December 21^st: Holiday Christmas Party and dinner at Poplar Creek.  (This is in place of the lunch meeting.)

 

December 28^th: No Meeting. Happy Holidays!

 

January 6: Rotary fellowship night at The Swingin’ Door in San Mateo on East 25^th Ave, 7:30 PM.  RSVP to Annel@smccvb.com and pay $30 per ticket at the check-in desk at Poplar Creek or online.  It is sure to be a night to remember with a pub-style dinner and dueling piano music.  (The poor singing alone should be enough to make you want to attend.)  Questions?  Please ask Lynn Mayta or Anne LeClair.

 

President Ludi-Chris called the meeting to order and the Pledge was led by Tony Villanueva.  June Lamb gave the Thought of the Day and Juan Raigoza delivered the newscast—straight, no jokes.

 

 

Bob Whitehill gave the Sunshine report, noting that Kristen Jensen’s 27 year old daughter is currently battling breast cancer.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Kristin.

Bob also noted the passing of Glenn Smith, former Community College Chancellor and SM Rotary president.  Walt McCullough added that Glenn Smith was a great guy and all raised a glass to him.

 

Please remember to give Bob or his committee members any news of a fellow Rotarian who might be ill or housebound.  He’s asked that we put this in Spinnings as a reminder.    Bob gave Don Shoecraft credit for ensuring that each Spinnings issue will have a link to the membership directory at the top of the page, allowing us to email any Rotarian who is ill/has an ill family member, etc. (Like this: https://www.crsadmin.com/Gen/Club/ClubDirectory.aspx?aid=3085)

 

 Tom Stucker would have introduced visiting Rotarians, but he said we had none—in his words “a reflection on the popularity of our president”.    

 

Liz Mayta received her permanent badge from sponsor Steve Parker and said she loves being a part of the club.  While she had the mike, she reminded all of the Jan. 6 fun night to be held at The Swingin’ Door .  Lots of fun music and terrible singing.

 

Laura Porter had her adorable son Andrew with her as her guest.  Laura noted that she has moved over to the Giants Community Fund side of the operation.  She said donations are badly needed and welcome. (Anyone donating $250 by December 8 will receive all Giants game giveaways from the season.) 

 

Margaret Taylor said some Rotarians haven’t yet donated to the Christmas toy/gift fund.  (Samaritan House and PAL will be buying and distributing toys and gifts with the money donated. Cash or checks only, please, to maximize the number of items that may be purchased.) You  may donate online on our website or just see Bob Campbell at the check in table.

 

Rosemary Azem reminded all to sign up now for the Christmas/Holiday party to be held at Poplar Creek the night of December 21.  Each attendee is asked to bring a wrapped white elephant gift—a “treasure” you’ve been trying to unload—er-regive.  She said there will also be a prize for the ugliest Christmas sweater.  Should be a great event full of surprises. 

 

Prez Ludi-Chris tried auctioning off Chuck Cattano’s generously donated tickets for the 49er game on Dec. 24.  If it weren’t for the date, there would have been a lot of takers!

 

 

Nominating Committee Chair Bill Kenney announced the following:

New Board members for a two year term 2018/19:

Secretary: Anne Campbell

President: Bruce Bean

AND

 

 

In a fine effort to jump start the meeting, President Chris hit Nanci Nishimura with “recognition” for her recent trip to DC and the photo she posted sitting on the Einstein sculpture’s lap.  Nancy wanted to remind all on Pearl Harbor Day that her whole clan was interned in camps for Japanese Americans.  She lamented that many students do not know this part of WWII history.  Nanci not only joined the President’s Club, but made a donation to the Junior Giants.    

John Lau, who has moved to San Ramon but misses us, was hit by Chris for $150 because Chris claimed John’s mortgage payment has gone down dramatically and he must be saving a lot of money.  “Apparently you don’t know my wife” was John’s response, before coughing up the $150. (Let’s hope John’s wife doesn’t read Spinnings.)

  

Bruce Paris was dinged for having sent out an email promoting news at CBRE.  In response to Prez Chris-Anthemum’s remark that he could find no pix of Bruce online, Bruce responded that he has no friends. He opted to pay the $150.

 

John Root was hit for having sent a pic of the Keller Williams office in New Mexico to El Presidente.  John paid big time. 

 

Dick DeLuna proudly paid $150 after having been recognized for a photo of his son Mark, who has served as an active duty Marine for 27 years.  Since Mark went to Serra, Dick split a $50 fine with Mike Peterson.

 

 

Prez Elect Bruce Bean introduced our speaker, Wells Wadleigh, retired history teacher at Crystal Springs Upland school.  Wells’ presentation on WWII was through the lens of music at the time, which fell into one of four categories: Making Allies, Mocking our Enemies, Mobilizing Resources and Maintaining Morale.   Among the points he made:

 

A.L.