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.

In keeping with this week's wild-blue-yonder speaker, Mark Smutny and Ross Jutsum kicked things off by leading us in singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," which led not a few Rotarians to reminisce about what a hotly-anticipated event it was every year when "The Wizard of Oz" was shown on broadcast television. (Remember broadcast television?) We followed that up with a rousing chorus of "America the Beautiful."

MEMBERS OF ROTARY:  We had 140 attendees at our first lunch meeting in 2015. It was nearly standing room only. I was touched that so many people came to see me. (Okay, maybe a few came to hear our speaker, Tournament of Roses President Rich Chinen.) A terrific way to begin the new year.

We started off the year with a truly epic musical experience! Phil Miles on the guitar and Ross Jutsum on the piano, accompanied by the Pasadena Rotary Chorus (also known as Music Committee members Marilyn Buchanan, Joe Henry, Eric Olson, Gary Kearney, Phyllis Currie, and yours truly, with a special guest appearance by Julia Shih) led the crowd in rocking the heck out of "California Dreamin'," followed by the best-ever rendition of our National Anthem.

MEMBERS OF ROTARY:
My fellow Pasadena Rotarians; I wish everyone a very Happy New Year. May the coming year bring success and joy to all.

My New Year's resolutions: piano lessons; really learn to speak Spanish; work even harder on becoming a better attorney; cycle, cycle and cycle; and reduce the number of times I have to apologize to Laura for saying the wrong thing. A further resolution: to embrace the next six months as Rotary President with enthusiasm, commitment and laughter.   

Such a fun meeting to kick off the holiday season! Rotarians were serenaded all throughout lunch by the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle Christmas Brass Ensemble, featuring our own Darren Norton on the baritone and his friends and fellow musicians on the cornet, alto horn, and tuba. Nothing like some awesome instrumental music to calm the soul and aid the digestion!

This will be my last column before the end of the year. Don't forget: after next week's holiday lunch meeting, we will be dark until January 7, 2015.

After a week off, due to the fabulous holiday party last week, we kicked off this week's meeting by singing our hearts out as the redoubtable Gary Kearney, accompanied by the formidable Ross Jutsum, led us in "The Impossible Dream" followed by "My Country 'Tis of Thee." Eric Dysart gave a stirring invocation on the themes of thankfulness and service, and Dan

Our holiday party at Jacob Maarse was a rousing success. My thanks to Hank Maarse for not only providing us with the unique venue, but for also working hard before the party to insure that all was in order. I would also like to applaud Jane Waas and her fellow social committee members for making the event happen.