Opening traditions

President Scott Dowds enlisted Bob Sattler, Bob Muschek and Nissa Newton to handle the invocation, pledge and song duties to get today’s meeting in gear. Irene Lang introduced guests only as there were no visiting Rotarians today. Kimberly Nguyen hosted Dr. Greg Glass, Rick Crane hosted Kirsten Hubbard and Doug Chaffee, Lee Brocket hosted Bud Stoddard, Nissa Newton hosted Lindsey Gatiaca, Allyn Lean hosted Meg Crider, Vern Andrews hosted Carol Ferguson and Sandra White’s lunch tab was covered by Rick Price.

Announcements

Rick Crane led the members in attendance in applause for Terry Ott who procured use of the great BBQ trailer from Cone Chevrolet. This made for a much less effort in cooking the burgers and dogs at the All-city track meet our club recently hosted. Rick then reminded us of the Tuesday tri-club baseball game at Cal State Fullerton next Tuesday April 17th at 6PM. Ken Kaisch stooped pretty low and set himself up for a hefty fine next time our esteemed finemaster Dan Kiernan gets his turn. Kelly Chaplin set herself up for a fine by advertising an upcoming open house with a development she works for. Theresa Harvey invited us to the monthly business mixer at Coyote Hills Golf Course and announced us to a joint meeting with Brea Chamber where on April 19 Lee Penrose of St Jude Medical Center will update us about the hospital and will discuss the impact that Obama’s medical plan will likely have. I dreamt that I was in a muffler all night… and woke up exhausted! Leslie McCarthy invited assistance with the May 17 and May 23 “Top 100” events that our club sponsors at the Ebell Club. Please plan to stay after the club meeting on May 16th to help with the framing of the certificates that our “behind the scenes meister” Bob Jahncke is preparing.

A Fine Time

Phil Silverman recognized Randy McFarland and Bill Hite for their wedding anniversaries, (just 30 years apart), Bill McGarvey for his 50 years of red socks and 50 years as a Rotarian. Ray Hansen has 55 years of perfect attendance. Dick Jones turned 79 and announced that his big plan for the upcoming year is to turn 80! He was very modest about his nursing skills as he cares for his wife after a surgery on her knee. Get well soon, Norma! “Finemaster Phil” let the applause for those who helped with the recent concert. Last, but not least, as expected, Kelly Chaplin was duly fined $3.00 for advertising. She may have learned her lesson the hard way about advertising unless she makes a couple of sales from the club members in which cast it may be worth the penalty to continue!.

Opportunity Drawing

Zoot let Warren Wimer have the assistance of Bill Kincaid in picking the made up indicator that the economy is recovering. We learned that San Diego Zoo has not yet stooped to picking up elephant scat to sell as souvenirs.

Program

Vern Andrews prefaced the announcement of the Community Investment Awards by recounting a favorite saying about how to enjoy happiness. Following is the Cliff’s notes version. “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. For a year, win a fortune. For a lifetime, help someone else” $29,000 was available this year. 71% was given to youth, 24% was for the community and 5% was given to seniors. Vern introduced Carol Ferguson, donor relations office for Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) which enhanced the awards by a hefty $10,000 this 4th year of partnership. Not all awardees were recognized at the meeting today, but the ones that were, included:

Fullerton Indians Booster Club award accepted by Kristine Hubbard/Julian Smilowitz sponsor Rick Crane. Muckenthaler Cultural Center accepted by Zoot Velasco sponsored by Bill Klinghoffer, Meals on Wheels accepted by Sandra White, sponsored by Rick Price. Fullerton School District, sponsored by Dick Mathewson, Crittenton Services, accepted by Joyce Capelle sponsored by Kimberly Nguyen. Pathway to Hope (formerly FIES) accepted by Jim Womack, sponsored by Minard Duncan. Fullerton College Care Bank accepted by Lindsay Gitaca, sponsored by Nissa Newton. Fullerton Civic Light Opera, accepted by Griff Duncan. Although it was not suitable for framing but indeed deemed suitable for prominent display in her home or office, Vern presented a Rotary Pig to Carol Ferguson in appreciation of OCCF’s assistance in the awards.

President Scott recognized the Foundation Board’s efforts on behalf of our club and concluded the meeting with a thought for the day: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”