By: Hermann Welm

In President John “Copy Cat” Milich’s absence, PP Chris Gallagher opened this special Valentines Day meeting by reminding us that the R.I. President is Barry Rassin, of the Bahamas, and his theme for the year is “Be the Inspiration!” Our Greeter, Brent Tucker, started us in the Salute to the Flag. His Thoughts for the Day were:

“Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it.” (Nicholas Sparks)
“I like not only to be loved, but also to be told I am loved.” (George Eliot)
“Love is a partnership of two unique people who bring out the very best in each other, and who know that even though they are wonderful as individuals, they are even better together.” (Oscar Wilde)
“Life is a flower of which love is the honey.” (Victor Hugo)nally, And And Finally: Speaking directly to his wife Terri: “Every moment I spent with you is like a beautiful dream come true.” An audible Aaahh emanated from those present!

This Scribe then led us in a rendition of the Patriotic Song, “God Bless America!”

Visiting Rotarians: None

Other Visitors: The above-mentioned Terri Tucker; Renee Gallagher (once again present to keep an eye on Chris); Peggy Crawford; Julie Disch; “Lady” Ann Paterson; Sharon Harvey; Cindy Toby; Gina Channell (accompanying Steve Wilcox); Judy Thomas (with Tom Port); Barbara Komas (with Gary Sloan); Valarie Nevarez; Ruth Harlan. As well as Suzanne Eikel-Pawlaski, Julie McKinney and Melanie Emig.

Announcements:

Dr. Bill “The Bard” Harlan reminded us that he will be at the UCLA Law School on April 4^th, for a talk on Racial and Social Tensions in Shakespeare’s “Othello!” Then, on April 6^th, he’ll be speaking on Henry IV, Part One. (Instead of suggesting we all head down there to hear him wax poetic, he should get himself scheduled as a speaker for a Regular Meeting! Duuuuh!)

Chris G. noted that we could use a couple of more Rotarian volunteers for the next Stop Hunger Now event this Saturday, February 16^th. Thirty Cal High Interactors have volunteered!

The District Conference this Spring will be held May 17 to 19, in Reno.

PP Tom Port noted that his son, Ian’s, book “The Birth of Loud: Leo Fender, Les Paul, and the Guitar-Pioneering Rivalry That Shaped Rock 'n' Roll” is in its 4^th printing!

Good News/Fine Free: None.

Recognitions: Patti Hennigan was recognized for her recent birthday. She will be taking a two-week trip to Ireland starting later this week.

Valentines Day Special Program:

PP Chris G noted some interesting factoids about Valentines Day; to wit:

Hallmark produced its first Valentine card in 1913.
In 2019 the average person is expected to spend $221 celebrating this day.
More than one-third of the men prefer NOT to get a gift; less than 20 percent of the women feel the same.
About 3 percent of pet owners give their critters a Valentines Day gift.
Fifteen percent of women send themselves flowers on this day!
Teachers get the most Valentine cards, followed by kids, mothers, wives and sweethearts.
One Billion cards are sent for this day, making it second only to Christmas.

Chris then added that he was confused as to why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentines Day. When he thinks of romance, the last thing on his mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at him with a weapon! (He did NOT say what the first thing on his mind is!)

NEXT UP, Dr. Bill Harlan with a poem by Theodore Roethke:

For an Amorous Lady

(“Most mammals enjoy caresses, in the sense that we usually mean that word, whereas reptiles, even tame snakes, prefer giving to receiving them.” Eighth grade natural history book)

The pensive gnu, the staid aardvark

Accept caresses in the dark.

The bear, equipped with paw and snout,

Would rather take than dish it out.

But snakes, both poisonous and garter,

In love are never known to barter.

The worm, though dank, is sensitive.

His noble nature bids him give.

But you, my dearest, have a soul

Encompassing fish, flesh and fowl.

When amorous arts we would pursue,

You can with pleasure bill or coo.

You are in truth, one in a million,

At once mammalian and reptilian.

AND then there was Fred Nevarez showing off some of his jewelry, with the help of his lovely assistant, Valarie Nevarez, while educating us on some of the finer points of gemstones.

Pearls of Wisdom:

There are natural and cultured pearls, with the natural, wild pearls being far more expensive than cultured.
Cultured pearls can be farmed in either fresh water or salt water, with fresh water pearls being roughly ten percent of the value of their saltwater cousins.
The value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on many factors, such as its type, size, color, surface quality, and more.
The value of pearl necklaces is also determined by how well each individual pearl matches the others in size, color and luster.

After you Die (or Estate Jewelry):

Estate jewelry has been declining in value lately.
Many buying or inheriting Estate Jewelry remove the gems and have the metal melted down for its value.
Do NOT break up a signed piece of Estate Jewelry; it is likely more valuable as a whole that as a sum of its parts!

Raffle: The Greeter’s Gift of a bottle of wine was won by PP Steve Wilcox. Fred Nevarez’s Valentines Day gift, a jewelry cleaner, was won by Peggy Crawford. Peggy also won the chance of drawing the gold marble, however, she drew a blue marble and had to settle for the $10.00 booby prize! Next week’s prize will be $110.00.

Next Week’s Program: To be determined. The Greeter will be Nina Voss.

PP Tom Port noted that his son, Ian’s, book “The Birth of Loud: Leo Fender, Les Paul, and the Guitar-Pioneering Rivalry That Shaped Rock 'n' Roll” is in its 4th printing!

PP Tom Port noted that his son, Ian’s, book “The Birth of Loud: Leo Fender, Les Paul, and the Guitar-Pioneering Rivalry That Shaped Rock 'n' Roll” is in its 4^th printing!