Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Newsletter 071409

Early on Evie was working the ticket table, but only to get it set up
and going and then it became "honor system". One of our senior members
couldn't "handle that", but he did take a ticket and then when he got
home he found the check still in his pocket. He will go unidentified,
but if the Secretary or Treasurer don't get his check I'll "snitch" on
him!! With our small crowds we can't afford to give away meals.

And more good news/bad news from Debra. She's found a "pad" and will
be moving soon. The bad news is that it is down in San Jose. Now
who's going to run our Web Site? "What Web Site?" you ask. That's the
problem; us Old Folks don't even check it, much less add or remove
stuff. We are in trouble.

After Pres Denise opened the meeting and got a little attention from
the "crowd" she called on Frank to lead GBA. Frank was "right there"
with the note and conducted us with gusto. I think our speaker was
impressed. Then Rev Bill invocated (a bit wordy) and Denise assigned
the Fine Extinguisher (just change one letter) to Debra who promptly
forget her duties while enjoying her chicken cacciatore.

Finding no guests, Prexy noted three Circle Kers in the "crowd" and
identified Mimi to give the "breathless" report.=2
0 They've been busy
(even tho it is summer break) and plan to be even busier. Diane was
asked to brief us a bit more on the school project she is working on as
Single Service Chair. It's a big one and they are looking for support
(materials and financial). I don't think they are looking for physical
help, but we shall see. On Thursday, July 30th they have big plans for
a 3 (4?) day project to revitalize the play-yard at St. Andrew's School
at 2624 West Street in Oakland. They are talking about bringing in
soil and plants, painting the "ground" (I think this is striping for
game areas) and developing/equipping basketball and soccer venues as
well as building a playground structure.

This will be a big undertaking, but at least it's a private school and
they won't have to put up with the bureaucracy we've run into with
Berkeley USD. However, they need lots of stuff. The need has been
passed to the LtGuv and LtGuv-elect in the hopes that lots of stuff and
support can be gained. If you can help in any way, e-mail Diana at
dianee21@gmail.com or call her at 714.360.4284.

Bill Carp. reported on our 26th interclub which took place at the DCM
last week.


Jack brought in an "adult" picnic basket (champagne, etc) and the
tickets sold out. It went to VC, so I expect she will be back with
another basket n
ext week.

He also announced that tomorrow is the cut-off day for Club
registration for the District Convention in San Diego Aug 15-?. If
you are not "on his list" but want to be you need to let him know on
Wednesday, July 15. Similarly, if you are on his list but back out
after that date you will still need to pay!

Next Tuesday will be the last day that the Foundation will accept
checks in support of the YPSO. That support consists of matching
Foundation funds. Many of you have contributed, but more have not!

Roberta demonstrated a hospital gown that will go with each Pediatric
Trauma Doll produced by her and her countless helpers. In fact, they
are "producing" or whatever as you read this. There was no discussion
on whether the gown is to be tied in the front or in the back!

VC announced that the next RIF will be the Wednesday and Thursday of
the last week in September but couldn't come up with the dates. I have
consulted my almanac (or whatever) and find that would be 23 and 24 (or
possibly Sep 30 and Aug 1) and she will probably get the dates right
when she develops the sign-up sheet.

The LTG installation (of our own VC, but representing a "foreign" club)
will be held again, by popular acclaim, at Emilio's in San Leandro.
Date is September 10, so mark your calendar. Show Bob that we
appreciate his20efforts and cheer on VC.

Our club installation will be September 29 at Chez Paradis and that
sign-up should show up soon, also. Just think how often we won't have
to cook at home!!

Continuing his month of "food" programs, Phuoc introduced Sam Chen, a
UCB grad in civil engineering who went bad. He and his brother bought
Solano Grill and Bar in 1992 and that was good bye to engineering. He
concentrated on the kitchen and his brother "did" the wine, but when
his brother passed in 2005 Sam shifted his emphasis. In addition to
the restaurant and all that entails he has a private client wine
consultant business called Echelonwines and devotes 60 hours a week to
what he loves best. Today he talked mostly about tasting and, in fact,
had us do a blind taste test that we sort of "blew". We were given two
very similar samples of a dark beverage and were supposed to
individually describe each but there was so much table-talk that not
many of us tried to seriously describe. It turned out that one sample
was Classic Coke and the other was Pepsi, and it was pretty hard to
tell them apart (but don't tell that to the impacted marketing folks).
Sam then gave us another sample pair, but told us ahead of time that
one was a 1994 Chardonnay (his cellar) and the other a 2007 (current
market). Again, we were supposed to describe the two an
d decide which
was "best". I liked the old stuff but bet I wouldn't pay for it!!!
Sam presents wine tastings at the restaurant.

Another great program, Phuoc. We'll look forward to next week.
jp

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Newsletter 070709

An apology for the last 3 weeks of Kollegiate miss-fires. The
Printer/Mailer went off to Hawaii the first week without setting up an
alternate printer/mailer. A volunteer tried to do the e-mail, but
failed miserably both times – only partial list of addresses. Not sure
the printed versions ever got out. Anyway, the Printer/Mailer was
suitably (?) fined by the Pres. Last week, the editor-of-the week was
in Hawaii (what's with this Hawaii stuff??) and had ignored her
responsibility as assigned editor the 5th Tuesday. Not sure she was
fined, adequately or otherwise. But, Frank was Debra-on-the spot and
pasted several photos of the steak feed and fired it off to Duane for
mailing, and he did. Let's see now, did Frank get a reward??

Speaking of Debra, she had a wonderful announcement – SHE'S GOT AN
HONEST TO GOD TEACHING JOB! There is some bad news; the school is in
Fremont. No more Kiwanis lunch for Debra when the job starts. BUT,
she will still be in the area (now looking to move) and we may see her
smiling face at evening and weekend events on occasion. There was also
talk of participating in the "Dining Out" program. There's something
for the New President and her Board to tussle with!! The subject
didn't come up, but will she (Debra) continue to keep our web site
going?? Let's hope so!

Last week's St
eak Feed in Tilden was quite a success. Before it was
all over, I had 2-1/2 beers and was not keeping good track of anything
but the beer. I do know that Denise had rigged up a couple of
recognitions for her Father (DACK) who is retiring as Secretary at the
end of this year. The first memento was a plaque recognizing his
umpteen years of service to the Club and the second was a Kiwanis Apron
equipped with a Fire Shield (to prevent BBQ burns, but you had to be at
CAZ to appreciate the burned belly story. Jack should have had that
apron on his head at the Albany July 4th affair – he looks like a 3rd
degree burn from the neck up. (Guess that apron wouldn't have helped
in this case). Anyway, the steaks last week were great, and the Yellow
Jackets showed (at least one glided across between my nose and my
steak) but there was really no problem. Could it be that those
"bounce" laundry softeners that VC brought really worked?? I had one
hanging from my shirt pocket. The Circle Kers in attendance were
almost out gunned by some of our "senior" members when Jack announced a
"few" extra steaks were first come first served. It was a great
lunch in the park.

So, back to today. We were bounced back up to the Member Lounge for
the day due to some hanky-panky in our now regular meeting room. That
meant we all20had to puff up the steps. Evie and Roberta were at the
ticket desk early on, but I think Roberta ended up "in charge". As

usual, the Pres was exactly 15 minutes late, starting the meeting at
12:30 (ref. Pg 6 of our official Roster for announced starting time)
and then sort of ignoring her agenda. Frank led GBA, Sandy gave thanks
for His Tender Mercies, and then after a long discussion Frank ended up
with the Fine Extinguisher. I do believe he collected a few bucks
before it was all over.

Of course, there were announcements. Among them, I wrote down:
1. Sep 29 Installation to be a catered affair at the Palace Paradis.
It will be catered and details will follow along with a sign-up sheet.
One was passed today to get an idea of the magnitude of the crowd.
Wonder if formal attire will be required and if Lederhoesen satisfy
that requirement.
2. District Convention (San Diego) Aug 13-15. At least 3 more needed
to get 100% attendance.
3. $2800 or so has gone to YPSO and Sandy reported she had some more
that she hadn't passed on to the Foundation yet. That matching offer
from the Foundation really helps.
4. The "July Dine Out" is Wednesday, 8 July at Brennan's (foot of
University) at 5:45ish. (Gotta get this in the Kollegiate a full week
ahead, folks!)
5. Oak Tech Key Club plans to present their proposed Budget to the
=0
ABoard in August. Berkeley Hi Key Club better get to work or the
"Youth" money will be all spoken for!
6. UCB Circle K Mimi brought along 2 supporters (it is summer
vacation, you know) and told us all about all sorts of things they are
doing. The only note I got down is that they are adopting an
elementary school in Oakland that needs a lot of help and are looking
for all sorts of stuff (paint, pipe, you name it) to support the
fixing. (Ed Note: UCB should get some support from other clubs in
Division 2 and hopefully someone will carry this need to the LtGuv.
Note is aimed at the LtGuv Elect who was not with us today.)
7. PTP doll making on July 14 at the Bliss residence, 6 PM – 9:30.
All Kiwanis Family Members welcome.

And Phuoc is celebrating his 31st BD. He netted $160 in Reno last
weekend and we sang HB to him (led by Dack!!), so it's bound to be a
great year for him. He announced that as program chair for July he had
decided that the emphasis would be on food. (Rumored to be his favorite
subject.)

So, he introduced our speaker, Malena Lopez-Maggi, co-owner of Xocolate
Bar (That's Chocolate for the unschooled) at 1709 Solano Avenue.
(Right across from a well-known insurance agent and very convenient to
Phouc!) Malena told us a bit about how she (a fine arts major) got
into the chocolate business and had samples for
all of us to practice
the fine art of chocolate tasting (somewhat akin to wine tasting, but
one doesn't spit). It was hard not to succumb and just chomp the
chocolates, but a few followed her instructions. Fortunately, the last
step was "chomp down the chocolate". She also told us of the history
of chocolate growing and how it was spread to most areas of the world
20o North and South of the Equator. If you want to know more, drop in
on Malena and buy some samples.

We need some Kiwanians to join us for lunch. Show up next week to see
what fun food program Phuoc has in store for us. jp

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Newsletter 063009

No one seemed to be writing the Kollegiate, but FB tapped some notes
into his handheld…

A fine picnic day at Tilden park. Steaks, salads, libations
Rousing GBA (FB)
Prayer (RB)
Announcements: Pres Denise

Sept 10 VC LTG Installation
Saturday or Sunday in Late Sept for our Dual Pres installation
HCV Interclub tonight
Alameda Tomorrow
YEAH Thursday 1130 am with Sandy
Circle K present: Mimi, Peter, Kenneth, Margaret & Keiko. Lots going
on! (What else is new?)
Boa= Kenneth's idol

Emotion flowed as our Secretary of 25 years got honors Denise reported
it was "pleasanter" than expected
Jack got a nice gifts of an apron with a heat shield
Jack reported that Leo had big shoes to fill.

Upcoming programs:
July 7: Melina Lopez, from the Xocolate Bar on Artisan Chocolate
creation.
July 14: Sam Chen, from Solano Bar & Grill on wine appreciation.


fb, unofficial scribe.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Newsletter

Another AWESOME day at the Berkeley City Club as the local Berkeley
Kiwanis Club gathered for its weekly meeting- Our meetings are always
AWESOME!!! So awesome that this editor forgot it was her turn to record
the meeting for posterity!! Well… catch up time!!

Taking monies at the ticket table was E. Goodman, joined by Secretary
Incoming- F. Bliss, who was noticed checking off boxes for attendance!!
Were you here??? BFE Pres. Denise was roaming the room, looking for
familiar and non-familiar faces, shaking hands, and being generally the
warmest president!! After she rang the bell to call the "meeting" to
order, she asked the greatest song leader, B. Rice, to conduct many
happy voices in GBA. Rev. R. Bliss gave the invocation, including
thanks for the perfect day! Past Pres. P. Khong carried around the "
fine" fire extinguisher, constantly requesting donations both large and
small! He was busy!!!

BFE Pres. Denise is always delighted to see new faces. S. Hearn brought
the lovely lady who has been her guest for three weeks, Jenny. We had a
previous scholarship winner, Zach, home for the summer from his Freshman
year at Vassar. See further on in this rag for his "report"!

Circle K had M & M (Margaret and Mimi) and K & K (Kieko and Kenneth)
interclubbing with us today. They have so much going on, and have do
ne
so much already, that it was impossible for this editor to keep up a
running list. All we can ask is where does the energy come from? I
think Kenneth was the only one who enjoyed the salmon lunch, but the
others were enjoying fruit from B. Barnwell's stash of fresh Farmer's
Market stuff.

NOTE OF INTEREST: Next week's meeting is our lunch at TILDEN PARK…
look for info further on.

Committee reports as follows:
1. B. Lowman reported via J. Piercy that diapers will be delivered to
Vera Casey, and birthday cakes to the Senior Center.
2. B.C. reported for interclubbing that there was no interclub this
morning, but there was one at Oakland yesterday noon- with T. Paradis,
F. & B. Bliss, and B. & V. Carpenter- where VC was fine free.
3. P. Khong thanked VC for taking 4 Oakland Tech Key Clubbers to their
DCM meeting in Martinez last Saturday. Lots of Key Clubbers from 3
Divisions were there- and lots of spirit!

In the area of SUNSHINE, we missed you, Charlie Fitch- and hope all is
getting better for you!


As mentioned earlier, Zach visited us- and shared his first year at
Vassar in New York. He calls it "an amazing experience", including
having to do his own laundry and learning how to deal with people! Even
a bit of homesickness creeped in!! He's enjoying Vassar as there is no =0
D
core curriculum, so he can pretty much study the things he would like to
learn about: politics/media, English lit, Italian, psychology. He is
finding, however, that he always tends to drift back to his love of
MUSIC, and he is doing some recordings and keeping up with his band here
in the area. He'll be in an event on July 29th at Ashkenaz in Berkeley.
Keep looking for info on a possible social for BK then!!

NOTE OF INTEREST: Next week's meeting is our lunch at TILDEN PARK…
look for info further on.

$$$$$$$$
There were many… J. Piercy was glad that Zach was here after having to
cancel out last week. B. Barnwell not sure if his $ is  or - due to
some possible cuts in programs he works for in SF. VC thankful for the
LTG elect pin she got from F. Bliss, and not happy with the glue from
some local ACE Hardware store- it didn't work for repairing her broken
Dist. LTG pin. P. Khong very happy he was able to celebrate Father's
Day with his Dad. D. Wong will be "doing the hula" for 12 days.
J. Egeberg glanced at his cell phone- discovered D. Leonard (and
probably J. Rosano by his side) were checking in from Hawaii. F. Bliss 
that his wife is leaving him for Nashville-
but  he can play music all
weekend. (We hope you get fed also, Frank!) Zach stated that the lunch
today was delicious. Auctioned off were organic plums at $15 to S.
Hearn, and plum sauce at $11 to E. Levitch

THINGS TO REMEMBER!! YES!!! Lunch next week at the area near the
Little Farm in Tilden Park. From the intersection of Spruce and Grizzly
Peak, head down Canyon Road to the first stop sign. Turn LEFT- and the
group will be on the left hand side somewhere down the way near the
Little Farm area. Come soon after 12:00- folks were signing up to bring
salad or whatever… NO lunch at the BCC next Tuesday. Bring a BOUNCE
fabric softener sheet hanging out of your pocket to hopefully keep the
bees away!!

AND- OUR SPEAKER!

Chris Schultze from Google joined us today for a fascinating look at the
world of Google, which is celebrating 10 years of "inventiveness"!!
This appears to be a truly innovative company- with the philosophy of
fostering inventiveness in order to keep up with the pace of change in
the world of technology. There are over 1 million PCs sold in one year,
but 4 million mobile phones sold outdoes that by a landslide!! Google
has to adapt to that!! Thus, the company believes in the following:
1. Ideas come from Everywhere and Everyone!!
2. Share Everything (idea, thought, etc) you can.
3.09Everyone has a license to dream
4. Innovation- NOT instant perfection.
5. Embrace failure.
6. Data is A-political (you need data for backup).
7. Creativity LOVES constraint.
8. Users- not money (go for the ideas, $$ may come)
9. Motivation- use others' ideas and thoughts.
10. Don't kill projects- Morph them!!

Opportunities for stimulating exist everywhere. We need to think
differently. How can we make a change? Sort of reminds this editor of
the focus of Kiwanis!
Thank you, Chris, for your thoughts on "inventiveness"!

Looking for something to do?? S. Hearn would love to hear from you if
you are free on Thursday in the late morning- to help shine up the YEAH
kitchen. Give her a call- her phone # is in the roster!!!

Ah-yes, there was a SG (Secret Greeter)- and only one person was caught
by VC- D. Wong was sitting or up running around, bypassing VC many
times- but never calm enough to shake hands!! Thanks for putting up
with a lot of ribbing, Debra!!!

And so another AWESOME meeting has come and gone. The Pledge to our
flag was led by J. Piercy, the bell was rung, and we did indeed file out
into a truly glorious afternoon.


SAQOTW
Ordinary is a word that has no meaning.
Robin Morgan
Writer

SAQOTD
Work has to include our deepest values and passions and feelings and
commitments, or it's not work, i
t's just a job.
Matthew Fox
Cleric

See you all next week!!

REMEMBER-----
WE'LL BE AT THE FARM!!!!

Editor: vc

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Newsletter 060909

Going 'Round & 'Round
Today we had a (wise) crack team starring L. Hannawalt trying to sell
tickets, B. Rice trying the get the gang to sing on key, R. Bliss being
thankful anyway, and P. Khong trying to stuff money in a fire
extinguisher.
We had guests, too. P. Khong kept trying to introduce Chino but kept
faltering and giggling (We'll find out why a little later). Then Eric
Wagner was introduced as a "student" of L. Hannawalt (a student of what
you ask?). Well, here's the answer: he's (none other than) a POWER
QUILTER! Finally, District Trustee R. Bliss was duly recognized and
introduced.
PrezFireX then went on the warpath to nail some big-time fines for not
signing new member J. Lee's roster. Mr. Lee fooled her and paid instead
for forgetting to bring his book.
Photos for Sale: V. Carpenter bought a handsome one of gatherings of
infamous past LtGov's last week at B.K. Problem is she wasn't there!
Then J. Piercy purchased a thought-provoking photo of his Better Half
musing on a bench at Cazadero.
More Tidbits –
 For the next meeting or two, J. Rosano will be sunning himself in
Hawaii (it's a well-kept secret who his traveling partner is, however).
More importantly, we will be administered by a Secretary-in-training

(heaven forbid!), a foreboding of what's to come…
 District
Convention Aug 13 – 15 @ San Diego: WHO'S GOING?? (sign up
next week)
 Solano Stroll is…. Sept 13 (somebody finally figured out) – 2 booths!
 F. Bliss announced he has another new employee (yes, the same Mr.
Lee). Wow, the employments benefits must be…
 The YPSO "Pops Concert" last Sunday was a tremendous success. D. Wong,
S. Hearn and others were commended for donating food, and D. Leonard
manned the refreshment stand. For those who haven't paid yet, do it by
writing a check to the B.K. Foundation, because the Foundation will
match it.
 Last week's DINE OUT was successful once again. B.K.'ers Frank,
Roberta, Bill, Virginia, Duane, Tony, Debra were among those in
attendance.
 B. Lowman announced that birthday cakes and diapers were distributed
as expected to the Senior Centers (is there any connection?)
 Another Interclub was accomplished last week at the Hotel Mac/Theater
Night by the Richmond Club.


 B. Fay had a wedding anniversary of 58 YEARS, D. Leonard had a
birthday of the same amount, or a little more, J. Egeberg may or may not
also have a wedding anniversary (he's not sure/can't remember/ was
sleeping – nobody knows for sure)
 A Sunshine Report was also issued regarding C. Fitch. Join the
entourage visiting him this afternoon (It may be
the last opportunity
before he moves to Texas)
 And then there was P. Khong's S. Y. Report:
Key Club needs rides to Antioch for DCM on June 20.
Career Workshop will be in 200 Barrows from 9 – 12 on June 27.
The Circle K Expectation
Josh introduced a whole handful of CK'ers including Ken, Margaret, Kako
& Chino and then conveyed a whole bevy of summertime service activities –
too many to mention all here. He also mentioned that they also plan to
have a little fun, with an upcoming trip to Disneyland and some pranks
at Playland by the Beach. They are also working hard at a project with
helping the disabled to get outside!
More Goings-On
Happy, Sad, and Otherwise –
• J. Rosano was very sad that he lost his sister last night but alas
happy that she's in a "better place"
• V. Carpenter was so excited to see Lois Brown with younger family at
the Pops Concert (at BK expense)
• D. Leonard figured out why P. Khong is always so happy about being
lucky at the gaming table – his birthday is on 7/11!
• L. Hannawalt was delighted to invite all (at her expense) to a fun
event, western style, at

the Metropolitan Club in SF this Friday night (let's ALL turn out!)
• And many more H/S that can't be reprinted here
A Big Hearted Program
V. Carpenter intro
duced her previously-mentioned-much-adored cousin Mike
Stead who proceeded unabashedly with a very interesting program focusing
on their endeavors in the African country of Nigeria. It seems that Mike'
s career in the oil and gas industry has taken him travelling around the
world, in particular in this case, to Nigeria. This provoked his
interest to the extent that, together with "cousin-in-law" Jane (aka
WIFE), has embarked upon several humanitarian missions back to Nigeria
with their church. They presented a very interesting and heartwarming
slide show of their forages. Among other things, they pointed out that
16% of its population has HIV/AIDS and contains an unbelievable
8,000,000 orphans. As such, the work of these missionaries is much
deserved. Now listen to this: their next trip back this year is for a
WEDDING. Yes, one of their fellow volunteers got a little too involved
and is marrying a Nigerian!
Oh, and by the way, by way of introduction, Mike's father was Tom Stead
who was not only a general building supply businessman in Berkeley but
also an esteemed Berkeley Kiwanian and was instrumental in the Tilden "
Little Farm" project. Mike then made some flimsy excuse that he would be
a B.K.'er, too, if it weren't for the fact that he lives too far away.
The Grand Final
Speaking of Chino, the wonderful grand finale of today's meeting was

that she wasn't always paying full attention… BECAUSE she was too busy
filling out a membership application to Berkeley Kiwanis!! (enough
said)

j.e.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Newsletter 051909

Soon-to-be-Co-Prez Roberta presided over today's meeting. Her husband
was heard saying in a loud voice, "you all better stand up and pay
attention, just like I do at home"! BobR led us in a rousing rendition
of GBA. Rev Bill thanked The Lord that the weather was perfect-- not
too hot; not too cold—and the sun was shining. He called on His
blessings as we save one child at a time. Bettye had the Fine Fine
Box. Rev Bill, in his second role, Secret Greeter, pronounced most of
us friendly (the two culprits had paid insurance, based on advice from
Frank "insurance is a good thing" Bliss).

Art was recognized (or was it not recognized?) and stated he was a
Kiwanis junkie—two meetings in two days. Welcome back, Art. VC gave a
report on her Lt. Gov training over the past weekend.

CircleK Diane reminded us of their garage sale in a few months. Find,
gather, save those treasures you find around your house, for the sale.
Josh, Nina, and Kenneth were introduced.

VC noted that there were quite a few "cute knees" around. Chaos ensued
as many jumped up to show off their "cute knees". A spontaneous
contest was quickly announced—who could gather the most $$ for their
"cute knees". Competition was intense. I am not sure who actually
won; but the club sure won with the $$$ collected! Josh did end
up a
winner, with a jar of Roberta's pear jam.

Schedules, Schedules:
May 21: Board Meeting at the Bliss'
May 22: Quilt distribution at 2131 Carleton; 10:30 (Bettye has the
details)
May 26: Induction of new members during the luncheon meeting
May 29: Participation in the Senior Center Fish Fry at the Bliss'; 6PM
social hour (Frank/Roberta hosts)
June 6: Longfellow work party. 9AM. (JohnP in charge)
June 7: YPSO at 2PM. (Frank in charge)

Frank, June Chair, presented "inventions; inventors; inventiveness" as
the June luncheon theme. Potentially a rep from the Aviation Museum, a
VC cousin who traveled to Nigeria to build homes, a person who has
started 6 companies and even a rep from Google are all in line as
speakers

Phuoc reported on the recent DCM. Jack noted that we were getting
recognition from KI for the number of Circle K'ers joining the Kiwanis
Club of Berkeley.

Bill announced the completion of 3 more interclubs (thanks Bill for all
you do to coordinate these successful interclubs): Interclub 20:
CircleK Banquet (NewBob, Frank, Roberta, VC, Denise, Phuoc, TonyN.);
Interclub 21: DCM (Jack, Denise,

Phuoc, Alex); Interclub 22: Oakland Scholarship Award Luncheon (Bill,
VC, Art, Tamara).

Phuoc updated us on Sponsored youth:
--June 20: Key Club Officer training. Help is needed (contact Phuoc)
--Oakland Tech installation
Banquet end of June
--June 31: Key Club has a DCM

Deborah announced the next Dine Out—May 26 at 5:30.
We will have a special guest for next week's luncheon: Lois Brown.
She will be accepting a Special Certificate in honor of Bob. (RevBill
is the host)
VC received her 21 Years Of Perfect Attendance. VC, we are proud of
you!
Birthdays Birthdays Birthdays: JP on May 24; VC on May 25 (she sang to
us!); Tammy's on June 1 (we sang to her)

Roberta tried to collect fines from those without "I have voted"
stickers. Scribe not sure how that went. Lots of folks looked proud;
lots of folks looked guilty.

We were HAPPY:
Rev Bill: For his grandson's graduation from CAL in Poli Sci
VC: Four Scholarship-Winners from Oakland are coming to CAL and,
hopefully, to CircleK
Phuoc: For all the graduates he knew
VC: For the mats on the table (scribe comment: thank you VC for all
you did to make them)
Art: Two Kiwanis meetings in a row; birthday trip with Tammy
Josh: Visiting his family and his coming 21st Birthday
Deborah: For her new gadget and for her thesis almost completed.

BobS: For his grandson graduating from pre-Kindergarten
Duane: Just 'cuz
Diane: Heading home to New York
Frank: Congrats to Deborah, a weekend at the Family Farm where his
composition "Reflection Time" was performed; a picture in the

CazMatters of Duane digging while supervised by CircleK'ers; Emil is
healthy; a third grandchild on the way.

Jeff was sad that the OktoberFest coming up was not noted (Jeff is the
organizer). Jack announced that Leo was in surgery. A phone call and
cards would be appreciated.

Our Own Betty was the Featured Speaker: "That's Me".
Highlights
--She was the 13th of 14 kids.
--Her family moved from Mississippi to Sacramento.
--Her dad died soon after and her Mom went to work. The home her Mom
purchased was $13,000 in those days.
--She graduated from Berkeley High and has an AA from Laney, BA in
Social Work at SF State, and almost finished with a Masters in Early
Childhood Development.
--Her brothers and sisters are equally successful: nurses and doctors
and officers in the military. (She mentioned one of her brothers and
both Duane and Phuoc had worked with him!)
--Be sure to ask her about her short shift as a GoGo Dancer (and her
brother who caught her doing it).
--She has a son 45 and a daughter 43.
Bettye, that was a great talk! The next Co-Prezes are planning on
making "That's Me" a frequent presentation by our members.

Josh led us in The Pledge.
(scribe: tjp)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Newsetter 051209

Not Much Going On??
The good news is that the City Club ran out of food (usually they recover quite nicely and come up with a savory secondary offering, but not today…). Yes, we had guests, special surprises and otherwise: to start with, mucho CK'ers, and THEN a very notable Interclub from Alameda, and THEN some very special others.
The crack team today consisted of B. Lowman on the ticket box, B. Rice on the vocals, E. Levitch on the thankful word, and Alex (you know Alex) on the ruptured fire extinguisher (aka Fine Box). It could have been worse (but not much).
Yes, the Alameda Club was there in force, led by perennial favorite Dave D. who promptly introduced his co-conspirators (including a certain former BK member).
There was at least one more special guest: feisty C. Fitch (hey, maybe that'll catch on – Feisty Fitch – maybe not) intro'd #1 son, Robert!
PrezFireX then announced, to great accolade, a rare gathering of esteemed former Div 2 Lt Gov's, with the likes of F. Bliss, R. Bliss, E. Levitch – all of whom have something in common (You guess?)
                       
 
 
 
More Goings-On
 J. Piercy reconfirmed the next Longfellow School project, which is on Sat, June 6 – to move them out of a building being renovated (wonder who's doing the renovation – could it be a certain BK architect?)
Next there's a DCM this Thur at the usual place (San Leandro hospital). This prompted our prez to remind us of the goal to do a Super Round Robin this year. This means that each and every one of us needs to do at least one Interclub. The DCM is a good place to start. See you there!
F. Bliss gave us a YPSO report and reminded us that the BK-sponsored Pops Concert is coming up on Sun, June 7. Sign-ups for jobs such as selling sodas are needed, but in any event, you just need to be there! He also reported on another concert this last weekend, which was wonderful! And spotlighted a cellist who debu ted with YPSO in the 1940's! Wow!!
Also-ran reminders: B. Lowman reminded us of the quilt project on May 22, and J. Egeberg issued another annoying reminder that Oktoberfest 2009 is "coming right up" on October 17 (which year?).
R. Bliss had a heart-warming report on pediatric dolls, having delivered a bunch to a certain doctor who was taking off to lands unknown somewhere within the boundaries of the country of India.
 
 
 
 
 
J. Rosano presented a much-deserved perfect attendance award to #1 daughter D. Haughin.
Finally, Dave D. was prompted to remind us of Alameda's annual Pancake Breakfast this coming Sunday at the Elks Club.
 
The Circle K Expedition
With no Diane in sight (never fear she showed up shortly), good ol' Monica filled in nicely (until she teamed up with Josh a little later on!). She introduced a quagmire of energetic CK'ers including Alex, Shannon, Tiffany et al.
She rattled off a plethora of activities too fast to catch – about various parties and walking events and helping out with campus events. But this all comes to an abrupt halt! Because of the F word: FINALS!! (coming right up).
Which reminded us to congratulate the amazing class of 13 graduating CK seniors – those who were present stood up to thunderous applause.  And then no wonder tha t Membership Chair D. Wong jumped up to point out that no less than 7 of those have submitted membership applications to Berkeley Kiwanis!!!
This prompted a little competition and bragging that this would put BK at 50+ members, compared to the "BIG" club around (happens to be Alameda somewhat adequately represented today) at about 60+. Watch out, Alameda!
AND a final word about those graduating seniors. Diane brought up a beautiful Circle K banner to present to us at BK in appreciation for our support Circle K replete with personal signatures from all. Prez Denise was duly overwhelmed.
 
H/S $$$$
§  D. Leonard was so happy to see Dave & his entourage from Alameda that he threw in a $100 federal reserve note!
 
 
 
 
§  J. Piercy had an extremely boring story about cutting down a sad-looking tree at his house and kept offering up more $$ to finish it off (was anybody listening?)
§  F. Bliss bragged that his lame partner just logged 3.2 miles in spite of her recovering ankle (do we believe it?)
§  This prompted D. Wong to admit that she has just taken up running (Careful, Debra, this could be dangerous)
§  Other meaningful (at least, well-intentioned) $$ were offered up by J. Rosano,  B. Rice. B. Fay. C. Fitch, E. Levitch, B. Barnwell & others…
 
A Socially Acceptable Program
B. Lowman introduced our esteemed program today in the person of Deborah Jordan who is the new director of the West Berkeley Senior Center. Barbara spoke of her career and interests and objectives in her new job. They presently offer a wide variety of craft and other classes and many social services, which she plans to expand. In response to questions, she pointed out that West Berkeley serves about 55 seniors, South Berkeley 150, and North Berkeley about 200.
Finally, she issued an invitation to their Fish Fry on May 29, including free delivery on orders of 520dinners or more. Call 981-5180 now.
Final Reminders!
New Berkeley Kiwanis Cookbook! Bring your recipes now!
Placemats! Did you see those eye-catching versions on each of our tables? Be sure to get in on the very next opportunity. Get your listing/ad in on time and reap the benefits from such exposure!