Our past president Chris Haddow returned from vacation to a standing ovation. Since he was unable to attend the installation banquet, president Bob presented him with his past president pin, plaque and other memorabilia. Great job last year, Chris!

Gil Stromsoe, our Rotary Foundation chair, presented Kathy Ellison with her Paul Harris +1 pin, recognizing her contributions of $2,000. Very nice Kathy.

President Bob recounted – for those who might not be aware – that the peacock fountain in Arcadia Park at the corner of Santa Anita & Huntington was built by the Arcadia Rotary Club in 1979. You should be proud to be a member of this club!

Aaron Morris correctly identified John F. Kennedy, Walt Disney and Neil Armstrong, but was fined $50 for failing to know what they have in common (they were all Rotarians). David Freeman was also fined $50, probably more than he made for serving on jury duty. Who was it who said, “I don’t want my fate in the hands of 12 people who weren’t smart enough to get out of jury duty!”

Your president was about to forgive Kathy Ellison from a fine for her recent vacation in Ireland, assuming she had spent most of her money. But when she described the lights in the floor of Adare Manor that led you to the loo in the middle of the night, her fate was sealed. $50 Kathy!

Thanks to Leilani Panyawai for setting up an interesting program on graphic design. Our presenter, Ann Suerto even brought macaroons for us to sample and enjoy.

Friday was our first First Friday Funday (try saying that three times, fast). 20-something Rotarians and spouses met up at the Mt. Lowe Brewery for fun and fellowship. No agenda, no program, no organization. Just friends meeting up with friends and enjoying themselves. Judging from the noise level, everyone had a good time. Jokes were told, tall tales were exchanged, lots of laughs, lots of fun.

There will be no First Friday Funday in September because of Labor Day. But it’ll be back in October. We’ll be gathering at the spacious and gracious home of Imy & Rick Dulake. Stay tuned for more info as the date gets closer.

We’re having a lot of fun at Rotary meetings. If you’re not showing up, you’re missing out.

Bob Harbicht