Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Kollegiate 05_08_07

KIWANIS KOLLEGIATE

SECRETARY KOLLEGIATE STAFF

Jack Rosano President Jeff Egeberg, Chair

P.O.Box 323 Editorial Staff: V Carpenter, S. Hearn,

Berkeley, CA 94701 G. Maxe, T. Paradis, J. Piercy


KIWANIS CLUB uA Most Outstanding Service Clubu BERKELEY

What a beautiful day! The door to the garden was open--so serene and inviting that CK’er Alex had to explore.

Frank Bliss was at the ticket table, and eventually we were called to what passes for order for our group.

The Chairman for the month had efficiently named song leader, invocator, and fine collector, but neglected to tell any of them.

Our patriotic song was to be led by George M. Protesting that he had never done this sort of thing before, he came to the fore. And in a moment of inspiration, he called upon Ed Levitch to help. So, we had a duo, of pitches to choose from, and then an interloper from the rear tried to rescue them with yet another one. Well, it was a shaky start, but it ended with glorious harmony. We hope that God will bless America, in spite of the way we sing.

Invocator Sandy ad lib’ed: Thankful for the weather, asking blessings on our service for one child at a time, and grateful for ‘tender mercies’.

Virginia C. declined fine-collector duties, but, not to fear, we had one anyway. John P. stepped forward to take on the retread box.

We had a gaggle of “Officials” in attendance. Lt. Gov. F. B., Lt. Gov. Elect., E. L., Past DISTINGUISHED Lt. Gov’s. V.C., and R. B. and I think J. A. was there, too.

We had a crowd from Circle K, too: Cheriz, Joe, Kim, Alex& Gail. Cheriz reminded us of all the wonderful service projects they do, including our belated One-K day project at the King Jr. track on Sunday. Oakland Tech Key Club joined us for the great weed-out there. She also reminded us of the K Family dinner to be held at the Bliss’ on May 18. Sign ups to be circulated this week and next.

All this and a real guest, too. Tracy Burke (Hope I got the last name right, but if not, come back again and we’ll get it right for sure.) from Union Bank.

Announcements:

RIF (Reading is FUNdamental) distributions will be done on the 9th and 10th. We got the site list just before noon. Not so many kids as last time. Sign up for specific date, time and location was circulated.

We had quite a few interclubs since last report: 5 at the Circle K banquet, 11 at the DCM, as Ed was elected the next Lt. Gov., 11 at One-K day, 5 at Albany-El Cerrito.

Next Week The Scholarship award luncheon—to be served on the terrace. $40,000. to be awarded to 7 kids, from 3 schools, represented by 4 counselors. Be there to show our support of this vital ‘one child at a time’ mission of BK. After the scholarships are granted, it is our plan (thanks to Geo. M. for the suggestion) to send follow-up letters to both the parents and the students, to show our continued interest, and to encourage a life-time of involvement with Kiwanis in service of the community.

DCM meeting this Thursday. This time it will be at Sergio’s Pizza at 7:00. 150 W Juana, in San Leandro. It is located just across from the Safeway, and is within walking distance of San Leandro BART [Scribe’s suggestion: Come just a trifle early to order—Good salads, pizza, etc.]

Denise Haughin was awarded her 6 year perfect attendance pin. But before he would hand it over, the Ruling Retread started to interrogate her about escrow and closing costs on her new home. She said everything went well and is all taken care of. But, it seems that he felt that there was also a Kiwanis excise tax for new home buyers. So Denise cheerfully gave.

    Important new info for your roster:

    Denise Haughin (VP)

    (residence)

    3799 Harbor St.

    Pittsburg, CA 94565

    (925) 473-9988

    [Business numbers still the same]

So, in the spirit of giving the Denise started, we had Happy and Sad $$.

S$ Betty Lowman couldn’t be here, but after visiting the hospital, is home now taking her prescribed medication. (Hope it is effective and soon!) Get well Betty!

??$ George ?? Didn’t catch what, ’cause a sign up came around.

S$ Tammy: Art is not here to prolong his “once in a row” perfect attendance streak. He’s in Houston on business, but SS$ (doubly sad $) he then flies on to a currency auction. Who know what will be left of the family finances?

H$ Jack R. That Denise’s move to the new place went well, and that he got there after all the heavy lifting had already been done.

H$$ Phuoc: Great Circle K banquet and Sunday project.

H$$ Joe Lee: His glasses, which dropped out of his pocket onto the track at the Sunday project, were found, unharmed, by Tony Ng. Also thanks to the Carpenter’s for the use of the van.

$S Bill C.: We are in town. (and not on a cruise)

H$ F Bliss: Emil and family (including the cat) all arrived safely to Korea. Also for the Circle K banquet.

S$$ R. Bliss: Evie couldn’t be here today because having a tooth pulled. (Hope you are recovering well, Evie!) and that Frank and she would not be able to be at the scholarship lunch.

Sleepy$ from Deborah: Lack of sleep from staying awake trying to think of ways to get more folks (especially younger ones) involved in Kiwanis.

Our Speaker was Helen Rigby, Development Director for the Aurora Theater Company.

Ms Rigby began her professional life as a flutist, with a special love for small chamber groups. Unfortunately, the travel required for such a career was not suitable for her, so she decided to be involved in the arts at the management level instead. About 6 months ago, after an impressive career in management with several non-profits in Philadelphia, PA, she was lured to Berkeley by her adult children who live in the Bay Area. And she is excited to be working with such an innovative group as the Aurora Theater.

When the Theater group first began, it performed at the Berkeley City Club. There was only seating for 60 in the Members Lounge Room they used. As a result, they became known for the intimacy of the theater experience. They moved several years ago to their own building, next to the Berkeley Rep on Addison Street. Although it provides for a slightly larger audience, seating 150, it maintains the intimacy they are famous for. The stage is surrounded by audience on three sides, and no seat is more than 4 rows from the stage. So it is like “Chamber Theater”, analogous to the chamber music Ms Rigby loves.

Among the things that make the troupe unique are the New Play Festival they hold, and also stage readings where you can get a copy of (new) plays and read along as the actors do a stage reading of the play. [I got the impression that one also had an opportunity to critique the play.]

Also Aurora takes theater to the schools. The Education Director for the group works with high school teachers to involve young people and bring theater alive. This year they are featuring Trojan Women.

Current productions at the Theater:

Private Jokes, Public Places, through May 13

Bosoms and Neglect, June 15 – July 22

To close off her talk, she had us check the brochures handed out. One had a coupon for 2 free tickets. Joe Lee from Circle K won.

See you on the terrace next week!

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