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