(Click here to view a photo gallery from this meeting)Steve Phair

BEFORE THE MEETING – Lots of conviviality with meeting and greeting guests and old members, beginning with Steve Phair, welcoming us and getting our money.

The meeting began promptly at 6:20 with Gary Konechne offering a very thoughtful blessing, asking for solutions to today’s problems, and reaching out to those in need from recent calamities.  Danny Frankel led us in the Pledge, and Ray Lenahan in the 4-Way test. Welcome back, Ray…and stay healthy! Terry Rousselot led us in “When You’re Smilin’” and we all were.

Walt SmithThe experiment to be served by the waiters instead of buffet went quite well in the scribe’s opinion, since it gave us more time for announcements to introduce our guests. Included were Walt Smith (former President of Santa Fe Springs Rotary), Julie Shaw, and Chris Davis (husband of our member speaker), and David Sorayan.

ANNOUNCEMENTS --  President Marc Aarons announced the need for meeting the literacy goals for the Rotary School Libraries. Happy announcement included Mary Jo Vechiarelli celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Next week: menu is chicken, pasta or vegetarian – expect an email from Bill Hossfeld.

Our party last Saturday was a preliminary success. The final monies are still coming in, but it looks as if we grossed $10K, netting $5K for the Foundation. All those who contributed extra effort and money were recognized. Lauren Reeves is sick with a cold and will report the details next week. Dick Dickson won dinner for two at Sage, which he then auctioned off, going to the winner Gary Myers for $100. Nice gesture for both of them! Yvonne also auctioned off a gift basket from the party.

Thanks to Pat for the great piano music!

Gary KonecneHappy fine master President Marc extracted fines from Bob Merring, Roger thanking us for the good event Saturday, Yvonne going to Canada skiing, and someone commented that it was good to live here, given that Ohio had the worst winter in 50 years.

Gary Konecne invited participation in RYLA, needing campers and TAs (Teaching Assistants), for this great program for our youth.

Terry Rousselot announced our Bowlathon on Saturday, April 3, noting that being good at bowling is NOT a requirement. There will be pizza and gambling. It’s at Edinger and Brookhurst.

Our grant for the Environmental Nature Center was approved, according to President Marc.

Peter Smith noted that Arbor Day titivating is this coming Saturday at 8:30 at the usual Fire Station at the Corner of Orange and Mesa, near the golf course. This is not only a great time, but we need some additional helpers this year, especially to deliver the trees the following week. PLEASE consider an extra tree delivery this year, especially if you haven’t done it before. Exceptionally rewarding experience!

Dan HoffmannDan Hoffman noted that we have made Charles Kato of Okasaki South Rotary Club an Honorary member of our club. Well done, Dan! Our group, postponed from last year, is ready to go to Japan, and they will speak to us the last week of May. Group Study Exchange will be from April 11 to May 11 this year.

President-elect Jerry Morris, Pres Elect-Elect Bill Hossfeld and PDG Roger McGonegalJerry Morris, President Elect, urged all to attend the District Assembly on Saturday, March 13. Especially important for new members, per Victor Currie.

Art Walton passed signups for the Friday, April 16 track meet from 4-8:30, judging 35 races. See Art (pictured here) holding up the medals we present to the winners. We need about 25 people, especially Icebreakers because it’s a very satisfying event.

THE PROGRAM -- Sarah Greenberg Davis gave us a riveting summary of her life story. Born in 1976 of the marriage of a Jew and a Catholic, she grew up in a log cabin, sort of poor, where marijuana was the “commodity of choice.”  She showed lots of pictures of her family, including numerous siblings and multiple cousins. She graduated in 1994 from George Washington University with BA and went on to graduate from U. of Minnesota Law School. January 18, 2009 was the beautiful day when she and husband Chris were married.Sarah Greenberg-Davis and husband Chris

     Sarah on the flying trapezeSarah went to high school in Japan, and found that she was an adrenalin junkie, loving anything that seemed thrilling, such as Scuba diving, trapezing (see photo of her in the air), and white water rafting.  Sarah clearly enjoyed sharing her enthusiasm with us, and barely mentioned that she’s actually earning a living too, working now for Smith, Smith and Feeley, Inc. Sarah, you’re a joy to listen to, and thanks for joining our Club!

 Your scribe tonight, Bob Wood

On this February 10, it was Valentines Day.  The crowd just kept building and building.  It was all Anna Wong and Miyuki at the desk could do to keep up—but they did.  Bill Hossfeld alerted the BCYC folks to set up more tables and cook more food.  In the end, things worked out beautifully.

Prez Marc opened the meeting at about 6:25 asking Dick Dickson for the invocation.  Steve Bromberg (welcome back) led the flag salute and Steve Speer (with a crib sheet-can you believe that?) the 4W Test.  Songmaster Morris led the Club through “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby.”

Prez Marc, recognizing the plethora of guests, thought better of introducing each.  In addition to the singers who would perform later and their families, it seemed like most the Dictrict Governors past, present and future attended also.  Dave Bender of RI even graced our presence.

Obviously through Prez Marc’s connections to Japan, he introduced the incoming President of one of the Japanese Rotary Clubs who presented us with her Club’s banner.  Dave Bender of RI did likewise.

Prez Marc noted that February is World Understanding Month.  February 23 is the 106^th anniversary of the founding of Rotary.  My, my, my, how it has grown. 

Lauren Reeves reminded the club of the upcoming February 27 Fund Raiser, Poker Tournament and Casino Night to raise funds for the Newport-Balboa Rotary Foundation.  For more information or to RSVP, call Lauren at (949) 878-2121,  Yvonne Karn said the Club needs more items for the silent auction.

Peter Smith then took the podium to begin the annual Vocal Contest, one of the real treats for our Club each year.  Jeffrey Fichtner performed first.  At a very young age, Jeffrey is already an opera singer of some renown.  He was followed by Katie Powell, Allison Shepherd and Lexy Olson performing hit songs from Broadway musicals.  What professionalism!  We can only imagine the success these “kids” will have in the future.

Judges Rick Weiss, Bob Merring and your scribe then adjorned to pick winners—really, there were no losers.  They finally decided to send two contestants through to the District Finals: Jeffrey and Lexy.  Prez Marc presented Jeffrey and Lexy with $100 checks wishing them continued success.

While the judges were deliberating, Prez Marc noted that Rotary has adopted the Missing Child Program.  For more information, go to 411gina.org.  He further said that Club members should bring children’s books to the next two meetings for another District program.

There was even a bit of time for Happy Fines—Roger McGonegal, Brett Gerdes, Tom Walley, Ron Gill, Steve Bromberg, Jack Cannole, Prez Marc and Mary Jo Vecchiarelli.

The meeting was adjourned on the dot of eight.  Many lingered just to chat and savor the enjoyment of the evening.

Ed Rennie, El Scribé



PDG Roger McGonegal and Kent MooreTonight's scribe along with Bill McClellan was greeted by John Kerr at the front desk,  PDG Roger McGonegal, Raj Desai and Carmela Weinshenker prior to finding room at a table with Lyman Porter, Hunter Cook, Art Walton, Dick Holmgren and Bob Smith.

 

Pres. Marc started the meeting by welcoming everyone to the greatest Rotary Club in the World; thanking our Pianist Pat for the beautiful music along with Jerry Morris and Victor Currie who covered for him during the two weeks he was traveling in Japan.

 

Gary Konecne gave a very inspirational invocation followed by Sarah Greenberg Davis leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, John Kerr in the 4-way test and Bob Wood "Home on the Range" with some fun theatrics.

 

Guests of the club were prospective members A.J. Thielen (Steve Phair); Kent Moore (Roger McGonegal) and Farzi Javaheri (Bill Hossfeld) along with visiting Rotarian's Julie Shaw and Walter Smith.

 

Following a delicious buffet dinner Pres. Marc called on Joke-master Tom Walley who gave us 20 examples of the Zen of sarcasm's such as "Never taking a laxative and sleeping pill at the same time".

 

Julie Shawl of EdinburghFine-master Dan Hoffmann recognized Anna Wong for her upcoming trip to Egypt; Bob Merring for a difficult day; however, very appreciative for all that he enjoys; plus happy fines from Sarah Greenberg Davis (Husband's Birthday); Roger McGonegal having Kent Moore  "President of the Sister City Program with Okazaki Japan" join us this evening; Hunter Cook for "guest Rotarian" Julie Shawl from Edinborough, Scotland; and your scribe for his grandson Zach Brickell receiving a Football Scholarship to the University of Nevada Reno.

 

For announcement's Pres. Marc called upon Gary Konecne for the upcoming RYLA conference looking for volunteer TA's to help out April 23,24 and 25. Bill Hossfeld for next weeks Valentine fellowship who said spouses and guests included for only $25 to include a delicious dinner; Yvonne Karn who is encouraging all to seek out donations /gift certificates from local restaurants, stores, banks etc and ticket sales for our upcoming Casino Night scheduled for Saturday February 27th at the Tee Room located at the Newport Beach Golf Club adjacent to Irvine Ave., and Bristol in the back bay area.

 

Pres. Marc announced the Board of Directors voted to recognize a Lifetime Honorary Membership to Mr. Masao Kato former President of the Tupperware Company who along with the late Wendel Fish established the Sister City relationship between the two cities of Okazaki and Newport Beach in April 1984. 

 

John KerrPres. Marc then introduced our always better programs by asking newer member John Kerr for his craft talk. John moved from Texas at the age of two; raised in California and graduating from Corona del Mar High School and UC Irvine was proud to say both his daughter and son also attended Corona del Mar High School.

John major in Physics is now involved in High Speed Digital Imaging Systems with the PsiTech Corporation in Fountain Valley.

 

PsiTech has developed the Sirocco Digital Video System and other leading Edge products for the high-speed digital capture, storage and display of images. Recording of long duration events is a particular strength of the Sirocco system. The Sirocco operates at speeds of 250 to 4000 fps (frames per second) of high-resolution imagery. It can broadcast a real time signal using slower speed and varying resolution standards including High Definition.

Two Sirocco systems were used for the recent Return to Flight Discovery Space Shuttle Launch, each capturing approximately 400,000 images over 12 minutes. Other applications include Entertainment HD, Theatrical, Special Effects, Slow Motion Sports High Definition Broadcasting, ballistics testing and other Security and military needs.

Another great program with video for all to understand by one of our very own members...

Special thanks To Bob Wood for tonight's photography;

Your scribe for the evening, Dick Dickson



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