Soon-to-be-deposed President J called the meeting to order. Bill Peloquin provided an invocation and Tom Meyer led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Greg Hickman led the assembled in an a capella version of Smile.

Bob Muschek introduced our numerous visitors and guests: Kurt Blodgett (guest of Tom Meyer), Bob Nelson (guest of Diane Masseth-Jones), Peter Scofield (guest of Rick Crane), Matt Apodaca (guest of Scott Dowds), Andrea Holte (guest of Sandy Hayes), Harvey Valley and Don McGarvy (guests of Bob Radde), Mike Salyards (guest of Terry Prado), Kelly Chaplain (guest of Theresa Harvey), and Melinda Guuinaldo (guest of Visiting Rotarian Andy Ersek).

President J called Joe Arnold up to receive a check in an amount exceeding $11,000 from the Rotary Club of Fullerton, a partial distribution of the proceeds of the recent fund raising concert. Joe expressed his appreciation on behalf of CSUF and the future recipients of music scholarships funded by this award. Joe thanked the Rotarians whose generosity may this gift possible and promised better weather next year (we’ll hold you to it, Joe!). Joe stated at he experienced the best of both worlds at the concert: on behalf of CSUF and also the Rotary Club of Fullerton. Nicely said, Joe!

Mike Oates, in his role as Chairman, Korean activities and President J Richey congratulated Zoot Zelasco, Executive Director of the Mickenthaler for receipt of a Rotary International matching grant in the amount of $16,100, the result of a joint effort of our Club and the Rotary Club of Shingal in Yong-in, Korea. Presenting the award were Mike Oates, Steve Awh, Ted Kim, and Daniel Kang. The grant will help fund arts projects for Fullerton 3^rd and 4^th graders, teaching about California culture as well as Korea, Japan, and China. Projects will consist of ceramics, graphic design, book arts, printmaking, painting, and calligraphy, to name a few. Special free school hours will be provided to ensure all students can participate regardless of economic circumstance.

Bob Radde announced the next meeting of the Program Committee, 7:30AM at Cocoa’s Thursday (May 12); Tom Meyer thanked the club for the community investment award made to the league. They served 550 kids, ages 6-16. Uses of the donated funds include an AED device, pathway lighting, and a commercial flagpole.

Leslie McCarthy called attention to the sign up lists for our Top 100 dinners. She thanked Collette’s catering, reducing the amount of work done by Rotarians and leaving us more time to enjoy the event along with the students and their parents. After today’s meeting, there is an “assembly party” with volunteers needed to put the certificates in frames for distribution. Leslie thanked Bob Jahncke for creating the certificates and programs for the event.

Jim Williams reminded everyone that there will be a mooooving celebration June 29 at the Muckenthaler (demotion night!!!).

Cathy Gach announced that the FHS track team won its first boys’ league championship in 50 years! She also informed us that FHS student Zach Zarat won in the male musical theater category at the FCLO-sponsored John Raitt awards. He will now be performing on the Broadway stage. Our club, one of the sponsors of these events, shares her pride in the FHS accomplishments.

Dan Kiernan took the microphone as Recognition Master. Mike Oates was fined $5 for wearing a tie. Mike was unsuccessful in trying to negotiate a loan and had to pay up. Scott Dowds was fined $5, apparently for being Scott. Theresa Harvey was also fined $5, in her case for being so hard working. On the contrary, Zoot Velasco was fined $5 for being obnoxious (or for obnoxiously announcing something, I didn’t catch which!). President J earlier misspoke and stated that the Club awarded $20,000 each to five charities. According to Dan’s logic (!!??!!), J was fined $25 x 3 = $75. Julie Kemp was fined for having a birthday and John Phelps for an anniversary. Bob Clark was double-fined, once for his wife’s birthday and once for becoming a new grandfather. Joe Lins was fined for his anniversary, Tom Meyer for talking when he should have been listening, Diane Masseth-Jones for her husband’s birthday, Duane Greenleaf for his birthday.  Joe Arnold was asked how much of the $11,000 he was willing to give back, but Dan assessed a $5 fine before he could reply. Scott Dowds and Bill Mathy were each fined $5 for something I can’t remember, but probably for opening their mouths!

Joyce Capelle, filling in for Fred Johnson, came to the microphone prepared to administer the raffle. Alas, no raffle tickets had been sold, thereby thwarting the plan! However, at the urging of the audience, read aloud the raffle question supplied by Fred: “When I was born I was so ugly the doctor slapped my mother”. Larry Bennett guessed correctly: Rodney Dangerfield. [Fred, you are slipping. That was way too easy and below your usual standard of difficulty!]

Zoot Velasco provided us with highlights of programs and events scheduled at the Muckenthaler. The Fukui Sister City Exhibit continues through June 27. The exhibit’s curator and two of its artists will attend the Chamber mixer tonight at the Muck. The rich and varied program at the Muck is one reason why it is such an outstanding arts center! For a detail program, calendar of events, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.TheMuck.org or call 866-411-1212. In addition to attending the exhibits and programs, we can support the Muck by: membership; sponsorships, and attending their fundraising events. The car show of car shows will be held this weekend. Don’t miss a special appearance by the original Bat-mobile and Bert Ward on Sunday! Hotrods and customs displayed on Saturday, Concours d’Elegance on Sunday. August 18, join the Muck for the Kutturan Chamoru Luau Show and Dinner (described by Zoot as “hula on crack!). On October 27, there will be a Speakeasy Ragtime Show (pssst: the password is “orange juice”). In collaboration with the Fullerton College Foundation, on September 1, come hear 50 years of surf guitar with Dick Dale. Zoot called our attention to historical markers throughout the grounds, emphasizing the Muck’s history in Fullerton.

Upon adjournment, President J reminded everyone to tour the grounds and get an advance peak at some of the cars that will return for the car show this weekend.