Rotagram - Meeting Notes and Club News

Volume 82 Issue 2

Wed, July 13, 2022

Rota-Scribe: Gerardo Chagolla

Meeting was called to order by President Joe Lins. He sends his thoughts and prayers to Bill Peloquin who is currently in the hospital, “get well soon.” As always, “be good and be kind!” is the motto that President Lins lives by. He welcomed everyone in attendance and thanked Carrol Morris, Leslie McCarthy, Daniel Stewart and his son Achilles, Joe Arnold, and Marty Burbank, who came out and volunteered their time spreading the good word of Rotary at the shredding event held over the weekend. He led us in a new segment called, “on this date,” fun facts on sports history. “On July 12, 1901, Cy Young of the Boston Red Sox won his 300th game with a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia A’s. Also, on July 12, 1921, Babe Ruth set a record of 137 career home runs.” The segment was a homerun with the audience.

For our commencement ceremonies, former president Zoot led us in our Invocation and a quick laugh. “Thanks Joe, I thought you would have bulging muscles today because you got shredded this weekend.” Mr. Velasco spoke on Ben Franklin and his 4 rules of conduct, which made him a success in life. “I must be extremely frugal until I’m out of debt. Tell the truth, aim at sincerity in every word and action. Work industriously hard in whatever business. Never speak ill of anyone. Mr. Velasco’s last reminder was The Golden Rule, do unto others as they would do unto you. Amen! Our Patriotic Moment was given to us by Leslie McCarthy, who gave us a quick history on how to salute the American flag and then led us with the Pledge of Allegiance. We salute you Leslie! President Lins compliments Travis McShane on his real nice shoes and he takes the time to acknowledge today’s guest. He introduced John Kawase, son of longtime member and past president Frank Kawase. Another guest in attendance was Liza Wozab, guest of Scott Dowds.

Our Rotary Minute was given to us by Monica Fernandez. Former member (and past president) Bill Schenk introduced her to Rotary when she used to work for him. “He would always talk about all the great things rotary does,” she said. 8 years ago she was introduced to “Rotary Clinic,” when they were in need of a Spanish speaker. In 2014, she realized that Rotary is “service above self.” She was convinced that Fullerton Rotary Club was for her and joined. We are happy to have her as a member! Our esteemed Songmaster, Bud “Woody” Lang led us in his rendition of “America the Beautiful,” a cappella. The singing in the room was so beautiful it could light up a room. Great job, Bud. President Lins explained why he calls Mr. Lang “Woody,” “he is full of life, much like the character of ‘Toy Story.”

Today’s announcements started with Jim Williams. Jim announced a fellowship community meeting at Leslie McCarthy’s house at 5 o’clock that day. President Lins announced that tickets for Los Angeles Angels game on Sunday were available for purchase through Fullerton Rotary Club. Our Recognition and Finemaster was the man with the great speaking voice, Rick Crane. Rick recognized Allyn Lean for his rotary anniversary, “he has been a member for 22 years! Let’s fine him $5.” Although not present, Brett Ackerman was recognized and fined $5 for his spouses birthday. Roy Harvill was recognized for being a Fullerton Rotary club member for 71 years this month and humorously fined past president, Bob Sattler, who was celebrating a rotary anniversary as well, $5, for not knowing the answer. Past District Governor, Bill Peloquin was recognized for his wife’s birthday but was not fined but praised instead. Rick Price was recognized for his wedding anniversary, although he was not present, Rick asked Fullerton Rotary treasurer to bill him $5, which got a huge laugh from the audience. Scott Dowds was recognized for his birthday. He was not present but is also expected to receive a fine for $5. Rick played a round of “questions” with the tables. The topic was past presidents, were he asked questions about a past president’s accomplishments and professional careers and former Fullerton Rotary Club presidents were the table’s speaker. “Which past president was a planning commissioner for the city of Buena Park?” Answer was Joyce Capelle. Table got it incorrect and the table speaker was fined $5. “Which past president was a Dean at Cal State Fullerton?” Answer is Joe Arnold. The table answered correctly, but it also had 3 past presidents sitting at the same table, “individually, they aren’t that smart, but put them together, they are,” said Rick nonchalantly. Rick did an amazing job as Recognition and Finemaster, he received many laughs and applause for his great job. President Lins opened the floor for any humble brags. Terri Grassi bragged about her niece, who is a makeup artist, was nominated for an Emmy for her work in Star Trek. Marty Burbank took the time to thank and brag about his recent trip to Turkey, “my wife and I were on vacation and bought a rug in Turkey. It turned out the rug was too big and we couldn’t figure out how to place it. We called Miko and she did a great job. She wouldn’t accept payment,” said Mr. Burbank. He generously placed $100 in the fine net. Frank Kawase bragged about his son coming to visit from Japan and most importantly, his wife came with him. A rotary member reminded president Lins that he once said he doesn’t wear bow ties during the summer, when asked why he was wearing one that day in the beginning of summer 2022, he answered, “the bow tie symbolizes normality, and we are back to normal,” which drew an aww from the crowd.

President Lins thanked Rick Crane and introduced today’s speaker for the program at hand. Dan Ouweleen Rotary 5320 District Governor and the impact of Rotary International. Dan takes the stage and acknowledges his friendship with President Lins, “we’ve been hanging out a lot lately,” points at same style of socks. He thanks everyone in attendance and acknowledges the tough crowd that is known for driving district governors out. He remembers his first time coming to Rotary from an invite from Bill Mathy, “yeah I know Rotary, a bunch of old guys that like to drink,” said Dan humorously. During his first visit, Terri Grassi was president, he liked what he saw and his whole perception changed and he joined right away. “This is the first year in history that has a woman leading Rotary International. She is in this position because she is a real leader.” Rotary International President Jennifer Jones has big goals for Rotary. Her biggest goal is to grow woman membership to 50% because right now it’s at 25%. Dan praises Vicki Puliz who he trained under for 3 years, “she is a wonderful marvelous leader.” Rotary has powerful female leaders like former RI Vice President Johrita Sofari but Dan attributes all his success to his wife and our very own, Susan Ouweleen, “I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for Susan.” This prompted a very funny, “you got that right!” from the audience. You can really tell the dedication Dan Ouweleen has for Fullerton Rotary Club, “this year is a historic year for our club. It marks our 100 year anniversary! Also, I am happy to report that we are the only club in Fullerton to not have any repeats in presidents because we bring in new leaders. Something to be proud of.” District Governor Ouweleen explained that everyone in “the District” are volunteers but they are here to help the club out with using the resources available like new marketing strike force. They help increase impact, expand reach, enhance participation engagement and increase ability to adapt. “A lot of clubs didn’t adapt and are hurting. We did not decrease membership.” Mr. Ouweleen played Rotary video, “What is your story?” The biggest takeaway is that it is very important for us to know our purpose, why we are here in Rotary? What is our story? Dan’s story: good life, great parents, good education. Dream job. By the age of 33 he had traveled all over the world. He moved to California to be part owner of a business. He has great kids but he realized that his kids were getting older and so was he. He knew something was missing in his life but what? He felt like he had no purpose, nothing of meaning. He did some soul searching and he realized that he wanted to be purposeful leader that impacts the lives of others. He put it in writing for the universe to hear it. But, he got scared because he didn’t know how he was going to attain that. “Thanks to Bill Mathy for introducing me to Fullerton Rotary Club and a fine group of powerful compassionate leaders who are the definition of service above self.” Now, Dan is involved more than ever. He read a book called, “What’s your why?” but he didn’t talk about his why. “I got involved in rotary because I thought I would help enrich other peoples lives but found my life enriched instead. Your story is going to be the ‘why’ people want to join Rotary.” Mr. Ouweleen thanks former members who have touched his life and recognizes John Phelps, Jim Williams, and Mike Oats as the reasons why Fullerton Rotary Club is so great. He thanks Mr. Phelps for helping him get involved in the jogathon, to raise money for schools. “This club is full of generous people that will not let you fail. How amazing that the club helps support each other? So get engaged and involved in Rotary activities because there is where the real reward is.” Dan wants to encourage members to write down their “why” and share it with him and make it happen in the community. He mentions that the district is launching a “Do More” with Rotary campaign. He passed along some cool Rotary postcards with joining information. Also, Tuesday night at 5:30 is the formal roll out event and a chance to meet the district team and wants members to come and participate. Because Dan Ouweleen represents our district, he asked presidents of all the Rotary Clubs to pick someone from the club who has been an inspiration, “the Swiss Army Knife of leaders.” President Lins chose Bailey Klein. Congratulations Ms. Klein! She received a plaque with her name and a Swiss army knife USB. “Rotary foundation is recognized as the best foundation in the world. 97% of money goes to causes. So, go out and live your “why” and be the best Rotarian you can be in the world!” Round of applause for District Governor Dan Ouweleen.

Last thing on the agenda was the 50/50 draw worth $37. President Lins puts his glasses on and reads winning ticket number, 6368906. Farrell Hirsch wins! Meeting is adjoured.

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