WEEKLY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

MUSIC

Ed Moulton and Tom Burrows opened the meeting with the patriotic inspiration of “God Bless America”

OPENING            

Jeb Long lead us in the flag salute.

Gigi Schlueter lead us in the inspiration.  A notable line from her reading about pessimism vs. optimism is that of the story of a deceased at her funeral holding a fork.  Anticipating the question of why she was holding it, the late woman had written an answer for the minister to reply.  At potluck events it was often told that to keep your forks as dessert was yet to come.  Well the best (afterlife) is yet to come.

GUESTS

Anthony Portantino introduces us to his daughter, Sophie, who is on summer break from her studies at University of California, Santa Barbara.

Emelita Bituin introduced Sarah Eagle who is advocating for breast cancer awareness.  She is originally from England but spent some time in Australia, thus explaining her enjoyable accent.

Our Lt. Governor, Heinrich Kiefer, joined us today

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Don Corbett, past president, also was present.

We also welcomed back to our meetings some of our members who have been absent for a while: the aforementioned Anthony Portantino, Jeanne Broberg, Paul Bobzin, Joel Smith, and Doris Horwith.  Thank you Ed Moulton for leading us in “Welcome Back” to our returning members.

ANNIVERARIES/BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays: Hal Thomas (Absent), Megan Nordvedt (Absent), and Frosty Boyd (Present).  We sang Frosty a rendition of “Happy Birthday” with Ed at the lead and he donated $90 for each natal anniversary he has reached along with a $10 tip for a fine Century Club donation.

Anniversaries: Diane and John Landrum celebrate their 59^th and have joined the Century Club.

HAPPY & SAD BUCKS

Harriet Hammons has plenty of bucks over the World Cup.  She is viva for España.  Also happy over the efforts of the move for Wendy Smith on July 3^rd.

Don Corbett gave happy bucks over the fact that Doug Morgan is alive and well despite stories otherwise.  He also gave another happy buck over his wonderful trip to Iceland and enjoying the company of the former prime minister of Norway while there.  He is also happy over his granddaughter’s full scholarship to University of Arizona where she is majoring in Aeronautical Engineering.  He then mentions the fact that there are many past presidents present and acknowledges all present followed with the taking of a photograph of all.

Chris Motte gives a happy buck over the move on July 3^rd for Wendy and Jim Smith.  He also tells us that he had a call from Jim and tells us he is getting out of the hospital that afternoon.  Very happy buck indeed!

Carl Christensen gives a happy buck regarding physical therapy.

Lt. Governor Heinrich Kiefer gives happy bucks over our increase in membership.

Brian Fuller gives happy bucks over Paul the Psychic Octopus predicting the World Cup outcome.  And Spain does indeed vanquish Germany as Paul predicted.

Bill Watts is giving a sad buck as he did not shake the hand of the secret greeter: Margaret Watts, his wife.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Linda Magarian, membership chair, issues badges to our newest members: Natalie Stanzak and Jackie Waltz.  Bea Cirar and Kevork Aposhian are their sponsors, respectively.  Bea received a magnifier and Kevork a stapler.  Natalie is a regular bridge player and she was presented with a deck of cards.  Jackie enjoys water sports and thus received a nose clip.

Joel Smith informs all about Casino Night coming up and is soliciting for ticket purchases.

Brian Fuller is seeking volunteers for newsletter reporting.

Mary Gant is also directing members and others to contact Brian Fuller to advertise in Wine and Gourmet Food catalog. 

Interclub chair, Bill Watts, tells us about an interclub taking place Thursday evening at Columbo’s with the Eagle Rock club.  Guest speaker will talk about the Will Rogers Museum.

Linda Magarian is looking for big ticket items for the silent auction for Wine and Gourmet Food event.

President Nick Berkuta using his executive prerogative issues a Kudos to Chris Motte for organizing last Saturday’s move for ailing but recovering Jim Smith and his wife Wendy to their new home.

Howard Backer reminded everyone to contribute to the Doctor Program bucket on the table.

Frosty Boyd gave the SLA report:  Dick Degrey is doing well and would like to come to the meeting if he can get a ride.  Hal Thomas is also doing well in the retirement home.  Norm Johnson is doing well and would appreciate a call.  Jim Smith is leaving the hospital this afternoon.

THE PROGRAM

Craft talks from our newest members: Hope Cruz and Margaret Watts.

Hope gave us a craft talk about her dental practice and the impact that poor oral hygiene has on your cardiovascular system.  She originally worked for Don Corbett but had bought out his practice a few years ago.  A poorly kept mouth where plaque hardens into tartar or calculus leads to periodontis can lead to inflammation elsewhere in the body.  In fact it can lead to inflammation of walls of the arteries leading to another kind of problem but with the same name: plaque.  In short, healthy mouth goes hand in hand with a healthy heart.

Margaret is originally from Tacoma, WA where she was the youngest of sisters.  Her father had died when she was 7 and her mother when she was 15.  Her older sisters had taken on rearing her in turns as they themselves had new born children to rear.  California beckoned as its warm weather was a welcomed reprieve from the wet days of PNW.  She found herself in Madera where she crossed paths with grammar school chums.  Looking for a college to attend she came upon San Jose State.  While there she met the friend of a man who she was dating at the time, her future husband Bill Watts.  They marry and have two daughters.  While here in La Canada she has been involved with the Assistance League of Flintridge and involved with the community center as well as wine and cheese tasting.  28 years ago it was suggested to her that she should pursue a real estate license and has been a licensed one going through four different shingles, Dickson Podley the latest.

OTHER STUFF             

Winner of the 50/50 Drawing: Jack Dawson

Secret Greeter: Margaret Watts

Master of the Cash Box: Emelita Bituin

This Week's Reporter: Brian Fuller

This Week's Photographer: Melinda Thompson

Webmaster:  Jeb Long

Newsletter Coordinator:  Brian Fuller