Rotagram - Meeting Notes and Club News Wednesday, November 24, 2004

Bill Schenk led the club in the pledge after reminding all assembled the Fullerton Elks lodge hold regular “Flag Retirement” ceremonies to insure dignified disposal of American Flags.  If your flag looks tattered and in need of replacing, be sure to drop it off at the Elks lodge for disposal.

Leroy Fulton, et al led the club in Good Bless America and of course Smile.

Leroy offered a poignant anecdote about offering “Thanks” before we all prayed thank you for our lunch,

Allyn Lean handled the introductions, which included no visiting Rotarians but several guests.  Alexa Lean (daughter of Allyn); Richard and Eric Wood (son and grandson of Howard); and Sherman Cocroft (manager of X-treme Fitness, and guest of soon to be extremely fit Drew Napolin).

Bill McGarvey spoke of the passing of club member Don Mlodzik on Friday Nov 19.  Bill pledged $100 to the Don Mlodzik memorial fund that will benefit the Rotary Foundation.  Contact Frank Kawase if you would like to make a similar donation.

Announcements 

• The Fullerton Rotary Family Christmas party has been changed to Wednesday December 8^th at 6:00 PM at the Elks lodge.  Please RSVP to Bob Savage so that arrangements can be made for catering and special children’s menu.
• Rick Price has been appointed the new Community Service Youth director.
• The Club is looking for a Care and Comfort chairperson, ask Bob Savage if you would like to volunteer.

• December 29^th meeting will be the Irish Coffee casual meeting   Chief McKinley will arrange for a special piano player for the occasion.
• Dick Daybell presented the club with a Rotary Banner from Puerto Rico.
• Ray Hansen invited all concerned to a Membership meeting on Wednesday Dec. 1^st at Carrows 7:30 AM
• Jim McKamy is taking sign-ups for Poker Night at the Ebell club on Friday January 7^th at 6:30 Proceeds go to Polio Plus.
• Dick Mathewson and Claude Jones were recognized for anniversaries.
• Pat McKinley and Bob Savage were recognized for Spousal Birthdays.
• And Chung Lee was recognized for her Birthday.
• J Ritchy won the raffle and had the right answer for $50 (what year did the first Pilgrims arrive in Massachusetts (1620)

Dr. Ronald Rietveld paid his first visit to the club since 1986 and delivered a very entertaining and enlightening speech on the first Thanksgiving in the U.S.   Dr Rietveld has been a professor of history at Cal State Fullerton since 1969 he is among other things one of the countries preeminent authorities on Abraham Lincoln.

Dr Rietveld told of the story of Squanto and his role in the first Thanksgiving.