Meeting Notes and Club News Wednesday, January 2, 2002
Volume 61, Issue 24		Written and reported by Art Levine

Former Mayor Dick Jones, having (very) recently checked his calendar against the Rotary meeting schedule, reminded us that change (along with death and taxes) is inevitable in life, and that one of the changes which the events of 9/11 have fostered is increased concern for others. He emphasized that this is a key Rotary value, too.

Jo McAuley introduced Larry LeDoux, Assistant District Governor from Santa Ana, Owen Dean, ditto from Fullerton Sunrise, and Dexter Savage of Fullerton South. Winston Miller "graduated" from the Newest Nine - congratulations, Winston!

The next Board meeting is Thursday, 1/8, at 7:30 a.m. in 3 North Conference Room, Hope Int'l Univ. That evening, a District President's meeting will take place at 6:30, but at the Hilton Costa Mesa rather than the usual Phoenix Club location.

Char Dufresne-Dyess was proclaimed "Rotarian of the Week" in recognition of her efforts in connection with last week's Family Christmas party. Bill Hite's ticket was selected for the opportunity drawing but he was unable to identify an obscure religious quotation by a long-deceased Illinois lawyer.

Larry LeDoux reminded us of the many recreational (over 40 categories, including Magna Graecia, which was "Greek" to Jim Blackburn) and vocational fellowships (over 25 categories) offered by Rotary International, and provided a sign-up sheet. Members interested in the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians are especially invited to contact him; boat ownership is not required (and is much more economical!).

Bill Peloquin made several announcements:

RI Funds which make possible such humanitarian projects as Polio Plus were down 16% as of November-contributions are encouraged.

Home stay hosts are needed for the upcoming District Assembly at the end of this month. The attendees, from all over the world, will be busy during the day and only need a place to stay, plus some sight-seeing opportunities which may be shared among other Rotarians. Contact Bill P. or Judy Prather.

The annual Rotary Fundraising Concert is January 26th; additional contributions are needed to fill out the house.

So far, only one application has been filed for a Rotary License plate.

A special fine was imposed upon Bill Mathy for letting his son routinely "get high" (as in summitting the world's seven highest peaks. Bill - most of our children don't feel the need to go to quite those lengths to get away from their parents; Jeff is currently in Antarctica! Bill also impressively named all but one of the peaks, forgetting the only one the rest of us know. Fines were also imposed for more modest but still notable accomplishments: Paul Dudley (55th birthday), Bob Sattler (54th b-day) Scott Dowds (24th anniv.) and Bill Mathy (52nd b-day).

Phil Strauss introduced the program: Senior Craft Talks by Dan Kiernan and Pat McKinley.

Dan Kiernan was born in the Bronx in a momentous year in legal history (Hint: FDR's Supreme Court-packing plan and the "switch in time that saved nine"). His Dad was Irish (McKiernan) and his Mom "English, German, Jewish." A gangly lad, Dan worked his way through school with a variety of part-time jobs, including working at a print shop, the A&P delivering dresses, and selling peanuts at Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds, whence he saw Willie May's first at-bat and Bobby Thompson's pennant winning home run. Dan was the first in his family to graduate from college (Manhattan College). He worked as an engineer on defense projects in White Sands, New Mexico and in Germany, where he met his wife. He has also worked in investment real estate (including as part owner of the Brian Head ski resort), banking, and as a financial planner and money manager. Dan and his wife enjoy hiking, biking, traveling, snow shoeing, and being active in the B&G Club and the YWCA.

Pat McKinley was born in South Dakota, and attended high school in Minneapolis, where he played basketball and swam. He always wanted to be a cop, even after witnessing a violent gun battle. The Wild West was the obvious best place for this, so he headed for L.A. after four years in the Air Force. Joining the LAPD in 1964, Pat experienced the tumult of the 60s and 70s first hand, including the Watts Riot, the Black Panthers, the Weather Underground, abortion clinic protests, and the SLA; he was field commander at the latter's climatic demise. Pat was instrumental in the formation of the LAPD's SWAT unit, and was Chief Investigator for Internal Affairs. Darryl Gates was one of Pat's mentors. Both before and since joining the Fullerton PD, Pat has enjoyed an incredibly varied and satisfying career in law enforcement.

At meeting end, at least two members were heard to remark that, as usual, craft talks are the best programs!

GOOD LUCK, ART YOU'LL BE MISSED!!

Art Levine has accepted an employment position in Irvine and will be transferring to a club in that area. He sincerely thanks all members for their fellowship and camaraderie.