THE Rotary Club of Fullerton Lunch meeting was promptly called to order at 12:30 by President Allyn Lean, who seemed to have an intense focus on keeping to schedule today.  Newest Nine star Meg Crider led us in the Pledge, we look forward to seeing her become a greater part of Rotary.  The Four Way Test was superbly read by the lovely Kelly Chaplin who really stepped up to the plate to take on this reading duty.  “Father” Greg Hickman gave an excellent invocation, emphasizing how splendid the “togetherness” of THE Rotary Club of Fullerton, compared to politicians attacking each other at every turn.  Finally, to get our Rotary Meeting officially on it’s way, the one and only Griff Duncan led us in “My Country Tis of the” and the ever popular “Smile”. 
We had 3 guests this meeting: Cruz Lorman, wife of District Govener (presenter) Jim Lorman.  Willa Vanderburn, wife of Jim Vanderburn,  Jim noted that they have celebrated 55 years of Marriage, longer than I have been alive.  Terri Grassi brought her charming daughter, Lora Grassi
For Non Rotary Announcements President Lean reminded us to use flyers on tables and that non-Rotary announcement flyers need to be moved ahead of time.  President Lean also kept us moving at a swift pace, and quickly moved to Rotary announcements.  Dan Ouweleen  gave us an update on the Jog A Thon:   We need more corporate sponsors.  Please consider your place of business, or even your clients if they have a charitable budget, this is a great cause.  Also, Dan did not mention, but it is worth noting, you can still make your individual contributions to the Jog A Thon and earn points toward a Paul Harris award.  Dan has once again excelled at his work in organizing the Jog A Thon, we are lucky to have him.  Jim Williams noted that Drew Napolin sales life insurance, we should probably fine Drew next week.  During these announcements, Ken Kaisch appeared in a cleverly designed costume: a trench coat, sunglasses, and hat.  He walked by with a sign saying something about “Canadian Bacon”.  Scott Dowds must have been upset that this “protest” advertised harm to pigs.

Pat Hartnett had the role of Recognition master.  He started with Bob Jahncke who was recognized for the “mugshot” of President Lean in the District Directory on page 44.  Blake Smith was recognized for an upcoming 64 year anniversary!  Congratulations Blake!  Scott Dowds was recognized for his 58th birthday, like a true family man he plans to Skype with his kids and take his wife out to dinner (with a loan from the bank).  Don Ludwig received dual recognition: for his 79th birthday and for his Piano playing each and every week.  Pat used the following attorney logic to fine Don: He will be 80 next year, if you divide that by 2 you get 40, and if you divide that by 10, you get 4… $4 fine.  We are always impressed by Pat.  Nate Kventy revealed the age of his wife, and will surely be fined again next week.  They planned on spending her birthday taking a magic class.  In a very special recognition, Buck Catlin celebrates his 94th birthday.  He is 94 years young and an inspiration to all of us.  In another special recognition, Jim Williams and Keith Mills were recognized for organizing demotion night for over THIRTY YEARS!  Pat recognized District Governor Jim Lorman for his work at the Irvine Company, he literally  helped build Orange County.  Duane Greenleaf was recognized for last week’s “mystery plate” which Duane has named “Filet Mignon Beef Stroganoff”, because Rotary only gets the best.    Lastly, Larry Bennett was recognized for his community work with Comfort Care Camp, Boy Scout Troop 93, and much more.  He was given a beautiful picture of “Moonlight in Catalina”.  With that President Lean quickly moved us onward, determined to stay on schedule.

Zoot Velasco administrated the ever popular Fullerton Rotary Opportunity Ticket Drawing (Which May or May Not Involve Winning Money).  The new card system is working well, but there are still some stumbling blocks.  President Lean and Zoot had a conversation about how more cards appeared in the deck.  Zoot, standing next to the 4 way test, explained he forgot to count the four Ace’s in the deck last week.  Bill Schenk won, and drew a card that wasn’t a winner.  No music questions this time.
Jim Young gave  a brief history of Paul Harris, which is always a worthwhile experience.  He gave some of the history of the Rotary Foundation- it was started in 1917 with $26.50 (leftover from another conference).  A lot of people ask where the Rotary Foundation physically is… it is everywhere Rotarians are, and with every Rotarian that holds service above self.  Charge on!
Jim Lorman awarded Dan Ouweleen with a Paul Harris Fellowship Award.  Dan has been a model Rotarian for us all.
Jim Lorman presented on his various goals and ideas for the district for the upcoming fiscal year.  He briefly touched on his legendary 24 years with the Irvine Company, I repeat- the man helped build Orange County.  His demeanor and presentation reflected the years of management success and experience, much like many of our own club Rotarians.  Jim, thanked all the Jim’s in the room (should have thanked all the Bob’s too).  Jim’s goal is too provide more transparency for the District: If you need help or have a question, we should be able to find out who to go to.  Invoices for dues will now list a breakdown of what causes and cost your dues are going to.  He listed various upcoming events: concerts, Polio Angel Game, Foundation Dinner (presented by one of the last living Pearl Harbor survivors), district conference, Interact and Roteract, Rotary training and many more.  Many of these dates and specifics are listed on the district website, http://rotary5320.org/, and the new district directory that was handed out at the meeting.   Jim has a special emphasis on membership retention and growth this year.  Roteract and Interact will have more interaction with Rotary members (they are all considered rotary members).  He emphasized how rotary youth is our future and we need to nurture their growth.  While not explicitly saying it, I’m sure he meant to help Matt Apodaca pay for a wedding and buy house.  Jim went on to explain that the circle of membership retention is (no start point or end point with a circle): learn about Rotary -> serve -> become a member -> enjoy fellowship -> which creates more learning about Rotary.  Jim has many well thought out ideas and plans, it should be another terrific year for service.  Jim left us with quote “to error is human, but when the eraser is ahead of the pencil, you are overdoing it”
President Leanalso had a quote, which was about not asking who you are, but act.  Allyn quickly acted and adjourned our meeting an incredible 10 minutes early.