Ceremonial Ringing of the Rotary bell- No doubt President Tom Meyer dreams of the day he can get an enthusiastic initial response to his traditional greeting, “Welcome to THE Rotary Club of Fullerton”, but again today, he had to repeat it to garner the level of participation he envisions.

Pledge- by  Bill Hite

Song

 Don Ludwig at the ivories with Howard Wood, Maryalyce Jeremiah and Randy McFarland manning the vocal cords along with the rest of the club.

Invocation

 Nate Kvetny gave a short history of Chanukah (Festival of Lights), comically summarizing, “Enemies tried to kill us.. we survived,,,let’s eat!”

Announcements-

Past Prez. Terri Grassi confirmed that ballots were distributed and introduced the excellent slate of candidates for today’s club election. (See below for results)

Randy McFarland reminded members about the Club Christmas Party on Dec. 19 and mentioned that Jim Blake is in rehab. and is greatly improved from 3 weeks ago.

Bob Radde didn’t speak a word but played the USC fight song into the microphone.

Vern Andrews reported on the Rotary Sponsored “Snowball Express” event which took place last weekend. The recipients, family members of fallen soldiers, were very appreciative of the incredible program and showed off a T shirt that volunteers received.

Mark McGee asked that some show up at the Ebell Club at 10:30 AM next Wednesday to help with preliminary details for the annual Senior Christmas. The seniors will arrive by bus at 11AM.

Jim Williams thanked Fred Johnson, Sandy Hayes, Kathy Carter, John Hayes, Jennifer Bell, Sally Williams, Bob Radde and Gloria, Walt Barnes and Adrienne and the crew from the Boys and Girls Club. They helped the 101 attendees of the Sock Hop have a great time due the great decoration and preparations. Presents were brought for kids by the attendees. Burgers, ice cream, root beer floats and pop-corn added much to the great evening.

Kay Kremer reminded members to bring family members to the Club Christmas party on the 19^th for  Santa to give the kids.

Bill Peloquin told us that based on antler facts, all of Santa’s reindeer are female, which explains how he gets around the world without having to stop for directions.

Allyn Lean presented a “$100 per club member” banner to J Richey, Walt Barnes and Pres Tom.

Prez Tom announced that the next Board Meeting, Dec. 11 is at 7:30AM and the next Concert Committee meeting is at noon Dec. 20 at the Phoenix Club to check out the next concert venue.

Recognitions

Dick Daybell immediately fined Bob Radde and Bill Peloquin for making “non-club announcements”. (This new policy is really being enforced!) Nate Kvetny was recognized for organizing TWO fellowship luncheons. Minard Duncan was in the paper. Those on the newest nine prior to 2007 were praised for their determination.  Tony Amato and Jay Kremer were fined for their good efforts, no doubt.

Mark Geiss gushed about how he enjoyed his 35^th anniversary. Jay Kremer, anniversary. Cathy Gach, Diane Masseth-Jones, Vern Andrews, Jim Vanderburg, birthdays of present Rotarians. If I missed any birthdays or anniversaries, my apologies! (Please let Bill Schenk know of the error, because we’re always looking for more Rotascribes!)

Program-

  Pat Hartnett was able to condense a lot of information in his craft talk with almost within 15 minutes. Amazingly, all of Pat’s schooling, from Kindergarten through law school was through Catholic institutions. He was born in New York and lived in Illinois  and Indiana before he moved to California. Despite offers of increased responsibility and pay at his existing job, he gave his notice to quit to open his own business which was named in honor of his other family members involved in the law business. Pat has four kids which he’s very proud of and feels fortunate to be married to his wife, Robin. He believes to doing things “all out” and likes Bobby Kennedy’s quote, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” Thanks, Pat for sharing your story!

Election results: Terri Grassi announced that our next president elect will be Jeff Hutchison and the board members for 2008-10 that year will be Bob Radde, Mark Geiss and Allyn Lean. Terri thanked all of the great candidates who were willing to commit to the club.

Thought for the Day-hand picked and spoken by Prez Tom.

“Cheerfulness is good for the mind and the body”