Meeting Notes and Club News

Wednesday, June 20, 2001
written and reported by Chris Hunt
Volume 60, Issue 47

Oh, how
the mighty
have fallen!
Poor President Wally

called his LAST and FINAL meeting to order, not with the large robust ring of the Rotary bell, but with e tiny ding-ding of a little bitty "could-I-have-some-service-please" bell. Fortunately, Chris Lowe stepped up to lead us in the Pledge of, Allegiance. The duet of Jim Young and Bob Savage and piano-man almost President-Elect Mike Oates attempted to corral the noon crow with "Home on the Range" and "Smile." Dale Schumacher gave us three quick thoughts including, "work 8 hours, sleep 8 hours -just make sure they are not the same 8 hours!" Woody Herman couldn't have contained this thundering herd as Rotarians hustled to check out what was on the menu this week. Can it be said too often that the food is terrific and we appreciate the wonderful presentation? Nate Kvetny says no and bravo to Arbor Manor. Visiting Rotarians and Guests were introduced by Bob Clark, Jr.: Bill Gillespie from Fullerton South and Louis Koff from Fullerton Sunrise. Chris Hunt introduced prospective member, Amy Kluth and Alan Atwell introduced the new Executive Director of theYMCA, Jim Lapak.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

July 21^st is the YMCA's big Crab Feast, according to Alan A.
Feeling lucky? Sign up for the 2^nd Triannual Rotary Laughlin Run on October 13^th. See Phil Silverman for more details.
With thank yous to South and Sunrise, Mike Oates found a bed for all the exchange students arriving this weekend.
Correction! Bill Kincaid advised us that on the recent letter requesting each Rotarian's annual contribution, the return card states "Bill me 1/4 of the total for the 4 billing periods." It should read "Bill me 1/3 of the total for the 3 billing periods."
Next week - don't come for lunch! Demotion Night at the Crown Plaza.
And it's been confirmed, we will be dark on Wednesday, July 4th.

RECOGNITION

With Finemaster Jim Blackburn out of the country, the club awaited the return of Ken "The Mad Russian" Kaisch. He did not disappoint. In reference to the large number of cement pillars in the Fullerton downtown area, numerous individuals, including many City officials, received recognition for the production and maintenance of the pillars. The reference to the growing sheep population downtown only made matters worse. You really had to be there and this reporter is almost positive that certain words were used that have never before been uttered during a Rotary meeting. Enough said.

Short-timer Prez Wally seemed to have misplaced the Rotarian of the Week as well as the bell. But Bob Clark, Jr. held the lucky ticket. Asking "who was the closest blood relative to your father's brother's something-something sister-in-law?". Wally stumped Bob who collected his ten bucks.

PROGRAM

Mike Blackstone, airline pilot for American Airlines and owner of Air Combat, presented an interesting and timely program. Captain Blackstone detailed his procedures and thought processes on a typical flight. A great deal of headwork is involved in preparing for any eventuality. He described the "War Room" with a radar screen that displays every flight in the air, the procedure to declare an emergency and the plane's ability to datalink to the ground so that they can monitor the plane's mechanical functions from a base in Oklahoma. He shared his and other pilots' concerns of "not making the news" and confirmed the latest reports of the highest rate of near-misses at LAX, stating it as "a dangerous place to land." This was a great program as we all prepare to fly off for our summer vacations - the thoughtful professionalism that Mike described might cause many Rotarians to only fly American!!

June 27t^th No noon meeting - Demotion Night
July 4^th No noon meeting - Happy Independence Day!
See you back at the Elk's Lodge on July 1^th as we greet President Bill!!