You know it's going to be a good meeting when at 12:16 p.m. amidst much activity, Pres. Tim announces that we are in fact the "friendliest club in the world" before instructing the members to turn off their cell phones or face potential fines.

After the invocation and Pledge, a very nice eulogy was given for former Club President and Rotary District Governor, Bill Smith, who passed away in July of this year. The fond remembrance of Bill's life was a great tribute to him.

Top Gun Tim introduced the head table as we awaited the arrival of Senator Darrell Steinberg. The Rotary Minute was delivered by Susan Sheridan who emphasized how the connections made with other Rotarians are our most valuable asset. At 12:35 p.m. the Recognition and Wealth Redistribution part of the meeting began. Matt Lingo contributed to the Rotary coffers to welcome his first son, James Ryan Lingo; Glen Sorenson was honored by receiving his 13th...yes 13th Eddie Mulligan; Larry Gilzean received his 2nd Eddie Mulligan given by the Sacramento Regional Community Foundation in honor of his service; Jim Phillips donated money as a first time grandpa of Braden Phillips; and Paul Bystrowski, who donated funds due to his son's recent marriage and graduation with his MBA degree, kicked off family giving from Paul Stone and Jim Lucas. Elmer Haskin pitched in and asked for support for the Best of Sacramento and then paid for it. Finally, Mike Ricci gave a poignant but lengthy tribute to Bill Smith, which cost him a generous donation.

By this time the guest speaker had arrived and was preceded by the Club's shortest introduction, given by the Honorable Kim Mueller. Senator Darrell Steinberg, Senate President Pro Tem Elect, will take his position next week and gave the Club a preview of his upcoming goals. First the Senator told us how he was connected to Kim Mueller and thanked her for not running for re-election in 1992, which cleared the way for his meteoric rise in politics. Thereafter, Senator Steinberg informed us he believes we can resolve the $28 billion budget deficit that the State of California is facing, but didn't say exactly how. Senator Steinberg spoke to the issues facing California schools, and education of the young. He also noted that he intends to "shake up Sacramento" and will not put up with late budgets. According to Senator Steinberg, people do not expect perfection, but only "progress and product."

At 1:04 p.m., visiting Rotarians, prospective members and guests were introduced by Temporary Sergeant-At-Arms Becki Roberts.

Peter Dannenfelser, featured Rotarian, spoke with heartfelt enthusiasm about his current focus as a Board Member of the Healthy Marriage Project.

With 9 minutes remaining, David Ballard gave a quick recap of the Rotary Club's three year vision. Cognizant of delaying the launch, David provided a brief yet informative presentation. At 1:27 p.m. Pres. Tim adjourned the meeting two minutes early and everyone broke for the door. The only one notable flaw in today's meeting was the lack of pumpkin pie for dessert.

Happy Thanksgiving Rotary, David L. Cohen