President Scott opened the meeting promptly at 12:30, calling Don Bankhead to the microphone to provide the invocation. Joseph Kim, Sunny Hills High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Nissa Newton called Dan "Danny Boy" Kiernan to become her muse, leading us to sing O Danny Boy. Smile followed, with Rotarians participating in our new ritual of moving about to meet and great during the Smile song.

Sandy Hayes announced our visitors and guests, with a little audience participation. Patrick McNally, guest of Debbie Napolin, was actually introduced by Jim Young. Keith Mills introduced his lovely wife Ann. Duane Greenleaf introduced Adam Daniels. Allyn Lean introduced his guest, Meg Crider. Daniel Kang's guest, Kevin Choi, was introduced by Scott Dowds. Parents of our high school honorees also in attendance as our guests: Claudia Pratt and Kimberly Kubas.

President Scott was a one-man announcement crew: sign up sheets are now available for the spring fellowship luncheons; the rotary track meet has been rescheduled to March 31st due to the weekend weather forecast; the Rotary Collage Concert is our only major fundraiser and needs your generous support. Sponsorships and tickets sales are currently running $10,000 under budget, so dig deep folks! This year's beneficiaries are: CSUF Department of Music, Fullerton Academy of the Arts Foundation, All the Arts for all the Kids, YMCA, Valencia Park Elementary School, YWCA, and st Jude Medical Center's Care for the Poor.

Larry Ballrd	Susan Smith	Kevn Choi	Steve Savage
Our Newest Rotarians

President Scott then presided over one of the favorite duties as Club President, the induction of new members. Joining our Club today are: Kevin Choi (sponsored by Daniel Kang) introduced today by Dan Kiernan; Susan Smith, transferring from the La Habra club, introduced by Theresa Harvey; Larry Ballard, introduced by Jim Blake; and Steve Savage, introduced by Bob Jahncke. As is fitting of the occasion, Rotarians gave a standing ovation in recognition of our newest members.

Leslie McCarthy took center stage as recognition master, incorrectly billed as "princess". More about that next week! Leslie had her Irish on, long before the 17th, and recurrent theme emerged with Leslie liberally dispensing Jameson's, Bushmill’s, and Bailey’s. Jim Williams was singled out for wearing orange in offense to the "wearing' o' the green’, although no orange was in evidence. Jim appeared confused. Or was that bemused? But as usual, he was a good sport. Mark Zane was recognized in absentia for his wife's birthday. Marty Burbank was fined, in person, for his wife's incorrect, though well documented birthday. Marty went on to explain his wife's multiple birthdays until Leslie rewarded him with the beverage of his choice to shut him up. Ray Hansen was recognized for his 56th anniversary. Louis Kuntz was recognized for his 82nd birthday. Scott Dowds was double-fined for his son's 5.0 GPA (that's not a typo folks!) and for being MVP in his soccer league.

Recognitions (continued)

Vern Andrews, once having expressed the opinion that no one from Minnesota could be Irish, was called into question. The target was Kelly Chaplin, called to account for her excellent impression of someone genetically prone to blarney. Once and for all, Kelly despite the name, hair color, and great impression, is vehemently NOT Irish, but she pulled off such an admirable con that I would not recommend playing poker with her! Lastly, Leslie invited one and all to the McCarthy residence on the 17th to partake of the McCarthy version of a Gaela, doors (and the bar) opens at 6:30pm.

Warren Wimer held the winning raffle ticket, facing the deadly Zoot Velasco question. The subject matter was education, Warren wisely called upon George Giokaris to assist. Which of the following statements is NOT correct about the so-called decline of public education:

1. A Sacramento teacher stormed out of class because the students forgot to bring snacks.
2. Cliff notes are now produced as video cartoons.
3. Alabama students are now allowed to used spellcheckers to improve their test scores.

The team, well George actually, correctly guessed #3.

Jay Kremer introduced our program by describing our first annual essay writing contest, thanking superintendent George Giokaris, Fullerton principal Cathy Gach, Sunny Hills principal Judy Fancher, Gary Goodson, and Jim and Dottie Young for their assistance. 42 essays were submitted on the subject of Service Above Self.

Bob Hathaway described writing as the gateway to thoughts and ideas. Students are encouraged to write as a means of synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating information. He proudly introduced principals Gach and Fancher, to in turn introduce the winners.

Fom Fullerton High School, Cathy Gach called third place winner Nora Matty, second place winner Michaela Negrete, and first place winner Alejandra Pratt forward. Ms. Pratt read aloud her essay. All three youth received a plaque and a monetary award. Plus a big round of applause!

From Sunny Hills High School, Judy Fancher called third place winner Kellie Thomas, second place winner Minjee Hahm, and first place winner Joseph Kim to the podium. Mr. Kim read aloud his essay and all received recognition.

President Scott closed by thanking the concert committee and supporters, as well as welcoming our newest Rotarians.

As we adjourned, we were seranaded by Nissa Newton on the recorder. Thank you Nissa, for sharing your musical gifts with the club. We are richer for having you as a member!