS!!!!!
The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. They were also the first to hold recorded celebrations in honor of the new year—though for them the year began not in January but in mid-March, when the crops were planted. During a massive 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, the Babylonians crowned a new king or reaffirmed their loyalty to the reigning king. They also made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. These promises could be considered the forerunners of our New Year’s resolutions. If the Babylonians kept to their word, their (pagan) gods would bestow favor on them for the coming year. If not, they would fall out of the gods’ favor—a place no one wanted to be.
According to recent research, while as many as 45 percent of Americans say they usually make New Year’s resolutions, only 8 percent are successful in achieving their goals. But that dismal record probably won’t stop people from making resolutions anytime soon—after all, we’ve had about 4,000 years of practice.
So, evidently we make your resolutions and open ourselves up to eminent failure…..
GO DAWGS!!!!
President Mary (PM) rang her lunch bell at 12:29 and the meeting began.
Chris Kimball was called upon to give us a “Rotary Moment” as well as an invocation-both of which he accomplished. His “Moment” lasted about that long as he ran down his entire life in about 45 seconds so I didn’t get most it but, I can report that Chris is highly educated and has led a successful life. Oh, and he loves to play his drums!
Your scribe for the day, Donnnnnn Irwin, led the collective in the Pledge.
PM regaled us with a cute Christmas story that occurred at her and Greg’s home over the holidays. Seems as though our President is still a little kid at heart. She bought 36 miniature “sticky” and “stretchy” toy dinosaurs for her grandsons for Christmas. Turns out these dinosaurs where perfect for tossing at each other so an immense dinosaur war sprang up. During the ensuing battle it was discovered that said dinosaur toys would stick to ceiling. Take a wild guess as to where the dinosaurs ended up. Family Christmas lore in the making!!
Visiting Rotarians – none joined us today, but we did have a visitor. Greg Horn introduced Rob LaChance who is a Steilacoom resident and was using the park. He happened to ask “What are you doing in there?” and presto, he’s having lunch with us and finding out what Rotary is all about. Great stuff!!
PM recognized the meeting’s indentured servants…. I mean elite: Steve Enquist at the Foundation table ($885.00 today!!), Double D, Dashing and Dynamic PP Don Daniels took care of our fund-raising raffle tickets. John Lowney (JLo) took our money as we walked in and Phlashy Phil Eng photographed stuff.
The set-up crew (AKA The Dream Team) Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke and the unstoppable Rick Selden, under Rob Erb’s culpable, er, capable guidance had their work cut out for them today as we met in a location we have heretofore never met at. Huge kudos to Stephanie Wilcox (how in the world did Troy manage to catch that lady?) and Amelia Badazada for setting up the tables and chairs!!
Speaking of kudos, many of them need to go to Dick Ferrell for the wonderful spread he provided for lunch. Let’s keep that guy around.
No Zoomers due to the location of today’s meeting. PM had the Puffins in attendance wave and then she recognized PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter
GO DAWGS!!!
Famous folks January 5th Birthdays: George Reeves (Superman), Bradley Cooper (Actor), King Gilette (Razor blade guy), Walter Mondale (Politician), Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton (both actors) and Matthew Irwin (son of Key writer).
PM called on Mark Edgecomb to come forward on behalf of the Community Concerns Committee. PP Mark dutifully did so and, after giving a brief explanation of what Claire’s Closet is and does, he delivered an ask for approval for the club to donate $2,000 to said charity. A motion was stated, a second was given and all voted yea to approve the money.
Phil Eng grabbed the mic and announced that a former club member, Dr. Jim Early’s wife, Lila, passed away. He also mentioned that we have a member we never see – Jerry Willams. I looked Jerry up in the club directory and found that he joined the club in 1989. I don’t recall ever meeting him, but he must be a great guy since he was born on April 21st – 2 days different than my birthday. According to the directory he still lists Lakewood as his home address.
Lakewood Rotarian Bob Lodahl passed away. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service and Reception following for Bob will be held on Friday, January 26th at 2pm at The Little Church on the Prairie
6310 Motor Avenue S.W, Lakewood, WA. 98499.
1531 – Pope Clement VII tells King Henry VIII he can’t remarry (oh, oh…. trouble starts here!).
1914 – Henry Ford raises his workers’ wages from $2.40 to $5.00/hr.
Rotary on Tap in 2024. Please join us on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Foley's Sports Bar, Meadow Brook Golf Course, 7108 Lakewood Rd W. Entrance is at the back of the building. (Read more about this event below).
Phil also paid into PM’s Cookie Jar for buying some big boy toys – I believe a motor home was mentioned.
Famous folks January Deaths: Calvin Coolidge, Amelia Earhart, George Washington Carver, Rogers Hornsby, Pistol Pete Maravich and Sonny Bono.
1920 – The New York Yankees bought some guy named Babe Ruth
1933 – The Golden Gate Bridge started coming out of the ground.
Mark Blanchard stood up to brag about the fact that he gets to go to the Huskies College Football Playoff Championship game in Houston Monday. I have no idea what that might have cost him but, evidently, he had enough money left over to contribute to the Cookie Jar. Sally Saunders paid some money for her daughter coming home. Donna Phillips forked over some bucks to announce that the Steilacoom Kiwanians are having their Wine Tasting event on January 26th at the McGavick Center. Tickets are $85 per person.
AG and PP Bill Potter asked for a motion for the club to approve giving $2,000 to the Youth and Sports Committee. A motion was given as was a second and all voted yea. Motion passed.
PP Don Daniels (the same guy mentioned at the beginning of this missive) asked for two assistants to help with the raffle tickets. Please contact Don if you are willing to help him (and the club) out. 253-370-0583.
1961- The Beatles perform with Paul McCartney on bass for the first time.
PM introduced our program for the day: Love the Wine You’re With.
Linda Disney aka Rose Spritzer took over from there and did a great job as a solo performer in presenting the program.
The first thing Linda did was to introduce a cast of characters (Mary and Greg Horn, Tony Camoroda, Mary Marlin and Barb Spriggs) with made up names that had something to do with wine. A fun start to the program.
Linda let all of us know that the Club’s big fund-raising event this year will be the Lakewood Rotary Club Wine & Beer Festival and the theme is Love the Wine You’re With. The big event will take place on April 27th at the McGavick Center.
Ms. Disney covered the various teams that have been developed in order to make this event work and encouraged us to sign on to whichever team we felt we could contribute to the most.
The volunteer coordinator will be Jan Gee. Rick Selden and Jan Gee will take care of logistics while Troy Wilcox will handle stage setup. Gayle Selden is handling ticket sales and encouraged us all to pre load our credit cards. Leanna Albrecht will lead the Print Team. Stephanie Wilcox will be heading up the Charcuterie/Dessert Team. PP Jason Whalen and PP/AG Bill Potter will co-host the event.
Linda made sure to let the Puffins know that they will be involved with the event.
The committee is looking for a Procurement Chairperson, Stephanie Wilcox reminded the group that if they are handling the desserts a Food Handlers Permit will be necessary.
The Raise the Paddle beneficiary will be…. unknown at this time.
Anne Enquist stated that the movie for the Dinner and a Movie hasn’t been nailed down as yet.
Thank you, Linda, for stepping up to the plate and giving the club an overall perspective of this year’s major fund raiser.
Bill Potter was asked to report on the Major Projects committee. Bill let us know that the committee appreciates the input/feedback from the club and that whatever we do, the committee will be sure that Lakewood Rotary is recognized for it.
1963 – The Broadway play “Camelot” starring Julie Andrews, Richard Burton and Robert Goulet closes after 873 performances.
1972 – President Nixon launched the Space Shuttle program
Cookie Jar fines:
Rick Selden reported that he chatted with Gordy Quick, and that Gordy is doing fine but things are terminal for him. Gordy sends his thanks to all of us and says that we are his family. He is mostly in a wheel chair and in some pain. He is still taking phone calls. 702-544-2798.
James Osundwa paid up for going to Kenya over the holidays. The family had a wonderful time and even went on a safari! James and his wife Shiru brought back gifts for PM – a beautiful Maasai necklace and scarf.
PM encouraged us to sell our raffle tickets to people other that ourselves and PP Don Daniels thanked those that have written checks, but, suggested that perhaps we could ask people to “donate” $25 to Lakewood Rotary and, in turn, get a chance to win big money.
Phil Eng let us know that his wife, Judy, had hip replacement surgery.
As there was no raffle today, PM adjourned the meeting.
There was a group clean up following the meeting and it seemed like everyone pitched in to get the tables and chairs put away.
Rotary on Tap info:
Happy 2024! It's time for the first Rotary on Tap in 2024. Please join us on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Foley's Sports Bar, Meadow Brook Golf Course, 7108 Lakewood Rd W. Entrance is at the back of the building.
It's going to be so much fun! In addition to finding and enjoying your favorite beverage, Bogey Burgers are on special for $4. Now that's a super deal. Plus, there's a full menu to choose from and if you just want a drink, that's okay too. Rotary on Tap is a great way to meet your Rotary friends in a casual setting. It's also a great time to invite someone new to join us and learn about the Lakewood Rotary Club.
RSVPs are appreciated. Please let me know that you will be there, and how many are in your party, by replying to this message or at phileng@live.com. Or you can call or text Phil at 206-650-5570
If Thursday rolls around, and you find out you can suddenly join us, please do. RSVPs are helpful for planning purposes, but you are always welcome.
Next week, January 12 - Club meetings return to TGCC. Speaker Joe Piscatella, author of "Strong Heart, Sharp Brain". He is a nationally recognized speaker. I’ve heard Joe speak several times and he is always insightful and interesting – plus he’s got some good advice.
Spoiler alert: Joe is President of the Institute for Fitness and Health. He is one of the leading experts in the country on lifestyle habits and health. TIME magazine calls him “a force for healthy change.” You won’t want to miss him next Friday.
Happy New Year everyone, again…. the first Key of 2024 is now done!
So, Happy New Year everyone!! And GO DAWGS!!!!!
The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. They were also the first to hold recorded celebrations in honor of the new year—though for them the year began not in January but in mid-March, when the crops were planted. During a massive 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, the Babylonians crowned a new king or reaffirmed their loyalty to the reigning king. They also made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. These promises could be considered the forerunners of our New Year’s resolutions. If the Babylonians kept to their word, their (pagan) gods would bestow favor on them for the coming year. If not, they would fall out of the gods’ favor—a place no one wanted to be.
According to recent research, while as many as 45 percent of Americans say they usually make New Year’s resolutions, only 8 percent are successful in achieving their goals. But that dismal record probably won’t stop people from making resolutions anytime soon—after all, we’ve had about 4,000 years of practice.
So, evidently we make your resolutions and open ourselves up to eminent failure…..
GO DAWGS!!!!
President Mary (PM) rang her lunch bell at 12:29 and the meeting began.
Chris Kimball was called upon to give us a “Rotary Moment” as well as an invocation-both of which he accomplished. His “Moment” lasted about that long as he ran down his entire life in about 45 seconds so I didn’t get most it but, I can report that Chris is highly educated and has led a successful life. Oh, and he loves to play his drums!
Your scribe for the day, Donnnnnn Irwin, led the collective in the Pledge.
PM regaled us with a cute Christmas story that occurred at her and Greg’s home over the holidays. Seems as though our President is still a little kid at heart. She bought 36 miniature “sticky” and “stretchy” toy dinosaurs for her grandsons for Christmas. Turns out these dinosaurs where perfect for tossing at each other so an immense dinosaur war sprang up. During the ensuing battle it was discovered that said dinosaur toys would stick to ceiling. Take a wild guess as to where the dinosaurs ended up. Family Christmas lore in the making!!
Visiting Rotarians – none joined us today, but we did have a visitor. Greg Horn introduced Rob LaChance who is a Steilacoom resident and was using the park. He happened to ask “What are you doing in there?” and presto, he’s having lunch with us and finding out what Rotary is all about. Great stuff!!
PM recognized the meeting’s indentured servants…. I mean elite: Steve Enquist at the Foundation table ($885.00 today!!), Double D, Dashing and Dynamic PP Don Daniels took care of our fund-raising raffle tickets. John Lowney (JLo) took our money as we walked in and Phlashy Phil Eng photographed stuff.
The set-up crew (AKA The Dream Team) Wynn Hoffman, Terry Roarke and the unstoppable Rick Selden, under Rob Erb’s culpable, er, capable guidance had their work cut out for them today as we met in a location we have heretofore never met at. Huge kudos to Stephanie Wilcox (how in the world did Troy manage to catch that lady?) and Amelia Badazada for setting up the tables and chairs!!
Speaking of kudos, many of them need to go to Dick Ferrell for the wonderful spread he provided for lunch. Let’s keep that guy around.
No Zoomers due to the location of today’s meeting. PM had the Puffins in attendance wave and then she recognized PDG Greg Horn, DGN Tony Camoroda and AG Bill Potter
GO DAWGS!!!
Famous folks January 5th Birthdays: George Reeves (Superman), Bradley Cooper (Actor), King Gilette (Razor blade guy), Walter Mondale (Politician), Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton (both actors) and Matthew Irwin (son of Key writer).
PM called on Mark Edgecomb to come forward on behalf of the Community Concerns Committee. PP Mark dutifully did so and, after giving a brief explanation of what Claire’s Closet is and does, he delivered an ask for approval for the club to donate $2,000 to said charity. A motion was stated, a second was given and all voted yea to approve the money.
Phil Eng grabbed the mic and announced that a former club member, Dr. Jim Early’s wife, Lila, passed away. He also mentioned that we have a member we never see – Jerry Willams. I looked Jerry up in the club directory and found that he joined the club in 1989. I don’t recall ever meeting him, but he must be a great guy since he was born on April 21st – 2 days different than my birthday. According to the directory he still lists Lakewood as his home address.
Lakewood Rotarian Bob Lodahl passed away. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service and Reception following for Bob will be held on Friday, January 26th at 2pm at The Little Church on the Prairie
6310 Motor Avenue S.W, Lakewood, WA. 98499.
1531 – Pope Clement VII tells King Henry VIII he can’t remarry (oh, oh…. trouble starts here!).
1914 – Henry Ford raises his workers’ wages from $2.40 to $5.00/hr.
Rotary on Tap in 2024. Please join us on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Foley's Sports Bar, Meadow Brook Golf Course, 7108 Lakewood Rd W. Entrance is at the back of the building. (Read more about this event below).
Phil also paid into PM’s Cookie Jar for buying some big boy toys – I believe a motor home was mentioned.
Famous folks January Deaths: Calvin Coolidge, Amelia Earhart, George Washington Carver, Rogers Hornsby, Pistol Pete Maravich and Sonny Bono.
1920 – The New York Yankees bought some guy named Babe Ruth
1933 – The Golden Gate Bridge started coming out of the ground.
Mark Blanchard stood up to brag about the fact that he gets to go to the Huskies College Football Playoff Championship game in Houston Monday. I have no idea what that might have cost him but, evidently, he had enough money left over to contribute to the Cookie Jar. Sally Saunders paid some money for her daughter coming home. Donna Phillips forked over some bucks to announce that the Steilacoom Kiwanians are having their Wine Tasting event on January 26th at the McGavick Center. Tickets are $85 per person.
AG and PP Bill Potter asked for a motion for the club to approve giving $2,000 to the Youth and Sports Committee. A motion was given as was a second and all voted yea. Motion passed.
PP Don Daniels (the same guy mentioned at the beginning of this missive) asked for two assistants to help with the raffle tickets. Please contact Don if you are willing to help him (and the club) out. 253-370-0583.
1961- The Beatles perform with Paul McCartney on bass for the first time.
PM introduced our program for the day: Love the Wine You’re With.
Linda Disney aka Rose Spritzer took over from there and did a great job as a solo performer in presenting the program.
The first thing Linda did was to introduce a cast of characters (Mary and Greg Horn, Tony Camoroda, Mary Marlin and Barb Spriggs) with made up names that had something to do with wine. A fun start to the program.
Linda let all of us know that the Club’s big fund-raising event this year will be the Lakewood Rotary Club Wine & Beer Festival and the theme is Love the Wine You’re With. The big event will take place on April 27th at the McGavick Center.
Ms. Disney covered the various teams that have been developed in order to make this event work and encouraged us to sign on to whichever team we felt we could contribute to the most.
The volunteer coordinator will be Jan Gee. Rick Selden and Jan Gee will take care of logistics while Troy Wilcox will handle stage setup. Gayle Selden is handling ticket sales and encouraged us all to pre load our credit cards. Leanna Albrecht will lead the Print Team. Stephanie Wilcox will be heading up the Charcuterie/Dessert Team. PP Jason Whalen and PP/AG Bill Potter will co-host the event.
Linda made sure to let the Puffins know that they will be involved with the event.
The committee is looking for a Procurement Chairperson, Stephanie Wilcox reminded the group that if they are handling the desserts a Food Handlers Permit will be necessary.
The Raise the Paddle beneficiary will be…. unknown at this time.
Anne Enquist stated that the movie for the Dinner and a Movie hasn’t been nailed down as yet.
Thank you, Linda, for stepping up to the plate and giving the club an overall perspective of this year’s major fund raiser.
Bill Potter was asked to report on the Major Projects committee. Bill let us know that the committee appreciates the input/feedback from the club and that whatever we do, the committee will be sure that Lakewood Rotary is recognized for it.
1963 – The Broadway play “Camelot” starring Julie Andrews, Richard Burton and Robert Goulet closes after 873 performances.
1972 – President Nixon launched the Space Shuttle program
Cookie Jar fines:
Rick Selden reported that he chatted with Gordy Quick, and that Gordy is doing fine but things are terminal for him. Gordy sends his thanks to all of us and says that we are his family. He is mostly in a wheel chair and in some pain. He is still taking phone calls. 702-544-2798.
James Osundwa paid up for going to Kenya over the holidays. The family had a wonderful time and even went on a safari! James and his wife Shiru brought back gifts for PM – a beautiful Maasai necklace and scarf.
PM encouraged us to sell our raffle tickets to people other that ourselves and PP Don Daniels thanked those that have written checks, but, suggested that perhaps we could ask people to “donate” $25 to Lakewood Rotary and, in turn, get a chance to win big money.
Phil Eng let us know that his wife, Judy, had hip replacement surgery.
As there was no raffle today, PM adjourned the meeting.
There was a group clean up following the meeting and it seemed like everyone pitched in to get the tables and chairs put away.
Rotary on Tap info:
Happy 2024! It's time for the first Rotary on Tap in 2024. Please join us on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Foley's Sports Bar, Meadow Brook Golf Course, 7108 Lakewood Rd W. Entrance is at the back of the building.
It's going to be so much fun! In addition to finding and enjoying your favorite beverage, Bogey Burgers are on special for $4. Now that's a super deal. Plus, there's a full menu to choose from and if you just want a drink, that's okay too. Rotary on Tap is a great way to meet your Rotary friends in a casual setting. It's also a great time to invite someone new to join us and learn about the Lakewood Rotary Club.
RSVPs are appreciated. Please let me know that you will be there, and how many are in your party, by replying to this message or at phileng@live.com. Or you can call or text Phil at 206-650-5570
If Thursday rolls around, and you find out you can suddenly join us, please do. RSVPs are helpful for planning purposes, but you are always welcome.
Next week, January 12 - Club meetings return to TGCC. Speaker Joe Piscatella, author of "Strong Heart, Sharp Brain". He is a nationally recognized speaker. I’ve heard Joe speak several times and he is always insightful and interesting – plus he’s got some good advice.
Spoiler alert: Joe is President of the Institute for Fitness and Health. He is one of the leading experts in the country on lifestyle habits and health. TIME magazine calls him “a force for healthy change.” You won’t want to miss him next Friday.
Happy New Year everyone, again…. the first Key of 2024 is now done!
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