Greeting one and all.

A full house! Overflow! We had to bring in an extra table. And we are happy to do so. The animated conversations and laughter during the dining portion of the meeting were so infectious that I hated to gavel the meeting to order.

As always, Mike Danielson led us in song, a stirring tribute to the tragedy of 9/11/01. Great job, Mike.

Bob Hoffman led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, Dick Martinez did double-duty by leading the prayer and introducing guests.

Ken Chan was congratulated on his upcoming birthday, September 16. He pointed out that his birthday was also Mexican Independence Day and he was going to celebrate by going to an Italian restaurant! Chan, Mexican Independence, Italian food; you figure it out, I can’t. And then he said the next night he was going out for sushi, which is Japanese. Can you see why leading this group is like herding cats?

Gil Stromsoe presented President-elect Rosie Mares with her Paul Harris pin with three rubies, signifying $9,000 in contributions to the Rotary Foundation by Rosie. Great job, Rosie!

Every member should know of the good works the Rotary Foundation does. I heard a terrific presentation at my first Presidents’ Effectiveness Training Seminar 20 years ago and have been a confirmed giver ever since. Charity Navigator gives our foundation a 100% rating and four stars (out of four possible). It’s not too hard to have a contribution added to your quarterly billing. Gil Stromsoe can take care of that for you.

School has started and that means it’s time to honor Students of the Month from Arcadia High School and a teacher of the year. Mike Danielson very capably handles these presentations. 

This month’s honorees were Philip Tan for academics, Mikal Reed for athletics and Zoe Seow for performing arts.
Our Teacher of the Year recipient was Cecile Bons-Jogminas from Holly Avenue School. Congratulations, Cecile.

For our next First Friday Funday we are returning to Mt. Lowe Brewery on October 6, 4:00ish to 6:00ish. Buy your own beer or soft drink. For those who want to, we’re going to have an informal cornhole tournament. In fact, everything is informal about these outings. They’re just to have fun with your Rotary friends. Since this is almost two weeks off, and some of you seem to have the memory of a fruit fly, mark your calendars now so you don’t miss a good time. At our next meeting our program is Lachlan Ma, Tik Tok – “Being in the Right Place at the Right Time Impostor Syndrome.” Be there or be square.

Bob Harbicht
President