Helen Mader recalled her time as a missionary in China with Madam Chiang Kai Shek. Pastor Ernie Brazil talked about calming young people during the racial unrest in Tacoma during the summer of 1967. Musician Art Mineo shared stories of entertainers he worked with during the 1940s. R. Franklin Thompson talked about funding the sidewalks […]
To Ponder
Westside Story – Pencil Vs. Gun
I have lived in Lakewood for close to a half a century. During many of those years, I owned at least 7 rental homes in Lakewood. This was all before Lakewood decided to punish good landlords. Lakewood’s punishment in the form of the Residential Rental Inspection Program is set to begin in the year 2018.
Bookies – My Reading and Discussion Book Group
I don’t remember how many years I’ve been a part of my book group. I do know that it has changed over the years. Sometime after I joined, my friend David who is kind of the chair of our group remarked, “We were worried. You were our first Republican. We didn’t know how you would […]
100th Anniversary, Jazz and the University of Puget Sound
Periodically, I get notifications from the University of Puget Sound about lectures, plays, and concerts. My wife Peggy and I met at UPS and love attending the art gallery, plays, and musicals when we can. Just a week or so before the last note, I forwarded information on a Chinese composer who was going to […]
Westside Story – Government Is Not Always Right
We need Federal, county and city government to accomplish what we, as citizens, cannot do on our own. Most politicians and government employees are impressive, dedicated, and hard working individuals. We can’t make it in life without them.
Health Care for All – It Has to Be
Once again it appears the Republican Party is missing the boat, the reality, and the first step of preparation for the future. Bernie Sanders’ “Medicare for all” plan was the discussion of breakfast last Sunday morning by my friends, my wife, and myself. After we placed our orders with the waitress, I broached the subject […]
Home from Home: Homesickness
“Aren’t you homesick? What about Germany do you miss most?” These are probably the questions I’ve been asked most often after coming over here. And I almost feel like a traitor when I reply “No” and “Nothing”. In the age of lightfast communication and worldwide import/exports, with a bit of imagination and improvisation, you can […]
Scoring Big and Book Group
Submitted by Don Doman I hated the book. I was tired and didn’t want to attend my book group. I had only read part of the book, but reading the entire book is never a requirement for being in our group. I went for two reasons. I like the people and hearing their remarks. But […]
Working for and with Others
Submitted by Don Doman Although he didn’t graduate from Oregon State, there is an eager beaver in town. Ryan Votta wants to take on the world. He’s as serious as he is eager. He grew up in the Bay area and graduated from DeVry University (Fremont) with a Bachelor of Science degree before trading California […]