What is the Object of Rotary? We are aware of the Four-Way Test; our Rotary road map. There is also a well-crafted statement as to the Object of Rotary. With my highlights, it is as follows:

"The OBJECT of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

- First; the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

Congresswoman Judy Chu has really grown into her role as our U.S. House of Representatives Congresswoman representing the 27th Congressional District, which includes Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley of southern California. She was quick to note in her opening remarks that "I'm also a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow!" and it sounded like she meant it.

An absolutely random comment: This morning, I spent a bit of time making sure the house was in neat order before the arrival of our wonderful housekeeper. I didn't want her to think that Laura and I kept a disheveled home. I believe my focus is clearly askew.

Cory Brendel is on mission to save Hoagy Carmichael from obscurity, at least in the Pasadena Rotary Club, where according to Cory some of the younger members think he's a sandwich! Toward that end, he and his trusty ukulele led us all in a jazzy rendition of "Two Sleepy People" (lyrics by Frank Loesser), an adorable love song from the 1938 movie "Thanks for the Memory" starring Bob Hope.

I don't want to intrude on Mary Lou Byrne's summary of our last meeting, but let me state that I thought the meeting was wonderful. I felt exhilarated at the end. Speaking to a guest of Cathy Simms (and potential member), she seemed especially impressed with our long line of announcers, describing our many activities, most of which benefit our Pasadena community. A visiting Rotarian from LA 5 - Jeff Goodman - asked me if he could somehow recommend a non-profit for a grant. (I think Jeff may want to switch clubs).

This week Ross Jutsum, a solo act for once in the absence of our scheduled song leader, led us in singing "America the Beautiful" and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  Joyce Shearin's invocation was a great poem reminding us to be thankful for all we receive and to share it with others. Penny Sparks did a masterful job of introducing our guests.

MEMBERS OF ROTARY:  Help Pasadena Rotary Help Others. Come and enjoy wine, jazz and art.  

This is the general theme for our upcoming fundraising event, which will hopefully become an annual event. The date is May 21 and the place is the Pasadena Museum of California Art. The weather should be spectacular for this evening out, under the stars.

Undeterred by the absence of accompanist Ross Jutsum, Darren Norton opened the meeting by leading us in a stirring a cappella rendition of "God Bless America." Mel ("I wanted to give a funny invocation but my German Catholic wife said 'no!'") Cohen delivered a beautiful invocation. Angela Hawkett did a truly exceptional job of introducing our guests.

MEMBERS OF ROTARY:   As many may recall, at our lunch meeting on January 14, I stated that I regarded our Rotary Club as one very large family. I stated that as with all families, good news and sad news are frequently shared. I then made mention of the passing of Margaret Sedenquist's husband Charlie, and John Burrows' son, Scott. I must say, both Margaret and John displayed tremendous strength when I spoke to each at our lunch two days ago.

We were all cheerleaders this week as Eric Olson, who had searched in vain for a song about libraries, led us in an original library-boosting cheer! ("I say 'library;' you say 'card!'" "Library!" "Card!") We followed up with "My Country 'Tis of Thee," with the redoubtable Ross Jutsum on piano.