Prez J quietly began the meeting to a huge crowd at 12:25 this afternoon and asked Mitch Hovey to deliver or invocation.  Mitch talked about how important our impressions are on the hearts of others and told a poignant story about his father and his recent death.

Travis Norton led the pledge and Griff Duncan chose “My Country ‘tis of Thee” and “Smile” for our songs today.

Terry Ott had whoever was hosting introduce their guests.  A smartly attired Dick Mathewson introduced Sherri Duuston, Robert Johnson, and Ellen Ballard; Kim Barlow introduced Jack Franklin; Judy Atwell introduced Alan Chambers; Chris Meyer introduced his wife Janny; Rick Crane introduced Tom and Katie Dalton; Leslie McCarthy introduced Maxine Allen and David Freselli, and once again Prez J introduced his First Lady Rose Marie.

Various announcements included:

 Dan O, thanking those who participated in the 1^st annual Jog-a-thon.  Even with a last minute venue change it managed to have participation of over 300 kids.  Dan will have a more comprehensive report when the dust settles and the money is all counted and accounted for.

Mark Geiss announced the 20^th annual Fullerton Rotary All-City Track Meet (it must be more than 20 years..Randy McFarland still has his 440 plaque that Rotary awarded him in 1969!)  The Meet will be Saturday March 19^th at Troy HS 8 AM to 1 PM (rain or shine)

Allyn Lean recognized each “Sponsor” of the Fullerton Rotary Club annual concert and awarded them their Sponsorship tickets.

Prez J took a moment to welcome back Bill Heaton to regular weekly Rotary meetings.

Ray Hanson had the question and Bill Schenk blew the answer regarding a quote from W.C. Fields (no money was paid out).

Bob Hillhouse recognized Jim Young on Dottie’s Birthday; Maryalyce Jeremiah for her birthday, Keith Mills on his 76^th birthday, Bob Radde and both his and Gloria’s birthday and George Giokaris (who even rated the birthday song!) on his birthday.

Hillhouse went on for several minutes until Prez J finally gained control of the meeting again.

Prez introduced debonair Dick Mathewson who awarded $1500 to Parks Jr. HS for there “Books for Science” program.  Dick mentioned that in the last 15 years the Fullerton Rotary Reading by 9 program had total contributions of $16,585.  Dick then posed for pictures and then entertained questions and Bob Jahncke tossed up a few tough ones before Prez J, once again wrestled control of the meeting back to the podium.

Prez then introduced “Everyday Heroes” chairperson Jo Brannock who explained that the program honors those Fullerton residents for the community service efforts.  Today’s honorees were introduced by their nominators and included Rick Crane (Fullerton Historical Society leader Tom Dalton); Leslie McCarthy (her personal hero Maxine Allen who has served on boards of 19 civic organization in Fullerton for over 40 years); and Kim Barlow (Jack Franklin, restaurant owner and frequent donator of food, money, space, services, and support for every community event he finds out about).

After Prez J seized control from the many photographers he finally got to introduce the program for the day.  Larry Bennet took the microphone and introduced the young man he sponsored into the club and we were treated to Travis Norton’s craft talk.  Travis gave a lively and spirited power point presentation of his life (so far). Travis will be 30 years old this April.   He was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, and followed his passion of politics to California where he worked on many campaigns including former State Senator Lynn Daucher.  Travis currently serves as District Executive for the Orange County Boy Scouts.  He and his wife Karisa live in San Pedro.  Karisa is a member of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary and was scheduled to give her craft talk at this evenings meeting.

Prez J. got the meeting adjourned in time just before he thanked all the guests for coming today.  He left us with a little philosophy we should all remember; “Why eat just one hot dog, when you can have two!”

J Richey.