PREZ Mike Oates set the tone of the meeting in expressing the Club's collective appreciation for the CoalitionForces in Iraq and the Magnificent job they are doing.

Following the Pledge, led by Senior Rotarian and Patriot Dale Schumacher , the Quartet of Howard Wood, Ray Ashcroft, Jim Young and Bob Savage led us in Rotary opening songs. Don Ludwig demonstrated the newly tuned Elk's piano. (Ed. note:  Bob Engemann remarked, "It is?") 

Verne Andrews' Thought for the Day" told of a letter from a Mother to her soldier son in Iraq. She wrote, "We protected you when you were growing up.  Now you are overseas protecting us and our way of life. God be with you".  Well spoken, Verne.

Lee Myhre introduced the visitors and guests.

VISITOR Dick Boyle, Fullerton South sitting in for Dave Bates, who was reported doing a "make up" at Fullerton South.

   GUESTS: Franki Berry introduced Bruce Bouldin
   Nate Kvetny hosted Georgia Marsh for the second time

PREZ Oates held Commendatory Mast (Navy for "Rotarian of the Week") for Dale Hardner  (donating $25 worth of MacDonald's hamburgers tickets  to the Boys & Girls Club), and to Bob Jahncke (a masterful Rotary Club of Fullerton Website).

Word has been received that Past Club Member Glenda Stroobant has had a recurrence of a past polio affliction.  PREZ Mike invoked his official prerogative to declare her an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Fullerton. Leadership at its best.

FUHS Principal Cathy Gach expressed sincere thanks for the Club's 100 FUHS Honor Students' Banquet. One of our Club's finest traditions  

Ed Little introduced Lew Lardie of Second Harvest who was awarded $1,000 from Community Investment Program. He thanked  the club and gave examples of how far this $$ goes to the needy, viz., a meal for 20,000; $0.10 for a loaf of bread selling  in the market for $1.69;  $2.65 jar of peanut butter at Ralph's goes for $0.05.Great use of the award!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

   DISTRICT 5320 Assembly April 12 ChapmanUniversity

   YMCA Golf Tournament May 16th at Black Gold C.C.

    Laughlin Fly Away with Phil Silverman Saturday, June 14.  Space available

RAFFLE winner Claude Jones knew the coalition was fighting in Iraq but guessed (wrong) that Saddam's two son's names were Absolom and Ammon.  $10 consolation.

BIRTHDAYS: Dave Bates, Bob Clark, Sr, and Rick Crane

ANNIVERSARIES: Lee Myhre, Bill Hite, and Rick Crane

THE PROGRAM --
CRISIS IN WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION

The State's Workmen's Compensation is in crisis because of high premium costs to meet increased accident/health care costs. The California system has the highest premium costs in the Nation and the lowest benefits offered. Until 1913 there was no such thing as workmen's compensation. Workers took their chances or sought reimbursement at their own legal expense.The State in 1991 enacted a minimum rate law which did much to create the current problem for businesses at $4.00 per 100 of coverage.  In 1995 it was repealed, which has helped at $2.00/ $100.  Many insurance companies have gone bankrupt under the present circumstances. Good questions from Dan Kiernan and Carl Wilkins kept Art on his toes, but he fielded them with knowledge and skill.  Excellent presentation -- and he was a late substitute for Harry Brown and WWII submarine stories.

 NEXT WEEK's PROGRAM:Eastside Christian School Easter Choral.