President J called the meetingto order promptly at 12:30PM. John Derry provided the invocation, followed by Paul Simons leading the Pleadge of Allegience. Leroy Fulton led us in song with God Bless America followed by Smile! Derek Johnson introduced our visitors and guests: Kevin Jameson (returning guest of Mark Geiss) and  William To (guest of Dan Ouweleen).

Mindard Duncan commanded the podium as Recognition Chair. Bob Engemann was fined because his niece ran an ad in Apartment  Associates magazine. (Side note: Since when are we being fined for the accomplishments and/or transgressions of extended family?  Thanks for expanding my territory when I’m finemaster!)   Jim Blake and Dick Jones were jointly fined because beloved Lomeli’s Restaurante moved to Brea.  Mindard then thanked everyone who attended the dental clinic. All those present who have never attended our Rotary-sponsored clinic were fined. Birthdays and anniversaries: Zoot Velasco (wife Monette’s birthday); Bob Muschek, Dwayne Greenleaf , Derek Johnson, and Mike Oates were all recognized for their  advancing age (and got to pay for the reminder, too!); Allyn Lean was also fined in recogiton of wife Nancy’s birthday).

Rick Crane announced that the deadline for submission of Community Investment Award requests is Feb 1. Please submit your requests to Vern Andrews.

Our Newest Rotarian - Joe Arnold

Pres J then presided over the induction of a new member, Joe Arnold. Joe was joined at the podium by his sponsor, Bill Klinghoffer. Allyn Lean shared what being a Rotarian meant to him. (For future reference, Allyn also  called upon this writer to recite the Four Way Test. Thanks for the heads-up, Allyn!). By way of introduction, Bill stated that Joe is Dean of CSUF’s arts program. Joe demonstrated why he is a natural leader (and politician!) by claiming that we had always looked good to him from afar; we look even better close up. Nicely done, Joe! Joe received the Club’s customary standing ovation and warm welcome.

Announcements (is it just me, or does Pres J change the order of the meeting each week?):

J read aloud a letter of appreciation from District Governor Johrita Solari, He also read aloud a thank you letter fromTroy High School for a recent donation from the Club.

Bill Mathy reminded everyone of the upcoming Super Bowl Party chez Mathy. Please RSVP so they don’t run out of beer.

Allyn Lean reminded everyone of our upcoming fundraising conert March 26. Tickets are going fast so contact Winston Creel ASAP. Bill Peloquin announced that a Get Well card is circulating to be sent to Bill McGarvey. Wilma Peloquin is in cardiac rehab, recovering from a recent cardiac event. Well wishes are appreciated.

Zoot Velasco publicly thanked Mike Oates for his help securring an RI matching grant to benefit programs at the Muck. He also announced that he just returned from Korea as part of our Sister City arts exchange. Coming soon: an exhibit frm another Sister City, Fakui, Japan. Diane Masseth-Jones announced the upcoming Chocolate Fantasy. This year’s honorees are Kevin and Leslie McCarthy. Jim Williams provided an update  from the Care & Comfort : Bob Ruhe is recovering from an accident; Jim Young is recovering from recent surgery; and Sally Williams is recovering from  recent surgery to repair her arm, broken when she was thrown from her horse. All would appreciate cards and well wishes. He also announced an upcoming event to benefit FCLO:  Larry King Live! Minard Duncan reported that the recent dental clinic served 75 children. Dan Ouweleen reminded everyone of the upcoming Jog-A-Thon, playing a brief video describing the Wend Polio Now campaign. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and welcomed. He thanked the organizing committee, whow received a warm round of applause for their efforts. Travis Norton announced that advertising space is available in the Boy Scout’s coupon book.

The “lucky” raffle ticker was held by Jay Kremer. Pat McKinley announced that the question would be about boxing. Jay invited Gary Goodson to assist. Both were stumped by the question: At age 45, George Foreman became the oldest heavy weight champpion. Who did he knock out to win the title? Answer: Michael Moore. (No, not THAT Michael Moore!). Note to “Question Master” Fred Johnson: every so often, could you please throw in a question we can actually answer without Tom Meyer’s assist???

J announced Diane Masseth-Jones  to present today’s program: Relay for Life. Diane serves as co-chair of this event. With several family members victims of cancer, Diane told us that she felt particularly compelled to help this worthwhile effort. Volunteer event leaders, Sylvia Woodside and Peter Chao, were introduced.  After playing an informative video describing the Relay for Life event, purpose, and accomplishments across the nation, Sylvia shared with us: Dr. Gordon Klatt launched his one-man “relay” in 1985. The following year, the first annual Relay For Life event was held. Proceeds from these events across the coluntry fund start-up research projects, providing much-needed seed money to allow new ideas to be intially tested. If this reliminary work is successful, researchers may go on to secure grants to continue promising research. To date, Relay has provided funding for researchers who eventual success  has been recognized with a Nobel prize. Since Relays are overnight events, walkers never stop throughout the event, even though the night shift of walkers are fondly referred to as “zombie walkers”!  The video clearly shows the fun, party atmosphere of the event, but also the somber side of personal stories from survivors and the recognitoin of lives claimed by this dreaded disease. Diane closed the program by encouraging Rotarians to support the event.

President J thanked our speakers for their information program and closed with: “The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time”.

Meeting adjourned.