IT HAPPENED THIS WEEK, March 9, 2011

By Dannie Cavanaugh

You have to admire that President Linda didn't go for the easy laugh this week by throwing out such newly minted terms like "trolls, goddesses, and tiger blood." She kept to the script instead and the script is always predictable. Joe Davidson effortlessly delivered the Invocation, Ann Murakami followed with the Pledge, and Andrew Sisolak ended the trio of opening duties with the Patriotic Song.

There were no visiting Rotarians but we did have a couple of guests - Linda Forman and soon-to-be-Rotarian Brook Hefner. John Cluff led the Welcome Song and then we were on to health updates with Harold Hanslmair. Harold reported that the mother of Buffy Francuz had recently passed away - our condolences Buffy and Joe. Joel Forman reported that his daughter-in-law is in the hospital and it was also reported that Ed Little is on the mend after back surgery. At the meeting last week, Bob Thompson announced that his mother, Hazel Thompson, had passed away. Bob's parents, Hazel and Hal Thompson were the first Paul Harris Fellows in our Club.

Ann Murakami went over the main events on the District calendar including the Dodger game on April 30^{th, the District Conference on May 12th through the 15th, and the RI Conference in New Orleans on May 21st - May 25th. Tim Messmer gave the final instructions for everyone before Saturday's track meet and then it was time for an abbreviated Fine Time. Doc Trepany got hit with a $70 fine for being missing in action lately and that was it for the fines.}

Joe Davidson announced that applications for this summer's student exchange trip to Australia are now being accepted. The trip is tentatively planned for the month of July and we will be looking to send two students. Please contact Craig Ferre for more information.

Before getting to the program there was one final reminder and that was an invitation to all members to meet at Rotary Plaza on Monday afternoon at 4:00 PM to help plant Goodbye Polio Roses. Bring you own gardening tools please.

Our speakers for the day were Ray Kotroczo and Samuel Rad who are with the firm Legacy Financial of California. Ray and Samuel gave a presentation on the ups and downs of the financial markets and the benefits of investing in indexed annuities.

Remember.we meet next week at El Marino School.

Have a great week Rotarians.