Newsletters from September of 2020
thru the Spring of 2021
2021 Spring Fling Report
Cascade Club Board, hope you are all enjoying your Summer, here is my Spring Fling report and billing.
First, we couldn’t have picked a better weather situation, not too hot, not too cold and not windy. We had about 50 Cascadians and guests attend.
Parking went well thanks to help from my neighbor Corbin Walters with greetings from club president Bud Winter. A few members mentioned maybe we should have a Fall Fling, which I could again host, but I will not even attempt to ask Mary Muri until after we get through a family reunion scheduled for July 23rd and a MOWW picnic planned for August 14th. Your thoughts?
The other good news, the total bill was $908 which equals $18.16 per person. Much lower than the $30 per person budgeted. Biggest surprise was how much wine our club members drank. Not much beer and and pop.
Hiring a professional charcuterie board company was a good idea.
Dick Muri
Cascade Club Meeting Minutes of May 25, 2021
Bud Winter opened the last meeting of the “year” to a large crowd with numerous guests to hear Elie Pieprz, a political and marketing professional coming to us from Israel at 10pm his time. He has been living in Israel for the past 12 years and working with several governments and businesses. He brought us up to date on the current situation in Israel where once again the semi-regular rocket attacks from the Gaza strip have subsided due to a cease fire but more are expected in the future.
As he explained, Arab countries deny Israel’s right to exist in the region ever since 1948 when Russian Jews came to settle their old homeland. Only Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994 have declared peace with Israel.
He went on to indicate that all Covid protocols are going away as no Covid is any longer present in Israel. This is an ancient land with a rich history including many of the roads originally built for camel travel still exist even though this is a high-tech country. The bulk of the population lives within 30 to 40 miles of each other as the country is only about four to five hours driving from north to south.
During the 6-day war of 1967 Israel was attacked from all sides but Israel expelled all the invaders and took over lands of some of the attackers. In 1994, with the peace with Jordan, Israel offered to return those lands taken in 1967 but Jordan did not want them back nor did Egypt want the Gaza strip returned when offered.
Many terrorists have a haven in the Palestinian lands with a goal to eliminate all Jews from the Middle East. The population of Israel is nine million with about 20% of the population being Arabs. During the past 20 years the Palestinians have tried to eliminate Israel politically as they realize that can’t win a conventional war with Israel. HAMAS launches a rocket attack to get Israel to retaliate in order to get International sympathy as they place their rocket launchers in or near civilian homes and businesses. They get funding that allows them to continue to build more tunnels and build more rockets.
Elie indicated that often Israel will phone a building in advance of launching their strikes to warn civilians of the coming attack. He also indicated that the Iron Dome of defensive rockets of Israel is very effective but very costly compared to the cheap rockets that HAMAS either builds or gets from Iran.
Last September began a series of Arab countries beginning to recognize Israel and realize that the Israeli’s are not racist against the Arabs. Today Israelis can travel to Dubai for the first time because of the Abraham Accords of last Fall. Hope exists even though they expect some bad actors in HAMAS. Today they even have a Chamber of Commerce working with Palestinians and Israelis to build trust and interdependence.
There was a four year lull in attacks by HAMAS during the Trump administration but currently Iran is using HAMAS as a proxy to check out responses by Israel and the U.S. China is also trying to have more influence in the region as they play their long-term game but China is a challenge for Israel. Israel is also very concerned about Iran obtaining nuclear capabilities as are many of the smaller Arab nations near Israel in fear of what Israel might due if Iran succeeds.
Much more was discussed as the morning ran on but time was limiting.
Dick Muri re-invited everyone, members and wives or girlfriends or significant others, to the picnic at his place Tuesday 22 June, 6PM to 8PM, promising games along with great finger foods and liquid refreshments. Be sure to call, text or email Dick to let him know if you and how many are coming as he needs a head count for the food etc. No charge since the club is covering the cost.
(253) 439 9797 DICK@DICKMURI.COM
Have a wonderful summer, see you in June for the picnic and then again in September when we pick up again, hopefully back at the Country Club.
Cascade Club Annual Spring Fling of 2021
Fellow club members,
As your Club President this past year (one and done!), I hope we can finish strong, despite a year of a pandemic from that virus from a foreign land many miles West of us (I am doing my best to be “politically correct”).
Our clubs annual June “Spring Fling Picnic” party will be on Tuesday, 22 June from 6 PM to 8 PM. If the weather report 48 hours prior to that date looks onerous, we will postpone until 29 June. The weather lately has been spectacular, but hey, this is the Pacific Northwest!
We will encourage carpooling, so as I receive reservations I will also keep track of who is coming from where.
So, let’s have our annual club Spring Fling outdoors at our spacious backyard (31 Silver Beach Drive, Steilacoom, WA 98388)
Even better news it will be free to club members, as the club board has agreed to pay for all the food snack plates including some very nice wine, beer and other beverages.
So the only requirement is to make a reservation so Mary Muri and I know how much to order. For those who can not attend (like long time club member John McGowen who lives in the Chicago area), I will set up a computer outside for those who want to still Zoom from afar.
You can make a reservation if you text, text me at 253-439-9797. Text connectivity is always good just in case you want to get my attention immediately!
MINUTES OF CASCADE CLUB MEETING OF MAY 18, 2021
Our speaker was Hannah McDowell, sales and marketing manager at Puget LNG, the company which is constructing a controversial terminal to receive Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) via pipelines, storing it in a huge tank at extremely low temperatures (minus 250 degree F) and then offloading it onto specially equipped ships for the specific and limited purpose of serving as fuel for ships.
This project has been controversial from its inception with lawsuits which failed in which the plaintiffs had the goal of shutting down the operation. The primary objection to the plant, as understood by this scribe, has been that it creates a clear and present danger of explosion which could cause massive damage over a wide area.
Ms. McDowell convincingly stressed that the risk of explosion is negligible and the environmental benefits are huge. LNG costs 40% less than bunker oil. It creates far less pollution. The US Government has mandated that emissions of pollution must be reduced substantially. The goal of converting ships to LNG is to reduce CO2 emissions from ships by 50% by 2050. 20% of the ships now on order are going to be LNG fueled.
She made it clear that contrary to the opinion of many, the purpose of the plant is strictly limited to providing fuel for ships and not to load ships with LNG for transport for resale. TOTE is the company’s largest customer. It is converting two Orca Class ships to be LNG fueled. In the world today there are 200 ships fueled by LNG and 300 more are on order. For more details refer to the web site PugetLNG.com.
Follow up link to Cascade Club question asked about
nuclear power’s potential use for large commercial ships.….
https://shipandbunker.com/news/world/298706-x-press-feeders-backs-nuclear-power-for-shipping
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MAY 25, 2021: LAST TUESDAY NOON MEETING THIS SPRING:
Elie Pieprz – US-Israel political consultant speaking on the Middle East –
“Are things changing or is it just more of the same?”
Respectfully submitted, John McGowen acting as Editing Co-scribe who is covering for Phil Sloan, scribe because Phil is celebrating the proverbial happiest day of his life – he sold his boat!
MINUTES OF CASCADE MEETING OF MAY 11, 2021
Today’s meeting was an excellent start under the regime of our newly elected President, Ed (Bud) Winter and our Vice President / President Elect, Dr. David Cotant. Our speaker, thanks to Mike Jones, was David J. Jepsen, historian and writer who teaches at the community colleges of Tacoma and South Sound. He co-authored Contested Boundaries, A New Pacific Northwest History (John Wiley and Sons 2017) and wrote and directed the film Labor Wars of the Northwest which has been shown at museums, libraries and schools statewide.
His fascinating topic was how the opening of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883 reduced the travel time from Eastern USA from 5 to 6 months to 5 to 6 days and enabled the sale of natural resources (lumber and canned salmon) throughout the nation and the world. Because the economy became strong and economies elsewhere were weak, the population exploded. The population of Aberdeen grew to 30,000 in 1930. Today it is only 16,000. Workers came here expecting to find well-paying jobs, but instead, the work was dangerous, jobs were in mills and in the forests. The workers were predominately unskilled single white males from Europe. They typically lived in crowded bunkhouses, worked 10-12 hours a day,7 days a week, had little or no medical care and no benefits. The conditions led to unrest and radicalization with a growing movement toward forming labor unions, including the Marxist Industrial Workers of the World, The Wobblies.
Aberdeen became the center of labor conflicts between the labor radicals and the City Council which enacted anti-labor regulations which were strictly enforced. By 1913 the jails were packed. Men were loaded onto railroads and shipped off. They were warned “God bless you if you stay away. God help you if you don’t.” After a decade of unrest, it ended with the onset of WW1.
MEET OUR NEW PRESIDENT, ED (BUD) WINTER
Born in Hampton Bermuda to a Naval Officer and moved to various duty stations.
Attended F.C. Hammond High/ T.C. Williams Titans (my football coach was Bill Yoast of Remember the Titans movie). Graduated Oak Harbor High and attended Skagit Valley College. Played soccer for the Cardinals and met the love of my life Luann.
Received a letter from Uncle Sam to report to duty in the U.S, Army. Served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. After the service, I graduated from U. of Puget Sound with a B. A. in Business and later finished a M.B.A in Marketing and Finance. My first major career was as Division Manager for a commercial furniture manufacturer. I had the responsibility for managing thirty dealers in six northwest states. My second career was in the Financial Services Industry. I received my Series 7 ( stockbroker) and other licenses. After living in University Place for over thirty five years we moved to Lakeland Village where we enjoy golf, boating and social activities. Luann and I have been married for 52 years and have three children and seven grandchildren.
I am currently a sub teacher and assistant golf coach at Charles Wright.
I am pleased to be a member of the Cascade Club of Tacoma.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MAY 18, 2021: Ms.Hannah McDowell Sales Marketing Manager of Puget LNG. Liquid Natural Gas and its role in clean energy. There will be a Board Meeting at 11:15 AM. All are welcome.
MEETING OF MAY 25, 2021: LAST MEETING THIS SPRING: Elie Pieprz – US-Israel political consultant speaking on the Middle East – “Are things changing or is it just more of the same?”
SOMETIME IN JUNE (COVID PERMITTING) A SPRING FLING PICNIC AT THE HOME OF DICK MURI. DETAILS TO FOLLOW.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who still hasn’t sold his boat and is now offering a 10% discount to anyone who will become his associate scribe.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MAY 4, 2021
We had no speaker this date because our annual election of Senior Officers and Directors was scheduled and we anticipated massive demonstrations with balloons, marching bands and lengthy campaign speeches following caucusing in smoke filled rooms, but after the nominating committee announced its recommended slate of candidates, the membership was so impressed that they were unanimously elected by acclaim.
We are proud and privileged to announce our new officers
- PRESIDENT: ED (BUD) WINTER.
- VICE PRESIDENT (& PRESIDENT ELECT next year): DAVID COTANT.
- SECRETARY: MIKE JONES
- TREASURER: CHUCK HELLAR
Current Trustees
- CHUCK FOSTER and
- RANDY LINDBLAD
graciously accepted reappointment as directors. They will continue to serve with Tom Morgan and Bob Cammarano.
To further acquaint you with Dr. Cotant, here is his brief biography. Bud Winter’s biography will be in next week’s newsletter.
David A. Cotant DDS born: November 27, 1942. Age: 78 y/o
My early years were in Carson, Washington, 50 miles east of the Vancouver / Portland area. I graduated from Oregon State University, and then from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1969. Viet Nam was an active war, and US Public Health Service was one of the uniformed services taking care of the US Coast Guard and Native American Health. Choosing USPHS Indian Health Service for my military obligation, I was a dentist on the Rose Bud Sioux reservation in South Dakota, Navajo Reservation in New Mexico and Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon. Completing a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Detroit, Michigan, programs that were associated with Marquette University and Wayne State University, in 1975, my wife, 2 girls and I moved to Lakewood where I began my career as an Oral Surgeon with the office on Bridgeport Way, just south of Steilacoom Blvd.
Most of my surgery was done in the office surgical suite and consisted of removal of problem teeth, biopsies and removal of minor oral tumors. I was on staff at all the Pierce County hospitals, and in the late 70’s and early 80’s I did a lot of facial trauma surgery. By about 1985 most trauma cases were being referred to Harborview Hospital in Seattle, so I enjoyed staying in bed at night. Titanium dental implants were introduced in 1985 and implant surgery became a significant focus of my practice. Retirement came in 2013 after 38 years in the same location, and the practice was sold to Dr. Tracy Johnson who had retired from the Navy.
I have served as president of Pierce County Dental Society, Washington State Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Association and Clover Park Rotary Club. In 2018 my wife Judy and I moved from Steilacoom to our current home in Lakewood, a condo in Greystone, where Stan Carlson, a former member of the Cascade Club, used to live.
It is my pleasure to have been elected to serve Cascade Club of Tacoma as Vice President / President Elect, and to support my friend President Bud Winters.
David Cotant.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MAY 11, 2021: David Jepsen, Professor of History at T.C.C. Labor History in the North West
MEETING OF MAY 18, 2021: Jeff Wittenberger will speak on Clean Energy
MEETING OF MAY 25, 2021: LAST MEETING OF THE YEAR DETAILS to follow
SOMETIME IN JUNE, 2021: A SPRING PARTY/PICNIC (COVID PERMITTING) AT THE HOME OF DICK MURI, THE MAYOR OF STEILLACOOM AND TO WHOM WE OWE A GREAT THANK YOU FOR BEING A GREAT PRESIDENT THIS LAST YEAR OF ZOOM MEETINGS.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who [forgot to finish his sentence!]
Minutes of Tacoma Cascade Club Meeting of April 27, 2021
Today’s program was a pleasant break from the chain of terrific programs we have had recently which mostly involved current issues facing the world. Our secretary, Dr. Mike Jones and his wife, Dana, were weekending in the Raymond, Washington area when they came across the Northwest Carriage Museum and met its founder- curator Jerry Bowman and his wife Laura, its executive director. After a personal tour, Mike asked Jerry to address our club on ZOOM.
The Museum houses one of the world’s outstanding collections of beautifully restored horse drawn carriages from the late 19th Century, There are 58 carriages in the collection and all but one are road worthy. Mr. Bowman personally has had hands on in the restoration of the carriages, going so far as to locate and use paints to match the original colors, including in some instances, pin striping. He has two goals for the museum; to preserve horse drawn carriages and to promote local businesses and the economy.
Some of the carriages have appeared in movies starring famous actors. This scribe’s favorite was a buggy built by Studebaker in 1880 which at that time was the largest manufacturer of horse drawn carriages in the world. Sadly, Studebaker has gone the way of buggy whips.
The museum’s website is nwcarriagemuseum.org. Mr. Bowman enthusiastically leads tours of any size. It is open every day of the year except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MAY 4, 2021: No speaker is scheduled. Instead, we will have a social hour on ZOOM and hold our election to round out our slate of officers and board members for the coming year. Bud Winter is our President-Elect. During the social hour, drinking a glass of wine is encouraged so we can fill the offices of Vice President and a couple officer positions and on the Board of Directors.
MEETING OF MAY 11, 2021: David Jepsen, Professor of History, Tacoma
Community College on the History of the Labor Movement in the Northwest.
SOMETIME IN LATE JUNE, 2021: COVID PERMITTING: A picnic at the home of our outgoing President and now the Mayor of Steilacoom, Dick Muri.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe whose great-grandson thinks he is so old that he rode to school in a horse drawn carriage.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF APRIL 20, 2021
Our speaker was Ed Troyer who, after serving in the Sheriff’s Department for 19 years, was recently elected as Sheriff of Pierce County. He had spoken to us in the past when he was the Public Information Officer of the Sheriff’s Department. His talks are always refreshing because of his candor and willingness to answer all questions regardless of their political correctness.
His talk was eagerly anticipated because as he began speaking, the jury in the Chauvin case had begun deliberating the prior afternoon and the nation was holding its breath because if the verdict were for acquittal of all charges, it was feared that there would be rioting and looting in Tacoma and across the nation. Sheriff Troyer had our National Guard and extra police on alert. As his talk was progressing, he received a notice that the jury had reached a verdict, so he had to immediately leave to attend to the possibility of a defense verdict which would surely trigger protests and probable rioting. It is a common theory that if the jury in a criminal case returns quickly with a verdict, it means that the verdict is for the defendant. The tension amongst us was palpable. The jury found Chauvin guilty on all 3 counts and no rioting occurred.
He said that many of the rioters are known from prior riots in Seattle and Portland. They are being well funded by out-of-town sources. They hope to be seen on television. Tacoma’s strategy is to minimize their TV exposure, so they tend to lose interest and leave.
The Police Department has hired 5 mental health professionals to accompany officers on calls. They have been highly successful in reducing conflicts which saves lives. It is hoped there will be additional funding to hire 5 more and to use them to work with other agencies throughout Pierce County. They have the advantage over officers of knowing the system which enables them to take over the processing of people and committing them to institutions, etc. rather than jail as well as utilizing other resources to help them.
The homeless problem is especially severe in the City of Tacoma which is under Police jurisdiction whereas the Sherriff’s jurisdiction is outside cities in unincorporated areas of the County. The homeless frequently refuse assistance and prefer to live “off the grid”. They leave trash and commit crime wherever they congregate.
The political situation in Seattle is causing many officers to resign. Many highly qualified officers are applying to work in Pierce County and 9 have already been hired. Regretfully, for every 2 or 3 new officers hired, 1 officer is retiring, so the department continually has 16-17 openings. Seattle politicians are wanting to change the system to appoint Police Chiefs and Sheriffs rather than elect them. That would place them under political control, which he opposes.
With regard to the incident in his neighborhood in which he has received so much adverse publicity, he said that the Seattle press has been instigating it. Neither he nor the alleged victim have ever made complaints against the other and he welcomes an independent investigation.
COMING EVENTS:
MEETING OF APRIL 27, 2021: Jerry Bowman, The Curator of Restoration for the Raymond, WA. Carriage Museum. Dr. Mike Jones assures us that we will be amazed by the story of this little known gem.
MEETING OF MAY 4, 2021: As of this date, we do not anticipate having a speaker and will have a general fellowship meeting and the election of officers and directors for the next year. Anyone wishing to be elected or appointed and maybe some who don’t wish to be elected or appointed should be on alert!
SOMETIME THIS LATE JUNE, COVID PERMITTING: A FLING AT THE HOME OF THE MAYOR OF STEILACOOM.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is relieved by the verdict in the Chauvin trial.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF APRIL 13, 2021
Thanks to Mike Jones, our speaker was Bruce G. McKenty, general manager of the Veterans’ Golf Course at American Lake here in Lakewood. Mr. McKenty has been the full-time unpaid volunteer General Manager of the Golf Course for 16 years. He is assisted by over 230 unpaid volunteers.
The original nine hole course was developed in 1956 on a working farm on the grounds of the Veterans Hospital and funded by the Veterans Administration. In 1995, the VA stopped funding the course and it fell into disrepair, so a group of volunteers took over management of the course. Later, at their request, Jack Nicklaus, without charging any fees, redesigned the original 9 holes and a new back 9 holes which is now open. The course is the only golf course in the United States designed to be played by disabled veterans. Today, over two thousand veterans and their guests regularly play the course.
The history of the course and the campaign to upgrade the original front 9 holes are told on the web site www.veterangolf.org. The course is now operated as a 501(c)3 organization and has no paid employees. It is entirely funded by private donations. Amongst the many amenities are golf carts which are being upgraded. Several are specially designed so amputees, even multiple amputees, can strike balls from the carts. Jack Nicklaus’ design enables disabled golfers to access the greens without causing damage. There is a new club house for meetings and socializing.
Mr. McKenty invites the public to tour the course. He assures all that you will be inspired when you see the joy this wonderful place is bringing to our deserving veterans.
COMING EVENTS:
MEETING OF APRIL 20, 2021: Our speaker will be the recently elected Sheriff of Pierce County, Ed Troyer. He has spoken to us before when he was the Public Relations Director under Sheriff Paul Pastor. This promises to be a most interesting program.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR THE COMING YEAR: At 11:15 before the April 20 meeting, there will be a ZOOM meeting of the Board of Directors to which all members are invited. Nominations will be accepted for all positions. Please participate.
MEETING OF APRIL 27, 2021: Our speaker will be Jerry Bowman, the curator of Restoration of the Raymond, Washington Carriage Museum. Mike Jones discovered this little known museum by accident and assures us that it is a most pleasant surprise.
SOMETIME THIS June (Covid permitting): A Spring Fling party at the home of our outgoing president , Dick Muri, who after careful training by the Cascade Club of Tacoma as its president this past year, has been chosen to become the Mayor of Steilacoom rather than continuing as our esteemed president.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe whose boat is for sale.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF APRIL 6, 2021
Thanks to David Cotant, our speaker was Melody Meyer of the Noxious Weed Control Board of Pierce County. This presentation was another link in the continuing chain of interesting topics we are being treated to in our weekly ZOOM meetings. In addition to being exceptionally interesting, the information Ms. Meyer shared potentially can save you substantial expense.
The control of NOXIOUS WEEDS is a topic which generally isn’t considered until one in control of the property is confronted with the legal and ecological risks of not dealing with it on property under one’s control. When noxious weeds are present, the person(s) in control of the property face responsibilities for, including civil liabilities, not dealing with it because of the damage noxious weeds can cause. They endanger our agriculture, livestock, pets and humans. In addition to responsibility for our personal residential property, landlords may have responsibility for controlling noxious weeds on their rental properties.
The applicable state statutes may be reviewed by Googling “RCW Chapter 17.10”. Noxious Weeds are non-native vegetation which are destructive and difficult to control. Note: native weeds which may also have deleterious effects are not within the scope of the definition of Noxious Weeds. Ms. Meyer illustrated how to deal with the three classes of noxious weeds: Class A: Must be eradicated anywhere found; Class B: must be controlled as designated by the county; Class C: (such as blackberries) control is recommended. Eradication is defined as destruction to the point of there being no evidence of it. Control means it is no longer spreading. Scotch Broom, which is especially irritating this time of year to those with allergies, is noxious because it is not native here, having been imported from Scotland. It is damaging to agriculture. In Eastern Washington it must be kept under rigid control.
The 5 worst offenders of Noxious Weeds in Pierce County are Tansy Ragwort, Knap Weed, Poison Hemlock, Giant Hogweed, and Gorse. Ms. Meyer cited the website www.nwnwcb.wa.gov/gardenwise which contains helpful information. If you have any questions as to the identity of plants and/or actions to be taken to deal with them, contact the Board. For those who are more adept at taking photos on their cell phones than most Cascadian’s or if you have grandchildren nearby, you can get answers by emailing photos of suspicious weeds to the Board.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF APRIL 13, 2021: James Sims for the Veterans Golf Course which was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
MEETING OF APRIL 20, 2021: Ed Troyer. Pierce County Sheriff
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PRESIDENT DICK MURI, THE NEW MAYOR OF STEILACOOM!
SOMETIME IN MAY, COVID PERMITING: The end of season party at the home of Steilacoom Mayor Dick Muri.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, anxiety ridden scribe who now lists amongst his many phobias The Giant Hogweed.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MARCH 30, 2021
Thanks to Dick Muri and Mike Jones, our string of great speakers on a wide variety of topics remains unbroken! This week, Clay Morris, Manager of Tacoma Power, enlightened us as to why Texas had such massive power failures during the recent cold snap when the power of 35% of customers (4.4 million homes) was cut off. Only a privileged few Texans escaped to the warmer climes of Cancun, Mexico.
All of the United States and Canada, except Texas, belong to two national grids for the distribution and sharing of electrical power. One grid covers the Eastern U.S. and the other the Western U.S. The grids are interconnected by high voltage transmission lines so if there is a massive power failure in one area, power can be drawn from the other grids. Texas, however, has its own independent grid and is not connected to the other grids, so it can’t obtain power from them if its system can’t generate sufficient power to meet demands of its customers in the event of extraordinary events, including weather. That is what occurred during the recent cold snap which reduced the seasonal temperatures in large parts of Texas to 40% lower than seasonal. Texas had not winterized its generation systems and many of its natural gas pipelines froze which reduced the natural gas supply by 1/3. Texas had other problems with its nuclear generators and wind turbines because of lack of preparedness. When rolling blackouts didn’t succeed, the entire system in the affected areas shut down.
The extreme charges some Texans were charged for household electricity (up to 9,000 percent increases) were legal because the rates local power companies pay to wholesalers are based on market prices and are not regulated. (Tacoma doesn’t face that problem because its rates are regulated).
Tacoma is fortunate in that much of its power is hydroelectric. The water to operate the turbines is drawn from the lowest levels and does not freeze such as surface water does. We do have vulnerability to our other power generating resources which can be caused by floods, drought, closing of coal fired generators and extreme cold snaps.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF APRIL 6, 2021: Our speaker will be Melody Meyer, Specialist for the Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board, on everything you need to know about noxious weeds in our Puget Sound area.
MEETING OF APRIL 13, 2021: Our speaker will be Col. James Sims, USMC (ret’d) on The American Lake Veterans Golf Course (designed by Jack Nicklaus).
NOTICE REGARDING FUTURE MEETINGS:
As of April 2, 2021, the restrictions on public gatherings have been reimposed because of the recent resurgence in Covid cases in Pierce County. When we may resume meeting at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club is once again not known. We will advise you by email of any changes.
We will be selecting our officers and directors for the Fall Season soon. If you are interested in serving in any capacity, please let our out-going President Dick Muri know as soon as possible.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is frantically seeking a co-scribe. Apprentices are welcome and a training program is offered, tuition free. Compensation and benefit package are available upon request.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2021
We were treated to a fascinating presentation and entertained by Cantor Geoffrey Fine of Temple Beth El of Tacoma who explained the role of Cantors in Judaism and the traditions of the Seder service and Passover Holidays. Cantors are members of the ordained Jewish clergy whose role is distinguished from that of Rabbis by their having responsibility for music for their temples.
After years of training at several institutions, Cantor Fine was ordained in 1998. His many duties include teaching in the Temple’s school, being in charge of the choirs and music programs and actively participating in community outreach. He has a magnificent voice which he demonstrated by singing for us.
Passover celebrates the freeing of the Israelites after 400 years of slavery in Egypt by the Pharaoh who was persuaded to “let them go” by Moses after he was told to do so by a burning bush. Their exodus was enabled by the parting of the Red Sea.
The Seder service is a traditional meal served on the first night (in some sects, two nights) of Passover. Six ceremonial foods are served in defined order which symbolize different events in their history. The foods are matzah, shank bone, egg, bitter herbs, charoset paste and a vegetable. 4 wines are also served.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MARCH 30, 2021: Clay Norris, Manager Tacoma Power on the National Electric Grid and what happened in Texas.
MEETING OF APRIL 6, 2021: To be announced.
SOMETIME IN JUNE, 2021: A Spring Fling at the home of Dick Muri, our outgoing President and current candidate for Mayor of Steilacoom. The date will be determined by the status of the Covid Crisis.
We still have a few openings for speakers in the final weeks of our
Spring meetings. Please make suggestions to Dick Muri
(dick@dickmuri.com) or Mike Jones (mhionesdvm@comcast.net)
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is seeking a partner in scribing. Quills with inkwells will be provided.
CASCADE MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF MARCH 13, 2021
This special meeting was held on a Saturday morning in lieu of our usual Tuesday lunch time meeting so we could hear an alarming presentation by retired U S Army Col. Arthur Tulak, PhD, via ZOOM from Hawaii about the actions and strategy the Communist Chinese government is employing to acquire control over the South China Sea in violation of international law. Col. Tulak retired from the Army after 29 years and now works as a consultant for a subcontractor to the Dept. of Defense. As this scribe understood Dr. Tulak, the Chinese strategy is succeeding through intimidation without firing a shot on the premise that the Chinese do not believe that the West will use force to resist China’s aggression, which is to say, the West will “blink first” before taking military action to stop the aggression.
The Chinese have become increasingly intimidating by such actions as firing missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons over countries such as Taiwan. They have been constructing artificial islands by dredging and using cement to create “islands” in the South China Sea and claiming them to be part of Chinese territory and the surrounding waters to be subject to Chinese sovereignty. They have been ramming and sinking fishing boats from the Philippines and Thailand in their historic fishing grounds without retaliation. Their actions show that they do not think that the US and its allies will fight to prevent the aggression. They have instigated border conflicts between India and Pakistan. The Chinese Premier has been quoted as saying a win-win situation in negotiations with the West means that the Chinese win twice.
Col. Tulak said that in part, the reluctance of our government to forcefully react to this aggression is that many of our most powerful corporations profit by using Chinese companies to manufacture their products. We are failing to separate our economic interests from our military interests.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2021 at noon by ZOOM: Our speaker will be Cantor Geoffrey Fine of Temple Beth El on the Seder service and explaining Passover. (There will be a Board Meeting at 11:15 AM.)
MEETING OF MARCH 30, 2021: Clay Norris Tacoma Power Manager on The National Electric Grid and what happened in Texas and the status of our grid here in our region.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is still alarmed by the comments of Col. Tulak and wondering what lies ahead in our relationship with China.
The other readings are:
“Unrestricted Warfare: China’s Master Plan to Destroy America” (Original Title is simply “Unrestricted Warfare” but this is a commercially available copy. I got my copy back in 1999 when it was first translated by the Air Force). Published – November 10, 2015 Original Authors are Col. Qiao Liang (Author), and Col. Wang Xiangsui/ Can be found on Amazon and other booksellers. Copy of cover attached.
The U.S. document mentioned in my slides, The DoD Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China: https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/01/2002488689/-1/-1/1/2020-DOD-CHINA-MILITARY-POWER-REPORT-FINAL.PDF
https://thediplomat.com/2015/12/hybrid-warfare-with-chineseThe final subject is the PLA “Three Warfares” doctrine and strategy. There are several good articles, and here are a few links: -characteristics-2/
https://jamestown.org/program/the-plas-latest-strategic-thinking-on-the-three-warfares/
https://publications.armywarcollege.edu/pubs/2263.pdf
The link to more information about China and “What to do about it” mentioned by Cascade Club member Mark Adams
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/17191/china-what-to-do-about-it
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MARCH 9, 2021 AND
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING ON SATURDAY MORNING MARCH 13
In further proof that some of our best speakers have come from our membership, our speaker was our club secretary, the white haired and bearded Dr. Michael Jones, who swore that he really was the shaggy dark haired buff guy in the photos taken in 1980. Mike presented us with a terrific slide show about his 18 day trip taken in a group of 10 folks who floated the entire 200 miles down the Alsek River from Haines Junction in the Yukon to Dry Bay, Alaska, with the exception of a 5 mile portage taken mid-trip by helicopter to avoid the dangerous waters in a narrow canyon. The flotilla had 3 single kayaks and three 15’ inflatable rafts. The rafters were the first ever to be given governmental permission to float that segment of the river.
They camped on river banks, saw beautiful scenery, grizzly bears at close distances, caught salmon with make-shift nets and drank booze served over ice which they cut from a glacier. Each boat was self- contained, including camping, cooking gear and food. Mike, ever the gourmet, pre-prepared all the meals for himself and his buddy for the trip, including desserts, such as an upside-down pineapple cake he baked in a cast-iron pot. He refused to share meals with the guys on another raft who brought only peanut butter, bread and potatoes for the entire trip. Mike reported that there was no pirating of food, although one suspects that he wasn’t voted Mr. Congeniality of the trip.
COMING EVENTS
SPECIAL MEETING ON SATURDAY MARCH 13, 2021 at 9:00 A.M.
THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021.
Our speaker for this special meeting will be Colonel Arthur Tulak on the
“PLA in the South China Sea”. We are privileged that Col. Tulak made room in his very busy schedule to accommodate us.
MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2021.
Our speaker will be Cantor Geoffrey Fine of Temple Beth EL of Tacoma.
He will speak on the Seder service and explaining Passover.
Please refer to our web site, TacomaCascade.org for the schedule for the remainder of this season. The address to access our meetings on ZOOM is below. REMEMBER the start time for this Saturday’s meeting is 9:00 AM.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, Scribe who thanks President Dick Muri for working so hard in finding speakers for us while he is as busy as a beaver during his campaign for Mayor of Steilacoom.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MARCH 2, 2021
We were treated to a double header. Brent Mason, Executive Director of the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum first gave us an update on the Museum and then introduced Chris Staudinger, owner of Pretty Gritty Tours, who gave us a fascinating history of George Vancouver’s exploration of the Greater Pacific Northwest, including the South Puget Sound region.
The Museum is presently closed because of the restrictions of the Covid Crisis and is not expected to reopen until June 3, 2021 at the earliest. However, it has been actively involved with the Tacoma Public Schools in serving over 5,000 5th and 6th grade students in its environmental science programming. It also sponsors and participates in on- line events which are described in the museum’s web site: http://fosswaterwayseaport.org.
Scribe’s note: Several of our Club’s past and present members were instrumental in organizing the Museum, including the late Phil Hays and long-time members Archie Matthew, Tal Edman and former member Luke Curtis. They still serve on the Museum’s Board of Directors. A visit to the Museum is on my “must see list” for out- of- town visitors.
Pretty Gritty Tours offers walking tours which are informative and entertaining. You can learn more at PrettyGritty Tours.Com and on U-tube. Mr. Staudinger told us that George Vancouver, an Englishman, was the first European to explore the South Sound. He joined the Navy at age 13 and served on Captain James Cook’s second and third expeditions. At age 33 he was given command of the vessel HMS Discovery. They traveled to New Zealand, to Australia, to Hawaii and to Puget Sound where he turned age 34. Captain Cook has been given credit for claiming Hawaii for England, but it was Vancouver who convinced King Kamehameha to sign the treaty which gave the British control over the islands.
While exploring the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver named 1,100 areas, including Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Gig Harbor and Puget Sound. The charts made by Peter Puget still are remarkably accurate especially considering the technology which was available.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MARCH 9, 2021. Our speaker will be our own Dr. Mike Jones, DVM, a retired veterinarian and adventurer of great renown, who traveled far and wide in advancing the welfare of all creatures great and small. He will give us an illustrated presentation on “Rafting the Alsek River from Yukon to Alaska”.
MEETING OF SATURDAY MARCH 13. NOTE: THIS IS A SPECIAL MEETING. THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021. Our speaker for this special meeting will be Colonel Arthur Tulak on the “PLA in the South China Sea”.
MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2021. Our speaker will be Cantor Geoffrey Fine of Temple Beth EL of Tacoma. He will speak on the Seder service and explaining Passover.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, Scribe who is looking forward to seeing you sometime in June, Dr. Fauci permitting, for the Cascade Club End of Season Picnic at the home of our outgoing President Dick Muri who is busy running for Mayor of Steilacoom.
CASCADE CLUB MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2021
This week we had 16 members for our zoom meeting to hear Stephanie Pedersen the new President/Editor of the Tacoma News Tribune as well as the NW Editor for McClatchy. In addition we added two guests; Skip Haynes and Rick Ellingson.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 16, 2021
We did not have a speaker so we had a fellowship hour after welcoming our newest member, Mark Adams to our group. We chatted about wind turbines being frozen in Texas now using a helicopter fueled with fossil fuels spraying a cancer-causing chemical produced from fossil fuels to de-ice windmill blades made from fossil fuels all to produce energy in a safe and green manner. It was noted also that all the solar panels in Texas are covered with snow and thus not producing any energy – so much for green energy.
Getting programs was next discussed with several club members looking to line some up. We need to begin looking to a roster for next year’s officers for the club as Dick’s term ends in May and Bud Winter will become President (assuming he does not have an opponent who will declare an unfair election). Chuck Foster and Randy Lindblad’s terms on the board will end. (Assuming they do not wish to stay on the board). Dick Muri would like to host a picnic at his home sometime in June, Covid and weather permitting.
We discussed museums (the Pioneer Museum in Lynden, WA is huge) and the invasion of Grenada (in the West Indies) where Dick participated in a C-141 reclaimed U.S. medical students being held as hostages. He experienced running low on fuel due to order changes as the last minute and just how much fuel those huge planes consume. (Thanks to Mike Jones for this summary.)
COMING EVENTS
SPEAKER FOR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2021: Stephanie Pedersen President and editor of The News Tribune & The Olympian, and Washington state regional editor at McClatchy
REMINDER: Even though our fellowship roundtables are amongst our most interesting meetings, we always need speakers.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, after having another computer crash wishes to return to quills and ink wells.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2021
Our speakers were Susan Warner, Executive Director, and Cassandra de Kinter, grant writer, for Lakewold Gardens, a 100 year old local gem on the National Historic Registry which is well known to many of us and/or our spouses because we are members. They gave us an update on the many programs of the Gardens and the services it offers to this region and beyond and how the gardens are transforming to provide more programs open to the public, such as concerts, meditation walking tours, a Fairy Festival and wedding venue. The Gardens are in Lakewood on a 10 acre site at the edge of Gravelly Lake. With partial funding provided by a Federal Grant, some of the original buildings of the three families who were the early property owners are being rebuilt.
A visit to the Gardens is to experience the healing power of nature. For more information and to learn how to attend their virtual concerts, go to www.Lakewoldgardens.org
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 16, 2021. Despite snow, rain and sleet, we will have a meeting on Zoom, however, as of this writing, a speaker has not been designated. Join us on ZOOM and be surprised. There will be a Board Meeting at 11:15.
SCRIBE’S COMMENTS: This week, with snow on the ground, none of you golfers will have an excuse for not joining us. If the real reason you haven’t been joining us is that you are embarrassed to admit that you don’t know to log on to ZOOM, here are simple directions for how to join the Zoom meeting: (If this Luddite can do it- you too can)
(1). No earlier than 11:45 AM on Tuesdays, Log on to our website, TacomaCascade.org, (which John McGowen created and maintains).
(2) Click on the heading in the banner: “Meeting Schedule”.
(3) Part way down the page, you will see in blue “The link to our ZOOM Meetings is….” Click on that line and voila!, you will be connected to the meeting!
Trust me, if this Luddite can learn how to do it, you can. If you are still intimidated by this intricate technology, find a kid over the age of 6 and ask for help.
CHRONIC PLEA FOR HELP: Dick Muri (Dick@dickmuri.com) and Bill Jackson
(bjackson1936@yahoo.com) are constantly looking for speakers. The rest of us haven’t done our share of assisting them. Please email them with suggestions.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who these days finds that about half the stuff in his shopping cart says “For Fast Relief”.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 2, 2021
Our speaker was Keith Snyder, Lt. Col. (USAF ret) whose career in the Air Force was as a pilot of B-52 Stratofortresses, beginning when he was 26 years old. He gave us a fascinating review of the past, present and future of the venerable B-52s whose presence for all those years has presented to the world the message of “Peace through Strength” which historians credit with our winning the Cold War.
The planes were designed in 1945 and put into production in 1955. The last of the 744 which were manufactured was built in 1963. 58 are still in active duty today. It is expected with replacement engines and some “new skin” that they will remain in service until 2050.
The planes have 8 engines and are flown with a primary crew of 6. The average mission lasts 10 hours with refueling in the air by KC-135 tankers with only 14 to 20 feet separating the two planes for up to 20 minutes. Col. Snyder recommends the movie “A Gathering of Eagles” as a fair depiction of the B-52s in service.
COMING EVENTS
SPEAKER FOR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2021: An update on Lakewold Gardens by Susan Warner, (www.lakewoldgardens.org.) Wives may want to join us for this meeting.
Scribe’s comment: Our president, Dick Muri (dick@dickmuri.com) is doing a great job of arranging for speakers, however he needs help. Please make suggestions to him. Our club’s vigor is dependent on having interesting speakers and we need your help!
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who can’t wait for the Super Bowl to be over.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF JANUARY 26, 2021
Today’s speaker, Charles Bergman, PhD, a long- time professor of English at Pacific Lutheran University, gave us an inspiring but ominous review of his book, “Every Penguin in the World- A Quest to See Them All”. His quest was to see and photograph all 18 species of Penguins and in so doing, he learned lessons which changed his life and deepened his love of the natural world. “They (Penguins) are living lessons in caring for the earth and its creatures, in all their beauty and vulnerability.”
Penguins are the only birds which remain in Antarctica year- round even though it presents the world’s worst weather. Each year the females lay a single egg, but the males are in charge of hatching the eggs. They do so without lying down for 9 weeks because they do not make nests. The chicks are able to forage for themselves within 3-4 months, but do not reach maturity for 2-3 years. Only 20-30% of chicks survive to adulthood. The numbers of penguins are in decline which he attributes to human fisheries, climate change and predators, such as leopard seals and orcas. The colony of Emperor Penguins featured in the movie “The March of the Penguins” has disappeared.
Dr. Bergman said it is hard to feel sad in their presence because observers feel the “penguin glow”.
Scribe’s note: His book is available on Amazon.com. A copy arrived the next day at my daughter’s home near San Diego. She reluctantly promised to wait until this weekend when she is going to share it with her 6 years old grandson. I read my copy the afternoon it arrived. I too felt the penguin glow!
COMING EVENTS
SPEAKER FOR FEBRUARY 2, 2021: Lt. Col. (USAF ret) Keith Snyder: Past, Present and Future of the B-52 Stratofortress.
REMINDER: We need Speakers!
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is grateful the world still has penguins.
MINUTES OF CASCADE CLUB MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2021
On the day the U.S. crossed 400,000 deaths from COVID, the topic of our speaker, Dr. Ken Farmer could not have been more timely. Dr. Ken Farmer (US Army Maj General retired) is a family practice physician and who is now with the office of Disaster Recovery of the Office of the Pierce County Executive. He gave us an excellent and comprehensive, although sobering, update on COVID with a focus on Pierce County.
On January 20, 2020, only one year and one day before, the first COVID case in the US was recorded and it was in Washington State. One month later, on February 28, 2020, the first death from COVID was recorded. As of March 16, 2020, COVID was known to be in all 50 of our States. As of January 18, 2021, Washington State was known to have 30,087 cases with 360 deaths and, to repeat, 400,000 deaths had occurred nationally. The number of deaths is steadily rising.
The economic impact of COVID on our economy has been devastating. The unemployment rate grew from 4% to 18% and now has dropped to 7%. There is cautious optimism that if 75-80% of the population is inoculated with the COVID vaccine, by the end of the summer of 2021, it may be “fairly safe” for people to begin to resume normal activities. HOWEVER, to achieve that goal, PEOPLE MUST GET VACCINATED.
Dr. Farmer illustrated his talk with excerpts from the web site of the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department which you may access at https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/diseases/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information You may want to share this web site with your friends and family to further impress upon them the seriousness of this pandemic.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF JANUARY 26, 2021: Charles Bergman, “Every Penguin in the World.” What a quest to see all the penguin species taught one Steilacoom couple about resilience in a difficult time. This topic promises to be a refreshing diversion from politics and COVID. Tuxedos are not required to attend.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER BOB REZBA. For those of you who would like to see his Ford Model A slides of his excellent presentation las week go to our website (https://TacomaCascade.org) and select Model A on the menu.
REMINDER: We need speakers. Because we must continue to hold our meetings on ZOOM, we need extra help in arranging for speakers. PLEASE help Dick Muri (Dick@dickmuri.com) and Bill Jackson (bjackson1936@yahoo.com) by volunteering yourself or by suggesting speakers to them.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who knows why Polar Bears don’t eat Penguins. Do you?
MINUTES OF CASCADE CLUB MEETING OF JANUARY 12,2021
Our speaker Bob Rezba, who will soon be member of our club, presented a fun and lively program on the history of the Model A Fords, a topic to which all of us related from our personal experiences. Bob bought his first Model A in 1964 for $300 and over the next several years became involved with various Clubs, beginning at the local level and ultimately becoming President of the Model A Ford Club of America. He illustrated his talk with a slide presentation which is on the attached PDF. Warning, the pictures will trigger memories, which possibly involved rides in rumble seats, which will send you reminiscing for hours! Bob invites your questions and memories. You can reach him at bobrezba182@harbornet.com.
When the first Model A’s came out in 1928, 10% of the U S population visited dealership showrooms to view them. They had 40 hp engines and sold for $500. 713,528 sold in the first year- (Chevrolet sold 1,193,217 cars.) Sales steadily increased until 1931, the onset of the Great Depression years, and sales plummeted by 50%. Ford ceased production of the Model A’s on 12/ 7/31. Today, it is estimated that there are still between 200,000 and 300,000 still in existence.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2021 at noon on ZOOM: Our speaker will be Dr. Ken Farmer, Major General US Airforce (ret’d), now Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery of the office of the Pierce County Executive. This is a most timely topic. Please invite guests to join us on ZOOM.
There will be a Board Meeting at 11:15.
Reminder- we need speakers- Please make suggestions to Bill Jackson (bjackson1936@yahoo.com or to Dick Muri (Dick@Dickmuri.com.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who now has an appointment for a Covid vaccination. Have you made your appointment?
Cascade Club January 2, 2021 Meeting ANNOUNCEMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT: There will be NO meeting on January 5, 2021. Our meetings will resume on ZOOM on January 12 when we will present a stimulating speaker to kick off our meetings for 2021.
Until the Covid 19 crisis is under control, we must continue to meet on ZOOM rather than at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. Reminder, to log on to a zoom meeting is easy. The zoom address is at the bottom of this letterhead as well on our Website at https://tacomacascade.org. On the website menu select Meeting Schedule. At the top of that page is the link to the ZOOM meeting. You need only click on that link and you will be sent to the meeting. Dick Muri opens the meeting at 11:45 AM on Tuesdays. The meetings start at noon.
The life blood of our club is having great speakers and we need your help in arranging for them. Some of our most interesting speakers have been our own members. Please volunteer to share your story or suggest someone you know so we can continue providing great programs. Remember, with ZOOM, the speaker can be located anywhere, so if you have a suggestion of someone with an interesting story to tell, such as a cousin in Omaha who invented the hula hoop, please contact Dick Muri (dick@dickmuri.com
or Bill Jackson (bjackson1936@yahoo.com).
The year 2020 was lousy and at this time, the prospects for 2021 aren’t much better, but we can at least brighten our Tuesdays by continuing our nearly century long tradition of our Friendship Fraternity.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, gloomy scribe whose mate is keeping him involuntarily quarantined.
Happy New Year
CASCADE CLUB MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 2020
Our speakers were TJ Bohl, Administrator, and Shara Sauve, Detention Manager, of the Pierce County Juvenile Court who gave us a polished and informative review of the goals and philosophy of the Juvenile Court (Remann Hall) with an emphasis on the success of its revised philosophy regarding the treatment and services provided detained juveniles. Rather than merely incarcerating youths, the goal of the system is that each youth entering the system should leave healthier than when entered, both mentally and physically. To achieve that goal, the court provides services which are concisely illustrated in an excellent Power Point presentation. Rather than this scribe feebly trying to summarize them, you are encouraged to review the Court’s website at www.co.pierce.wa.us/112/juvenilecourt.
The Juvenile Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all criminal cases involving juveniles (youths under age 18) except in exceptional cases. Of particular interest are their charts which show that the average daily population in detention has dropped from 162 in 2000 to 17 in 2019 and the recidivism rates after two years of probation following release from detention have dropped or stayed the same every year except for the year 2018.
COMING EVENTS:
THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON DECEMBER 22, 2020.
THERE WILL BE NO NOON MEETING 0N DECEMBER 29.
INSTEAD, OUR LAST EVENT OF THIS LOUSY YEAR WILL BE A HOLIDAY PARTY ON ZOOM AT 7:00 P.M. PST on Dec. 29th MATES ARE INVITED. DRESS IS OPTIONAL. FOOD AND DRINK ARE NO HOST!
HAVE A SAFE, HEALTHY AND SECURE HOLIDAY.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who can’t wait for the year 2020 to end. How about you?
Merry Christmas
MINUTES OF CASCADE MEETING OF DECEMBER 8, 2020
Our speaker was another of Dick Muri’s retired military officer friends, Navy Lt. Commander (ret’d) Joseph Martin, who gave us a fascinating, but disconcerting, presentation about the lack of preparedness of our military for the attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor on the Day of Infamy, December 7, 1941. On that same day, Japan also attacked Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines.
The war in Europe began in 1939, but the war had not spread to the Pacific. The U.S. had not yet entered the war in Europe to support its allies. Our government and military, under FDR, were focusing attention on the war in Europe and not the threat of Japan. Our military had abundant intelligence which suggested that Japan intended to expand its empire by capturing much of South East Asia and to support its military, Japan needed to import its oil because it has no natural oil resources of its own. The U.S. was threatening to cut off Japan’s importation of oil which was probably the trigger for the attack on Pearl Harbor.
December 7 was a Sunday and most of the military were off duty but, many were on board their ships which enabled them to reach their battle-stations and fire back at the invaders. A junior officer who was an observer at a distant location from Pearl Harbor phoned to his command center that his radar had just picked up a large number of unidentified aircraft headed toward the harbor. In response, he was ordered to disregard them because they were U S aircraft coming in from the mainland.
The U S suffered over two thousand casualties. The Japanese suffered 64.
Commander Martin presented slides of Pearl Harbor which show that the ships were moored together by their class at several different locations within Pearl Harbor. Battleships were moored on Ford Island. Submarines, Destroyers and other vessels were moored by class at different locations. There was a huge tank farm for storing oil in the harbor. The tanks were not camouflaged and were very vulnerable to bombing.
The tank farm and the submarines were not targeted. That proved to be a huge mistake.
The Battleships were the primary targets and sustained heavy damage. Some sank. All but two of them were refloated and restored to service. After Pearl Harbor, the Navy began to focus on building Aircraft Carriers instead of Battleships.
The book “Shattered Sword” by Parshall and Tully is recommended for a history of The Attack from the viewpoint of the Japanese.
After The Attack, the U S Government interned for the duration of the war 120,000 Japanese — Americans (including those of Japanese descent living in Hawaii which was not yet a State). There has never been a report of any of them ever assisting the Japanese Government in its war efforts. Commander Martin concluded by saying that it is his opinion that our military had received a great deal of intelligence which said that the Japanese were planning the attack, but only about 10% of that intelligence was read.
Scribe’s comment: “Those who forget the past are condemned to relive it”.
COMING EVENTS:
MEETING OF DECEMBER 15, 2020: Shara Sawe and Kevin Williams speaking on the Pierce County Juvenile Court System.
MEETING OF DECEMBER 22, 2020: To be announced later. A Board Meeting will be held at 11:00 AM. All are invited.
MEETING OF DECEMBER 29, 2020: AN EVENING MEETING via ZOOM at 7:00 PM. See our website for details.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who was too young to remember 12/7/1941, but who does remember an air raid warden in Oakland, California tapping on the window and ordering his mother to turn off the kitchen light as she was heating a bottle for his newborn sister.
MINUTES OF CASCADE MEETING OF DECEMBER 1, 2020
Bill Baarsma, former mayor of Tacoma and historian and one of our favorite speakers, returned to tell us about the connection between Tacoma and the infamous “Beltway Sniper” John Muhammad, whose killing spree across the country in 2002 with his young cohort Lee Malvo, took at least 17 lives. Although the killings took place across the country from Tacoma to the Washington D.C. area, The Press labeled Tacoma as the place of origin, thereby triggering more international bad publicity for Tacoma. Tacoma’s reputation already suffered because of the cases of Sheriff David Brame and Ted Bundy.
After being discharged from the Army at Fort Lewis, Muhammad became an activist in the Tacoma community, especially in the affairs of the Tacoma School District. He had no criminal history. Mr. Baarsma became aware of him in 2002 while campaigning for Mayor of Tacoma. He attended a hearing in which Muhammad’s ex-wife, Mildred, testified in disguise that she was being placed in a witness protection plan with their 3 children. It was rumored that she would be living in Virginia.
Analysts have surmised that his wife and children leaving and his not knowing where they were located, triggered a psychosis which led to the killing spree. The victims were randomly targeted. Muhammad and Malvo were captured in October 2002.
Muhammad was executed in 2009. Malvo, who was 17 at the time of the spree, remains in prison.
For more details, there are many articles on the web; simply search under “Beltway Sniper”.
COMING EVENTS:
MEETING OF DECEMBER 8, 2020: Joe Martin on Pearl Harbor and the shortcomings of our military intelligence.
MEETING OF DECEMBER 15, 2020: Shara Suava and Kevin Williams on the Pierce County Juvenile Court System.
SAVE THIS DATE FOR A SPECIAL EVENING MEETING ON ZOOM:
DECEMBER 29, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. (No noon meeting). Because we won’t be able to hold our traditional Holiday Party, we are having a party by ZOOM. Loved ones are especially invited, jokes will be mandatory, but formal attire is optional. We will celebrate our fellowship as a Friendship Fraternity while enjoying beverages of our choosing in our homes without arguing about who will be the designated driver.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who once again failed at making palatable Turkey soup out of Thanksgiving leftovers.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 24, 2020
We did not have a speaker because our scheduled speaker had to reschedule until December 15. Instead, President Dick Muri started an agenda-less, relaxed, free flowing roundtable conversation. We were just a bunch of friends sitting around enjoying the fellowship of our time together, confirming that we are a Friendship Fraternity.
We talked about whatever came to mind, including books, pending surgeries and coping with the Covid Crisis, but no one brought up the election results. It was truly enjoyable.
An observation; half of us now have facial hair, mostly grown during our Covid confinements. How long will it be before we shave off our beards?
HAVE A SAFE, SANE AND HEALTHY THANKSGIVING!
COMING EVENTS:
MEETING OF DECEMBER 1, 2020: Bill Baarsma, former mayor of Tacoma will return to speak to us about the Beltway Sniper and the Tacoma Connection.
MEETING OF DECEMBER 8, 2020: JOE MARTIN speaking on the Pearl Harbor Attack and the shortcomings of our military intelligence.
MEETING OF DECEMBER 15, 2020: SHARA SAUVA and KEVIN WILLIAMS: previously scheduled for November 24, speaking on Pierce County Juvenile Court System.
SAVE THIS DATE:
DECEMBER 29, 2020 FOR OUR HOLIDAY PARTY ON ZOOM AT 7:00 P.M. Plan to tell us about your plans and aspirations for 2021. More details later.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe,
who on Thanksgiving will be fondly reminiscing about his childhood when his father’s tribe gathered to feast and with his cousins waited and watched for the uncles to take naps before sneaking out to go to the movies.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 17, 2020
Thanks to Randy Lindblad, our speaker was Kady Valois, a staff attorney of the Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF). PLF is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending American liberties when threatened by governmental overreach and abuse. PLF has 30 attorneys with offices in West Palm Beach Florida, where she is based; Washington D.C.; Sacramento and Seattle. Her topic was Property Rights and Eviction Moratoria in Washington State. The name Pacific Legal Foundation suggests that it is a legal aid firm for those who can’t afford legal representation, including actions brought against them by aggressive landlords, but its purpose is just the opposite. Amongst other actions, it represents landlords whose property rights are being taken away from them by governmental action.
Although we all know that the 5th Amendment to our Constitution prohibits one from being “compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law”… we may not fully appreciate the balance of the clause: “nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation”.
Ms. Valois spoke to us about the impact on property owners of Seattle’s recently enacted ordinance which prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent for up to 18 months if the tenant self-certifies, without additional proof, that to have to pay rent in that period would be a financial hardship. It is not required that the tenant’s” hardship” arose out of the consequences of COVID 19.
Typically tenants who claim “hardship” and thus enjoy “free rent” are judgment proof, so they are likely to never pay for rent owed and accrued during the moratorium. The PLF is challenging the ordinance on the constitutional basis that the landlords are suffering a “taking of their property without just compensation”.
You may learn more from the PLF website, http://pacificlegal.org. Ms. Valois invites your questions and may be contacted at kvalois@pacificlegal.org.
COMING EVENTS:
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 24, 2020: Shara Suadt of the Pierce County Juvenile Justice Center.
MEETING OF DECEMBER 1, 2020: Bill Baarsma, former Mayor of Tacoma and historian returns by popular demand after speaking to us about the David Brame case to discuss the Beltway Sniper whose crime spree began in Tacoma.
SAVE THIS DATE FOR A SPECIAL EVENING MEETING ON ZOOM:
DECEMBER 29, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.: Because we won’t be able to hold our traditional Holiday Party, we are having a party by ZOOM. Loved ones are especially invited, jokes will be mandatory, but formal attire is optional. We will celebrate our fellowship as a Friendship Fraternity while enjoying beverages of our choosing in our homes without arguing about who will be the designated driver,
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who misses sunshine and seeing his fellow Cascadians.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Our speaker was Eric Wylie of Lakewood, WA. After spending 25 years in the I.T. business, in 1983, he felt burned out, so he began a new career as an exercise and life-style coach emphasizing helping older people in the business world rejuvenate, physically and emotionally. His studies led him to study Blue Zones, areas of the world in which the populations frequently live into their 90s and 100s and while doing so, enjoying exceptionally good health. Those areas are in Okinawa (Japan), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Sardinia (Italy) and the Seventh Day Adventist Community in the Loma Linda area in Southern California.
Researchers attribute the good health and longevity in those zones to their diets and life-styles. Because their climates are equatorial, people are outdoors more and more physically active and socially engaged. The diets in the zones are not unique and don’t emphasize specific herbal pills or folk remedies. They are largely based on fresh vegetables and fruits, although not vegan, in that eating some animal protein is encouraged. Processed sugar is discouraged because of its high fat and salt content.
Their calory-heavy meals typically are eaten family style early in the day and at a slower pace without distractions of social media. Of special appeal to Cascadians is drinking wine in modest quantities is encouraged and getting plenty of sleep, 8 to 10 hours a day, including naps, is recommended. Staying well hydrated is important and one should stop eating upon feeling about 80% full.
Those living in the Blue Zones are noted to have low levels of depressive symptoms lead to better subjective and objective health.
For more information contact 1ericwylie@gmail.com. Telephone 253-988-9483.
COMING EVENTS:
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 17, 2020: Attorney Kady Valois of the Pacific
Legal Foundation on Property Rights and Eviction Moratoria in
Washington.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is craving a veggie-burger.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF November 3, 2020
Today’s program was presented by the Grave Concerns Association. Because it was Election Day 2020, there was concern that it was going to be a partisan political program. However, we were pleasantly surprised to learn from Laurel Lemke and Bob Aten that it is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of the historic Washington State Hospital cemetery on the grounds of Fort Steilacoom County Park. The cemetery was established in 1876 to provide burial sites for mentally ill patients who died while institutionalized at the hospital. Under the rationale that there was a stigma to being mentally ill, until 2004, the graves were marked with headstones which bore only the deceased’s patient number and years of birth and death. Their names were not shown.
The goal of the Association is to restore dignity to those who are buried in the more than 2,200 anonymous graves by installing new headstones which show their names. To date, they have installed more than 380 new headstones. For more information visit their website at https://www.facebook.com/GraveConcerns.
COMING EVENTS
Meeting of November 10, 2020: On ZOOM. Eric Wylie, exercise and lifestyle coach speaking on the latest research on Blue Zones around the World. Blue Zones are regions recognized for their exceptional health and longevity.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who is very happy to return to watching football and not political talking heads.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 27, 2020
Our speaker was John Simpson, a retired USAF Major and currently a
City of Lakewood, Washington council member. Between 2005 and 2012, he was a photojournalist for The Ranger newspaper for which he made 5 trips to Iraq and 3 to Afghanistan to report on the work of our Army’s Stryker force which is based at Fort Lewis (now JBLM). .He centered his comments around 22 slides which poignantly prove the maxim that a picture is worth a thousand words. They reminded us that in spite of the massive problems facing our country today, the worldwide COVID crisis and the international economy, we must not forget the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the impacts those wars have had and still are having on the people of Iraq, Afghanistan and our country.
His photos were mostly taken in rural areas where the fighting was occurring.
Although both countries are Islamic, their cultures are very different. In
Afghanistan, women still are treated as chattels. In Iraq, they generally receive
better treatment. Afghan women don’t receive formal educations, have no
opportunities for personal advancement and can still be beaten by their husbands
simply for speaking to other men, including American soldiers.
One photo showed a young mother whose baby was being given lifesaving
treatment in an American medical clinic. Men are not allowed in, but he was given
5 minutes to take photos. If her husband learned a man was with her, she would
have been beaten.
Especially touching were pictures of a young American soldier who had been in
Afghanistan just a few days. He was on a searching mission in a desolate village,
kneeling to talk to a girl who was about 4 years old.
A few days later, he was killed in action.
ZOOM MEETINGS TO CONTINUE: We still don’t know when we will be able to
resume meetings at TC&GC. If you haven’t joined us for a ZOOM meeting, you
should try it. They are easy to access. You can participate in your pajamas and
need not wear a mask. Simply follow the directions in the footer below to join us,
COMING EVENTS: As of this writing, we don’t yet have a speaker for our next
meeting of November 3, 2020. Dick Muri will let you know by email when we have
one. Because November 3 is Election Day, to preserve our status as a Friendship
Fraternity, it is probably good that this will be a ZOOM meeting.
SPEAKERS NEEDED: Please call Dick Muri or Bill Jackson with suggestions for
speakers, including yourselves.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who is looking forward to resuming
speaking with certain of his neighbors.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 20, 2020
Our speaker was Bill Baarsma, a longtime leader in Tacoma, including as a former Mayor. His topic was about his personal involvement with David Brame, which spanned 25 years from 1978 when Baarsma was a professor at UPS and Brame transferred to UPS after graduating from Tacoma Community College until April 26, 2003 when Brame, then the Chief of Police of Tacoma, murdered his wife, Crystal and committed suicide.
Baarsma described him at that time was well spoken and focused. Brame
graduated from UPS in 1980 as a “solid, but not stellar” student. Brame’s father
was a highly regarded career detective with the Tacoma Police Department.
After graduating from UPS, Brame applied to the TPD which necessitated his
undergoing psychological evaluations. The first evaluation was by a Dr. Sutherland who said Brame was “depressed, immature and insecure” and therefore would be “a potential danger to himself and to others”. A second evaluation by another psychologist resulted in a 180 degree opposite evaluation, saying he was mature, stable and would be an ideal officer. That led to a tie-breaker evaluation which concluded “he was marginal and had to be closely supervised during probation”. Brame was hired and did well at the Police Academy and during his probation period.
In 1992, Baarsma was then on Tacoma City Council when he learned that in 1988, a woman had alleged that Brame had raped her. The evidence became “he said- she said.” A psychologist concluded that Brame was fit for duty and he continued as an officer. In 1991, Brame divorced his then wife and married Crystal.
In 2001, Baarsma ran for Mayor and Brame was a candidate for Police Chief.
Baarsma won. Brame was appointed Chief by the then City Manager, Ray Corpuz, who did not consider the rape allegation to be a relevant factor in his decision to appoint him Chief.
In 2003, Crystal filed for divorce. On the day of the tragedy, she was driving in
traffic after attending a seminar on “how to deal with a stressful divorce” when
she saw Brame driving with their two young sons in his car. She followed them
into the parking lot of a shopping center in Gig Harbor and parked a few cars from
his car. He left his car with their young two boys still in it and approached her in her car. He shot her and then himself. She died a few days later. Litigation ensued resulting in a final settlement of $12.5 million, most of which was paid by the insurer of the City.
SCRIBE’S COMMENT
It is meetings like this which make our Cascade Club so worthwhile. Please
continue to suggest speakers to Bill Jackson and Dick Muri. We also want to revive our “Who are those Guys” feature when members tell us about themselves or share stories about experiences they have had. We all have interesting stories to share and it helps us to get to know each other better. We are asking for
volunteers to be prepared on short notice. Depending on the time available, your
story can be as brief or as long as you would like. Please let Dick Muri know you will do it.
Last, we need jokes. Fred Willis is long overdue for one of his epic Good Ole Boy
Cajun jokes and we know there are those of you just chomping at the bit to top
him!
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF OCTOBER 27, 2020: Our speaker will be John Simpson of the
Lakewood City Council, retired USAF Major and photojournalist on a look back at
Iraq and Afghanistan.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who can’t wait for the election to
be over and who wants to go watch his 6 year- old great grandson play baseball.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2020
Our speaker was David Z Bean a member of the Puyallup Tribal Council who gave us a fascinating review of the culture of the Tribe and then the history of the Emerald Queen Casino and its economic impact of the Tribe and this region.
Unlike many of the tribes of Indigenous People who were displaced from their ancestral homelands by the US Government, the ancestral home of the Puyallup Tribe is right here in what is now Tacoma and Fife. The Puyallups were hunters and gatherers and fishermen of salmon and shellfish. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty ceded rights to the Tribe but over the years, the State of Washington, Pierce County and Tacoma and the citizenry progressively encroached on those rights which led to litigation culminating in the Boldt Decision and the Puyallup Land Settlement of 1990. Today there are 5,500 members, half of whom live on the reservation. Members are citizens of both the Tribe and the United States.
It is inherent in their culture to be “givers” and to be peaceful and to share what they have with others. They are taught to be kind, helpful and sharing. Potlatches are part of that tradition.
The Emerald Queen Casino is the principal source of revenue for the Tribe to fund its many benefits for its members. With 3,000 employees, it is the 6th largest employer in Pierce County, many of whom are not tribal members. As with most businesses, the Covid Crisis has had a devastating impact on its operations. On May 19, 2020, the new Fife Emerald Queen opened, but on a limited basis. The new casino is worth a visit, not only for its restaurants and gaming, but because it is a museum of artifacts, art and shows the Tribe’s close connection to the land.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF OCTOBER 20, 2020: Our speaker will be Bill Baarsma,
historian and former mayor of Tacoma, who returns to tell us of the murder by former Tacoma Police Chief David Brame of his wife and his suicide.
The Board of Cascade will meet by Zoom at 11:00 AM and all are invited to participate (especially if they have suggestions for speakers).
MEETING OF OCTOBER 27, 2020: Our speaker will be John Simpson of
the Lakewood City Council, retired USAF Major and photojournalist to
talk about observations from his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
REMINDERS: We need your help in arranging for speakers. Please
contact Bill Jackson at bjackson1936@yahoo.com or Dick Muri at
dick@dickmuri.com with your ideas.
Guests are invited to our zoom meetings. To log into our meetings,
follow the instructions below. Let them know they can participate in
their pajamas!
If you haven’t paid your dues, please do so as soon as possible.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who has voted- have you?
MINUTES OF TRUNCATED MEETING OF OCTOBER 6, 2020
With apologies to all, please substitute this revised “MINUTES OF OUR MEETING OF OCTOBER 6, 2020“ for the version sent earlier which contained several errors, including the dates of the meeting and the next two, misnamed Board Member Randy Lindblad, assigned the wrong military rank to our guest, George Hilbush. Peter Brown was referred to as both a guest and a member. He isn’t yet a member only because the Board hasn’t met to vote him in. Finally, I wasn’t fair to our treasurer Chuck Heller; during this meeting he wasn’t nodding off.
Although not a legitimate excuse for such carelessness, I can only say that these Covid induced Ground Hog Days have gotten to me.
Phil Sloan, admonished and humbler scribe.
MINUTES OF TRUNCATED MEETING OF OCTOBER 6, 2020
Because we did not have a scheduled speaker, host Dick Muri declared it to be a general fellowship meeting in which we were to share what we did over the summer recess and what we have been doing during these COVID confinement times. We heard from prospective member George Hilbush; Peter Brown, not yet but a future member; and members, Bob Cammarano, Fred Willis, Randy Lindblad, Tom Morgan, John West, Steve O’Donnell, Jim Rooks, Mike Jones, Chuck Hellar, Dick Muri, this scribe and possibly Rick Carr. I probably missed a couple others to whom I apologize. (You will see that so little of interest was said that I am stretching to fill the space).
In normal times, Cascadians are always anxious to regale each other with tales of their misadventures over the summer recess. There has never been a lack of stories of boats breaking down in Canada, errant golf balls shattering windows in the deserts of Arizona and Palm Desert, lost luggage in Europe and the prices in Hawaii. However, it took only a few minutes for us to learn that because of COVID, the biggest adventure anyone reported was venturing out to get a belated haircut. It was beginning to look like we would have to quickly come up with a new topic or Chuck Hellar, our occasionally sleepy treasurer, might nod off again.
Speaking of our treasurer, this is a reminder that the dues notices have been mailed. Our club does not qualify for a stimulus check from the government, so please submit your dues payment quickly. In recognition of the need for austerity, the Board disapproved leases of new Company Cars for the Club Officers for this year.
SAVED BY THE BELL
As we were about to hear from our last speaker, our meeting chair, Dick Muri, received a notice from ZOOM that the club had exhausted its allotted time and we were about to be cut off. The meeting was promptly adjourned with the promise that we have a full slate of speakers scheduled for the weeks ahead. We will be back on ZOOM for the next meeting on October 13 and we will have a speaker!
COMING EVENTS
SPEAKER FOR OCTOBER 13, 2O2O: David Z. Bean, Puyallup Tribal Council, on development of the Emerald Queen Casino.
SPEAKER FOR OCTOBER 20, 2020: Bill Baarsma, former Tacoma Mayor and Historian on The David and Crystal Brame Case.
REMINDER: Our meetings for the foreseeable future are being held on ZOOM. Logging on is easy and begins at 11:45 on Tuesdays. Just click on the ZOOM Meeting Link below.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who waited for years to use the word truncated and if he keeps making errors in his reporting, whose term of office will be truncated.
A highly controversial proposal for raising revenue is being advocated which is for the state to enact a capital gains tax on personal property. Opponents say it is nothing more than an income tax. They reason that the Washington State Supreme Court has held that “property” is defined as everything which is subject to ownership, which includes one’s income. Thus, because income is property, a capital gains tax on personal property would include being a tax on income and
thus would be unconstitutional.
The upcoming legislative session promises to be most interesting as it must come up with a solution to this dilemma.
Coming Events
MEETING OF OCTOBER 6, 2020: As of this date, a speaker has not been designated, but rest assured, we will have one – it may be YOU!
MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2020: David Z. Bean, member of the Puyallup Tribal Council. His topic yet to be announced.
Until further notice , our meetings will be held on zoom online.
Respectfully submitted,
Phil Sloan, scribe, who is still waiting for these years to become golden.
MINUTES OF CASCADE CLUB MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2020.
Thanks to President Dick Muri, our speaker was his neighbor, Raymond Corrigan, who, after retiring as a Navy Commander, spent over 20 years in Singapore as an ex-pat in private business. He titled his talk “An Ex-pat in Singapore” subtitled, “Not the Real World” and “Like living in Disney World”.
A common perception of Singapore had been of a police state where one could be sent to prison for leaving chewing gum on a park bench. Afterwards this talk, several of us put it near the top of our Travel Bucket Lists. Who wouldn’t want to go to a small tropical country which has the lowest crime rate in the world and the National Pastime is Dining Out on great Asian-Fusion Food. Instead of greeting friends with “How are you?” they ask: “Have you taken your lunch (or dinner) yet?”
The country is very small, only about 90% the size of New York City. It has no natural resources, but it is an economic powerhouse. “It punches above its weight”. It is the world’s 4th busiest business hub, after only London, New York and Tokyo. Its port is the busiest in the world and the airport is rated the world’s best.
For tourism, Singapore is centrally located for travel throughout South East Asia and Australia. Medical care is excellent and half the cost of in the U.S.. Public transportation is excellent. English is spoken universally. Drawbacks for ex-pats are the prices for education, housing and imported automobiles are extremely high. A luxury Toyota costs about $200,000.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2020: Our speaker will be Jason Mercier of The Washington Policy Center on issues regarding the Washington State Budget.
Reminder- until the Covid Crisis lifts, our meetings will continue to be by ZOOM. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2534399797?pwd=QjQzeGIRSUIscWJRUzgxOEhQb25Ldz09.
Remember our web site, maintained by our webmaster, John McGowen.
It is: TacomaCascade.org.
We are also on Facebook@ https://www.facebook.com/groups/CascadeClubofTacoma/.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who last week gave thanks for the rain and now wishes it would go away and the sun will come back.
CASCADE CLUB MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
We are BAAACK! As forest fires were raging all over the West Coast, our Fall Season began on 9/15 by ZOOM with a timely presentation by a team from a start- up company, Heli-Hydrants, which is marketing a patented system for providing water to fire-fighting helicopters. Time is of the essence in controlling a new fire. The shorter the turn-around time for helicopters to replenish water and return to the fire, the more effective they are in controlling the fire.
The company constructs water reservoir tanks from which copters suck up water using snorkels, which enables them to quickly return to fight fires. The tanks obtain water from water systems of the community. The shorter the round-trip time to dump the water on the fire, the better the chances of minimizing the damage.
The projected base price of their system is $65,000. Their prototype system is now in operation in Yorba Linda, California, an upscale area in Southern California where the mean price of homes is around one million dollars. By saving only one such home, the system gives a fine return on the investment. For details, refer to their web site at https://supertank.com/downloads/HeIi Hydrants Fire Protection_tanks.pdf
SPEAKERS– WE NEED SPEAKERS – WE NEED YOUR HELP.
The life blood which sustains our club is having great speakers for our weekly meetings. For years, Dave Sheean called upon almost everyone he went to school with to speak and several then joined us as members. In recent years, our former president, Bill Jackson, also did a great job in finding and scheduling speakers, but Bill has now asked that someone relieve him of the primary duty of arranging for speakers.
Dick Muri, who knows everybody, has offered to chair the committee, but he needs help in recruiting speakers. To assure the vitality of our club, we are asking the entire membership to help identify speakers. Please call Dick Muri at 253-439-9797 or email him at Dick@DickMuri.com to assist him. For the foreseeable future, our meetings will be by ZOOM, so our speakers need not be personally present which gives us the flexibility of hosting speakers from almost anywhere.
COMING EVENTS
Until the Covid Crisis restrictions allow us to reconvene at TC&GC, we are unable to schedule social events and our meetings will be only by ZOOM. Once our live meetings resume, we may also use ZOOM for those who wish to continue to participate remotely, such as our snowbirds.
The annual dues billings will be distributed soon. Please remit your dues early—The scribe needs a new company car.
UPCOMING MEETINGS: REMEMBER, THEY WILL BE ON ZOOM ONLY.
To Join the ZOOM meetings, go to:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2534399797?pwd=QjQzeGlRSUlscWJRUzgx OEhQb25Ldz09.
(Don’t forget this number, there will be a test next week). It works if you just hit the blue numbers. For problems connecting, call or e-mail Dick@DickMuri.com.
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2020: As of this date we do not have a scheduled speaker, but rest assured, we will have one.
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2020: our speaker will be Jason Mercier of The Washington Policy Center on issues regarding the Washington State Budget.
Finally, we lost Bill Abbott and John Winter this month. They will be missed.
Remember our web site, maintained by our webmaster, John McGowen. It is: TacomaCascade.org. We are also on Facebook@ https://www.facebook.com/groups/CascadeClubofTacoma/.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who hopes you are, at least for the moment, also relishing the return of cool and smoke-free rain.
CASCADE CLUB BOARD MEETING AUGUST 25, 2020
Present: Dick Muri, Mike Jones, Bill Jackson, Chuck Hellar, John McGowen, Rick Carr, Randy Lindblad, Tom Morgan
Online Internet ZOOM Meeting called to order by President Dick Muri
Treasurer’s report: The books have not been transferred yet and thus Rick Carr reported we have $4,989.60 in the bank account especially due to lack of speaker’s luncheons, no bulletin and no Spring fling.Dues notices will go out after we meet, we have 3 members who pay no dues and 9 at half dues because of their membership longevity. Our major costs are the bulletin, speaker’s meetings and gratuity for Anthony at the Country Club. Should we send out notices for full amount of dues if we are not meeting in person? Zoom meetings do not have the attendance that in person meetings do. Dick noted that his Kiwanis Club does record the zoom meetings so people can review them later. Note: We had 15 members attend our last zoom meeting in the Spring.A discussion was held as to billing full dues if we are not meeting in person and do we send out a bulletin or just email it?No new members are pending but Bill Abbott is resigning due to health issues. Gen. Wm. Harrison, Bill Russell, Dale Hall, Dug Stewart, Dave Nielsen and John Winters all are also doing poorly.
Note that we have only 2 or 3 members who don’t have an email address for the newsletter. Bulletin costs about $90-$95 per week when we print and mail it out.
m/s/p That we continue to have meetings via zoom beginning Sept. 15 for now and email bulletins to all members but mail a copy to those few who do not have an email address or prefer a hard copy.
A discussion ensued re: creation of a phone tree to get members to attend the meetings – A phone tree from the Board was created to call members to remind them of upcoming meetings and events.
Programs: None are set up as yet
We will start our meetings beginning Sept. 15
m/s/p To bill members for our annual dues at $80 for the year.
Next Board meeting is set for 11:00am Sept. 15 prior to the regular meeting.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted:
Michael Jones, Secretary