While standing in our lunch line, we were serenaded beautifully by Deacon Jay Milam.  President Pat asked us to celebrate with Rick Crane as a 3 time Paul Harris Fellow and Ed Little as a 2 time Paul Harris Fellow.  Thank you both!  Jay Kramer received the coveted police patch suitable for leaving prominently on your dash board and a Fullerton Police coffee mug for the same because of his wonderful work as Program Chair.  Rumor has it that many Rotarians are having difficulty getting the coffee stains out of their car’s upholstery this year.  President Pat also wanted to remind us that next week we would be having Irish coffee thanks to our local leprechaun, Bill McGarvey.  (Green socks next week Bill?)  Sandy Hayes and crew will be providing the decorations.

Leading us in the pledge was another leprechaun, Dan Kiernan and Carl Camp lead us in a prayer, thanking God for Friends!  Griff Duncan helped us to master America the Beautiful and of course…Smile.  Deborah Sanchez (the new program chair) introduced us to visiting Rotarians and guests.

Announcements:

3/21/09:  Rotary Track Meet – Sign up for service at this wonderful event to be held at Troy High School.  Jim Thompson will be making a surprise appearance and hamburgers and hot dogs may be had by all.  See Mark Geiss or Rick Crane for more information or call Rick at (714) 525-0363 and Mark at (714) 579-7700.

• 3/27-3/29/09:  Rotary District Conference was announced by Dean Owen (or was that Owen Dean) from Fullerton Sunrise.  Hospitality night is on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m.
• Randy McFarland needs your project event write ups!  They need to finish the project books for submission to the Region!
• Kathy Allred needs host families for visiting Rotarians from Bavaria.  Call her at (714) 525-9486 if you have room.
• 4/26/09:  Warren Wimer announced a free BBQ with the Lido Isle Yacht Club at 3:00.  Donations however are happily accepted.  Warren’s number is (877) 871-1132.
• Deborah Sanchez announced that we need more ads for our Concert Program.  Email the ad copy to Deborah at dks1420@hotmail.com or Theresa Harvey at tharvey@fullertonchamber.com and they can have you billed.
• 4/24/09:  Rotary Concert and tickets are available from Winston Creel.  He is found at (714) 871-8840, ext. 224 or Winstonre@aol.com for your order.
• Allyn Lean will take it personally (along with Mark Geiss) if you haven’t made your commitment for the Foundation.  Email your pledge to allynlean@aol.com to bring him out of his doldrums.
• And finally, Bob Jahncke had to announce a retraction from last weeks Roto-Gram.  It seems that Mike Oates’ brain transplant wasn’t successful and they haven’t found another donor for Mike at this time.  As a club we hadn’t noticed much of a difference though.

Finemaster Zoot Velasco:

Zoot had all members stand up.  Then all over 65 were told to sit down.  He announced that he heard in Rotary South that we were the “Old Man’s Club” and as everyone over 65 was doing such a good job of publicizing our great organization, they were fine free.  The balance of us all kicked in a buck.  Tom Meyer was fined a $1.00 for being an Irish drunk.  He also was acknowledged for having the 2^nd most outstanding bank in OC.  Bill Mathy found a Valentine’s card and gift on his front porch, consisting of a box of Bisquick and was fined for receipt of said gift.  Vern Andrews was fined for giving Zoot his information in 6 point font.  Hey Zoot, how come Vern can read it and you can’t?  George Giokaris was fined for his birthday and questionable judgment about dating.  Maryalyce Jeremiah enjoyed being fined as our Rotary coaches are going from bad to worse.  Have you all noticed that the taller the President, the larger the point spread in our defeat?  Coach Pat was also fined for not bringing in a win. Vimal Seth paid a $1.00 for phone service and his birthday.  Drew Napolin also had a birthday to celebrate.

Raffle:

No money was won by Dan Fisk because he picked Mike Oates to help.  Remember now, Mike was working on the scarecrow principle “If I only had a brain.”  They missed “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby” by Bobby Darin and had the audacity to blame their loss on bad speakers in the phonograph. 

Program:

A wonderful (and entertaining) program was presented by Rod Propst, Airport Manager of Fullerton.  Rod has over 3000 hours as a retired Marine Aviator and is now in his 13^th year as Manager for Fullerton Airport.  He gave us a history of the airport commencing in 1913 and noted that in spite of the care given by Bob Savage’s maintenance staff, the airport has been able to keep the contract for overflow from John Wayne.  Fullerton is part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems and we have 325 based aircraft at the facility.  The airport is in operation 24/7/365 and is under control of the Federal, State and Local governments.  Light planes, helicopters and blimps all use the facility.  The airport supports air traffic rescues to St. Jude, the Anaheim Police Department and Orange County Fire Authority.  It brings in $18,000,000 in gross revenue and $9,000,000 profit, and supports 180 jobs in our community.  Safety and being a good neighbor is a priority of Rod’s and he takes both very seriously. 

Meeting was closed by President Pat with a reminder to come thirsty next week!