Newsletters from September of 2021
thru the Spring of 2022
DICK MURI’S REPORT ON THE SPRING FLING OF JULY 13, 2022
I believe it went exceptionally well, with 60 people including guests, and about 30 vehicles. Entertainment was exceptional. Thanks Bud for setting this up. Though it was very funny that my very lush lawn, which has thousands of hidden worms buried below, one big one decided to escape and scare the “Memphis Belles” ladies. Mary Muri also had a good time which is critical, if I am going to get permission from the “house boss” to do this again next year, if that is what the board wants. We also went “first class” on our choice of caterer. We have used Brank’s BBQ out of Sumner now three times in the past two years. Awesome food for a reasonable price.
Goal was to keep it under $30 per person. Looks like we made that goal. On an interesting note, attendees drank a lot more white wine this year than last year. Must have been the warm weather which makes white wine on ice a very good choice. I give the event an A+. Everything went perfectly
COMING EVENTS
The next event of the Cascade Club is “Opening Day” of the new year
at noon on Tuesday September 13, 2022.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MAY 24, 2022
This was our last regular noon meeting until September 13, 2022 when our Fall Season will begin under the leadership of David Cotant who was elected President during the meeting to succeed Ed “Bud” Winter for the coming year. We all thank Bud for his service during this challenging year.
Our speaker was Matthew Hayward, National Outreach Director of the Freedom foundation, whose business card states: “our mission is to advance individual liberty, free enterprise, and limited, accountable government.” He told us that in 2012, the foundation narrowed its focus to fighting public employee unions and preventing them from charging dues to those union members who disagree with unions’ political agendas. His goal is to inform people of their rights to opt out of the union memberships and to stop unions from retaliating against members who opt out of unions. He referred to the web site: https://optouttoday.com/
COMING EVENTS
WE ARE GOING TO BE IN RECESS FROM REGULAR MEETINGS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 13, 2022.
THE ONLY SCHEDULED EVENT BEFORE THEN IS THE ANNUAL SPRING FLING WHICH WILL BE ON JULY 13, 2022 AT THE HOME OF DICK AND MARY MURI IN STEILACOOM FROM 5:30 UNTIL 8:00 PM. DETAILS TO FOLLOW.
SCRIBE’S NOTE: Our new president, David Cotant, has asked for input from or about anyone who is interested in becoming the President Elect for next year.
If you are interested, please contact him at cotant@comcast.net.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who wishes YOU a happy and safe summer.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MAY 17, 2022
Another good crowd heard from Craig W. Rhyne, President of the Freedom Education Foundation, Inc. and President of the Washington Gold Exchange LLC. He first spoke about the Gold Exchange which now is in Bellevue, but which he initially operated in the Tacoma Mall beginning in 1974 when the price of gold was $40 per ounce. Today, its price is $1,823 per ounce. He circulated gold and silver coins for our inspection only and insisted that all were to be returned to him! (Scribe’s note: The integrity of our honorable band was proven when all the coins were returned to him.) He said “I do not recommend that gold and silver be purchased as investments, but rather as insurance against failure of our economy.” He recommended that 10 to 20% of one’s net worth be put into hard metals. He distributed a table of the values of portfolios of coins which can be obtained by contacting our scribe Phil Sloan. The current values of these coins caused several of us to rush home to check our piggy banks to see if we happen to have any such coins. For more information you can reach him at craig@washingtongoldexchange.com
Mr. Rhyne then switched to comments about Freedom Education Foundation, Inc. of which he is also the president. It publishes and sells a federal civics course that focuses on the four founding documents of the United States. He said the course is “non-partisan” and is “intended to teach accurate history in a balanced way”. The course is primarily intended for high school and college students, but all ages can benefit from reading them. He said that the course in intended to battle the rise of socialism and the trashing of traditional and biblical values. His premise is that our public schools are dominated by left wing unions, so he is targeting private schools as the market for the courses. They have the goal of reaching at least 10% of all students in the country with Freedom Civics by July 4, 2026 (the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence). The website is www.freedomcivics.org
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MAY 24, 2022: OUR LAST MEETING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 13th
MATHEW HAYWARD, National Outreach Director of the Freedom Foundation
speaking on “Advancing Individual Liberty”.
There will be a board meeting at 11:00 A.M.
JULY 13, 2022: SPRING FLING SUMMER PICNIC: At the home of Dick & Mary Muri in Steilacoom – 5:30 PM to 8:00 P.M. DETAILS TO FOLLOW.
Respectfully submitted: Phil Sloan, scribe whose piggy bank was empty.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MAY 10, 2022
On another chilly Spring day, the largest group of the year gathered to hear Don Doman speak on Hannibal crossing the Alps. Mr. Doman is well known to several Cascadians, in part because he is a past president of Rotary #8. He has been interested in the Carthaginian General Hannibal for many years. He reviewed Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps, including the fact that the elephants were forest Asian which were about 3’ smaller in height than African Elephants. Elephants tend to be stubborn and when they refused to obey the commands of the soldiers, they were put to death. Only 1 or 2 survived the journey. They did not play a big part in the battles which followed. Hannibal lived from 247 BC until 183 BC when he committed suicide.
Mr. Doman told us of several battles and Hannibal’s clever military tactics, which are still being employed by militaries to this day. Hannibal led as many as 35,000 soldiers in battles against Roman armies as large as 70,000 soldiers. He brought with him a Roman sword, a Carthaginian sword and a warrior’s helmet made of medal which weighted at least 5 pounds. In that era, the average size of soldiers was much smaller that today. The weight of their battle gear, including their weapons attests to their physical strength.
To learn more about Hannibal go to https://www.worldhistory.org/hannibal/
Scribe’s note: This talk made me wish that I had paid more attention in world history class in the 9th grade. When others at my table also could not remember where the Carthaginians and the Phoenicians were from, I found the website cited above and related sites to be fascinating. Considering that Hannibal’s armies were the size they were over 2,000 years ago and comparing that today to the numbers of Russian soldiers attempting to destroy the Ukraine today with their modern weaponry and the difficulties they face logistically, causes one to appreciate the genius of Hannibal.
COMING EVENTS
THERE ARE ONLY TWO MORE MEETINGS BEFORE OUR SUMMER BREAK.
MEETING OF MAY 17, 2022: CRAIG RHYNE, President of Freedom Civics on “Battling the rise of socialism in our schools”. This promises to be a lively presentation.
MEETING OF MAY 24, 2022: MATTHEW HAYWARD, National Outreach Director Freedom Foundation on “Advancing Individual Liberty”.
JULY 13, 2022: OUR SPRING FLING PICNIC: HOSTED BY DICK and MARY MURI at their home in Steilacoom. From 5:30 to 8:00 PM. More details to follow.
OUR FALL SEASON BEGINS on SEPTEMBER 13, 2022!
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Phil Sloan, scribe who now knows where the Carthaginians came from. Do you?
MINUTES OF NON-MEETING OF MAY 3, 2022
For a variety of reasons, the Board declared a Spring Break for this week and no meeting was held. There are only 3 meetings remaining before the end of this season and we take our summer break. Our Fall Season will begin on or about September 13, 2022. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, May 10 when, thanks to Dr. Mike Jones, our speaker will be Don Doman who will update us on Hannibal Crossing the Alps. Mike says “At least one lucky member will get a taste for some of the hardships those soldiers endured, but no elephant meat will be on the table”. (Scribe’s note: we hope that Mike is not confusing this talk with the Donner Party)
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT Ed “Bud” Winter: “Pray for Ukraine”.
We have two new Members! (1): Jack Emery, retired judge of the Tacoma
Municipal Court. He was sponsored by Mike Jones and Phil Sloan. (2) Jeffrey Goodwin, sponsored by his father-in-law Dr. Lloyd Elmer and step-son of the late Cascadian Dr. John Winter. John was a long time member who was our party chairman. If you haven’t met either of them, please introduce yourself and welcome them to our Friendship Fraternity.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MAY 17, 2022: CRAIG RHYNE, PRESIDENT OF THE FREEDOM COUNCIL ON “BATTLING THE RISE OF SOCIALISM IN OUR SCHOOLS”. This promises to be lively, especially in view of the Supreme Court’s anticipated decision on Roe v Wade. We are not sure if this meeting will be broadcast on zoom or not. An email invitation will be sent to everyone if a zoom is possible.
MEETING OF MAY 24, 2022: MATTHEW HAYWARD, NATIONAL OUTREACH DIRECTOR FREEDOM FOUNDATION ON ADVANCING INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY.
THIS WILL PROBABLY BE THE FINAL MEETING OF OUR SPRING SEASON.
JULY 13, 2022: SPRING FLING at the home of DICK MURI from 5:30 TO 8:00 PM. Details to follow.
SCRIBE’S COMMENT (Unauthorized): This has been a tough year for our club, in part because of the many frightening situations in the world today, including COVID, Inflation, the tragic destruction of the Ukraine and the threats to our National Security and Democracy. As we are about to begin the 100th year of our club, we all should reflect on what we each can do to assure that our Friendship Fraternity will survive and thrive.
Cascade Club attracts members who, for the most part, are older and who are retired after having had successful careers which have included public and private service to others. Most of us crave “Fellowship Without Obligations”, hence our informal slogan “Self Above Service.”
While members are not required to perform service or even to regularly attend meetings, this has resulted in the dilemma that the burden of running the club has fallen on too few. As an example, there have been no responses to our many pleas for volunteers to assist in operating the ZOOM broadcasts.
We all should “pitch in” and share the responsibilities for finding speakers, recruiting new members and working to re-energize the Club.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF APRIL 26, 2022
- a basic rate of 60 cents per pound
- the whole value of the goods with a $300 deductible and
- the full value of the goods.
Mr. Tutton strongly urged all customers to deal only with registered movers, which can be verified by the UTC (utc.wa.gov). He related several instances in which law enforcement does not have the man-power to investigate theft, etc. and stressed the need to deal only with duly licensed and registered movers.
COMING EVENTS
THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON MAY 3, 2002
MEETING OF MAY 10, 2022: Don Doman on Hannibal crossing over the Alps. (those who have heard him speak before strongly recommend this presentation.)
MEETING OF MAY 17, 2022: Craig Rhyne, President of Freedom Council on “Battling the rise of socialism in our schools”. This promises to be a lively presentation.
SAVE THIS DATE: JULY 13, 2022, SPRING FLING AT THE HOME OF DICK MURI.
SCRIBES COMMENT: THERE WILL BE ONLY 3 MORE MEETINGS BEFORE WE TAKE OUR SUMMER BREAK.
Our attendance this season has been lower than in past years because of the COVID pandemic and the lack of incentive for our snowbirds to return to our soggy area. President Bud Winter and the Board request all members to make recommendations for increasing our membership and our attendance. We have a slate of excellent speakers for the balance of this season but to keep them coming, we need to assure them that we will have more than a handful of attendees.
We also need volunteers to assist with the ZOOM broadcast. Our Vice President, David Cotant and Past President Dick Muri have been operating the ZOOM equipment. David just had knee replacement surgery and will be unavailable for a few more weeks, so without someone coming forth to assist, we may not be able to broadcast the remaining meetings on ZOOM.
This year is the 99th year of our club. Let’s all strive to wrap it up with a bang !
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is thankful that he has not moved from his present home for over 44 years.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF APRIL 19, 2022
On another rainy day, the biggest crowd of this year assembled to hear Anthony Shipman, director of sales, Chambers Bay Golf Course/Club – Hosts for the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur Golf Championship tell us about the upcoming event which will be televised nationally from August 8 – 14. 156 of the best amateur women will be competing. Admission is free! Although they project much smaller crowds than. attended the U. S. Men’s Open which introduced the course to the world in 2015, the television broadcast crews will be the same. They need volunteers to assist and anyone interested should contact this link. https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1649342065
This is what you can volunteer for:
Tournament Schedule
156 player field
August 6-7: Practice Rounds 12-25 volunteers needed each day
August 8: Qualifying round #1 (Stroke play) 250-350 volunteers needed
August 9: Qualifying round #2 (Stroke play) 250-350 volunteers needed
August 10: Round of 32 (Match play) 150-250 volunteers needed
August 11: Round of 16/Round of 8 (Match play) 75-100 volunteers needed
August 12: Quarterfinal (Match play) 50-75 volunteers needed
August 13: Semifinal (Match play) 25-50 volunteers needed
August 14: Final Match 12-25 volunteers needed
To prepare for this tournament, Mr. Shipman attended The Masters at Augusta, Georgia recently. He gave us such a glowing review of the tournament and the course that even us non-golfers now want to go next year.
He reviewed the history of Chambers Bay and the many political issues which had to be overcome to get the course and its amenities built. The course is now doing very well and its reputation is known across the golfing world.
Scribe’s note: I apologize for the brevity of this summary of a very informative and entertaining talk because somehow my notes disappeared into a black hole. I was going to say my dog ate them, but I don’t have a dog and my cat refused to cooperate. There is a lot of interesting information on the Chambers Bay Golf Course web site.
https://www.chambersbaygolf.com/22womensam/
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF APRIL 26, 2022: OUR MEMBER JIM TUTTON, Executive Director of the Washington Movers Conference returns to tell us more about the “Ins and Outs of the Moving Industry”. Time expired when he spoke to us recently and we still had plenty of questions to be asked.
MEETING OF MAY 3, 2022: Topic & Speaker TO BE ANNOUNCED
SAVE THIS DATE: July 13, 2022: Spring fling at the home of Cascadian Dick Muri
NEW MEMBER APPLICATIONS:
According to Cascade Club rules, the names of applicants to our club must be published twice in the newsletter. If there are objections to the application, they must be submitted within a week after the second publication. The Board will then vote on the application.
We have had a recent upsurge in interest by prospective members. All members are encouraged to bring their friends to help us “build back” (as those in Washington D.C. might say) our membership.
This is the second posting of the applications of retired Judge Jack Emery sponsored by members Jones and Sloan as well as Jeffrey Goodwin sponsored by his father-in-law, Dr. Lloyd Elmer.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who musta’ done or said something??
MINUTES OF MEETING OF APRIL 12, 2022
Another nice group in person and a few Zoomers heard a valuable presentation which could possibly save your life or the life of a loved one by Scott Adams, Assistant Chief of the West Pierce Fire and Rescue Department and Dave Emmons, a veteran firefighter and paramedic, who has been with the department for over 20 years. Their topics were ways for people in medical emergencies to make it easier for responders to 911 calls to quickly gain entry into homes without forcibly entering and causing damage and to access vital information about the person’s health history to expedite their attending to the emergency.
They distributed forms to the attendees which provide means to give that information to the responders. To obtain those forms, directions are included herein and if you advise Phil Sloan by email at psloan@sloanbobricklaw.com, he will give you directions as to how to obtain them. We recommend that each of us do this.
911 calls for health emergencies result in EMTs/paramedics responding plus at least two people on a ladder truck in case their services are also needed. All callers to 911 are directed to remain calm and, if possible, assist in giving the responders access to the medical records, etc. of the victim. They strongly recommend that everyone should complete a POLST (Portable Orders for life-Sustaining Treatment) form which is a directive to health care providers regarding further medical intervention. NOTE: that form must be completed with a health professional. The form and more information are available on the Washington Medical Association’s site: https://www.wsma.org/POLST/ .
They recommended that we purchase a KnoxHomeBox which is a lock box to be placed at the entrance to your home and in which you place a key to your home and which only the Fire Department can open. The website KNOXBOX.COM has a sales brochure and a price list. You may also call 855-438-5669. Phil Sloan purchased one. Its price, including taxes and shipping was $247.00.
Another invaluable resource is a bright red plastic pouch named FILE OF LIFE which contains a form for you to list your Emergency Contacts, Medical History, Medications and Medical conditions. If you are on MyChart through Multicare or Franciscan, you might include a copy of your Health Summary. It is recommended that the pouch be placed on your refrigerator door or in its freezer.
Assistant Chief Adams told us about West Pierce CARES, a non-profit organization which gathers contributions from the public and the District’s employees to help folks who have suffered loss from a fire, etc. and need a forced door replaced or have other immediate needs for which public funds may not be used. For more info see https://westpiercecares.org/ .
COMING EVENTS
Meeting of April 19, 2022: Anthony Shipman, Director of Sales, Chambers Bay Golf Course/Club Host for The 2022 U. S. Women’s Amateur Golf Championship. Note: This presentation has been very popular in past years with wives so bring your wife or significant other.
Meeting of April 26, 2022: Our own Jim Tutton, Executive Director of Washington Movers Conference on The ins and outs of the moving industry.
Save the date: On, or about, July 13, Spring Fling at the home of Dick Muri
We have pending applications for membership from Jack Emery, Judge retired and Jeff Goodwin, son-in-law of Dr. Lloyd Elmer.
We also had a guest this date who has indicated he is going to submit an application. His name will be revealed later.
Respectfully Submitted: Chuck Foster and Phil Sloan, co-scribes who strongly encourage you to follow the recommendations of today’s speakers.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF April 5, 2022
Jack Van Ommen gave an interesting recount of his solo around the world trip in a 30-foot wooden sailboat Fleetwood. He showed a video-slide show with brief glimpses of many of the places he visited, people he met and life at sea. ( A chart showing the route of his trips and his video and other slide shows are listed in his book, “SoloMan, Alone at sea with God and Social Security.”) Many stimulating questions were asked and answered.
In September 2013, he set sail from Amsterdam enroute to South America. Unfortunately, he did not make it because he suffered a shipwreck on November 16, 2013 in the Balearic Islands in the Caribbean off the coast of Spain.Jack returned to Gig Harbor where he was fortunate to obtain an identical boat on which he completed his circumnavigation by reaching Florida on March 31, 2017, just missing his goal of doing so by his 80th birthday by 31 days.
On June 22,2017, intending to make the Great Loop through New York, the Great Lakes and down the Mississippi River he ran his second Fleetwood aground on a Barrier Island beach in the Atlantic Ocean. The hull was split. It took him 18 months to repair it. In the winter of 2019-2020 he sailed to St. Martin and other Caribbean countries.
On February 3, 2022, Jack was at it again, that is, wrecking his 2nd Fleetwood. He was on his way from Havana to Rio Dulce, Guatemala and hit a reef after falling asleep just off the coast of Cuba and his boat was demolished. Again, he lost most of his earthly possessions. Now 85 years old, Jack is undeterred and is about to buy in Holland, his native country, what will be his third Fleetwood and take off again.
You can find details of his journeys: in his books and on his website and blog:
https://soloman.us/jacl-van-ommens-home-page-3/ and https://cometosea.us/
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF APRIL 12, 2022: Scott Adams- Assistant Chief – West Pierce Fire and Rescue: 911 and how to help if a call is needed.
MEETING OF APRIL 19, 2022: Anthony Shipman, Director of Sales, Chambers Bay Golf Course/ Club Host for the 2022 US Women’s Amateur Golf Championship.
REMINDER: SAVE THE DATE OF JULY 13, 2022 FOR THE SPRING FLING AT THE HOME OF DICK MURI.
NEW MEMBER APPLICATIONS: We have had several guests recently who have expressed interest in joining us. To join, the prospect must attend 2 club meetings, his name must be published twice in our newsletter and submit an application endorsed by at least one club member sponsor. This gives members the opportunity to comment and then the board will vote on acceptance into membership. Our membership is limited to 100 and over the last several years, we have fallen below that number due to attrition. All members are encouraged to bring guests who may be good prospects for joining us.
At this time, we have 2 pending applications. Anyone having comments to make about the applicants should do so by addressing your comments to Mike Jones, our secretary. His email address is mhjonesDVM@aol.com
1. Retired Judge, Jack Emery, Sponsored by Mike Jones and Phil Sloan.
2. Jeff Goodwin, son-in-law of club member Lloyd Elmer.
Respectfully submitted by Phil Sloan, scribe who is enthusiastic about the renewed vigor of our club.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MARCH 29, 2022
On a nice spring day, it was great to have the largest attendance of the year, including guests interested in joining our band of friends. If this keeps up, we will get off probation with TC&GC.We heard from our recent past president, His Honor, Dick Muri, Mayor of the Town of Steilacoom and long- time proponent of electric vehicles. He gave us an impressive review of battery operated electric vehicles and other environment musings. Dick purchased his first electric car, a Nissan Leaf, in 2013. He has owned electric- powered cars continuously since.There has been controversy lately in the public media in which opponents of electric vehicles (the most vocal of which are rumored to be funded by the petroleum industry) are claiming that the manufacture of batteries and replacing them periodically consumes more resources, including precious metals, and petroleum than regular gasoline powered cars and are therefore not more “green” than gas powered vehicles. Dick responded with impressive statistics to rebut those claims and reminded us that under current Washington law, in 2030 it will be illegal to sell gasoline powered cars.
Around the world, the sales of electric cars is booming. He regaled us with facts of how the longevity and power of batteries is constantly improving. The acceleration of electric cars is phenomenal. The new Toyota Prius Prime can go from stopped to 60 mph in under 2 seconds. In Norway today, more than 80% of all car sales are now electric. One half of the vehicles in China are now electric. Dick calculates the equivalent expense of his current electric car is 70 cents per gallon of gasoline. He said ideally a family should have an all- electric car for short distance driving and a hybrid for long distances.
He supports the “Buy America” philosophy and recommended several American brands. He urged all to attend the National Drive Electric Festival – Steilacoom on September 10, 2022, the first Saturday after Labor Day. Hundreds of electric car owners will be there with their cars to discuss the pros and cons of their cars.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF APRIL 5, 2022: JACK VAN OMMEN, Author of SoloMan, Alone at Sea with God and Social Security, on his singlehanded circumnavigation of the globe (in stages) by age 80 in 30 foot sailboats. He recently lost his 3rd boat off the shore of Cuba and is now shopping for another boat to sail off again.
MEETING OF APRIL 12, 2022: KARMAN HECATHORN of the Seattle Mounted Police, with an update on the Mounted Police.
SAVE THIS DATE: JULY 13, 2022: SPRING FLING at the home of Dick Muri. Details to follow.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who is proud that our meetings are much less violent that the Academy Awards Program.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2022
Spring has sprung and like daffodils, our snowbirds and other absentees are starting to pop up at our meetings. While this is encouraging, we have been warned by TC&GC that we must have more members attending in person or we will lose the right to use the room. The revenues from low attendance do not justify the use of the room and the excellent service we have enjoyed for so long. We have an outstanding group of speakers lined up, so if you haven’t been coming, please come back—we miss you and need you to attend.
Today’s speaker was Alice Fong, the delightful CEO of the Center for Ethical Leadership. It is a non-profit based in Seattle which was founded to inspire and prepare diverse people to work collaboratively with a commitment to personal integrity and social justice for all.
After a brief review of its mission and vision, which are in its website https://www.ethicalleadership.org , Ms. Fong had the entire group pick a partner to participate in a Core Values Exercise which led to fascinating insight into the core values of our group as a whole, our partner and our own. A copy of that test is available — you are urged to try it — If you send an email to psloan@sloanbobricklaw.com, a copy will be sent to you so you can do the exercise at home- it is worth your while.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MARCH 29, 2022: DICK MURI, Immediate Past President of Cascade Club of Tacoma and Mayor of Steilacoom: An overview of the Electric Vehicle Market.
MEETING OF APRIL 5, 2022: JACK VAN OMMEN, Author of SoloMan Alone at sea with God and Social Security on his single- handed circumnavigation of the globe (in stages) by age 80 in 30 foot sailboats.
MEETING OF APRIL 12, 2002: KARMEN HECKATHORN, of the Seattle Mounted Police with an update of the Seattle Mounted Police.
SAVE THIS DATE: JULY 13, 2022: SPRING FLING PICNIC at the home of Dick Muri. More details later.
Respectively submitted by Phil Sloan, scribe but edited by and published by John McGowen.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF MARCH 15, 2022
Ignoring the warnings to beware of the Ides of March, the largest group of the year assembled at TC&GC and on ZOOM thanks to the noble efforts of David Cotant and Dick Muri and several kibitzers, utilizing two computers donated to the club by Bill Jackson, but alas, there was no speaker. President Bud Winter then declared a day of fellowship and war stories and a good time was had by all.The ZOOM team assured us that the glitches in the sound system will be cured for next week’s meeting. We desperately need volunteers with some technical skills to operate the system in the coming weeks. Dick Muri coordinates the system from his home and David Cotant has been handling the system from the club, but he is going to be unavailable for a few weeks due to an upcoming knee replacement. If no one volunteers, we will draft one of your greatgrandchildren to handle it.
COMING EVENTS
ZOOM IS BACK !! Thanks to the efforts of David Cotant, our club now has its own equipment so for those who are still snow birding or otherwise can’t attend our meetings in person, you can again attend by ZOOM,
Each member will receive an email on Tuesday AM with a link to join in the zoom. It will look something like this.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2534399797?pwd=QjQzeGlRSUlscWJRUzgxOEhQb25Mdz09
Meeting ID: 253 438 9797
Passcode: Kiwanis
This week John McGowen will open the zoom channel at approximately 11:45 AM. Just click on the long blue link and John McGowen will let you in from the “waiting room”.
We desperately need volunteers to assist in operating the equipment because Dave is going to have to miss a few meetings following a pending knee replacement. Please contact either:
Dave at 253-226-7895 or cotant@comcast.net or
Bud Winter at 253-921-5397 or edwinter34@gmail.com
to make arrangements. Dick Muri acts as the zoom host from his home. He can be reached at 253-439-9797 or dick@dickmuri.com .
MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2022: Craig Rhyne, President of Freedom Civics, on the Course on the battle against the rise of Socialism in our schools. This meeting promises to be lively.
There will be a Board Meeting at 11:00 AM. All are invited.
MEETING OF APRIL 5, 2002: Jack Van Ommen: Jack spoke to us a few years ago before he set out to complete his singlehanded circumnavigation of the globe in his 30′ sailboat Fleetwood (in installments) before turning 80, “alone with God and Social Security”.
Spoiler alert: he made it, but not before sinking Fleetwood and other misadventures.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is still rooting for Gonzaga.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF March 8, 2022
A disappointingly small group was treated to an enlightening presentation by Gust Ericson, Manager of Sales and Estimating of the Jesse Company. Before today, most of us knew little about the company and had assumed that it was a small machine shop doing routine work for a local clientele. To our surprise, we learned that it is one of the largest specialty steel fabricators on the West Coast engaged in heavy steel fabrication, machinery manufacturing and building complex projects’, many of which are well known to us, such as the Glass Museum. The talk was a great example of why attending our meetings in person or remotely on ZOOM is so worthwhile, however, to continue to attract outstanding speakers, we must have larger audiences. Please come back – we miss you.
Mr. Ericson told us that the company was founded in 1976 by our late member, Darrel Jesse and is headed today by Darrel’s son, Phil. It began as a small shop in Fife. It specializes in very large or complex fabrications or value-added fabrications capabilities. Examples of projects of the company are some of the Washington State floating bridges, many Washington ferry docks, the 1-90 Bridge, the sky bridges in Bellevue and the Museum of Flight.
Their work is limited to our West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii. The clientele today is 90% public works. Most of their employees are well paid, highly skilled and specialized with an average tenure of 12 years. Taking good care of employees is a top priority. For more information about the Jesse Co, go to its website at www.Jesse-co.com.
COMING EVENTS
ZOOM IS BACK !! Thanks to the efforts of David Cotant, our club now has its own equipment so for those who are still snow birding or otherwise can’t attend our meetings in person, you can again attend by ZOOM,
Each member will receive an email on Tuesday AM with a link to join in the zoom. It will look something like this.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2534399797?pwd=QjQzeGlRSUlscWJRUzgxOEhQb25Mdz09
Meeting ID: 253 438 9797
Passcode: Kiwanis
Dick will open the zoom channel at approximately 11:45 AM. Just click on the long blue link and Dick will let you in from the “waiting room”.
We desperately need volunteers to assist in operating the equipment because Dave is going to have to miss a few meetings following a pending knee replacement. Please contact either:
Dave at 253-226-7895 or cotant@comcast.net or
Bud Winter at 253-921-5397 or edwinter34@gmail.com to make arrangements.
Dick Muri acts as the zoom host from his home. He can be reached at
253-439-9797 or dick@dickmuri.com .
MEETING OF MARCH 15, 2022: Anthony Shipman, Director of sales, Chambers Bay Golf Course/Club Host for the 2022 US Women’s Amateur Golf Championship.
MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2022: Craig Rhyne, President of Freedom Civics: Courses on the battles against the rise of socialism in our schools.
It is anticipated that the questions and answer period will be lively.
There will be a board meeting at 11:00 A.M. All members are welcome.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is rooting for Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament and is sorry that Russel Wilson is gone.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF March 1, 2022
With apologies once again for another error by this scribe for reporting that there would be no samples of Heritage Distilling Company’s (HDC) products. Our President, Bud Winter, exposed my error but made the presentation a great success by convincing our speaker, Drew Kellerman, a co-founder of HDC, to hold a drawing to win samples of many of the products of HDC. Cascadians are gentlemen of high class and culture: none were observed to drink their prizes during the meeting.
HDC is only 10 years old, but today it produces about 50 different products which are being sold nationally. The sale of distilled alcohol beverages is highly regulated and taxed by rules that vary from state to state, so the growth of HDC has been complicated by Local, State and Federal bureaucrats.
HDC is active in the American Distilling Institute which had only a few members 10 years ago, but now has about 2,000 members. Like local (beer) brew pubs, there has been tremendous growth in the popularity of local distilleries. HDC has received the most awards by the association for its products over the last 8 years. HDC now has a few tasting rooms and is building more. The first tasting room is in Gig Harbor which is well known to our membership. It features the Cask Club in which members can create their own flavors. For more information about HDC, visit its website at https://HeritageDistilling.com HDC is now privately owned, but there are rumors that that may not be for long.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MARCH 8, 2022: Gust Erickson, Sales and estimating manager for Jesse Engineering on The History of Jesse Engineering. (the late Mr. Jesse was a member of our club.)
Unfortunately the required hardware for ZOOMing our March 8th meeting is still not in hand but should be very soon.
MEETING OF MARCH 15, 2022: Anthony Shipman, Director of Sales, Chambers Bay Golf Course/Club Host for the US Women’s Amateur Championship 2022.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe whose mate swiped and drank his sample of Heritage Distilling Company’s Blood Orange Vodkarita.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 22, 2022
We had a larger group of attendees this week because our snowbirds are starting to return to the Great Northwest, apparently under the mistaken assumption that Spring is on the horizon. They were easily spotted because they were the only ones with suntans. The meeting was not broadcast on ZOOM because the necessary equipment was not available and, regretfully the meeting of March 1 will also not be broadcast on ZOOM. You must attend in person to enjoy the presentation on the Heritage Distilling Company.
Our speaker was John Jarman, MSPE, fitness director of Fircrest Golf and Country Club who gave us a motivating presentation on the benefits of physical exercise for seniors, who he diplomatically classified as those over age 60. He cited proof of the many benefits of regular exercise for seniors, including simply regularly walking. Exercise can reduce osteoporosis by as much as 50%; it can substantially reduce the effects of arthritis for those who are taking medication for it, it can improve cognitive function and extend life expectancy by 3 to 5 years. (Beneficial exercise includes walking to and from the TC&GC parking lot to meetings of our Cascade Club.)
A major cause of the ailments of old age is impairment of one’s sense of balance. Fortunately, one’s sense of balance can easily be improved by exercising for a few minutes each day at home without assistance on very simple devices, such as a commercial product which is sold under the name Slackblock which appeared to this scribe to be a 3” by 12” rectangular shaped piece of flexible “Styrofoam” capped by a piece of sturdy plywood of the same size. Rich Wall was conscripted from the audience to demonstrate how easy it is to use the Slackblock. The website Slackbow.com/products/ provides detailed information about the benefits of improving one’s balance, including several videos showing how to use the devices. Mr. Jarman arranged for a discount on the purchase price for those who wish to purchase one by citing the code word “Cascade” as the code word for getting a discount when ordering a Slackblock. For more information, call Mr. Jarman at the Fircrest Golf Fitness Center , 253-564-6756 and then push 2.
WHO IS JAMES TUTTON?
Now that we have returned to TC&GC and our normal routines, we have resumed the “Who are those Guys” talks in which members tell us more about their backgrounds so we can get to know each other better. With apologies to him for calling him John in a prior newsletter, Jim joined Cascade Club in June 2020. He was born in Fairbanks, AK and at age 9 moved to Washington. He graduated from Eastern Washington University where he joined ROTC. He spent 23 years in the military where he was involved in arranging for moving the furniture, etc. of personnel who were being transferred. He retired as a Lt. Colonel. After retiring from the military, he became the administrative head of an association of 90 moving companies which he still serves today.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF MARCH 1, 2022: DREW KELLERMAN, V.P. OF PRODUCTION of Heritage Distillery of Gig Harbor on What’s New at Heritage. (Scribe’s note: Although the growth of the company has been phenomenal, there will be no free samples).
MEETING OF MARCH 8, 2022: GUST ERICSON, SALES AND MARKETING on the History of Jesse Engineering. (Scribe’s note: The late Mr. Jesse was a member of our Cascade Club.)
CONGRATLATIONS TO JON PETERSON: Jon joined Gyro, now Cascade Club, in June 1974 and is now our longest time active member.
Respectfully submitted: Phil Sloan, scribe, who regrets that the events of 2/22/22 in Ukraine will be remembered as yet another day of infamy.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 15, 2022
Because of unexpected technical difficulties, we were unable to broadcast this meeting on ZOOM and, regretfully, there will NOT be a ZOOM broadcast of the 2/22/22 meeting. We do expect to have ZOOM available for the meeting of March 1, 2022. This means that those of our snowbirds who haven’t returned to their nests in the gray and gloomy Northwest will miss our next meeting on 2/22/22. If you are going to be “in town” please come to our meetings in person because our in- person attendance recently has been embarrassingly low and it will be increasingly difficult to attract speakers if they aren’t assured of a larger audience.
Those of us who attended the 2/15 meeting were treated to a controversial and stimulating presentation by Jon F. Sutter which he advocates saying it would reform our system of delivering health care, resulting in vast improvements in Cost, Quality, Delivery, Safety and Morale (CQDSM) of our health delivery system. He admitted that he has “p.o.’d many doctors”. He is a highly experienced and successful “efficiency expert” whose programs have had a huge and beneficial impact on the profitability of his corporate clients, such as the Boeing Company, by adopting his techniques of “Lean Manufacturing” which eliminates waste.
He advocates adopting a universal single payer for all medical care, eliminating all private health insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid and administered by the Federal Aviation Administration of the U.S. Government because of its enormous success in administering all phases of aviation. Standards of Practice would be imposed which would apply to all medical providers. Standard delivery of curriculums would be certified by the FAA and professors would not be allowed to vary from those curriculums. All clinics, hospitals and recovery services, would be standardized. All doctors, nurses and technicians would be federally certified for basic qualifications. The program would be financed by a tax per person based upon income and dependency.
Mr. Sutter wrote a “white paper” which he presented to the Trump administration in 2016 setting forth the plan in detail which this scribe will forward to those who request it from him, psloan@sloanbobricklaw.com. Needless to say, the government did not adopt the plan. His website is at https://www.jonfsutter.com
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 22, 2022: John Jarman, MSPE, Fitness Director of Fircrest Golf and Country Club on Fitness for the Mature Adult. He will be followed by our member John Tutton will formally introduce himself to us as a “Who are those guys?” speaker.
MEETING OF MARCH 1, 2022: HANNAH HAMLEY, Marketing Director of Heritage Distillery of Gig Harbor on What’s New at Heritage.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who just received notice from his new friend in India that his car warranty will expire in one year and if I renew the policy now, I won’t have to pay the price increase which will apply.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 8, 2022
This was our first meeting back at the TC&GC after meeting at Carr’s Restaurant during the Club’s remodel. Our speaker was Jeanette Twitty who, along with her husband Cornell, for the past 17 years have been the CEOs of the HOUSE OF MATTHEW, (THM) a not- for-profit 501c3 corporation located in downtown Tacoma which provides housing and services to people in transition, mostly those who are or have been homeless. They have 5 sites for housing men, but they also offer services for women and families. Prior to the COVID pandemic, they served up to 2,500 people per year, but now, they average half that number.
A large part of the services provided by THM is teaching “Life Skills” to their clients. To qualify for their “Life Skill” classes, the participants must remain drug and alcohol free, thus many candidates don’t qualify. Today, as distinguished from before COVID, most individuals in their programs, are not “chronically homeless”, many go to work or school daily. Those who become chronically homeless often acquire bad habits and lose their “Life Skills” and once they do, it becomes a mindset which is difficult for them to break. Once accepted into the housing program, the clients often feel bad for the homeless they left behind and may revert to being homeless, so the courses teach worthiness rather than failure. The classes are for 5 days for 6 weeks and teach literacy, child support workshops, how to deal with conflicts, and employment skills. The classes are free.
The Twittys own and operate Top2Bottom Janitorial Services and often offer jobs to the graduates of their program.
THM also provides clothing for men, women and children and donations are appreciated. The website of The House of Matthew provides much more information about its services at https://www.thehouseofmatthew.org
COMING EVENTS
We anticipate that we will not be able to provide ZOOM for this meeting of February 15. One of the topics for the Board Meeting preceding that meeting at 11:00 AM is should the club purchase its own ZOOM equipment. If any member has suggestions, please attend the Board meeting or send your thoughts to President Bud at edwinter34@gmail.com. Even if you don’t attend the board meeting, please come to the meeting(s) in person. We have a great lineup of speakers and cookies are still served with lunch.
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 15, 2022: John Sutter speaking on The State of Health Care Today. This topic is of relevance to all of us.
There will be a board meeting at 11:00. All are invited, especially those who have ideas of how to reinvigorate our club after Covid.
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 22, 2022: John Jarman, MSPE, Fitness Director of Fircrest Golf and Country Club on Fitness for the Mature Adult
followed by our member, John Tutton, on “Who are those Guys?”
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who hopes to see YOU next Tuesday.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 1, 2022
Our last scheduled meeting at Carr’s restaurant was almost not a meeting because we were hit from 2 different directions by COVID. Our Zoom telecast was cancelled because our vice-president and cameraman/technician for Zoom broadcasts, David Cotant, and our scheduled speaker, Anthony Shipman, both had developed COVID type symptoms and were unable to participate. Those of us who were present in person enjoyed a leisurely lunch with good conversations and a joke-a-thon. Because this newsletter is a family friendly publication, the jokes will not be printed here. The TC&GC staff has assured us that the Club will be re-opened for our February 8 meeting next week.
COMING EVENTS (BACK AT THE TC&GC)
No zoom next week. Head zoomer David still down with covid.
He is recovering nicely but avoiding the meeting with
an abundance of caution.
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 8, 2022: Our speaker will be Jeanette Twitty, CEO of House of Matthew, on Helping Homeless and People in need in our community. https://www.Thehouseofmatthew.org
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 15, 2022: John Sutter, The State of Health Care Today; (This is a topic of relevance to all of us.)
The Board of Directors will meet at 11:00 AM Feb 15 – all members are invited.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who wishes he too could be sitting in the sunshine somewhere else.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF JANUARY 25, 2022
After a slightly chaotic start caused by a missing cable for the ZOOM*cast, but solved thanks to Jim Rooks, Dick Muri and a few others, our speaker was Bob Woodcock, a resident of the development Jubilee in Lacey. He gave us a frightening wake-up call on the prospects of a natural disaster for this area, such as a major earthquake or tsunami and what we can do to prepare if one were to occur here, such as struck Tonga on December 20, 2021. Most of us have heard of the Cascadia Subduction Zone and were vaguely aware that it could be a threat to us in our homes and neighborhoods here in Western Washington, but he shocked us with the scientific evidence that we face a 15% probability of an earthquake of the magnitude of 9.0 or higher in the next 50 years which could create an enormous tsunami which could wipe out most of the low lying towns and infrastructure of much of Western Washington. In the year 1700, an earthquake of approximately 9.0 struck did enormous damage even though there was almost no infrastructure then. Today, it could cripple our roads, bridges, water, electricity and sewage systems for months. The Narrows Bridges would be especially vulnerable.
Pierce County has an excellent Department of Emergency Management with trained First Responders, however, their first priority following a disaster would be rescue efforts directed to schools, big box stores, etc. where large groups of people away from their homes would be present. Residents in single family homes and smaller living units such as condominiums and apartments would receive secondary attention.
Governmental agencies such as the State and County Departments of Emergency Management have developed extensive programs for such individuals to form disaster readiness plans to help themselves and their neighbors survive a disaster. Mr. Woodcock is a block captain as well as the village captain where he lives. They have extensive plans modeled after the guides published by Pierce County and the State which detail the equipment, food and tactics recommended to be on hand for such events, including looting which inevitably follows. He brought a few pamphlets which are excellent. He recommended that those who did not receive them pick them up at the Pierce County Emergency Management office at 2502 South 38th Street, Ste D, Tacoma, WA 98409-7405, tele 253-798-6595, www.piercecountywa.gov/ALERT.
COMING EVENTS
GOOD NEWS! TC&GC has assured us that it will be open for our meeting of February 8 and beyond. Our last meeting at Carr’s restaurant will be on February 1. We would like to thank Carr’s Restaurant for taking us in during our time of need for this month of January.
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 1, 2022: ANTHONY SHIPMAN, Director of Sales, Chambers Bay Golf Course/Club Host for the U.S. Women Amateur Championship 2022. He will be followed by new member, George Panagiotu, will be our “Who are those guys?” speaker to introduce himself to those of us who may not already know him.
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 8, 2022: Back home at TC&GC, our speaker will be Jeanette Twitty, CEO of House of Matthew on Helping the Homeless and People in need in our community. https://www.thehouseofmatthew.org.
SCRIBE’S NOTE: Several of our members are also members of the group at the Pearl Street YMCA known as the “Row Two Ballers”, which has gathered to have coffee and to enjoy fellowship for over 50 years. We recently lost the beloved “Franko” Fontain at age 93 who was known as the “Heart and Soul” of the Y. A Baller, Ron Lunceford, aka Darrel of Darrel and the Diptones, wrote a poem in Franko’s memory which embodies the spirit of the fellowship of the Ballers which could also apply to our Cascade Club Friendship Fraternity:
| There were no names You didn’t know Your hand held out Your smile aglow |
And even though We know you’re gone We still can hear “Right on, right on” |
| I think we knew It couldn’t be long You lost your sight We lost our song |
Right on, right on We lose, we gain But rest assured We will maintain |
| But here we are We’ll sing again We feel the love You showed us then |
We love you Franko And we’ll maintain |
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who recommends that you read and heed the publications of the Emergency Management System.
To Join the Cascade Club Zoom Meeting click on the following:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2534399797?pwd=QjQzeGlRSUlscWJRUzgxOEhQb25Ldz09
Meeting ID: 253 439 9797
Passcode:
MINUTES OF MEETING OF JANUARY 18, 2022
Walter Von Huene gave an attention riveting presentation to a virtual/in person meeting of the Cascade Club of Tacoma at Carr’s Restaurant on January 18, 2022. It should be no surprise that Walter’s audience was spellbound since he had such an interesting life as a writer, director and acting coach that included work on “Happy Days” and “Pretty Woman,” with distinguished actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger and with famous directors like Garry Marshall and Ron Howard.
Walter gave a brief summary of his professional life with many charming behind-the-scenes looks at how tv shows and movies are made. He took us from his start as a young aspiring actor through his 11 years working on “Happy Days,” his work as a “second unit director” with Ron Howard on the 1989 film “Parenthood,” his work with Garry Marshall on the 1990 film “Pretty Woman,” his work as an acting coach on a commercial with Arnold Schwarzenegger that led to a lifetime friendship and many other anecdotes from a long and varied career.
Walter was asked why he had moved to Tacoma? He related that his home in Santa Rosa, California had been destroyed by a wildfire with the loss of all his memorabilia, which included a drawing of Batman by the creator, Bob Kane. After having to evacuate each year for several years due to wildfires, he chose to relocate to the Tacoma area.
His life was so full and interesting that what we heard only whetted our appetite. Hopefully, since he is now local, he will come again to tell us more.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF JANUARY 25, 2022: Our speaker will be Bob Woodcock on Community
Preparedness. If you watch cable television news about what is happening throughout our
country and the world, this program will be especially relevant.
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 1, 2022: We will have a “Who are those guys?” from club member George Panagiotu followed by
Anthony Shipman, Director of Sales at the Chambers Bay Golf Course and the Club Host. He will be discussing the upcoming US Women’s Amateur Golf Championship in 2022.
Note: This Feb 1st meeting will also be at Carr’s Restaurant – both as an in-person meeting and also a ZOOM meeting
Respectfully submitted, Chuck Foster, associate scribe.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF JANUARY 11, 2022
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF JANUARY 18, 2022: our speaker will be Walter Van Huene, TV and Movie Director and acting coach for Arnold Schwarzenegger on “Stories from Hollywood”. This promises to be highly entertaining, and a large crowd is anticipated. Because we are ordering our lunches individually off of Carr’s regular menu, please try to arrive before our noon starting time.
There will be a Board Meeting at Carr’s at 11:00 AM
MEETING OF JANUARY 25, 2022: our speaker will be Bob Woodcock on Community Preparedness. If you watch cable television news about what is happening throughout our country and the world, this program will be especially relevant.
ACCESSING OUR MEETINGS BY ZOOM: For you snowbirds and any others who wish to attend by ZOOM, to access the meetings. All members will receive an email Invitation to join the Cascade Club meeting approximately 15 – 30 minutes ahead of the meeting time which has this sentence (or something very similar) in the middle:
Join_Zoom_Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89414232126?pwd=bFQwc1p1U1N1dWdMZWpUVlE0aEdUUT09
Click on that blue line and you will be taken to the “waiting room” for a minute or two and Dick will let you into the meeting.
IF you have difficulty connecting, please email Dick Muri who is hosting the ZOOM meetings from his home at dick@dickmuri.com and he will assist you.
Scribe’s note: We are planning on resuming the “Who are those Guys?” talks by our members, especially new members. If you haven’t presented previously or if you wish to do it again, please contact our program managers, Bud Winter Edwinter34@gmail.com or David Cotant Cotant@comcast.net and let them know. This is an excellent way of getting know each other better.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is mystified and terrified by the coming tax season and minimally edited by John McGowen.
NO MEETING BETWEEN DECEMBER 21, 2021 & JANUARY 11, 2022
MINUTES OF MEETING OF DECEMBER 21, 2021
This was our last meeting of 2021. The summary of the speaker’s comments was written by our apprentice scribe, Chuck Foster PhD, retired rocket scientist and college professor, who has nearly completed his two-year apprenticeship under the tutelage of our self-proclaimed scribe Phil Sloan, to become a fully qualified Tacoma Cascade scribe.
Al Schweitzer, Post Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Narrows Bridge Post & Auxiliary 10018, was the presenter. He began his presentation with a brief history of the VFW. Several societies were formed in 1899 based on the comradeship and common experience of veterans of the Spanish-American war (1895-1902) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902).
These organizations each increased in scope and membership until August 1913, when they merged into the national organization now known as the VFW. In July of 1936, officially chartered the organization as Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. It now has 2.5 million members. For a more complete history and other info see https://en.wikipedia/Veterans of Foreign wars/ or https://www.vfw.org/ The mission and vision of the VFW is:
Our Mission:
- To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts.
To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
Our Vision:
- To ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
The speaker described how the VFW grew after each of the nation’s wars, and how it aided in the development of technical and governmental support for veterans injured physically and/or mentally by their service. As examples, he mentioned development of better medical techniques to treat frost bite and burn injuries, and improved vehicles to prevent injuries by improvised explosive devices, IED’s. He mentioned that membership of WWII veterans is declining as a result of their advanced ages.
During the question and comment period, a club member, Steve O’Donnell, commented that his father, who was a WWII veteran, had received great care at no cost for his service-related injuries. He thanked the speaker for the role that the VFW had in advocating for veteran care.
COMING EVENTS
TEMPORARY NEW LOCATION FOR OUR MEETINGS during January 2022: Because TC&GC is closing briefly for renovations, until further notice, our meetings will be held in person and also via ZOOM beginning at noon at:
Carr’s Restaurant, located at
11006 Bridgeport Way SW,
Lakewood, 98499, TELE: 253-584-4622.
Meals will be ordered and priced individually from the menu, so please be on time to place your order.
MEETING OF JANUARY 11, 2022: Our speaker will be Shawn Mattingly, CPA of Weinand & Associates, CPAs, Lakewood. Her timely topic will be “Income Tax for Retirees”.
MEETING OF JANUARY 18, 2022: Our speaker will be Walter Van Huene, TV and Movie Director and acting coach for Arnold Schwarzenegger. His topic will be “Stories from Hollywood”. Arnold will not be present in spite of his warning “I’ll be back”.
2022 will be the 100th anniversary of our club which was founded on December 11, 1923.
If you go to our Cascade Club of Tacoma web site at https://tacomacascade.org/club-history/, which was created by and is maintained by John McGowen, and the “Club History” section, under the Founding Members list, you will see names which you might recognize, including A.H. Pessemier who is rumored to have later changed his first name to George. The list of past presidents is worth reviewing as well.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, Scribe, who wishes all Cascadians and their families a SAFE, Healthy and Happy New Year.
THE TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY PARTY ON DECEMBER 14
The Party was great and the harpist was perfect.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF DECEMBER 7, 2021
Today was the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. The meeting began with Tom Morgan giving us an inspiring review of that “Day of Infamy.” (Scribe’s comment: “The current state of affairs with Russia causes us to wonder if we have forgotten the lessons which should have been learned from that day”.)
Our speaker was Bob Lucey, former football coach of Curtis High School who won three state championships. He took us down memory lane with emotional comments about the lessons he learned from being an athlete and from which he inspired his players, including “making adversity your friend” and the value of visualization and affirmations.
COMING EVENTS
THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON DECEMBER 14, 2021: Those who signed up for our Holiday Party will gather that evening with their mates for music, food and fellowship. Those who did not sign up will miss a great time.
MEETING OF DECEMBER 21, 2021: Our speaker will be Alanson Schweitzer, Commander of the VFW -Tacoma on “The VFW Today”. Those who missed the Holiday Party will have to suffer through hearing from those who did attend the Party about the great time they had.
THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON DECEMBER 28, 2021.
THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON JANUARY 4, 2022.
MEETING OF JANUARY 11, 2022: Our speaker will be Shawn Mattingly, CPA, of Weinand and Associates, CPAs, Lakewood, WA. “Update on Income Tax for retirees.” (We are hoping for some good news and not the news we dread.)
CHANGE OF VENUE FOR OUR MEETINGS IN JANUARY
TC&GC will be closing for remodeling in January. We will announce the temporary address for January meetings soon.
HAVE A SAFE AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Respectfully submitted Phil Sloan, scribe who hopes that 2022 will be better for you and yours than 2021.
HOLIDAY PARTY DECEMBER 14, 2021 at TC&GC
Cascadians and 
Cascadiens
A cocktail hour from 6:15 PM TO 7:15 PM: Hors d’oeuvres and two complimentary tickets
for each guest for cocktails or wine from the no host bar.
Music by Harpist Twyla Eddins
A sit down dinner follows at 7:15 PM TO 9:00 PM
Salad:
Apple, pecan and blue cheese crumbles with creamy lemon dressing
Your Choice of Dinner Entrees:
- Prime Rib
- Alaskan halibut with potato crusted dill sauce
- Pasta Primavera with seasoned vegetables and
penne pasta in a garlic cream sauce
A dessert of sorbet and cookies
The dress is Black Tie optional ~~ Cost is $50.00 / Guest ~~ Your check is your reservation.
Be sure to specify your entrée choice on your check.
Checks must be received by December 3rd or no reservation ~~ Mail to club address above
If unvaccinated for COVID-19, please wear a mask unless eating.
If ill please do not come.
For questions and suggestions, please contact Bud at edwinter34@gmail.com
or (253) 921-5397.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 30, 2021
Our speaker was Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor. She has spoken to us in past years and is one of our favorites. She seemed to know most of the attendees which is consistent with her reputation of being accessible and responsive to the public. She opened with a review of what is happening state-wide as well as within Pierce County and the challenges and current events involving auditors and then invited questions from the floor. Her answers to the questions were impressive and showed that she is actively involved in issues affecting the role of auditors on all levels of government. One question she declined to answer was what her plans are for her political future. She said that she will be making a public announcement in that regard soon.
She told us that after years of trying, she succeeded in getting the Sheriff’s office to assume the responsibility for Animal Control and to the disappointment of several of us, she got married this year!
Because our legislature has passed bills to increase voter turnout to take effect in 2022, including allowing 16 and 17- year- olds to pre-registered to vote. 17-year- old kids can pre-register and vote in primary elections if they turn 18 by the general elections. Her office has to prepare 67 times 2 different ballots to accommodate all the elections county wide. Another change is that voters can register until 8 PM on election days and they can register at public libraries under direction of the Auditor’s office.
She is a strong supporter of voting by mail and said that there has been almost no fraud because of the high level of security checks and stiff penalties for fraud. Pierce County was the last county in Washington to adopt voting by mail. Studies have proven that the percentage of voters casting ballots increases between 3% and 5% when they vote by mail and drop-off boxes. Before it became mandatory to vote by mail, 90% of those voting cast their ballots by mail or in the drop-off boxes.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF DECEMBER 7, 2021: Bob Lucey, Retired Curtis High School Coach, Speaker and Motivator, three times State Football Championship coach. Topic to be announced.
MEETING OF DECEMBER 21, 2021: Alanson Schweitzer, Commander VFW (Tacoma) on “The VFW today”. This will be our last meeting of 2021.
NO NOON MEETING DECEMBER 14, 2021 BECAUSE THIS IS THE NIGHT OF OUR HOLIDAY PARTY !!! ~~~ details below
Deadline to signup extended! If you want to attend call Bud
(253) 921-5397 but you MUST give your check to Chuck Hellar at
next Tuesdays (Dec 7) meeting. Note Entrée choices on check
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who hopes to see YOU at the Holiday Party.
Cascadians and Cascadiens
A cocktail hour from 6:15 PM TO 7:15 PM: Hors d’oeuvres and two complimentary tickets
for each guest for cocktails or wine from the no host bar.
Music by Harpist Twyla Eddins
A sit-down dinner follows at 7:15 PM TO 9:00 PM
Salad:
Apple, pecan and blue cheese crumbles with creamy lemon dressing
Your Choice of Dinner Entrees:
- Prime Rib
- Alaskan Halibut with potato crusted dill sauce
- Pasta Primavera with seasoned vegetables and
penne pasta in a garlic cream sauce
A dessert of sorbet and cookies
The dress is Black Tie optional.~~~ Cost is $50.00 / Guest.
If unvaccinated for COVID-19, please wear a mask unless eating. If ill please do not come.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 23, 2021
TC&GC and afterward not need to wash your car several times, a good- sized group assembled to
hear David Anderson, a newly elected member of Clover Park School Board tell us how he ran a
successful campaign and what his aspirations are for the School District.
personally door-bell 5,000 of the 10,000 homes in the district. He succeeded in personally contacting 3,001 of those homes. He was supported by a large number of passionate volunteers
who together ultimately contacted 10,000 homes.
at https://electdavidanderson.com/
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 30, 2021: Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor: What happened in
the Last Election. She has spoken to us in the past and always has interesting insight into our
elections.
MEETING OF DECEMBER 7, 2021: Bob Lucey, Retired Coach of Curtis High School, Speaker
and Motivator. Three – time State Football Championship Coach. His topic is to be announced later.
No meeting on December 14 because our Holiday Party will be held that evening.
Board meeting 11 am, December 21, 2021.
No meeting of the Club on December 28, 2021.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe with thanks to Chuck Foster for scribing during my
absence.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 16, 2021
Dr. Thomas Broxon, Vice President for Instruction at Clover Park Vocational College and Leadership Coach for the Achieving the Dream network, gave a polished and meaningful presentation on the history of the community and vocational college system, recent changes in the system and continuing efforts to tailor such education to the needs of their students. He emphasized the use of statistical information as a tool to guide actions to improve the student experience, opportunities, and chances for success. He pointed out that the Pierce County community college system has become a model for other systems in the United States as a result of its efforts.This talk was full of interesting statistics and ideas, which stimulated a number of questions and much discussion.
To learn more about Clover Park Technical College go to: https://www.cptc.edu/.
To learn more about Dr. Broxon and the leadership of CPTC go to: https://www.cptc.edu/presidents-team/.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 23, 2021: David Anderson, Newly elected Clover Park School Board member, What’s going on in our schools??
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 30, 2021: Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor
What happened at the last election??
Board meeting 11 am, December 21, 2021.
No meeting of the Club on December 28, 2021.
HOLIDAY PARTY: DECEMBER 14, 2021 at TC&GC
Cascadians and Cascadiens
A cocktail hour from 6:15 PM TO 7:15 PM: Hors d’oeuvres and two complimentary tickets
for each guest for cocktails or wine from the no host bar.
Music by Harpist Twyla Eddins
A sit-down dinner follows at 7:15 PM TO 9:00 PM
Salad:
Apple, pecan and blue cheese crumbles with creamy lemon dressing
Your Choice of Dinner Entrees:
- Prime Rib
- Alaskan Halibut with potato crusted dill sauce
- Pasta Primavera with seasoned vegetables and penne pasta in a garlic cream sauce
A dessert of sorbet and cookies
The dress is Black Tie optional. Cost is $50.00 / Guest. Your check is your reservation.
Checks must be received by December 3rd or no reservation.
Mail check to the club address above. Remember to note your
entrée choice(s) on, or with, your check.
If unvaccinated for COVID-19, please wear a mask unless eating.
If ill please do not come.
Respectfully submitted, Charles Foster associate scribe
MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021
The road construction interfering with access to the Tacoma Country & Golf Club continues but the members seem to have learned to deal with it. The prospect of an interesting presentation on boating “The Great Loop” by a member, Nicholas Malden, led to strong attendance.
Nicholas and his wife finished boating “The Great Loop” of about 8,000 miles on September 24, 2017 after about a year. Aboard their 30 foot 2007 Bayliner 288 Command Bridge craft, they travelled from Pittsburgh down the Ohio River, the Mississippi River, the man-made Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to Mobile, across the Gulf of Mexico to Key West, up the Eastern Coast of the United States to New York, inland up the Hudson River, through the Champaign Canal to Lake Champaign, further to Montreal, down the St. Lawrence River, through lakes Huron and Michigan to Chicago, from Chicago on the Illinois River to the Mississippi and finally back up the Ohio River to Pittsburgh. Along the way, they stopped at marinas, visited cities and towns, both large and small, enjoyed historical sites, shared drinks and food with others traveling the loop, used their folding bikes to get around, and played some rounds of golf. Here is the hyperlink to a blog of their trip. https://oneifbylandtwoifbyseablog.wordpress.com.
As interesting as the presentation was Nick’s bio as read to introduce his talk.
“Nick Malden is the eldest son of Dr. Marcel Malden whom some of you may have known. Nick grew up in Tacoma, attended Charles Wright Academy and enjoyed boating, skiing and dirt bike riding before graduating high school and leaving the area for college. He returned to the PNW in 2008 after a career in finance working all over the world for companies like Kraft Foods, Duracell Batteries and the Gillette Company before finally retiring as CFO of publicly traded Ventana Medical Systems. The latter was the fastest growing company in Arizona for several years in succession and made the list of both Fortune and Business Week’s America’s fastest growing small companies.
Nick returned to Tacoma upon retirement and married Barbara Headley whom he met in 8th grade at CWA. Barb’s mother Marge Urban was a TGCC golf champion, and her name is on a plaque upstairs in the Tacoma Golf and Country Club.
Nick was invited by Sam Brown to join the Gyro Club in 2008 and was President in 2010. We don’t see Nick much these days as he and Barb are very active travelers. In addition to boating, they have travelled extensively throughout Asia, North Africa, South America and Europe together with riding motorcycles for weeks in Colombia, Eastern Europe and Baja Mexico.”
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 16, 2021: Thomas Broxon, Clover Park Vocational College,
Vice President for Instruction, On Improving Student Success.
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 23, 2021: David Anderson, Newly elected Clover Park School Board member, What’s going on in our schools??
Respectfully submitted, Charles Foster associate scribe
MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 2, 2021
1. History of Veterans Day – https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp,
2. The Poppy Lady – https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/georgia-wwi-home/3517-the-poppy-lady.html,
3. Veterans Benefits –
a. Eligibility of Merchant Marines – https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/R44162.html,
b. WASPs – https://www.army.mil/women/history/pilots.html.
Thanks, Rich for your long service to our country.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021: Nicholas Malden, also a Cascade Club member and also a past president of Cascade Club, on The Great Loop Boat Trip, a 5000 mile circumnavigation of the eastern US by boat.
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 16, 2021: Thomas Broxon, Clover Park Vocational College, Vice President for Instruction, on Improving Student Success.
HOLIDAY PARTY: DECEMBER 14, 2021 at TC&GC
Cascadians and Cascadiens
A cocktail hour from 6:15 PM TO 7:15 PM: Hors d’oeuvres and two complimentary tickets
for each guest for cocktails or wine from the no host bar.
A sit down dinner follows at 7:15 PM TO 9:00 PM
Salad:
Apple, pecan and blue cheese crumbles with creamy lemon dressing
Your Choice of Dinner Entrees:
- Prime Rib
- Alaskan halibut with potato crusted dill sauce
- Pasta Primavera with seasoned vegetables and
penne pasta in a garlic cream sauce
A dessert of sorbet and cookies
The dress is Black Tie optional ~~ Cost is $50.00 / Guest ~~ Your check is your reservation.
Checks must be received by December 3rd or no reservation ~~ Mail to club address above
For questions and suggestions, please contact Bud at edwinter34@gmail.com
or (253) 921-5397.
Respectfully submitted, Charles Foster associate scribe while Phil Sloan, scribe, is on medical leave.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2021
With the completion of the paving project of southbound Gravelly Lake Drive to the entrance of TC&GC, this was the best attended meeting of our Fall Season. We were treated to a “Good News” presentation by Alan Billingsley, the Head Rotarian in charge of the project of the Clover Park Rotary to restore the prairie area of the South Sound Wildlife Area near Chambers Bay. The area had fallen into disrepair because the State stopped funding its maintenance. For example, most of the hiking trails were no longer accessible to many because of being overgrown.The State is being asked to resume funding the maintenance, but all work to date has been by unpaid volunteers. The Clover Park Rotary has contributed $75,000 toward the expenses incurred. This has become a true community project. Several other service clubs, school groups and the City of Lakewood are amongst the organizations which are also volunteering, all without pay. One of the labor – intensive projects has been the fight against the ever present and dreaded Scotch Broom.
For decades, the area has been a place for all ages of the public to commune with nature and learn about the flora and fauna of the Northwest. Even though it is within the City of Lakewood, it is the natural habitat of many species of plant and wildlife, including two endangered species, the Western Pond Turtle and the Oregon Spotted Frog. There are two salmon fish hatcheries. The hiking trails will be extended after they have been cleared of plant growth.
COMING EVENTS:
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 2, 2021: Rich Wall Col. (USA ret) a Cascade Club member and a past president of Cascade Club, on a Veterans’ Day Topic.
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021: Nicholas Malden, also a Cascade Club member and also a past president of Cascade Club, on The Great Loop Boat Trip, a 5000 mile circumnavigation of the eastern US by boat.
HOLIDAY PARTY: DECEMBER 14, 2021 at TC&GC.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe, who has sent his tuxedo to the cleaners.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 19, 2021
Our speaker was Dennis English, a retired Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Homicide Detective. He gave us a realistic review of “A Day in the Life of a Detective” which is quite different from what is depicted on most TV “cop shows”. He said the show “BOSCH” is one of the few realistic cop shows on TV. He made discouraging comments on how police work in Los Angeles has been restricted through legislation and budget cuts. Last week, we heard similar comments from John Unfred, the Assistant Chief of the Lakewood Police Department.
Detective English would be “called out” to crime scenes as often as 2 or 3 times a week at all hours to direct the gathering of forensics of homicides, robberies, suspicious deaths and officer-involved shootings which includes fingerprinting, photographing the scene and interviewing witnesses, which could take as long as a week before the actual investigation would begin. Interviewing witnesses was often difficult because of their reluctance to get involved out of fear for their own safety. Some were provided physical protection.
Officer shootings were more frequent than homicides and the investigations needed to be meticulous because they could lead to criminal charges, civil litigation and administrative proceedings. He attended autopsies and meetings with families of victims which required delicate handling because of the limits on what they could tell the families. After the forensic evidence was gathered, if warranted, an actual investigation began.
He was charged with hiring and training rookies which has become increasingly more difficult because of the restrictions imposed on police, reduced budgets and the culture of the millennial generation.
He left us all concerned about the future with the question he is frequently asked: Why would anyone now want to be a police officer?
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2021: Alan Billingsley, Rotarian in Charge, on saving the South Sound Wildlife Area, a Rotary Project.
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 2, 2021: Rich Wall, a longtime member of our club and a Past President on a Veterans’ Day Topic.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION REPORT: Good News: The northbound side of Gravelly Lake Drive to TC&GC was being paved this day and all the paving should be completed by next week. For a complete report, go to https://thesubtimes.com/2021/10/20/gravelly-lake-drive-will-reopen-and-nynza-will-close-on friday/.
CHRISTMAS PARTY of 2021: Tentatively scheduled for December 14 at TC&GC IF enough members vote to attend it. If held, there will be no noon meeting that day. Please email your response to Psloan59@aol.com no later than Tuesday, November 2 so final arrangements can be made with the Club. It will be black tie optional. Also, vote for whether you prefer a sit-down meal or stand-up heavy hors d’oeuvres. For many of us and more importantly, our mates, this will be the first opportunity to dress in our finest since Covid began and you can drive to the club without needing to wash your car afterward!
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who needs to send his tuxedo to the cleaners for dust removal (if it still fits).
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 12, 2021
Today’s speaker was John Unfred, Assistant Chief of the Lakewood, WA Police Department. His message was not a happy one. He delivered a discrete and shocking review of several statutes recently enacted by our State Legislature which are severely restricting the ability of law enforcement officers to do their jobs of “Protecting and Serving” the public. His message was that unless certain of these statutes are repealed, little can be done to control crime and convicting known criminals who are committing those crimes. He prepared the attached exhibit for instructing officers about how to deal with those new restrictions on what they can and can’t do. He expressed hope that the legislature will repeal portions of those statutes.
Scribe’s comment: The statutes were enacted in a short period with a minimum of publicity. Now that the public is realizing how criminals are being released or not even arrested, the public is encouraged to put pressure on legislators to repeal many of them. The term “PC” means probable cause. Without all the technical elements of PC being proven, criminals are not being prosecuted and are going free, even though the police know that they have committed the crime. For example, victims of shoplifting and burglaries are being advised that even if the identity of the thieves is known, in many cases the police can’t even investigate the crime because of all the technicalities which must be met. Retail merchants are closing stores because the police are generally barred from arresting shoplifters. There are severe restrictions on the use of deadly force and when criminals can be pursued. Click slides to see today’s slide presentation
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF OCTOBER 19, 2021: Dennis English, retired from the Los Angeles Police Department and an advisor to the T.V. Show Bosch: “A week in the life of a LAPD Detective”. Fans of the Harry Bosch books will especially enjoy this program. A Board Meeting will be held at 11:AM just prior to the general meeting.
MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2021: Alan Billingsley, Rotarian in Charge on “Saving the South Sound Wildlife Area. A Rotary Project.”
ROAD CONSTRUCTION REPORT: The portion of Southbound Gravelly Lake Drive leading to access to the TC&GC was partially completed on 10/12/21 and the concrete dust was gone. It is rumored that the paving will be done within a week or two. You may now drive past the Road Closure signs to the Club and your car (probably) won’t need washing.
Respectfully submitted, and with thanks to John McGowen for editing, Phil Sloan, scribe, who washed his car 3 times after the meeting of 10/5/21 and it still wasn’t clean.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 5, 2021
On a rainy fall day, our speaker was Eric Wylie of Lakeside Health Coaching who described himself as a Behavior Modification Specialist.His talk was titled “Stretch Your Brain” in which he told us of the many benefits of cardiorespiratory and fitness exercise on neuroplasticity, spatial learning and memory in the aging brain. He generously has permitted us to copy his power point slides which are attached. The slides provide definitions of words such as neuroplasticity .
His fast- paced talk was particularly relevant to our club because a few of us are rumored to be senior citizens and all of us will one day have to deal with the detriments of old age on our mental and physical condition. He told us of the physiological basis of how exercise can slow cognitive decline, including memory, as we age.
We all know that exercise is good for you, but Mr. Wylie cited scientific research which explains how exercise can actually improve brain function and cardiovascular health. An interesting point is that one should vary the types of exercise as they may impact different cognitive functions and distinct brain regions.
Amongst the types of exercise he recommended is dancing which produced audible groans in the audience. Someone proposed that we all vow not to tell our spouses of that.
He invites your inquiries: 1ericwylie@gmail.com; 253-988-9483.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF OCTOBER 12, 2021: John Unfred of the Lakewood Police Department on Police Legislation. (Scribe’s note: the restrictions on what police are allowed to do will shock you.)
MEETING OF OCTOBER 19, 2021: Dennis English, a retired Los Angeles Police Detective and advisor to the T.V. Show Bosch: A week in the life of a Los Angeles Police Detective.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who vows to increase his exercise because he spent 20 minutes looking for his glasses before sitting down to write this. They were in his pocket.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
Our speaker was Terry Knight, the Northwest Lead for “Wake for Warriors” a non-profit organization of volunteers who are helping to motivate disabled veterans to become more active in their lives by teaching them to “surf” on wakeboards on lakes behind specialized boats.
Mr. Knight is a medically retired veteran who served for 18 years of active duty and reserve service has always engaged in water sports. He saw the many benefits to disabled veterans of the fellowship of becoming engaged in a sport which most thought they were permanently denied because of their injuries.
He gave us an inspiring presentation of success stories of amputees and other severely injured veterans regaining self- confidence and overcoming depression from the fellowship and fun they have enjoyed with fellow disabled veterans.
In this just past summer of 2021, Wake for Warriors held its 4th wake surfing season here in the Northwest. They are planning on hosting 9 or 10 events next summer. More chapters are being created around the country, all with the motto of “connect, share, celebrate and serve” to help heal the emotional and physical wounds of veterans and their families.
To learn more of this fine organization and how you can help should you choose to, go to its website: “https://www.wakeforwarriors.org”.
COMING EVENTS
MEETING OF OCTOBER 5, 2021: Eric Wiley, fitness and nutrition coach on the benefits of cardiovascular exercise and fitness on the aging brain. (Scribe’s comment: most of your spouses will demand that you attend.)
MEETING OF OCTOBER 12, 2021: JOHN UNFRED, Lakewood Police Department on Police Legislation. (Scribe’s comment: it is regrettable that this topic is so timely and relevant.)
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER: MARK ADAMS.
REPORT ON FUTURE ZOOM BROADCASTS: Thanks to Bill Jackson for donating a computer to be dedicated to Zooming. However, we are in dire need of expert assistance in developing and operating the system. Please contact Dick Muri if you have suggestions.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who for the first time, is glad that the rain has returned.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
Because of road construction blocking the main entrance to the TC&GC, several members gave up trying to find an alternative way into the club, so our attendance was low on a beautiful day. We learned that the construction project will continue for several weeks, so we suggest that you allow extra time to find your way into the club so you won’t miss any more meetings because we have an excellent lineup of speakers.Attached below are directions prepared by the TC&GC club for entering the grounds of the club during this construction period which is expected to last several more weeks.This scribe arrived at the main entrance at 11:30 and after stopping 4 times to ask for directions arrived 20 frustrating minutes late, so Mike Jones involuntarily was conscripted to write the minutes which follow.
This past Tuesday at the Tacoma Golf and Country Club our Cascade Club was called to order by president Bud Winter who introduced Tiffany Speir who works for the city of Lakewood on the Planning Committee. She is an attorney who was originally from Alaska but finds our weather a little more inviting. She does long range planning for the city which has now reached its’ 25th anniversary.She reported that the city is currently 93% totally employed with 50% working in services (restaurants, motels etc.) and 9% in public administration which includes hospitals, schools and other government jobs. About 3800 people live and work inside Lakewood with about 25,000 living outside but work inside and 20,000 live in but work outside of the city (2018 statistics).
She is concerned with Land Use Planning and deals with the state’s Growth Management Act which has a desire to have people come to urban areas more and leave rural areas alone. All of the local government polices must be consistent with the GMA. Now they are also working out how to deal with energy and climate change implementation as they look at greenhouse gas emissions (21% come from houses, 23% from commercial and industries and 57% from transportation).The plan over the next five years is to look at recommendations to reduce the greenhouse gases; possibly through solar panels, electric vehicles, tree preservation etc. as they plan for a population of about 72,000 by 2030 but they have limited or no development areas for expansion.She also noted that Lakewood got $14,000,000 in ARPA (Corona virus) funding and they are asking citizens as to how to spend that money with the poorest areas of Lakewood most eligible for those dollars.
We had a visitor in the form of retired Judge Jack Emory who was invited by Phil Sloan (who promptly showed up late to avoid buying his lunch).
COMING EVENTS:
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28. 2021: Terry Knight of Wakeboard Warriors: A plan to get disabled warriors up on wakeboards and back to being fully alive again. This presentation promises to be inspiring and welcome in these troubled times.
MEETING OF OCTOBER 5, 2021: Eric Wylie – a fitness and nutrition and fitness coach. The topic will be announced later and will motivate us to take better care of ourselves and our loved ones.
MEETING OF OCTOBER 12, 2021: John Unfred, Lakewood Police Department on Police Legislation. A timely and relevant topic which affects all of us.
Reminder: Until further notice, our meetings will not be available on ZOOM so it is recommended that you allow time to figure out how to find your way into the club on time.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, navigationally impaired scribe with thanks to Mike Jones for writing the minutes this week.
____________________________________________________________________________
Access to the Club from I-5 North
(Going North on the Freeway)
1. Exit the Freeway at Gravelly Lake Dr
2. Turn Left at the light off the exit
3. The detour will curve to the right and put you directly on to Nyanza Rd. Sw.
4. Follow Nyanza to the light at the end
5. Turn left on to Gravelly Lake Dr
6. At Veterans Dr. SW the light is flashing red. Proceed through the ROAD CLOSED, LOCAL ACCESS ONLY sign. We are about a ½ mile down on the right
The road turns to gravel and dirt, just keep coming. There is active construction and some days there are flaggers out.
Access to the Club from I-5 South
(Coming South on the Freeway)
1. Take the Bridgeport Way SW Exit
2. Turn Right at the light off the exit
3. Turn Left on to 112th St SW
4. Turn Left on to Gravelly Lake Dr
5. At Veterans Dr. SW the light is flashing red. Proceed through the ROAD CLOSED, LOCAL ACCESS ONLY sign. We are about a ½ mile down on the right
The road turns to gravel and dirt, just keep coming. There is active construction and some days there are flaggers out.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
Our 98th year got off to a good start with a nice crowd. It was our first live meeting at the TC&GC since the onset of the Covid Pandemic. Thanks to the efforts of last year’s president, the current mayor of Steilacoom, Dick Muri, our meetings last season were held on ZOOM so today’s meeting gave many of us the first opportunity in months to see each other live. For now, we are not able to ZOOM but are hoping to do so soon. Until then, you should get out of your pajamas and meet your friends at noon on Tuesdays because we have a great lineup of speakers, thanks to the efforts of our new President, Ed (Bud) Winter and Vice President, Dave Cotant.
Our speaker was Tom McClellan who is the editor of the McClellan Market Report and whose avocation is advocating for his analysis of the issues of Climate Change, a topic not without controversy. His presentation was titled Global Warning Reality and was rapid fire, polished and meticulously illustrated by slides which he said support his analysis of the reality of Climate Change.
This slow witted and rusty scribe had trouble keeping up with him, so you are referred to his slides which he graciously sent to Dick Muri and which Dick forwarded to us yesterday. You may request a copy from Dick at Dick@dickmuri.com.
As I understood his message, Climate Change is real but inevitable and naturally cyclical and not nearly as severe as the media says it is. Even though the efforts of man may have a nominal effect of reducing its impact, the economic expense of those efforts is so great that the efforts aren’t worth the expense.
COMING EVENTS:
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2021:
Tiffany Speir of the City of Lakewood: Long Range Plan
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2021:
Terry Knight: Wakeboard Warriors; A plan to get disabled warriors up on wakeboards and back to being fully alive again.
SPEAKERS NEEDED:
We have several speakers lined up, but we need more! Please send your suggestions to Bud Winter (253-921-5397) edwinter34@gmail.com
or Dave Cotant (253-226-7895) – cotant@comcast.net.
Respectfully submitted, Phil Sloan, scribe who is desperately seeking a backup. Please volunteer or risk being drafted. (psloan@sloanbobricklaw.com or 253-851-9549).
June 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