This year the 87th Annual Installation of Officers & Directors took place at Arcadia’s Santa Anita Race Track – more specifically in the Chandelier Room.

Once everyone had their photos taken by Frank Perini and found their way to their tables, Master of Ceremonies Bruce McCallum called the meeting to order. The Boy Scouts brought forward the colors and led us in the pledge of allegiance. Tom Crosby then led the singing of “God Bless America.”

This was followed by introductions. Bruce McCallum begin by introducing this past year’s District Governor Sylvia Whitlock, and her successor for 2013-2014, Miles Petroff.

Next Bruce introduced Arcadia Rotary’s past Presidents, starting with the most recent: Eric Barter (our retiring 2012-2013 President), followed by Brad Miller (2011-2012), Matt Weaver (2010-2011), Imy Dulake (2009-2010), Bruce McCallum, himself (2008-2009), Richard Hutton (2007-2008), Frank J. Griffith (2006-2007), Dick Martinez (2005-2006), John D. Murphy (2004-2005), Robert Harbicht (2003-2004), Robert E. Novell (2002-2003), Jeffrey B. Swensson (2001-2002), Robert H. Daggett, deceased (2000-2001), James W. Rider (1999-2000), R. Edward Beranek (1998-1999), Raymond O. Bushnell (1997-1998), Michael Real (1996-1997), Laura J. Freedman (1995-1996), Robert G. Margett (1994-1995), Paul W. Lambert (1993-1994), Gilbert E. Stromsoe (1992-1993), Patrick L. Barnes (1991-1992), Ernest E. Jensen, PDG (1900-1991), Ronald H. Hutson, deceased (1989-1990), John M. Tyler, Jr. (1988-1989), Larry E. Arnett (1987-1988), James J. Hanrahan (1986-1987), R. Douglas Welch (1985-1986), John R. Fee, PDG (1984-1985). At this point, the introductions stopped, although the list goes back all the way to Hudson Proctor, deceased (1927-1928). Thus, we were led to believe that even the deceased former Presidents were with us in spirit.

Awards were then presented. The Ernest E. Jensen Service to Youth Award was presented by last year’s winner Tom Landers to Frank Griffith. The John R. Fee New Member Award was presented by last year’s winner Aaron Rose to Daniel Yohannes (who was not present due to a conflicting event, his son’s graduation). The Alton E. Scott Community Service Award was presented by last year’s winner Bruce McCallum to Donald Milefchik. Finally, the H. T. Michler Rotarian Award was presented by last year’s winner Yvonne Flint to James W. Rider.

Eric Barter, our 2012-2013 President, briefly reviewed the achievements of this past year. Among these were the delivery of 29 wheelchairs to disabled persons in Tijuana, and the raising of $3,000 for cancer research in the Relay for Life which took place earlier the day he spoke. Thus, he observed, “we can make a difference.” In addition, meetings have become even more enjoyable given our fine pianist and given the humorous screen excerpts at the beginning of the meeting. Awards were also given to Sandra Caldero as Club Administrator and to Partners in Rotary, respectively, for the excellence of their work. As noted by our late past President Bob Daggett: “Rotary works when Rotary works.”

At this point, Bob Harbicht introduced the incoming 2013-2014 Board of Directors, using his characteristic humor in his introductions of each. Our new Sergeant of Arms will be Bob Harbicht, himself. Next, the Director of Public Image will be Jack McRae. The Director of Membership Development will be Aaron Rose. The Director of New Generations will be Andy Bundesman, The Director of Community Service will be Richard Schulhof. The Director of International Service will be Mark Khalaf. The Director of Vocational Service will be Tom Miles. The Director of Environmental Service will be Gary Hackney The Director of Club Service will be Rob Granger. Our Treasurer will continue to be Roger Grant. Our Secretary will continue to be Jack Lamb. Our Past President will be Eric Barter. Our Vice President will be Mike Hoey. Our President Elect will be Mike Ojeda. And, last but not least, our President will be Mimi Hennessy . . .

When Mimi Hennessy’s name was announced, there was no immediate appearance. Bob Harbicht inquired of the audience whether anyone had informed her of this evening’s event (i.e., her installation as President.) Then Mimi was sighted at the top of the stairway above the podium. She came down stairs slowly, clad in a long majestic dress, wearing a white wig, topped with a royal crown. (For the content of Mimi’s address, please see the article by Phyllis Corliss.)