Pledge to the Flag: Joyce Capelle

Bill Mathy introduced us to Tom Meyer. Tom has been a member since 1998 and was sponsored by Jeff Hutchison (just so that you will know who to blame). He is our current Vice-President in charge of Membership and Service. He is presiding today as our President-in-training, but there are 5 compelling reasons we all need to rethink this move:

1) He is from Chicago
2) Bankers are boring
3) His jokes are worse than those of Mike Oates
4) He doesn't get to sit in back making smart aleck remarks
5) Chris Fraschetti would be better to look at

Plus, Tom was found to be "out of order" within the first few minutes of his temporary tenure.

Jo Brannock's thoughts included establishing, setting and determining the criteria to achieve goals. She also passed along the fact that good manners are important and equate to respect, responsibility and accountability.

Jim Lapak was met with our typical overwhelming, enthusiastic applause. When he was able to regain his composure, he welcomed Walter Barnes, a Senior Active member from Hawaii; Dean Andrews , guest of Vern; Grace, Kathy & Kashmin-Interactors; Griff's guests included his grandson and his neighbor Dick Debell; Mary Ashcroft visited representing the Assistance League of Fullerton; and Mike Nomura welcomed O.J. Guesss (Please forgive any errors with names. This editor accepts full responsibility and apologizes in advance.)

Rotarian of the Week goes to Bob Sattler for all his service on the Foundation Board.

Announcements

> Scott Dowds announced that RYLA will be from 4/23 to 4/25/04 . They need some team assistants (kids from local high schools). Facilitator training will be 1/31, 2/21, 3/20 and 4/17.

> Claude Jones introduced Jeff Brannan from Mattress Specialists who donated 12 new mattress sets for our orphanage.

> Greg announced that we have had negative growth this year and encouraged us to look around for good member prospects.

> Jim McKamy announced the "Day at the Races". We have 38 signed up so far and room for 50. It will be Sunday, March 14^th and should be a great time for all!

> Bob Clark Jr. invited all to the "Save the Fox Theater" meeting at 7:00 on 1/29/04 in the Wilshire Auditorium.

> Wally Bartelt announced that the new banners were received from Vern Andrews, Dean Andrews and Jack Hayes.

>See Griff Duncan, Bill Hite or Winston Creel for tickets to Rich Little's performance. We only have 10 days left, so SELL, SELL, SELL!!!

> Rick Crane announced that it was time for the Community Investment Awards again. See he or Buck Catlin to get forms, complete them and return the forms by fax.

> Ray Ashcroft announced that he, Howard, Ron & Bill would be providing singing valentines with their barbershop quartet. Call at 879-9628 if you are interested. Chris Fraschetti got an early one.

Raffle: Presidental raffle questions are now scaring away our guests with questions about Wrigley Field. Thank you Les Christensen for donating $10 to soften the blow.

Fred Johnson as Finemaster pursued Pres. Bill and Vice-Pres. Tom right out the gate with a Superbowl Quiz. Also honored were Mike Nomura, Dan Kiernan, Bill Kincaid and Jimmy William's son Michael wrestled in the O.C. All Stars and is rated #3 in the county!! Try telling Michael "No" when he wants the keys to the Mercedes, Dad!! Tom Meyer fined David Schoen for asking "Who's Rich Little?" Answer, One of the best "Clean Comedians" President Bill has had the pleasure of seeing.

Program-Concert Awards of $3,000 go to each of the following organizations:

Assistance League of Fullerton -Operation School Bell (School clothing for 45 needy children) "Awesome", quoted Mary Ashcroft.

Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton -Per Fred Johnson, last year the Teen Center was the beneficiary and this year it will go to making the Membership Counter user friendly and more secure.

Florence Crittenton -We will help add a kitchen to the Art Studio in the Children's Center used by foster families for Art & Music Therapy, said Joyce Capelle.

Fullerton Elementary School District- Minard Duncan had a big thank you for the funds to support too many programs to list. I did like the thought that it will put more books into the hands of our kids.

Muckenthaler Museum -Vice-Pres. Tom stated that many lives will be touched this year through our donation to their after school program, Art Smart.

North Orange County YMCA -With 65-70 students registered for the After School Tutoring program at the Valencia Center , Jim Lapak thanked us for the $3,000 necessary to keep this program alive in 2004.

St. Jude Memorial Foundation -15 years ago, Past President Royce Hutain started St. Jude's Care for the Poor Outreach Program. Two mobile units and a dental clinic later they now help 800 individuals and expect 1,000 new pediatric patients and innumerable immunizations. A big thank you was received from Ray Hansen .

Southern California College of Optometry -Per Bill Heaton, they will use their funds to diagnose and treat adults and kids who experience problems with color deficiency.

Concluding thought from Vice-Pres.Tom: "Character cannot be developed in peace and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved." Helen Keller.