Prior to the official start of the meeting, Mike Oates helped himself to the microphone and announced that the stock market just plummeted 100 points. Rather than the anticipated panic, everyone went back to eating lunch.

For the official opening ceremonies, John Phelps led the assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. Howard Wood led us in song (“Take Me Out to the Ballpark”, followed by “Smile”). Pat McKinley provided the invocation. Ray Hansen introduced visitors and guests: Scott Rojas (guest of Carl Camp), Jane Gurley (guest of Franki Berry), Ray Pever (guest of Vern Andrews), Norm Kredit (guest of J Richey), Marcia Foster (guest of Maryalyce Jeremiah), and Mike Landreth and Dwight Peterson (both guests of Ray Hansen). And I wondered why so many people looked unfamiliar to me when I walked in today! Carl, Franki and J. were all credited with completing their assignment, and were allowed to pass along their coins. Burnie Dunlap made a shameless attempt to claim false credit by announcing Bob Fraschetti as his guest but, before he could pass on his coin, was called to account for this blatant attempt to avoid paying for a guest!

Announcements:

Geoff Spalding and John Derry, having completed their Newest Nine duties, were relieved of their ribbons. Geoff announced his return from a 3-month training assignment at Quantico (that explains the haircut!). Geoff also announced two upcoming Sister City trips: Morelia August 10-18 at a cost of $1500 per person and S. Korea October 12-20 for the cost of $2,000 per person. Rick Crane reminded everyone of the Titans game April 22. It was noted that the Titans triumphed over…um…a university that shall remain nameless to protect many members of the Club from shame.

Bob Clark Jr. announced the Wine tasting social chez Clark April 21 at 4:00PM. A donation of $10 is requested.

Jay Kremer reminds us that the next Program Committee meeting will be held at 7:30AM April 19^th at Carrows.

Jim Williams first announced that Bob Clark was unlikely to even have a bottle of wine worth less than $10 so this event is a great deal! Jim also presented the club with a flag from the Rotary Club of Fukui.  

Dick Glaus announced that he and Bob Radde had the privilege of escorting Jim Young to the Vernon Rotary where he appeared as Paul Harris. The presentation was, as should be expected, a great success.

Theresa Harvey reminded everyone of tonight’s Chamber mixer at SOCO Walk. She also announced the upcoming day trip to tour water facilities courtesy of Jim Blake. There are still seats available for the April 20^th tour.

Bob Jahncke announced the upcoming Boys & Girls Club event at La Vie en Rose, April 29. Tickets are $125.

President Terri reminded us that the April 25 meeting will be held at the Fire Station. The district conference is May 4-6.

We will be combining forces with the other Fullerton clubs on hospitality night. Volunteers are needed.

Bill Schenk is currently in ICU following heart surgery. Although he came through this unexpected surgery well, he can not have visitors or receive calls at this time.

Terri also thanked Randy McFarland for doing a wonderful job completing the awards books; she also recognized all those present who contributed to this effort.

Lastly, Terri polled the club for interest in a bowling night. There was sufficient interest to move ahead with planning and further information will be forthcoming.

Recognitions:

Maryalyce Jeremiah bounded to the podium when the “Recognition Mistress” was announced. She introduced Marcia Foster, Associate Head Coach. She first reminded us “not to hold out for dead money”. All those celebrating a birthday or anniversary were ordered to identify themselves. Seeing that they were then rewarded with two tee-shirts, Lee Myhre insisted on being recognized for his wife’s birthday and proceeded to provide a mini-program about volunteer opportunities at St. Jude. He was given the shirts anyway, but he was accused of planning to give one of the shirts to his wife as her birthday gift! This writer notes for the record that Debra Koff, in tossing one of her shirts to the crowd, does not “throw like a girl”, heaving a shirt to the opposite side of the room! Among the recognitions: Dick Mathewson was unable to identify a recent honor earned by his alma mater, Cornell. He should have known that Cornell won the Curling Championship! Pat McKinley and Bob Savage were recognized for the latter’s alleged recruitment of the former as President for 2008-9. (Club President, that is. Although nit does give one pause…). Randy McFarland, Bob Savage and Terri Grassi were all recognized for have an undefeated record as coaches (the author having declined the honor). Rick Crane manfully produced 5 push-ups for some reason. Maryalyce joyfully closed with thanks to the club for their support for her team and lead the Club in chanting “We Are The Fullerton Rotary”. Terri also recognized Ray Hansen for initiating the YMCA of Anaheim’s Prayer Breakfast, now in its 40^th year.

Walt Barnes actually pulled the Joker, winning $185! He then presented Pat McKinley with a Hawaiian shirt. Pat initially protested but, once he saw the police motif on the shirt, seemed happy to accept. Walt then segued into updating us on the district’s exceeding $400,000 in donations so far, with $19,000 coming from our Club. Walt will be providing the opportunity to improve on that number.

Ray Hansen introduced Bob Fraschetti, in his 12^th year as President & CEO of St. Jude’s Medical Center. Under Bob’s leadership, St. Jude’s has expanded services, undertaken an extensive modernization and expansion campaign, and positioned the Medical Center as an industry leader. In taking the podium, Bob sends regards from his wife – and former club members – Christine. Bob reported that she declined to attend today, after she learned the identity of the speaker!

St. Jude’s has thrived, as other hospitals have struggled and even closed. Local hospitals such as Martin Luther, La Mirada, St. Jude’s Yorba Linda, Brea Community, and Friendly Hills have all closed, putting more pressure on St. Jude’s for service. A video presentation highlighted the many accomplishments of St. Jude’s during its fifty years and recognized the visionary leadership of Dr. Ray Fernandez pushing for the hospital’s creation and Sister Jane Francis, the founding Director. The video also including moving testimonials from people whose lives have been touched (and saved) by St. Jude’s and from the caring professionals who staff the Center.

Bob shared the story of a recent patient who, along with apologizing for being less than the ideal patient, pledged $100,000 to St. Jude’s. With $1.6 billion in planned retrofit and expansion by 2030, the Medical Center must earn, borrow – or gratefully receive donations- to pay for this effort. Of the $50 million needed for the SW Patient Tower, 36 has already been given or pledged. The tower is set to open May 2008. A new rehab center will be opening in Brea (Imperial and Kramer) late this year, consolidating rehab services in 89,000 sq. ft. of space. This move was necessitated by retrofitting issues and will provide better access and relieve traffic congestion. Bob graciously remained after the meeting to field questions.

Closing thought by John Andrew Holmes: “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”