Meeting was called to order by President Ripley who warmed up today’s crowd with a couple of jokes, “recent medical studies confirm that sleeping next to someone you love makes you go to sleep faster, reduce depression, and helps you live longer. Unless they snore.” He asked if anyone who is old enough to remember the 60’s show, The Addams Family, “does anyone remember The Thing? Before he was an actor, he was a stagehand.”

He announced for Cathy Gach on the CIA awards saying we will hit our goal of $20,000 with the current amount being $13,000 and some verbal commitments adding to the pot.For our Commencement Ceremonies, Terri Grassi gave us our Patriotic Moment while leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Rick Crane gave us our Invocation with a prayer. “Lord, bless us as we gather together. We thank you for this family of Rotarians. It is good to recognize how different we are. Thank you, lord, in our individuality as we celebrate the gift of life. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Today’s guests include Doris Muschek, guest, and wife of Bob Muschek. Beth Jahncke, guest and wife of Bob Jahncke who have been married for 64 years! Gary Draper who is president of the Roosters Foundation of Orange County Club, guest of Dr. Thad Sandford. Welcome to all guests!

Our Song master was Bill Edman and his banjo. The duo led us in a bluegrass version of “Gentle on My Mind,” written and recorded by John Hartford and made popular by Glen Campbell. Campbell’s version peaked at number 30 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart in 1967 and Bill Edman’s version hit number one at the Fullerton Rotary Club on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Great job Bill! President Ripley asked for a total amount for the 50/50 raffle so that he could add more to it. He wanted to auction off a wine case that belonged to Jim Williams, who has a habit of leaving/losing his items. The auction started at $20, and Jim Williams won the auction at $21.

Our Fine Master/Recognition Master was future president Pat Hartnett. He received a good ovation, “flattery will get you everywhere!” said Pat. He asked if anyone received a text notification that morning, “that means that you have pornography on your phone.” He recognized the fact that today was National Cinnamon Roll Day, and National Taco Day, Coffee with a Cop Day, National Golf Lovers Day, and National Truckers Appreciation Day, “I gave my wife a big hug and kiss today because she is in the trucking business.” In California, it is California Clean Air Day, “where you are supposed to walk or bike today.” World Animal Day is today too, “I love animals. They are very tasty.” Howard Mickley was asked to stand and be recognized for the Football bet that Pat lost to him. He asked Howard if James Bond liked vodka or gin Martinis? Howard answered correctly, so there was no fine for him. Pat asked Dick Ackerman to please stand and be recognize for his Craft Talk from 3 weeks ago. Pat told a story from 21 years ago that involved Dick and he publicly apologized and paid a $21 fine. Bill Mathy was recognized for his 49th wedding anniversary. He was fined $5 and was gifted a bottle of champagne. Mr. Hartnett then asked Rotarians in attendance to fine themselves if they missed being recognized for a special occasion because of being absent that day. Surprisingly, many Rotarians did contribute to the fine net, “stand up because we are here to raise some money. If you don’t stand up and you did miss something, you are going to rot in hell,” joked Mr. Hartnett. Lastly, Pat recognized everyone that makes every week’s meeting a success. Great Job well done, Pat Hartnett.

Today’s announcements, Leslie McCarthy announced this upcoming Monday, October 16, Rotry Halloween Party at Twisted Vine in Fullerton. It is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and costumes are encouraged with prizes for the best of show, scariest, best team and best couple. Please contact Leslie if you have further questions. Susan Ouweleen announced the Rotary District Chili Cookoff this Saturday from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. It will take place at Prentice Park at the Santa Ana Zoo; price of admission is $20 which will allow you to taste all the chili’s available and entrance to the zoo as well. “If anyone wants to volunteer at our booth, please email me. Last year, we got second place with Zoot’s chili and he is going to do it again, this year.”

Today’s Program at Hand was introduced by Mr. Jim Williams. “I’ll mention that Professor Emeritus Barbara Stone is still one of our most popular speakers of all time and I can see by the attendance today, that you are here for her and not to listen to me.” Professor Stone’s presentation touched on issues in Congress with a fresh insight on the political landscape. She thanked everyone for having her at Rotary again since she recently celebrated her 60th birthday, “I still look alive, unlike some people.” Barbara spoke on today’s big issues, she says that history repeats itself, and today is no different, “we all think what we’re doing is new. No, usually, no, this is not new.” For the first time ever, the speaker of the House was fired, “for the first time in history, a former president of the U.S. has been indicted.” She says that this is not something that happens. As for Trump, she says that if he gets elected president once again, he promises to exact revenge on those who are responsible for his indictment today. Professor Stone talked about recently deceased Senator Dianne Goldman Berman Feinstein, who will need to be replaced with an election soon, and whoever fills the senate seat will need to finish existing seat before being sworn in for the next 6 years, “which means he or she will have seniority over every single other new senator elected in November.” According to Professor Stone, Gavin Newsom is positioning himself to run for president of the United States of America if Joe Biden stumbles but so far Newson is backing Biden. Newsom currently appointed Laphonza Butler to fill in the remainder of the term for California State Senator but Butler has not decided whether she would run for a full term in 2024. The three-leading candidate for California’s open Senate seat are Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam Schiff who will be facing off in March with the top two vote-getters going at it in November 2024. As far as House Speaker, Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan make pitches to run as a replacement for Kevin McCarthy for the Republican Party. For the presidency, according to Stone and by the way the polling is currently going, there are two viable candidates, “Both of them old men! And as far as I can tell in both cases, they are running because they don’t want to give up that limelight. And they both believe that being president can get them out of jail!” She mentioned that other backers would offer an alternative candidate if Biden and Trump end up going at it again. To end her presentation, she gave advise on who to vote for the next president; “For the Democrats, I do not recommend you vote for Mary Ann Williamson. She is a psychic running for president, polling in 10 percent for the Democrat vote. For everyone voting in the primary and general, look at these people and listen to what they say, and answer to what you think this person should be the next president of the United States in these times. And God Bless America.” Professor Stone took some questions from audience. President Ripley presented Professor Stone with a certificate in her name to Working Dogs 4 Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping our Nation’s Warriors by training and donating service dogs to veterans and first responders.

Last thing on the agenda was the 50/50 drawing, Professor Stone pulled ticket number 8274207. Congratulations to the winner Larry Bennett! “Thank you for being here. At next weeks meeting a few of our members will be sharing stories and update regarding the Boys & Girls Club, Tara’s Chance, Crittenton Services and the Muckenthaler. So, invite a friend, please hit that like button and subscribe. With that, I call this meeting adjourned.”