Another fun meeting of the Arcadia Rotary Club last Friday. Recognized Frank Griffith’s birthday with “Happy Birtday” being crooned by the entire club, something we do when the member’s birthday falls on the meeting date.

John Sun, Bob Hoffman and Mike Real were recognized by the president for hosting the Rotary table at the recent Moon Festival. Thanks guys!

Our president invited Rotarians to fill out a table of ten for the Boys & Girls Club “Festival of Trees” fundraiser. Tickets are $275 a person for a really fun event, to be held December 2 at Annandale Country Club. Anyone interested in being part of the Rotary table, contact President Bob (pbharbicht@gmail.com). Tickets go on sale October 23, so don’t delay; it’s always a sellout.

Kathy Ellison introduced our program, a presentation by Family Promise, a group helping with homeless families in the San Gabriel Valley. Interesting presentation.

Your president was prepared to demonstrate his well-known kindness and compassion by not fining Brian Hall for his recent vacation because he had merely vacationed in Arcadia. Once Brian clarified that it was Acadia (right-coast, Cadillac Mountain, lobsters), the gloves were off. Turned out Brian and Betty had a great time and it only cost him an extra $50 to tell his Rotary friends all about it.

A mailer from USC Arcadia Hospital had arrived at your president’s house, with a short note from Jay Harville, fundraiser extraordinaire and Arcadia Rotary member. One of the pictures showed Kathy Ellison enjoying the festivities at a recent fundraiser and Kathy was invited to talk about it with your president. Believe it or not, she walked all the way to the front of the room to confirm it was actually her picture in the mailer. Would your president ever misrepresent something just to levy a fine? Well, maybe. It was her; she was fined; $50 Kathy. And for his shameless use of Kathy’s likeness and influence in the community to raise funds, Jay paid an additional $50.

Very pleased to welcome back Jim Helms from three months on the disabled list. While on the mend, Jim continued to contribute his interesting tidbits to our weekly newsletter. The mind stayed sharp and the body has now recovered. When Jim mentioned that he had celebrated his 98th birthday recently, your president rounded up to an even $100 fine. Great to see you, Jim.

Late afternoon found many of our members enjoying “First Friday Funday” at Mt. Lowe Brewery. In addition to members, very pleased that half a dozen spouses showed up to join in the fun. Also Mike Real’s dog! There was lots of laughter, stories were told (some of them true), and a good time was had by all. Friendships are the cornerstone of Rotary. If you didn’t make it, you missed a good time. November’s “First Friday Funday” will be held at the spacious and gracious home of Imy & Rick Dulake. Mark your calendars now. When is it? F.I.R.S.T F.R.I.D.A.Y.

Next week’s program is Eugene Moy, talking about the building of the trans-continental railroad, a heroic and interesting project. I’ve heard Eugene speak on another topic and he is a very interesting speaker. Don’t miss it. For you triskaidekaphobia suffers, I know it’s Friday the 13th; venture out of the house anyway.

President Bob Harbicht