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| June 19, 2009 |
Editor: Sclair, Dave
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With only one more meeting left in his
reign, President Joel Feldman called the meeting to order at 12:30 pm
at Tacoma Country & Golf Club. He proudly pointed out that the club
has been serving the community for 53 years and months (I missed the
exact number).
In this next to the finale, President Joel inducted one new member, about which more will be said later.
Assisting with the meeting
Bob Peterson presented the invocation and Mick Johnson led the salute
to our flag. Mary Lou Sclair served as sergeant-at-arms, Cindy Thompson
was at the Paul Harris Desk and Dave Sclair did the bulletin in place
of John Magnuson, who is being held captive on a Pacific Island.
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Visiting Rotarians
Bert Stibbe from Sumner was in attendance (how about transferring to our club Bert since you are here all the time), Neel Parikh, a member of Tacoma 8 and our speaker of the day and Judy Jones, Tacoma South.
Guests of Rotarians
There was nearly an entire table from the Pierce County Library, introduced by Sally Porter Smith. They included our speaker, Rose Jetter, Judy Nelson, Laura Park and Lynn Hoffman.
Judy Hosea introduced Armando Mejia, Boys and Girls Club Director of Military Outreach and Christney Kpodo, B&GC Youth of the Year,
John Korsmo introduced our exchange student, Satu, who was almost incognito with her new bright yellow- orange hair.
Gary Fulton also introduced a guest but I was unable to get her name, for which I apologize.
Special Presentations
Judy Hosea thanked the club for helping the Boys & Girls Club by having a Raise the Paddle Fundraiser during our Sportsman's Dinner and Auction. The effort raised $12,525 for the B&GC program of Military Outreach
Judy Jones, from the South End B&GC, introduced Christney Kpodo as the Youth of the Year and invited her to present her 3-minute speech that she will use in the regional competition and, hopefully, in the national contest.
Coronation (Installation) event
Joe Ghilarducci rose to reveal that even though the previously announced deadline for signing up to attend the banquet had passed, he was still willing to accept additional reservations. He says he's gotta cut it off mid week so he can give the TC&GC a final count of those attending in order to make sure they've got enough food (but not too much).
Joe pointed out the letter sent to all club members by president-to-be Greg Horn encouraging participation (subtly threatening all) was working and additional sign-ups had resulted. Are you on the right list - those attending or are you on that other list?
Library Program
Judy Nelson and Lynn Hoffman expressed appreciation to the club for supporting the summer reading program at the various Pierce County Libraries. The Pierce County Clubs are the prime sponsor for this year's event. Hoffman stated special thanks to Duncan Cook and John and Lisa Korsmo for their efforts to the Library Foundation's programs.
New Member Inducted
President Joel called Kismet Kechejian to the podium to be inducted as a new member. Pres- to-be Horn insisted on joining the party since he said he was the sponsor. Joel did the final honors and gave Kismet his badge and other materials before turning the mike over for a few words from the new member.
Kismet told us he was born in Boston 62 years ago to an Armenian father, thus the name. After school he joined the US Army where he served in the medics for three years. He currently is immersed deeply in missionary and medical projects, primarily in the Philippines.
Fun and Fines
President Joel tried to fine several members but unfortunately no one he called upon was in the room.
Finally, Andrew Neiditz rose and offered a $25 fine for his birthday.
Program of the day
Sally Porter Smith introduced the speaker for the day, Neel Parikh, Executive Director of the Pierce County Library.
After efforts by Tony Robinson and Bob Zawilski, the projector started doing its thing and the speaker was able to use it to help explain the results of the 20-year master plan for the library.
She explained how libraries have changed over the years. For example, in 1996 none of the system libraries had internet connections; today they all do and the computers are always in heavy demand. She noted that the parking lot at the Lakewood Library gets a lot of traffic at night when the library is closed because people take advantage of the library's wireless connection.
"With the recession more people are using the library, especially for internet job hunting and other services," Parikh said.
The director pointed out that libraries all need more seating; shelving is changing to provide easier access for everyone seeking books. The facilities are adding vending machines that will dispense books after hours and reservation lockers, moves to make it more convenient for patrons.
Speaking of the Lakewood Library, she explained that it has been expanded twice and the master plan suggests either it be relocated and a larger structure built or a new library be built at the current site with underground parking and a multi-story building.
During the Q&A session, she noted that home schooling and libraries work hand in hand. She also said University Place will have its new library open in January 2011.
Parikh distributed copies of the master plan study as well as a photo of the Lakewood Library and invited a closer study of the information and feedback to her office. She can be reached by phone or email: 253-536-6500 - phone and e-mail: director@piercecountylibrary.org
Winners from Alaska hosted
 
Two women from Soldatna, Alaska (at left in top photo) were guests in Lakewood last weekend, winners of a raffle at the Alaska Club that is an exchange for the fishing trip to Alaska that we auction off during the Sportsman Dinner.
The two arrived by airline at Sea-Tac where Greg Horn picked them up, gave them a Seattle tour and deposited them at Steve and Ellen Mazoff's for a couple nights bed and breakfast. Friday night with the Mazoff's they were hosted at Mary Lou and Dave Sclair's home for a salmon dinner and home hospitality. Also joining was Rick and Sharon Selden who took the two back to the airport Sunday after they had enjoyed a Mariner's game (Mariners won) with the Mazoff's using tickets provided by Joe Ghilarducci.
The drawing
I didn't catch who held the lucky ticket but I do know that the lucky winner on June 12 was Lucky Horn. The pot he claimed was above the $500 mark and he was grousing after the latest meeting that he still hadn't received a check with his winnings.
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