Demotion Night Wednesday, June 27, 2001 written and reported by Warren Wimer Volume 60, Issue 48

he guests began arriving at 6:00 p.m. at the marvelous new Crowne Plaza Hotel, elegantly decorated in traditional white appropriate to the occasion. The upscale wedding reception invitees signed the guest book and each male donned a yarmulke at what was clearly the social gathering of the season. The guests greeted old friends, new friends and enjoyed the musical background provided by the John Henderson Orchestra. Seen chatting among the many notables in attendance were the Hon. Dick Jones, Mayor of Fullerton and his lovely wife Norma; builder Jeff Hutchison and the charming Debbie, accompanied by the beautiful Beverly Shook dressed in the latest of fashionable evening wear. Also spotted among the guests were industrialists, Gordon and Dolores Bagne, observed discussing topics of the day with accountant David Bates and his charming wife, Beverly. And, of course, the coordinator and brains behind the entire event, Julianne Haynes was spotted circulating about the room, assuring that guests were well attended to and the yarmulkes were on straight. As a comical aside to a perfectly planned event, professional musician Cline Duff, arriving fashionably late through the back door band entrance, observed a sea of yarmulke-covered heads. He strongly advised his musician friends in the John Henderson Orchestra that they had made a bad mistake and had set up in the wrong room. It all got straightened out when Cline got a better look at the individuals in the crowd.

              The formal festivities got underway at 7:00 p.m., with the grand entrance of bride, Linda and stately groom, Wally. The newlywed Bartelts were greeted with shouts and huzzahs from the assemblage in a warm and enthusiastic tribute to the loving couple.

              Acting as the master of ceremonies, as is tradition for the past president, was Rev. Leroy Fulton. After paying homage to our country with the flag salute and vocalization of God Bless America, and ecumenical blessings offered by Art Levine and Rev. Ken Kaisch, the bride and groom were toasted with appropriate anecdotes by Dexter Savage, President of the Fullerton South Rotary club.

              Hostess Julianne had arranged for a gourmet dinner that commenced with Caesar Salad (tossed table side), Chicken Florentine (chicken breast stuffed with spinach and feta cheese, nestled on Yukon Gold mashed potatoes with seasonal fresh vegetables), followed by Chef Kim’s Decadent Dessert.

              Observed taking advantage of the opportunity to work off the sumptuous dinner on the dance floor were Art and Barbara Levine, Ray and Nancy Hansen, Dean and Verlaine Heiser, Al and Paulette Triay and Charlotte Dufresne and husband Bill (newlyweds themselves).

              The dancing interlude was followed by resumption of the Master of Ceremonies role once again by Rev. Fulton. Warming up the guest assemblage with a couple of stories, the good reverend introduced Bob Bean for the purpose of recognizing guests that have qualified as Paul Harris Fellows during the Wally (and Linda) year. Those recognized are Alan Atwell, Franki Berry, Joyce Capelle, Kristen Fisk, Kellie Fisk, Robert V. Hall (Alma’s son), Captain JoDee Catlin Jacob, USN (Buck & Bobbie’s daughter), Julia Kemp, Leslie McCarthy, Pat McKinley, Dick Taylor (in Memoriam) and Michael P. Visser. In addition, multiple pin awards were presented to Bob Bean (PHF 3), Dan Fisk (PHF #), Chuck Munson (PHF 3), Jim Young (multiple PHF 3 ruby) and Bill Peloquin (multiple PHF 2). Rev. Fulton followed with a well put together slide presentation chronicling groom Wally’s performance (as President). It was revealed that our Club contributed a combined total of $98,550 to the betterment of our community and the world during the reign of Wally. The groom was then provided with the opportunity to speak (perhaps for one of the first times since becoming a married man). Wally (a.k.a. the “Gentle Gentile”) was appropriately thankful for the support he had throughout the year. Among those he was thankful to were family, Board of Directors, Officers and Foundation Board. The Fullerton Rotarian of the Year was announced - all Rotarians joined Wally in congratulating the man who is always there to help, Bill Mathy.

              The final event, before wedding reception activities resumed, was the demotion of Wally from President to “has been” and the pinning of Fullerton Rotary’s new hope, Dr. Bill. Dr. Bill accepted his new mantle with grace and aplomb. He related that as polio is almost totally defeated in the world, the new Rotary International project is to eradicate preventable blindness in the world by the year 2020. How prescient that the Fullerton Rotary club elected an ophthalmologist as its President for the kickoff year.

              Past President Ray Ashcroft presented roses to Linda and Wilma Peloquin; and to Wally, a journal of his year and traditional symbolic fruit tree with plaque inscribed - “May the fruits of your year multiply.”

              Ray serenaded the newlyweds with The Anniversary Song as the newlyweds led the dancers in the wedding reception activities that went on into the night.