Once again Arcadia Rotarians gathered with their friends for our weekly meeting. Greeting us at the door was Kathy Ellison. After a delicious lunch, Mike Danielson led us in “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” in honor of our upcoming program on the Trans Continental Railroad. Mike was followed by Chris Haddow leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, Dave Freeman offering a prayer, and Tony Parrille introducing guests.

Eugene Moy presented a very interesting program, highlighting the Chinese contribution to the building of that amazing railroad.

The club was happy to welcome Richard Schulhof back from some extensive travels (retirement is treating him well). Your president took note that Richard had been named one of the three float judges for the upcoming Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, a high honor indeed! Your president, always fair, fined Richard just $50 for this honor, although the fine is slated to go to $100 if the Rotary float does not win at least one award (we Rotarians gotta stick together).

The large crowd attending our meeting certainly did not suffer from triskaidekaphobia, as the meeting fell on Friday the 13th. Your president started with Albert D’Antonio, asking him what day it was. After some consideration as he tried to figure out if it was a trick question, Albert stated that it was Friday. When asked for more information, he allowed that it was “a Friday in October.” Pressed further, Albert consulted his watch and announced that it was the 13th. Whew!

Having finally established the theme of the upcoming questions, your president asked Albert how often we had a year without a Friday the 13th, to which Albert asked, “Do you expect me to know that?” The president replied, “No, I don’t expect you to know that, because I plan to fine you for not knowing.” Finally Albert guessed that every year had a Friday the 13th, which – wonder of wonders – happens to be the right answer. The $50 that was going to be assessed was forgiven, but he was fined $25 for having to consult his watch to determine the date. Further shenanigans – too complicated to go into here – managed to move Albert’s fine back up to $50.

Dave Totten was next on the hot seat, being asked what was the maximum number of Fridays the 13th that could occur in a year. His answer has been forgotten by your scribe. Suffice it to say that it was incorrect! $50, David. For those of you bitten by the curiosity bug, it is possible to have up to three Fridays the 13th in a year. Most recently, 2015 had one in February, March and November.

Finally, the question was asked of the group as a whole, “What is the longest time you can go without a Friday the 13th?” The first incorrect guesser took it upon himself to answer in days, a much more specific number than your president was looking for. Following that lead, others expressed their guesses in days also (incorrectly), leading to a series of $25 fines. Finally recognizing that we needed to consult with someone of obvious intellect, your president called on Yvonne Flint to give us the answer. Oops, $25 Yvonne. BTW, the longest interval possible between Fridays the 13th is 14 months.

We are getting a Rotary table together for the Boys & Girls Club Festival of Trees on Saturday, December 2 at Annandale Country Club. Cost is $275 a person for a really fun event. Already committed to the table, with their spouses, are Mike Real, Michael Cea, Chris Haddow and your president. Only two seats left. If you’re interested in rounding out our table, contact Bob Harbicht ASAP. 

The City of Arcadia is putting on a “Salute to Veterans” on Thursday, November 9 at the Community Center at 11:30 a.m. Lunch for veterans is free. Jim Pontello is coordinating a group of Rotary veterans. Call Jim (818-400-6159) for information or to sign up.

Bring your spouses to next week’s meeting. The speaker is former member Hsiao Chin Chen who will be presenting beautiful jewelry and speaking on “Diamonds are a Lady’s Best Friend.”

Sure like to see some of the members we haven’t seen for a while at a meeting . . .

Bob Harbicht

President