Normally, Finemaster Bob Harbicht has “a lot” of pent up hostility but today I guess it was just “a little” pent up hostility because quite a few members got off easy.

Francine Chiu was the first up for opening night of Moonlight Forest – Lantern Art Festival at the Los Angeles Arboretum. Apparently, she was invited by Richard Schulhof as a dignitary. Richard was then questioned extensively, and in jest, of course, about why members of Arcadia Rotary were not invited. Richard was fined $50 and, well, Francine was not fined. See above about “a little” hostility.

Kathy Ellison was also not invited to the Moonlight Forest and, even if she was, could not attend anyway because she was in Maui for her birthday. Keith Brown was also in Maui during the same time; but, they managed to stay on opposite sides on Maui’s beautiful waterfalls. Keith was apparently on the golf course side of Maui and Kathy was on the fine dining side. Keith was fined $80 and Kathy was fined $50.

John Wilson was not fined for showing a picture of George Fasching. But, George was fined $50 for a picture taken of him next to windmill blades. These blades will go up on the Denny’s windmill in about a month. The windmill will be powered by diners to burn off calories from all the delicious pancakes – this is not true, but the windmill will, once again, turn. Good news for all who enjoyed this landmark for decades on the corner of Santa Anita and Huntington Drive.

Jim Pontello was then fined $50 because of a recent trip he made to Italy to visit “first cousins.” Jim claims this was the first time he met these alleged “cousins.” Finemaster Harbicht was not buying it. The good news is, Jim was able to stay out of the emergency room on this trip.

Tony Parille was guilty by association. He was seated next to Jim and was fined for a trip as well. This one was from New York to Montreal by cruise ship. Tony claims it was “really” cold in Montreal. A good 45-50 degrees, so he was fined $50. Fitting. 50 degrees = $50. That seems fair.

Finally, saving the best for last, Gene Huang, our new member extraordinaire, was fined $25 for his great work in organizing a social event at Mt. Lowe Brewery. Gene is barely a few months into Rotary and already embracing the Rotary spirit full force. We look forward to great things from Gene. And, more fines to come. Again, $25 Finemaster Harbicht? Have you taken up yoga classes? Why so calm? We may never know.