OPENING STUFF

The Meridian Club and Collette’s Catering became the third venue of The Rotary Club of Fullerton in approximately 50 years as Prez Tom welcomed the assembled group at our new digs.  With the rapid transition from Hope University to the Meridian Club, the set up, complete with piano, podium, microphones and audio visual aids, was impressive and went very smoothly.  Minard Duncan, after an anecdotal prelude led the pledge followed by Howard Wood leading the assemblage in a rendition of “Home on the Range” that would have made George Klimpel smile.  Speaking of smiling, we then belted out our traditional theme song.  Rick Price, in a scholarly mode, invoked brilliant scientific minds of history to inspire and lead us in the invocation.  President Elect-Elect, Jeff Hutchison, introduced the several guests that found their way to our new meeting site.  Mark Tucker hosted by Minard Duncan, Mike Mogenson hosted by the aforementioned Rick Price, Esq., Wendy Terrado hosted by Drew Napolin, and visiting Yorba Linda Sunrise Rotarian, Norma Rodriguez, promoting the Yorba Linda Sunrise Lobster Fest set for May16th.  This event is sold out every year.  Only 200 out of a total of 1,400 tickets remain.  The new catering staff was introduced by Collette’s manager, Natalie.  In charge of serving us is Aaron, Event Manager.  Responsible for the food is Daniel, Executive Chef, both supported by servers George, Marco, Kristen and Eliza.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECOGNITIONS

The ever sartorially elegant Joe Lins gathered in the big bucks today based on an unfathomable formula.  Jim Young, co-starring in Night of the Iguana, was recognized as was non-bow tie wearing Dr. Keith Mills, photographed in the audience.  Rick Crane was fined for Prez Tom’s lousy impersonation of him.  Joyce Capelle was recognized for “bagging out” on her own Florence Crittenton awards banquet.  Turns out she was in D.C. on a junket that probably should have doubled her fine.  Memorable events in the lives of:  Dick Jones – 75 years; Deborah Sanchez – 24 years wed; Mark McGee – another year older; Bill Schenk – wife another year older last week and anniversary today; Bob Savage – 41 years wed; Pat Frank – 30 year anniversary; Greg Hickman – wife Roxanne’s birthday; and a rousing happy birthday to Steve Awh on his 43rd birthday today.  Continuing on, Ted Shultz, Nate Kvetny, John Phelps and J Richey are all another year older some time this month, and Paul Dudley, Chuck Munson and Don Bankhead respectively are celebrating anniversaries.  Dr. Ken Kaisch had the winning ticket but drew the 7 of Clubs, leaving just a few cards left – the odds of winning are going up every week. 

PROGRAM

The president of the Orange County Community Foundation, Shelley Hoss, was introduced by Diane Masseth-Jones.  Shelley knew how to get us on her side by complimenting the Club on being the most fun, vivacious and vital of any Rotary Club she has addressed in her many years of speaking to community groups.  The Orange County Community Foundation is a personalized donor service that assists individuals and groups to match their own preferred charitable interest with the needs of the community and takes on the administrative burden of administering and managing charitable largess.  The OCCF encourages, supports and facilitates philanthropy in Orange County to the extent of assisting donors to direct more than $70 million in the last five years to the charities of their choice.  Shelley and her staff can be reached at (949) 553-4202, and their services are explained far better than this poor scribe can do at www.oc-cf.org.  At the conclusion of the program, both Dick Matthewson and Zoot Velasco gave unsolicited testimonials as to the benefit, friendliness and efficiency of the Orange County Community Foundation.

CLOSING THOUGHT

“Forgive your enemies.  It messes up their heads.”  --- and this from a banker!