President Bill Schenk began the meeting explaining how he was so grateful for all of us Rotarians, that he interrupted his vacation and time with family to share his time with his Rotarian family.

Ray Hansen led us in the flag salute thanking all those who have provided service to our country.

Bob Hathaway reminded all of the true meaning of Thanksgiving and how Rotary helps make the world a better place. We gave thanks for all we have and our families as part of his heartfelt invocation.

Gratitude was the theme of the day. Greg Hickman, grateful for our country led the club in America the Beautiful followed by Smile.

Guests were hidden (no slips were submitted), but in the crowd was Jack Anderson “the solar guy” from the Long Beach club, and Bill Klinghoffer’s brother-in-law, Jack.

Announcements:

Terri Grassi announced that the club has sold all its tickets for the Deck the Halls concert at CSU Fullerton, but reservations are still being taken for the social gathering hosted by Terri Grassi and Judy Attwell. December 13, Saturday. Call Terri for more information.

Joe Arnold announced that we will be participating in CSU Fullerton’s Collage Concert as our fundraiser this year. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 21. Club members are required to purchase two $100 tickets each minimum. Sponsorships will be available.

Bob Radde reminded club members that the program committee will meet next Thursday at Coco’s = 7:30 a.m.

Dick Mathewson again encouraged members to but Frosted Flakes and support the kids at Raymond Elementary by donating the book coupons found on the box.

Thad Sanford encourage those who know outstanding college graduates to have them apply for the Rotary International Scholars program. The application period is now open.

Miko Krisvoy announced that the annual Rotary Senior Christmas program will be held at Sunny Crest Chalet on December 17. Volunteers are needed for set up, clean-up and photography. See Miko or Judy Atwell for information.

Scott Dowds encouraged everyone to come to Rotary next week and vote for new board members.

Popcorn sales to benefit the Boy Scouts (and Will Abbott) continue. See President Bill.

Jim Williams had the honor of being sharing Thanksgiving thoughts inspired by our President and the Pope as fine master. Due to the vow of poverty, Jim will not be accepting donations larger than $10,000. In keeping with the President’s pardon of turkeys, he will be pardoning several Rotarians.

Jim Young’s poem from Thanksgivings past put everyone in the room in a good mood as orator Williams enticed the crowd to chuckle. As he strolled through the crowd he fined Theresa Harvey for not inviting the rest of the club on her travels to Italy. He pardoned Minard Duncan after making him confess that he did not invite the club to his home in San Philippe for Thanksgiving. Minard joyfully paid the $3 for his pardon.

Kim Barlow was acknowledged for her upcoming birthday. She readily acknowledged her age (is it the Truth) as part of the four way test.

Bill Goetsch, is responsible for this year’s Light Up Rotary Sign, was asked to share that for which he was grateful. He shared memories of his company’s founding and highlights from his many years including getting Walt Disney’s autograph, flying an airplane and visiting 7 continents. He recalled his award for Volunteer Service (4,000 hours) presented by President Bush an shed a tear remembering fond times with his late wife.

Finally, Jim Williams fined those who were rooting for UCLA for putting the USC fans to shame. No fines however were collected do to a mass pardon.

Tom Meyer had the lucky ticket and with a 1 in twelve chance of winning drew the lucky chip and received $50.

The time everyone had awaited – the program – had finally arrived! Greg Hickman played his part as a pastor and presented a sermon of gratitude. He explained how gratitude improves your health – people who are grateful have lower blood pressure, one sleep better and generally live longer. He continued to explain how it reduces stress, and redirects focus from problems to benefit.

He then presented Lynette Geiss to present her thoughts on Thanksgiving and gratitude. Lynette gave thanks for God, family, country, those who serve in the armed forces and of course her Rotary family.

Randy McFarland shared that he was grateful to Pastor Hickman for not taking up a collection following her sermon. He also shared his thanks for his grandchildren and the Rotoscribes who take the pressure off him each week.

Ray Hansen expressed that he was thankful for being a son of Rotarian and for being able to maintain his more than 60 years of perfect attendance.

Dick Daybell was grateful for those supporting him as he learns leadership through Rotary and for Griff Duncan who sponsored him into Rotary.

Bill Schenk was thankful for the first (and possibly last) time having his entire family together. He is grateful for the job that families bring.

J Richey shared that as he was growing up Thanksgiving was a time to celebrate the bounty of the fields (that’s the farmer in him). He further expressed his gratitude toward his parents and his siblings who have shared their families with him. Tomorrow he will celebrate Thanksgiving with friends who have supported him along the way. He continued by sharing his philosophy that when you get an opportunity, don’t pass it by as it may never come again. This philosophy was applied when he had the opportunity to become our Club president which allowed him to understand the true meaning of Rotary. He closed with sharing his gratefulness for his wife of 45 years, Rose.

Greg Hickman commenced with gratitude part 3 – the sermon continued – relating to relationships and the gratitude that comes for meaningful of a fulfilled life.

In closing, Greg thanked all of us for being kind, accepting and welcoming as he joined our Rotary family and Fullerton.

May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes & gravy have nary a lump,
May your yams be delicious, may your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.

Bill Schenk closed the meeting with a recitation of the Four-Way Test.