Opening traditions

President J Richey extended his traditional warm welcome and wished everyone a Happy New Year.  Lee Brocket gave a nice invocation, Jim McKamy let us in the pledge and Kim Barlow let us in song. Randy McFarland welcomed visiting Rotarian Leo Von Wendorff from East Honolulu. Dan Ouweleen introduced his guest Susan Ellis and Griff Duncan introduced Sarah Schultz.

Announcements

Andy Anderson updated us on Bill McGarvey Jr., saying he’s still recovering from his major heart attack with a heart working at 25% efficiency. Short calls are welcome or perhaps a note would be appreciated. Our prayers are with you, Bill!  Rick Crane reminded us of the Rotary event at which J Richey promises to change the momentum of the past two presidents’ records while serving as honorary coach of the Cal State Fullerton women’s basketball team. Eat at 2PM. Game at 3PM

Vern Andrews encouraged us to propose worthy recipients of the Community Investment Awards. Minard Duncan encouraged members to check out the dental clinic we sponsor which will take place Jan. 15 from 8-1PM at Richman School. Allyn Lean reminded us of the upcoming Community Concert March 26, encouraging us to help sell tickets.

Dan Ouweleen requested assistance for sponsorships for the Feb. 26 End Polio Now Jog-a-thon . Ray Ashcroft reminded us that proceeds from Singing Valentines available Feb. 10-14 benefit youth in music in the local schools. Griff Duncan’s announced that the rest of the season of the FCLO will indeed take place through special arrangements. He  also introduced Sarah Schultz, the winner of a $2500 scholarship towards pursuing her career in the performing arts. Scott Dowds invited us to the Chamber mixer at Farmer’s and Merchants Bank Jan. 15, 5-7PM.

Recognitions

Pat Hartnett started on a serious note by asking for a moment of remembrance for past Rotarian friends who have enriched our lives in some way. The Newest 9 were asked to stand and be recognized and were then fined. Pat recognized our member cowgirls who brought a  fiberglass bovine last week. Bob Hathaway’s wife Karen had a birthday, Bob Hillhouse had his 60^th birthday while Bill Mathy is 61 and also shares his birthday with Elvis.  Gary Goodson had a birthday as well.. Scott  Dowds had his 33^rd anniversary with Jane. Bernie Dunlap has an upcoming anniversary with Carmen. Pat determined that no one in the club made a resolution for the new year. Pat tested some members on new rules being implemented in 2011 and was able to extract fines from the tables of those who answered incorrectly. Dan Ouweleen was recognized for a great article in the LA Times business section about PacMin. Jim Williams paid $30.00 for a photo of Dan Kiernan and Santa and promised it would appear on Facebook.

Drawing

Kim Barlow tried to guess that Ohio State had the most BCS bowl appearances and wins.

Program

Deborah Napolin reminisced about her father and stories he had about receiving commendation for is actions in WWII. She pointed out that 1500 WWII vets are passing away every day just before introducing Chuck Geitner a former high school teacher who shared his passion for the Veterans’ Oral History Project. This project partners veterans with high schools students. The students gain the experience of interviewing and the veteran gets the cathartic experience of sharing stories they may have bottled up inside for decades. DVDs of the  interviews are given to the veteran and the Library of Congress. Chuck shared both positive and negative memories and experiences  from his years in the services. The Library of Congress will transcribe and cross reference the interview DVDs.

Closing thought of the day shared by J Richey

“Goals are Dreams with Deadlines”