Rotagram for Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Meeting was called to order for the first time by President Joe Lins. He took the stage and his first official words as president were, “be good and be kind to everybody.” He welcomed and thanked everyone that made the inaugural meeting today. He thanked Beverly, Carol, and the Coyote Hills culinary and waiting staff for today’s meal.

For our commencement ceremonies, Ricki Bains filled in for Rashawn Underdue who led us with our Invocation, “with the way things are going on in the country, specifically what happened in Illinois on Fourth of July.” Ricki led us in a powerful prayer. Our Patriotic Moment was given to us by Rick Crane. He led us in honoring America with our Pledge of Allegiance.

President Lins welcomed today’s guests. He had the pleasure of introducing Wilma Peloquin, guest of PDG Bill Peloquin. Guest Ruthi Hanchett, stood up, introduced herself and campaigned a little, “I am running for school board for Fullerton Elementary and Junior High.” You’ve got Fullerton Rotary’s vote! Returning guest, Rebecka Forrester from Monkey Business Café, was introduced by President Lins. He jokingly said, “the sooner you join, the sooner you can start buying your own lunch.” Both were guess of Dan Ouweleen. Other guest include Sally Williams, guest of Jim Williams. Fullerton City Counselman Jesus Silva was in attendance, guest of Rick Crane. Lastly, past District Governor, Jean Abdalla, Jo Ann Roberts, and John Penaloza, all guests of Blake, were in attendance for todays meeting.

Our Rotary Minute was given to us by Marty Burbank. Marty’s Rotary Minute reminded us of how important Rotary Clubs around the country are. “My dad, he wasn’t a great mechanic. He would earn extra money delivering motorcycles to people. One day, he broke down on the side of the road in Yuma, Arizona. I immediately called Yuma Rotary Club and they took care of him.” A testament of how Rotary Clubs are Service Above Self.

Our Songmaster, Bud “Woody” Lang, led us with Rotary International song “smile.” Throughout the song, members and guest, walk around the room singing and greeting each other, showing friendship and admiration to each other.

President Lins transitioned with today’s announcement. Former Fullerton Rotary Club President, Zoot Velasco announced on a great demotion night. He thanked everyone who made it possible. He announced that there were 2 awards that he did not get to give out and took the time to present these awards during today’s meeting. First award was Rotarian of the year. “This person does so much for the club and expects nothing back in return. She works as the treasurer, and accountant. She has a flooding house, ailing husband, and at the same time, went back to work as a school Principal.” Congratulations to Cathy Gach for her award! Second award presented was the Rotarian Lifetime award. “This person is being recognized for all their quiet and consistent work in the club since 1978! Despite having health problems for the last 5 or 6 years, this person still gets the job done.”

Congratulations to past president Jim Williams for his award for tirelessly producing such WONDERFUL PROGRAMS. Thank you Jim.

Dan Ouweleen, had two brief announcements. He announced how great Rotary Foundation did at the end of former president Zoot Velasco’s year. He also announced that July 19, at Coyote Hills, they plan to roll out plans for all year.

Ricki Bains announced that Crab Feast is returning. An awesome fun night at Fullerton YMCA, Saturday, September 10th .

Our Recognition and Finemaster today was the funny and clever, Scott “I’ve Never Missed A Meeting” Dowds. As he walked up the stairs he cracked a joke, “I think the stairs are UP to something. What an honor to be here at Joe’s first meeting. What illustrious great guests you have here. I should fine you all but with the recession I think I should hold off.” The crowd could tell something good was about to happen. Scott recognized Rick Price for his birthday and Rotary anniversary. Leslie McCarthy was recognized for her Rotary anniversary. Sueling Chen was recognized for her birthday on July 12, “What will you do for your birthday Sueling?” “I will have to ask my husband,” she responded. She was fined $5. Bob Pletka was recognized for his 12 years Rotary anniversary. He was fined $5. “Travis McShane, why are you smiling so much?” asked Scott. “I’ve got a brand new baby girl,” he responded. “I should fine you $25 but instead let’s put that money in a college fund.” Everyone in attendance clapped in agreement. Zoot Velasco was recognized and fined $25 for his time in office. “You know, your duck races idea was really……. Well, they were really something, lets just leave it at that.” That got a laugh from the crowd. Scott continued, “I was most moved when you talked about my retirement. So was my boss. I am not retiring. Great job on your presidency. We didn’t go bankrupt or get sued so good job, Zoot.” Johny Hong, was recognized for his time as the funny Recognition and Finemaster from two weeks ago, where he told everyone being recognized to go “F” (fine) themselves. He was not present, which prompted a funny “COWARD! His presentation two weeks ago was great. We will remember it. It will live forever!” from Scott. Andrew Gregson was recognized for “portraying Sir Elton John. He was ok.” Andrew was fined $5. It is also worth noting that Andrew is British. Carol Morris and Judy Atwell were recognized for Demotion Night. He was going to fine Ken Kaisch $50 but The Master of the Mic is no longer with Fullerton Rotary Club. Finally, he recognized President Joe Lins. “Joe Lins, he shook everyone’s hand upon entering and gave them Rotary Pins. If you didn’t get a pin please fine yourself $1.” He played a round of “questions” with the tables. The topic was Rotary International. He asked who was the president of Rotary International, while comically pointing at the answer. Once again, he asked who knows the theme of today’s meeting, while once again pointing at the answer. Jokingly, he asked who was the District Governor for Rotary District 5320 while pointing at our very own, Dan Ouweleen. He fined him $5. President Joe Lins once again took the stage and profoundly said, “I know the reason why Scott Dowds did not make it to Demotion Night. I went to his office and saw a duck costume. He asked for my advice and told him to wear a T-Shirt with it.” Always the comedian. Wednesday’s program at hand. President Lins thanked former president Velasco for transferring power and leaving the club in great shape. “Working with you was a pleasure.” President Lins introduced a new game to raise money, since the Ducks from the duck race have gone missing. “Our weekly drawing, just a good old fashion 50/50 drawing. But wait! We can’t call it that! How about ‘Feel Good and Go Home With Cash Like A High School Football Game!’ drawing to be held at the end of the Meeting.” He asked if there were any better name ideas to let him know. President Lins is a USC football fan and recollected a story where it was raining at the game, so he sat in his car listening to the game. Today’s meeting was dedicated to strategic planning, and is putting the way the year turns out in the hands of club members. “Let’s do more business together with each other knowing the outcome is going to be positive. Let’s call each other if we need help. I know I can give Dan Kiernan a call and he will pick up because he has nothing better to do than pick out new shorts.” President Lins wants more collaboration within members and their professions. “Rotary was founded on that and Paul Harris would be proud of our shameless plugs!” Then he shamelessly plugged his companies shredding event, while mentioning that Fullerton Rotary Club has just bought a pop-up tent and Dan Ouweleen printed Rotary brochures about the club. “This Saturday, my office is having a shredding event. Let’s put up the Rotary tent. Do goodwill for our club where 8 to 12 members hand out brochures and talk to people about our club. President Lins remembers his time on the board at St. Judes and he needed masks for the pandemic. He called Dan and he helped get St. Jude 15,000 masks. “Fullerton Rotary Club does great things. Fundraising, endowment, and foundations that past members have put in place for us. We are trying to have enough money so we don’t have to hold an event. But if we do hold an event, let’s do Beerfest! We need people for that event.” President Lins wants to collaborate with other Fullerton Clubs and put and event to beat all other events. “We can merge together and accomplish much more!” He mentioned that October is Fullerton Rotary Clubs 100th anniversary and wants all members to get together and celebrate 100 years of doing great things for the Fullerton City community. Lastly, he presented the new gift of appreciation to our weekly speakers. Past presidents have gifted, trophies, police coffee mugs, certificates of $ stock, “Bill Mathy gave out a clock.” His gift will be a beautiful pure crystal rhino that says Charge On! Last thing on the agenda was the drawing. He grabs ticket number 6368842. Wilma Peloquin wins $33!

Wrapping it up, President Lins thanked everyone for letting him be the club's president. “I won’t let you down. If you have any ideas. Please, let me know. It’s a position I admired.” Zoot jokingly asks him when his demotion night will be which received much laughter. Dan humorously complained about the hotdogs served today because he was expecting bacon wrapped hot dogs, “bacon is bad for you,” replied President Lins. “Zoot, June 28th, 2023, is my demotion night. It will be rhino themed.” Before the meeting was adjourned, he shared a real quick story regarding Demotion Night. “Mike Goads being demoted as president. His wife didn’t want to go because she didn’t like people making fun of him. Meeting is adjourned. Charge on!”

Proposed New Member: Rebecka Forrester, by John Phelps. Rebecca represents Monkey Business to our clun; She is a Realtor, Attorney , and an accomplished public speaker