Today's entrée was Salisbury Steak. There is a legend, as reported by H.L. Mencken in the 1940s, that the term “Salisbury Steak” was invented back in 1918 to replace the German word "Hamburger" when the United States entered World War I against Germany. Well, turns out it ain’t so! Seems that Salisbury Steak was eponymously yclept for an American physician, one Doctor J.H. Salisbury, who invented the dish of ground beef shaped into patties and simmered in onion gravy.

            When Dr. Salisbury served as a physician during the Civil War, he became convinced that diarrhea suffered by the troops could be controlled with a diet of coffee and lean chopped beefsteak. In the years after that war, he became one of America's earliest health food faddists. He believed that man was meant to eat meat, and taught that vegetables, fruit, and starchy foods caused heart disease, tumors, mental illness and tuberculosis. Grinding the meat made it easier to eat.

            The good Doctor passed to the "Great Infirmary in the Sky" in 1905, at the ripe old age of 82. Archduke Ferdinand still had another nine years before his untimely demise plunged the world into chaos. So the story of rechristening Hamburger in 1918 because of the Great War was, evidently, just another comic invention of the cynical Sage of Baltimore.

            Speaking of Baltimore, the Pledge of Allegiance was led today by Baltimore native Jo Ann Brannock, who asked us to pay close attention to the meaning of the words. Randy McFarland followed up with the Invocation, preceded by some suggestions on "How to Pray"­ most worthwhile in these troubled times. Next, Sergeant Howard Wood ordered all the troops to sing a "Military Medley" consisting of snippets from the various songs of our military services evidently compiled by Sgt. Wood from memory. Afterward, we all sang a half-hearted "Smile!"

            Kathy Allred introduced visiting Rotarians and guests of Fullerton Rotarians. The only Visiting Rotarian was our program speaker, District-Governor-Elect Roger McGonegal.

Guests and their hosts were as follows: 

Jenny Stewart - Ray Hansen;  Vimal Seth - Tom Meyer;  Ryan Dudley - Paul Dudley; 
Blake Smith - Jim Williams;  Lois Brockett - Lee Brockett;  Jeanie Stockwell - Dean Stockwell;  Milly Heaton - Bill Heaton.

Next: "THE ANNOUNCEMENTS!"

This has become an ever-growing segment of the meeting: a virtual program in itself, with members queuing up halfway across the dining room to promote upcoming community events. This time President Tom Meyer preceded the Announcements with an announcement of his own which enunciated the following rule: Henceforth, starting with the first meeting after Thanksgiving (i.e., in two weeks) the only Announcements permitted will be those pertaining directly to The Fullerton Rotary Club. (Lotsa' luck enforcing that one!) We were then treated to the following informative reminders:

Our club has purchased two tables at the Foundation Dinner Saturday night at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach. Yours truly will be working as one of the emcees.

   Kathy Allred expatiated on how much fun we’re all going to have in the Hospitality Suite at the upcoming Rotary International Convention in Los Angeles next June.

Dick Daybell reminded us of the Rotary Cruise. (If you've been paying attention you already know the date. The place is somewhere on, or near, the Pacific Ocean.)

Bob Radde reminded us to "Rock out to the Tunes of the 40s and 50s." at the Rotary Sock Hop on November 30 at the BoysenGirls Club gymnasium. Admission is ten bucks for students, and twenty-five for you grownups. But you can get in for fifteen bucks if you bring an unwrapped gift for a needy child. It is rumored that Elvis will appear.

Vern Andrews announced the Polar Express. (I hope you were all paying attention.)

Bekah Havard announced the Annual Boy Scout Dinner, featuring Steve Young of the San Francisco Forty-Niners. (I think they’re some kind of sports team.)

Program Chairman, Jay Kremer, announced the next meeting of the Program Committee. Be there, you Programmers! He also asked how Illinois was doing. (I think it’s still there, isn't it?)

There were some saddening Medical Bulletins: Jim Blake, who suffered a stroke a couple of weeks ago, has reportedly taken a turn for the worse. Walter Barnes, our zealous promoter of all things Foundational has had a mild stroke. Dick Mathewson underwent knee surgery and has experienced some post-operative complications. Our prayers go out to all for speedy recoveries.