Meeting was called to order by club President-Elect Jim Ripley, “good afternoon, everyone, welcome, and especially to our visitors.” Today is April 26 and it is National Pretzel Day. President-Elect Jim is filling in for President Joe Lins who couldn’t be here today, “I think he is having Tommy John Surgery after throwing out the first pitch during Titans Baseball,” joked Ripley. He did read an opening statement on President Lins’ behalf, “did you hear about the tomato family? They went on a hike. Junior got tired and dad had to go back for him. Dad slapped him on the head and yelled out, ‘Ketchup!” This joke received mixed reviews, “you can see the challenges I am facing as next president. He set the bar high,” said President-Elect Ripley. Moving on, Sunburns and Backaches at Tara’s Chance for Love Fullerton. He recognized everyone that participated at the event and asked Matthew Howells for his approval, “it was wonderful. You all did a great job!” said Howells. President-Elect asked all prospective members to stand and be applauded for being here today, “we all look forward to getting to know you.” Today’s guest, Wilma Peloquin, guest of Bill Peloquin. Michael Frias from Monkey Business Café was in attendance for Rebecka Forrester. Matthew Macuro, guest and prospective member of Farrell Hirsch.

For our Commencement Ceremonies, Johny Hong led us in our Invocation. He led us in prayer, “loving god, bless all those gathered here today for friendship and fellowship. To our families, our community, and many cultures worldwide, give us a balance in times of distraction and uncertainty. Help us move towards our goals and determination, as always with abundance. Thank you for the food and to those who prepared it. Amen.” Patrick Hartnett led us in our Patriotic Moment. He is really proud to be an American, and proud of our Rotary club and its reverence for veterans and for those that have served. “I think it’s important to realize, as Americans, from the land of the free and the home of the brave. But we are only free because of the brave.” Patrick’s son is in the 101st Airborne Division in Kentucky as a lawyer. He recounts those soldiers’ lives lost in the helicopter crash during night training and honored the Pledge of Allegiance to them. Today’s announcements, President-Elect announced a Shredding Event at Century 21 Discovery on Saturday. Also, the District Conference is Friday, May 5 through Sunday May 7. Ripley wants everyone to come on Saturday for the club’s 100-year anniversary recognition, “Dan is trying to get a table reserved just for members of our club. If you are interested, reach out to Dan. It’s $150 for dinner and the show.”

Cathy Gach announced for Miko, she gave feedback on the Top 100 Banquets at Sunny Hills High School and how extremely well it went. She thanked those who volunteered that night. Bob Sattler announced his two guests that he’s known for many years now.

Today’s Songmaster was a new songmaster, “I’ve got a special treat for everybody. This is the first time in my 7 years in being in Rotary that we’ve have a news songmaster.” Jeff Hutchison filled in for Bud Lang today. We were indeed in for a treat as he chose a song by Harry Bellafonte, who had just passed away yesterday, Tuesday April 25, 2023. Harry was most famous for The Banana Boat song, which was the song of choice that day but due to some technical difficulties, he went with the traditional Rotary song, Smile. Good Job Jeff!

Today’s Recognition/Finemaster was Dr. Bill Peloquin. Dr. Peloquin clarified that he was not in our Rotary Club 100 years ago. Right away, he warmed up the members with questions about the club. Once he felt that members were ready, he asked Mike Cochran to please stand up and be recognized, “your wife Gail has a birthday. How many years is that and what are you getting her for her birthday?” He mentioned South Coast Plaza and letting her pick out whatever she wanted. For that, he was fined $10. Although not present, Andrew Gregson was recognized for his wedding anniversary on April 29th. Travis McShane was recognized for his 35th birthday. He was fined $10. John Phelps was recognized for his birthday on April 27th, “you don’t think I am going to make it to tomorrow?” Mr. Phelps asked. Although he put on a heck of a performance, Dr. Peloquin saw right through Mr. Phelps and fined him $10. Mr. Phelps wanted to plead his case, but the crowd was not having it, “WHO CARES!” joked everyone. Duane Greenleaf was asked to stand and be recognized for his national award for culinary excellence, “we were in Orlando a couple of weeks ago and were awarded best offsite private catering company on the country!” This received a huge round of applause and a fine of $10. He shared, what he called a few “Senior Thoughts” that was sent to him by a pal of his. “My tolerance for idiots is extremely low these days. I used to have some immunity built up, but obviously there is a new strain out there.” There were around 12 of these “Senior Thoughts” that had the crowd in stitches. One thing for sure, Dr. Peloquin’s recognition master segment was a success! Great job Dr. Peloquin. Dick Daybell humbly announced that his great granddaughter will be born soon, he fined himself $10. Congratulations Captain!

Today’s program at hand was Bailey and Leslie’s Club Recruitment Event! Both ladies took the stage and thanked Jim Ripley, “Great job in running your very first meeting,” said Leslie. “We had to keep Joe Lins off-site or we would have scared you all away.” She welcomed all guests and prospective members to “Greatest Rotary Club Ever!” Today’s recruitment event was explained by both Leslie and Bailey. There are 4 Rotary Speakers at four tables, each with their own distinct personalities and way of explaining the concepts of Rotary and Fullerton to the prospective members, in a 3-minute timeframe with a minute and half to answer any questions that may arise. After a total of 5 minutes passed, the speakers move on in progression from table 1 to table 2 and so forth. “This is a test and we want to impress our prospective members at how well we can follow directions.” Any prospective guest that was thoroughly impressed with Rotary was encouraged to fill out a proposal card, alongside their sponsors, and hand over to Bailey at the end of the meeting. Bailey will then reach out at a later time to each of the individuals that are proposed and go over finances and address any and all questions. At the end of the recruitment event, there were amazing gifts raffled off. Tez, Nikki, and Rashawn were tasked at handing out the prizes. Prizes varied from Tequila and wine, donated by Leslie and Kevin McCarthy, Jazz Bash at Monterey Bay tickets, donated by Dixieland Monterey, Unruly Chardonnay Wine and drinking accessories, donated by Brett Ackerman at the Boys and Girls Club, 1 dozen Cowboy Cookies, donated by Dani’s Cowboy Cookies, and 2 tickets for JazzFest, donated by Farrell Hirsch at the Muckenthaler. Congratulations to all the lucky winners!

Last thing on the agenda, the Opportunity Drawing worth $56. Lucky ticket holder 6370124, Minard Duncan wins the drawing. “Minard deserves that because he was with us Saturday at Tara’s Chance. I think he worked the hardest out of all of us,” said President-Elect Ripley. Reminder, Shredding Event this Saturday at Century 21 Discovery and the District Conference event on Saturday, May 5th. “If you liked what you saw today and you like to be a member, go ahead and fill out the information sheet. Next week is our CIA awards presentation. We are adjourned!”