IT HAPPENED THIS WEEK

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 By Dannie Cavanaugh As our resident Wise Guy, Paul Knoll, said in his closing remarks, we are in the Dog Days of Summer, those hot summer days when the bright star Sirius, the Dog Star, is closest to the Sun. With our June gloom extending well into August it hasn't seemed too dog-like to me but I do like the references. The meeting opened in typical fashion – Prayer, Pledge, and Patriotic Song – handled with skill and grace by Janet Chabola who read a Mohawk prayer, Kathy Haworth who recited the Pledge, and Michele Walman who led the Patriotic Song. Guests for the day were First Man John Black, Jenna Jota-Gonzalez from Bank of the West, Joey Chabola, 6year old grandson of Janet's, and Steve Katz, who is Linda's manager at Coldwell Banker. All the guests were welcomed in song by the Club as led by Keith Jones. Health updates included news that Sandy Carey is feeling much better and is back at work. Buffy Cavaness is a bit under the weather – more news to follow. Please keep Joyce Matsuyama in your prayers as she deals with her health issues. There were a handful of announcements starting with the District Announcements by Ann Murakami. The District Picnic will occur on Sunday, September 12th - please call Ann or refer to the District website for more details. Although it is a bit early (Dog Days remember) but plans are already being made for the Holiday Party which will be spent on a gondola in Naples on December 17th so mark your calendars now. The Fishing Trip is set for September 9th – 12th – get your reservation and deposit to Bill Gardner or Rob Barber. We are having an Ice Cream Social this Sunday at 12:30 PM at Rotary Plaza. Linda needs volunteers to help out on this project. Fine time arrived and there was still some discussion about Linda's magic hat, which apparently has the ability to erase the written word. Linda places slips of paper in the hat with various dollar amounts written on them so that the poor souls who are recognized for some good deed that they have performed are forced to pick their own fine. Last week all of the little slips were blank so either Harry Houdini has come back from the grave or Linda's bump on the head affected her more than we thought. This week all the slips were properly marked and so the fines were dealt out. Kathy Haworth was charged $40 for her belated Past President's plaque. Don Trepany was recognized for $50 for not giving Kathy her plaque during his term in office. Rob Barber was accused of messing with the hat and was slapped on the wrist to the tune of $50. Our program was presented by Mike Hull, former USC and NFL football player and current general counsel to Coldwell Banker Realty. Mike talked about his early years as a football player, the people that inspired him during his life, and his thoughts on achieving one's goals. It was an enthusiastic and enjoyable presentation from someone who seems to be enjoying his life to the fullest. Have a great week Rotarians