KIWANIS KOLLEGIATE
SECRETARY
Jack Rosano
P.O.Box 323
Berkeley, CA 94701
www.berkeleykiwanis.org April 24, 2007 Printer/ Mailer, Duane Leonard
KIWANIS CLUB u A Club on the Moveu BERKELEY
Well, let’s see. . . How should I begin to describe the meeting? Sunny day, good company, something they called “stroganoff”, veggies, fruit & flan.
Jeff called the meeting to order—as orderly as we ever get. In the absence of Bob Rice, we needed a volunteer to lead GBA. Frank was impressed into service by acclamation. He stepped forward with a smile; gave us a pitch which we thoroughly missed—SO many wrong notes! But, not to be defeated, he had us try again. This time we actually did it. Our singing wasn’t too bad, either.
Rev. Fay offered a prayer for guidance for the country, and for our club, especially as we try to help the world one child and one community at a time. And for protection for our service men, wherever they are stationed.
The appropriateness of the prayer became evident as our guests, seated at the same table as Rev. Fay, were introduced. Frank and Roberta’s son Emil, who flies F15s in the Air Force, was one of the guests. Kelly, from Enterprise Car Rental, was also at the same table. She often works with Frank’s insurance agency when a rental car is needed as part of the claim settlement. Frank gave a glowing endorsement, but I guess we couldn’t fine him for advertising, since it wasn’t his firm.
Circle K was introduced by Gail: Cheriz, Ashley, Nah, Evan, and Joe. The club is busy as always with service projects, including on the 21st at Camp Cazadero and this weekend at Camp Gualala, also May 6 at MLK Jr. Hi clean up and Spring Fling Fair at Emerson (Berkeley). And don’t forget the Spring Banquet on May 4. This time at the top of Barrows Hall, with panoramic views; cost $20.
A sign-up for the next Reading Is FUNdamental (RIF) distribution on May 9 & 10 was circulated.
We had a Secret Greeter (Bob B.) who, unfortunately, had to report that many did not greet him. But in a spirit of nobility and generosity, he said he would not tell, and contributed $20.00 to cover all the guilty parties’ fines. Thanks Bob, but come on folks, let’s not let this sort of thing happen again!
Significant milestones: Piercy anniversary (with a complaint that in previous years it had been announced in the club a few days before the event, giving him time to avoid trouble at home, instead of AFTER, as it was being done this year.)
Bill Hannawalt’s birthday. Coy about how many, and begged us NOT to sing--Wise choice.
Perfect attendance pins: Phuoc (5), Duane (20), Sandy [not sure I qualify, but I’ll take it anyway] (2)
Lots of H$
Bob “the stripper” B. — for the delicious peas now at farmers’ markets. Time is short. The season only lasts 4 to 6 weeks. The nickname came from the demonstration he gave of how to strip the string from snow peas. “It’s all in the wrist”
Jennifer—Who was happy to finally be able to join us again. The child care agency she works for recently suffered a triple whammy. Inspections and reviews by auditors, the Feds AND the State. All over now and they passed just fine!
Jeff—Re-instituting the New Car tax/donation/fine. He just joined the ranks of the “pious Prius”. Now that he has one he recognizes them on the road more. Amazing how many are on the road around Berkeley.
Denise—For the wonderful kids at Oakland Tech Key Club. She accompanied them on the bus to their Long Beach convention. She reports that they, and especially next year’s President, are just awesome. Linda Hannawalt also went to the convention but drove separately.
Phuoc—for the weekend at Camp Cazadero with Debra, Bob B. and 12 CK’ers. In spite of pouring rain they got the canvas tops to the tent cabins up.
Plus one very S$—One of the young people killed at Virginia Tech was a Circle K leader, well respected by all there.
Our speaker was Dave Hendsch, talking about Emerson Elementary School “On the Move”.
Dave is a retired teacher, but his connection to Emerson came three ways: As a member of First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, as a volunteer with Faith Network of the East Bay, and as a former member of Grand Lake Kiwanis.
This is a story of how volunteer efforts can really make a difference.
This Emerson, not to be confused with Emerson Elementary of Berkeley, is in Oakland, one block from Oakland Tech High School; located between Lawton and Shafter, just across from the Temescal Swimming Pool. It was a failing school. Although in a richly diverse neighborhood with lots of middle class families, most of the middle class kids did not attend. Daily attendance of those enrolled was less than 95%. The Library was closed and used only for storage for over 7 years. So long, in fact, that the school district central office no longer had record of it even having a library. Teacher morale was low. Test scores were low. The State appointed administrator even considered closing it.
Much of the effort started with Faith Network, which seeks to improve underperforming schools in the East Bay, primarily Oakland, but also at Longfellow Middle School in Berkeley. Although faith based, there is no proselytizing. Volunteer effort is focused to what the school itself suggests it needs.
Frank and Roberta Bliss were also involved early on, as was Grand Lake Kiwanis and Linda Kiehle Hannawalt.
At first the Principal and staff were skeptical. But much has been accomplished, so that now they are really appreciative.
Some of the highlights:
In one year, daily attendance was improved by 3% via a “Bikes for Kids” program. Each month 2 donated bikes were raffled off. To be eligible, students had to have perfect attendance. Attendance has continued to climb.
Teacher appreciation lunches held once a month; capped off with a community dinner sponsored by Grand Lake Kiwanis.
Thanks to the efforts of Key Club, Kiwanis, and Faith Network volunteers in 2004 & 2005/06 the library was cleaned up, books cataloged, and funds were raised to hire a librarian for the balance of the school year. The school district promised to budget a librarian for the following year, which they did. Unfortunately, for personal reasons, she needed to resign mid-year, but the library is still being kept open with volunteers. 12 classes a week use the library.
There are reading labs, targeting 2nd grade students, so that they don’t fall behind. 5th graders were sent to a Science Horizons program at Mission Springs conference grounds. Local businesses and parents from the neighborhood are becoming more involved. Test scores are rising.
The moral: Intentional T.L.C. is a powerful tool for change.
PS: Scribe’s personal desire is that we Kiwanians and Key Club keep up our involvement. How about a carpet shampoo for the Library, and/or a weed-out/clean-up day, maybe in conjunction with Oakland Tech Key Club?
What would life be if we
had no courage to attempt anything?
-- Vincent van Gogh
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