President Allyn Lean is still acting “Presidential” and opened the meeting by introducing visiting spouse Monette Velasco (wife of Zoot of the same last name), who led the club in a beautiful and emotional rendition of our National Anthem.

Matt Apodaca wowed the crowed with an accurate recitation of the 4-way test.

Drew Napolin gave the thought for the day. (You need to attend to hear some of these gems)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Coach Dan Ouweleen gave another quick announcement about the Jog-a-Thon (more on that later).

Sandy Hayes announced the formation of this falls fellowship lunches. Be sure to sign-up or e-mail Sandy to be included.

Zoot Velasco was the bearer of sad news as he announced that our friend and member Bob Hillhouse is in home hospice. His wife Theresa invites all his friends to visit him at home as soon as possible. Call and let her know you’d like to visit and she will give you a preferred time (Theresa and Bob Hillhouse -714/526-6939- )

INTRODUCTIONS

Thad Sanford introduced Rotarians with guest: What’s his name’s beautiful songbird wife Monette Velasco.

RECOGNITIONS

Her Highness, Princess Joyce Capelle (rumor has it that she isn’t particularly fond of that title but she doesn’t want to share it with anyone else) set a new record for collecting fines for recognitions today (a low record). No foolin’ she must of collected all of 6 bucks!

Bill Goetsch and his wife Berta are celebrating their 57 anniversary; Joanne Brannock and her husband also celebrated an anniversary; Jim Williams recently celebrated his 41st anniversary with Sally and his 61st birthday and his 34 year as a Rotarian.

Dan Fisk was recognized for his 80th birthday (old enough to know better, but young enough to give it a try- He’s learned that people admire his looks much more when he overstates his age)

Thad Sanford was recognized for his 44 wedding anniversary; Carolyn Tormey was recognized for not being recognized by anybody (only senior members recognized her!)

Ken Kaisch was recognized on his 64th Birthday. He celebrated by being fitted with his first pair of hearing aids (by you know who!). And also pondered that age old question asked by all from his generation: Will you still need me, when you still feed me, when I’m 64?

PROGRAM

Howard Minkley introduced Coach Dan Ouweleen who presented an overview of the upcoming “End Polio Now” Jogathon event coming up in one month, September 29 at Fullerton High School stadium track. The event is fleshing out nicely this year with more involvement with many of Fullerton’s local students. The goal is to raise $50,000 and the students goal is $30,000 and they are already well on their way. Our club hopes to exceed the students’ goal so we can offer a matching incentive where we will let the kids keep half of amounts exceeding $20,000 with the other have going to stopping polio. The website is www.Rotaryjogathon.com Coach Dan reminded us that donations to this event will earn us double points toward Paul Harris Awards points. Our club is currently at about 75% Paul Harris Fellows and we’re aiming for 100%. Checks go to “Fullerton Rotary Foundation”. There will be entertainment organized by the students. This promises to be quite an experience! Your current standing point-wise can be determined on the Rotary International website. Soon, our club will send out your updated PHF point status by E mail. Great job, Dan on getting the momentum going on this important event! Let’s all give our support by volunteering to help on September 29!

Howard next introduced Theresa Harvey, President and CEO of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, a private non-profit organization that our club belongs to. The Chamber promotes Fullerton and the member businesses therein, offers many networking opportunities, like the business mixers, “Young Professionals” and even a morning group. Theresa pointed out that the chamber is much more than a networking group.

Theresa pointed out that California is listed as the 50th best state in which to do business so another purpose of the Chamber is to advocate for business. The Fullerton Chamber is a vital part of the Orange County Legislative Alliance and the Orange County Economic Development Partnership, groups that collaborate to encourage laws intended to help business better survive and thrive rather than laws that just add more taxes to our cost of doing business.

The Chamber collaborates the groups like Score and the Fullerton Library to offer counseling programs to help educate business owners and their staffs. Chamber also partners with business to offer discount programs to it’s members. We are fortunate to have such a vital Chamber of Commerce let by Theresa and our club greatly benefits by all she does to publicize our Rotary projects and events. Thanks, Theresa!

CLOSING

President Allyn put three Rotarians (Greg Hickman, Nissa Newton and newest nine member Kevin Choi) on the spot at the end of the meeting and they all briefly but eloquently spoke of the significance of Rotary in their lives.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Physical bravery is an animal instinct; moral bravery is much higher and truer courage. Wendell Phillips.