Volume 76 Issue 3

Rota-Scribe: Joe Arnold

Dan Ouweleen brought the meeting to order at 12:30. He thanked Bill Goetsch for his work on the “new, improved” Rotary sign and asked him to do the honors and be the first to officially turn on the lights of this year’s sign. The President took a moment to ask us to honor those police officers who have recently lost their lives. He was reminded that our police officers have much in common with Rotarians in that both serve as “the mortar between the bricks of our community.” He then asked Carl Camp to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. He was followed by an excellent Invocation provided by Allyn Lean. Greg Hickman oversaw the introduction of guests today. Rick Crane had Jim Ripley joining us again. A welcome was given to Laura Macias who will soon be a new member of our club.. Our Rotoract guests today were introduced: President Christian Angel, Kyle Pendergast, Keith Payumo and Vanessa Villasenok. Griff Duncan then led us in a rousing chorus of “Cheers for the Red, White and Blue” followed by our traditional “Smile.” Don Ludwig was complimented on his work as our in-house pianist.

Announcements: Dan Ouweleen reminded the membership that if they come for lunch next Wednesday they will be very lonely. Instead, next Wednesday is our Taco Night at 5:30 at the Elks Lodge. This social event is free for all active Rotarians; $21 for others. Dress is casual. For those needing further incentive, the first Margarita will be free. Greg Hickman indicated there was a clipboard circulating today. If you would like to join the list of members who are providing Invocations for our meeting, please sign up or contact him. Dan Ouweleen shared with the membership that Bob Radde’s Parkinson’s has progressed. He mentioned that members who wish to can send a card to his home. Theresa Harvey announced that this Saturday there will be a Community Concert in the quad at Fullerton College. Vanessa, our guest from Rotoract, was asked to draw the winning lottery ticket. Don Bankhead was the lucky member, but the prize eluded him. Griff Duncan performed par excellence as auctioneer of two tickets to Hello, Dolly! at the Cerritos Center. The lucky winner was Ken Kaisch.

Karen Xie was the Recognition Master today. She noted that it is tough to find out information about members if they don’t have a Facebook account. She asked all those who did have an account to stand up, and gave a small fine to those that didn’t. Bob Bean, Scott Dowds and Dan Ouweleen were recognized for their birthdays. Theresa Harvey is celebrating her Rotary anniversary. The floor was opened for anyone who wanted to self-recognize. Carl Camp took advantage and proudly announced that he had been able to marry off another one of this kids.

Today’s program gave us an opportunity to get to hear from our four visiting Rotoract members and learn more about our Rotoract club at Cal State Fullerton. The year’s President, Christian Angel, shared with us details about the three areas of focus for the club this year: Membership Growth, More Service to the community, and increasing Connections. Vice President Keith Payumo gave us a very moving description of his journey in Rotoract. Board members Kyle Pendergast and Vanessa Villlasenok were also very eloquent in sharing their experience with Rotoract and their goals for the future. It was evident that the club is in great hands and the members were very appreciative of their presence with us today.