As Jacky Gleason often said, “And away we go”.  No, that’s not right, President Tom Meyer brought the meeting to order by welcoming everyone to THE Fullerton Rotary Club.

Jeff Hutchison proudly led us in the pledge of allegiance to our Country’s Flag. 

The Howard Wood chorus led us in the Fullerton Rotary song to the tune of Anchors Away requested by Jim Williams.

Immediate Past President, Joyce Capelle did an excellent job offering our weekly reflection.

Dean Stockwell bravely introduced our visitors and guests;  Bill Peloquin, that lucky son of a gun, continues to be accompanied by his lovely wife Wilma, Drew Napolin brought Marty Burbank, a local attorney, Dr. Jim Young brought Emily Yost from the YWCA or Women’s Club of Fullerton.  Jeff Hutchison’s guest was Cathy Murphy.  The District was represented by Price Shapiro our Past District Governor.

Announcements:  Bob Radde announced the Fullerton Rotary all City Track Meet to be held at Troy high School on March 29.  He needs volunteers for the event.  All the athletes receive a Fullerton Rotary T Shirt and the cost is now $3,000.  Underwriting opportunities are available.  Please contact Bob at 714-525-0719.

Rick Crane, Crane Architectural Group as Tom likes to say, announced that Buck Catlin needs nominations for the Rotary Club of Fullerton Community Investment Award.  Forms are on the tables and the deadline is February 27, 2008.

Randy McFarland needs help with filling out the forms for District Awards.

Emily Yost reminded us about the YWCA’s Chocolate Fantasy event on February 29 honoring Jim and Dottie Young as their Man and Woman of the year.  Stay tuned for more information regarding an interview by Emily to be shown on CNN.

President Tom Meyer proclaimed our next meeting on February 13 to be Rotary Sweetheart Day.  Bring your sweetheart for lunch.

Jim Williams reminded us of all the work the newest nine members do for the club then end up eating in the corner together.  Next week there will be cards on each table reserving a place for a newest nine member.  Save a space…

Dick Jones let us know that three members of council, Don Bankhead and him not being in that group, voted in favor of a marijuana dispensary within the city limits.  Stay tuned for more information as it comes up.

Theresa Harvey let us know that tickets are now on sale for our annual Rotary concert featuring the “Fab Four”.  This is a take off band on the world famous Beatles and do a great job, you forget that they aren’t the real McCoy!  See Winston Creel for Tickets.  By the way, the price of admission includes dinner!

Nate Kvetny read an article in our Rotary Paper showing a map of the Middle East and where Rotary was represented.  The twist on this was that Israel was not on the map.  His view was that it was intentionally deleted which is against all Rotary stands for.  He requested that Tom and our Board write a letter to all District Governors reprimanding them and reminding them of our Four Way test.  Nate received a very loud applause of support.

Price Shapiro, Past District Governor, pitched the District conference to be held on February 22.  It’s more than just a Hospitality Night.  John Moorlack will be in attendance and a Rotary 101 presentation we might all benefit from.  There will be wine tasting, chocolate tasting, governor’s ball featuring the Soul Shadows.  Stay for the Sunday Brunch.

Recognition by Rick Price featuring political questions.  Rick Crane was recognized for having more announcements throughout the year than anyone else.  How did Tom Meyer know Obama went to Occidental College?  Lee Brockett celebrated his wife Marion’s birthday.  Carl Camp was also recognized in abstentia for being awarded one of the Top 5 Financial Advisors.  Next were Bill Klinghoffer and Griff Duncan for having their picture in the paper.  Dirty Dan Kiernan is celebrating his anniversary on the 9^th.   Congratulations Dan.  Bill Kincaid thanked Bill and Robyn Mathy for a great Superbowl party.  Jeff Hutchison was also recognized for a yellow piece of paper, I missed that one.

Price Shapiro came back to the podium and gave a District check for $1,500.00 to Minard Duncan for the Dental Clinic.

And the winner is, ticket number 595331 for $190.00.  No Joker, the 4 of diamonds was pulled and the winner received ten bucks from Mitch Hovey.

And on with the show, our program this afternoon is the very talented brother of Chuck Munson, Ed.  Ed has been a resident of Orange County since 1970.  He is a writer, having written a screenplay and treatments to 13 novels.  He has produced nearly 500 events such as State of the City Addresses, Golf Tournaments and Award Shows.  He developed the sales, marketing and communications plan for Magic Island in Newport Beach.  Ed most recently served as Vice President of communications and special events for the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce.  For the past 2 ½ years he has been the Executive Director and CEO of the Cypress Chamber of Commerce.  He joined us today to talk about his “side job” as an official score keeper for Major League Baseball.  He has been doing the games in Anaheim for 28 years and for 12 in Los Angeles.

            Some great stories were told and some nice items were passed around including but not limited to media guides, media notes for the broadcasters and a few “official” score books.  I hope he got the books back.  He is always asked three questions;

  1.  What do you do?
  2. How did you get there?  3. Do you have any funny stories?

So with that in mind he proceeded to tell us that he was 22 years old when he was hired by the best man he ever worked for, Gene Autry.  Mr. Autry told him that he needed to hire him to keep the old guys together and moving forward.  At the time Ed was the youngest scorer for Major League Baseball.  While in High School he lettered in all sports. 

            Back in the day he traveled with the team and got to work out before the game with the team.  Now that just doesn’t’ happen.  He had the opportunity to see all the old ballparks.  Things are different today; the players are bigger, faster and better.  He doesn’t have a problem with their pay, however, if you’re going to be paid you need to play on that level all the time.  He spoke of Nolan Ryan, a great guy who was a true gentleman who always gave credit to others for what they did.  In 1976 he went to work with Charlie Finley and the Oakland A’s.  Charlie was an innovator who introduced night playoffs and uniforms with color.

            Also in 1976 he joined ABC and Don Drysdale traveling all over the U.S. in a Lear Jet.  His job was to be the eyes of Don while announcing the game.  After two years of travel, Buzzie Buvassi, General Manager for the Angels was looking for a scorekeeper.  Well, back in the press box he went.  He ahs scored over 2500 games in his career and seen some historic events including a perfect game by Sandy Kofax, Reggie Jackson’s 500^th home run, 2002 World Series, 2 no hitters by Joe Kelly and a combo by Mark Langston and Mike Witt.

            Ed’s biggest challenges are determining how the player gets on base using no judgment, just the facts, getting each call as correct as possible and leaving the game at the ball park.  Both he and the game are not perfect.  He has 24 hours to change calls and 36 hours on a technical.  Ed Munson was a terrific speaker who kept to the time line and entertained us to boot!  Thanks Chuck for having your brother come in.

Interesting closing thought by President Tom, “Board Meeting next Tuesday Morning”.

Meeting adjourned at 1:31.27pm