As members came into the meeting Friday, they were enthusiastically greeted by John Sun and Miguel Cea. Great job, guys!

Continuing Frank Griffith’s support of Rotary, Gil Stromsoe presented his son with a Paul Harris Fellowship. 

I told the group about Ross Field, a school for training World War I soldiers to operate observation balloons. It was located where the Arcadia golf course is now. In 1934 the Arcadia Rotary Club appointed a committee to lobby congress to turn over Ross Field to make a public park. A year later the War Department turned the area over to Los Angeles County and it is now Arcadia County Park, corner of Santa Anita & Huntington. We can be very proud to be members of this club!

Brian Hall was asked about his recent trip up the west coast. It was learned that he rode his motorcycle and thus saved significantly on gasoline costs. He was gently persuaded to turn $50 of his savings over to Rotary.

John Sun has a picture of a beautiful girl on the side of his Budget Blinds truck. Our president allowed as how when he had shutters installed in his home, he was expecting the girl. Instead he got John! A classic case of false advertising (or, as Bob Hoffman more accurately characterized it, “bait and switch.”) Another $50 for Rotary’s coffers.

Al D’Antonio couldn’t name the country our Rotary International president is from (Scotland). He was given the chance to redeem himself by naming him. Despite his name being on the banner hanging from the lectern, Al once again failed the test. His claim of poor eyesight didn’t save him from a $50 fine, $25 for each incorrect answer.

This coming Friday our program is a very timely one: Artificial Intelligence. This would be a great meeting to bring a guest to. Even if you don’t bring a guest, be sure and show up yourself.

Finally, is it a little spooky that the last day of this year is 123123?

12-31-23

See ya Friday,

Bob