Rotagram April 24, 2002

Meeting Notes and Club News

Wednesday, April 24, 2002

Volume 61, Issue 40

See below

Written and reported by
Buck Catlin

" BEING BETTER CITIZENS

Author Mike Homer expounds his theories and analysis of why our lives are so full of frustrations and what might we do about it. Provocative?
Read more under program.

The Pledge led by MARK MCGEE was followed by the newly reconstituted "ROTARY WHEELS QUARTET" by cogs GRIF DUNCAN, JIM BLACKBURN, BOB SAVAGE AND JIM YOUNG. (No "grease" was needed to oil these musical gears!).

PASTOR JON WEST prefaced his "Thought for the Day" with the history of how the Rotarty Club of Elliott, Washington did it. All hands were enjoined to take part during the year and voice the theme of his or her faith. Thoughts should emphasize " tolerance" and "understanding". Hearing a Thought contrary to his faith, one should accept it with equanimity.

LUNCHEON MUSIC: Resident Rotary Paderewski (RRP) MIKE OATES featured a classical number, viz., Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" which ain't for the fainthearted pianist!

VISITORS and GUESTS signalled the return of BILL MCGARVEY to the podium to do the welcoming, congratulating or commiserating with for long marriages or longevity.

SPECIAL GUESTS: "Best of Events" nominees and "winners" of the Club of Fullerton sponsored Track Meet at Fullerton College.

Leading track team members from the three Fullerton high schools who participated in the March 30 ROTARY City Track Meet.

AWARDS: Jim Thompson introduced the Track Coaches from Troy, Fullerton and Sunny Hills High School track teams who in turn introduced eight of the top performers in events. The receipt of prizes medals, T-shirts and jackets to the awardees was well received. (Special acknowledgement of the excellent quality and quantity of the groceries (hot dogs, hamburgers, et al) provided by Rotary at the meet was also noted by the athletes. )

INDUCTION OF NEW ROTARIAN. JIM McKAMY, as the newest member, was presented to the Club by FRANK KAWASE and BOB SATTLER. The theme of the charge to JIM by Frank was to participate in the various levels of Service offered by ROTARY. In the "Service Above Self" category, "Newest Nine" duties would be a good place to start. He was so enjoined. The Club membership present rose in congratulations and approval.

ROTARIAN OF THE WEEK -- DICK HOPPING, for his part in the Fullerton School district's Foundation for ther Arts Program. He introduced CAMERON MCCUNE, District Superintentent, who present a Community Services Award to Lauralynn Eschner, who manages the Arts program for all schools in the District . She was characterized by the Superintendent as a "one-woman team" in the level of her contributions.

CSUF Drama Department "Grease " May 1, parking available.

GETTY Museum trip May 4th. See Terri Grassi

May 8 our Rotary meeting at Muckenthaler Cultural Center. Theme: CARS. Lunch on the Ampitheater is a gift of Jay's Catering. Park on the grass

BINNACLE LIST (Those in Sick Bay (Navy terminology) , recovering, and in need of members looking in on them.): BOB ENGEMANN; LES CHRISTENSEN

PROGRAM. (Before Mike Homer got the AV equipment working, JIM BLACKBURN filled in the gap. He got off a thigh slapper about new taxi driver-former hearse chauffeur who ran off the road believing a tap on the shoulder from his live passenger was from a former embalmed client).

Humor quickly subsided the speaker presented a doleful picture of what is wrong with American today. Everyone seems to be driven by personal interest without regard for others. Like in they say in the Navy, " I've got mine. How're you making out?" He briefed us on the main chapters of his book: Loss of respect. Scapegoating. Disfunctional education, et al. Not much encouragement here. Answers? Not many. ("Would reinstating universal military service for all 18-20 year olds be a start?" Writer's question -- not answered).

At the Board meeting last week, the Board approved an increase in the meal charge to $14 per week for members, and $15 for guests, due to the increase in our meal costs (translated: better food!!)

It was noted that it has been a long time since we have increased the charge - over 8 years, and at $14 we are still among the least expensive clubs in Orange County. This will translate to a $26 increase per quarter in our billings starting in July.

"WE GET LETTERS -------" (Our donations have generated appreciation Thank You's.)

"Rotary's Community Investment grant greatly assists us in proividing transportation, shopping, urgent assistance and companionship to those in the Fullerton community who need our services. We are very pleased that Rotary continues to demonstrrate its confidence in and appreciation for our services. Byrne Simpson, President, FISH of Fullerton"

"Thank you for your $1500 for Vision Screening which will be put to optimal use. This year 6745 students were screened. 1262 were referred for futher tests and glasses. We thank Rotary for support of our community Vision Screening program. Mary Ruth Ashcroft, Assistance League of Fullerton"

"Thank you kindly for your generous gift to F.A.C.E.S. Your donation will enable F.A.C.E.S. to serve more of our Fullerton Youth going through our Family Preservation Program." Stephanie, Director Family Assessment Counseling & Educational Services.

"Once again I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Rotary Club of Fullerton for your most generous gift in support of our preservation efforts in this city . . . " Tom Dalton, President Fullerton Heritage.

"On behalf of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center and the people we serve, we want to thank you for your generous donation of $1,000 to the Muckenthaler Cultural Center . . . Your donation helps us support the many programs and services offered to the Southern California public and the children of Fullerton . . ." Pat House, Executive Director, Muckenthaler Cultural Center.

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