11/2707

Just one minute late… Pres. Khing Khong welcomed all to the ninth meeting of his term.  Gorgeous day.. weather truly delightful. We were greeted at the ticket table by E. Goodman, and B. Rice led us in song.  Dr. Coe gave a short invocation asking for blessings on our friendships and our food!  B Lowman looked great with the poker table in her trusting hands, and the SG was none other than J. Piercy.   

In our midst we found 4 Circle Kers from the great UCB.  Joe, Jenny, Gail and VJ came off campus to visit.  Jenny told us all that's going on: This Saturday the Oakland Holiday parade, Dec. 4^th last meeting of the semester, Dec. 7^th Fall Banquet at Clark Kerr 6-9pm $26, Dec. 9^th 4pm at the Blisses for holiday baking, card/fun pad project to deliver to Children's Hospital and maybe pediatric dolls if time.  The Circle Kers love our company- and we love theirs!!! 

D. Wong noted that we have 1 new member and 1 potential new member in the works.  Meetings will be held at Brennans once a month- fisrt Tuesday of the month- 8:pm to talk about membership, create goals and think/talk about weekly service projects.  Great new beginning!!  She also commented on the Cragmont Readathon tomorrow.  Those who signed up are committed.. if you wanted in, she would see what she could do!!   

Interclub chair B. Carpenter announced no interclub this past week; however four of us will head over to Alameda tomorrow for their meeting.  We are still advertising our upcoming Holiday Auction on Dec. 11^th. 
 
 
 

C. Fitch is looking fit- and has a great appetite.  He was spotted sitting among friends at one of the front tables.  Good to see you, Charlie!! 

S. Hearn announced that YEH is in need of new socks for adults 18-25 for the upcoming cold season.  We participated last year- let's all bring in pairs of socks for this group.  

Some folks admitted to birthdays past and upcoming.  D. Haughin a couple of weeks ago- and B. Carpenter this coming Sunday and he put in $71 for all those wonderful years.  He and VC will be on the high seas on that day.  Jenny announced that Cal Nev Ha Circle K is celebrating 50 young years. 

JJJJJLLLLL$$$$$$$$$$$$$$     

They were numerous and some were large!!  J. Piercy told a long story about his grandson and an accident.  He is doing fine but no skiing for 6 weeks.  D. Wong won a tennis match and is in the playoffs this weekend I think it is.  Pres. Khing Khong 4 J$$ for the four turkeys he partook of this past holiday season.  B. Barnwell compared the AllState/Aflack to today's State Farm/Geiko comments.  You had to be here.  B. Fay gave $$ for something about Margie's niece marrying a Stanford grad (or fan??).  VC gave a $ for a great Friday After Thanksgiving Day sale at the local ACE.  D. Haughin so happy about the 49ers and for all the auction stuff coming in.  F. Bliss gave $$ for two stuffed chickens- and announced that Pres. Khing Khong has been employed by him for 5 years now.  J. Egeberg gave a L for Frank!!!  J. gave a $ for NO turkey on Thanksgiving.  R. Bliss mentioned the Kiwanis magazine and an article about a noon club meeting also at dinner to include more members….  Good idea.     
 
 

Nobody introduced our speaker, none other than Tammy Paradis, present head of the scholarship committee for the Berkeley Kiwanis Club.   She works closely with the Berkeley Foundation; in fact those folks are all members of the scholarship committee.   This year they'll be giving away around $45,000 in scholarships.  They also want to work on a music scholarship this time.  F. Bliss will be in charge of this.  He talked about in the past BK used to do live auditions as a part of the selection process.  TP mentioned that next year the committee will work on going to a paperless system.  And they are also going to work on creating scholarships for young people going on the 2 year community colleges or trade schools.  E. Goodman asked if Oakland Tech will be included in the scholarship selection as we now support their Key Club.  The scholarship committee will be discussing this suggestion. 

Thanks, Tammy, for the information!!  We look forward to the announcements of winners and the scholarship luncheon in May.     

By the way:  Cazadero work day will be April 19^th,  Gualala the weekend after that..  SAVE the dates! 

Have a nice week!!  See you Dec. 4^th for the project workshop of coloring books and cards for Children's Hospital.  We get service hours for this, I think…   

      Editor:  vc

11/20/2007

 

Yummy food awaited those of us that started our Thanksgiving festivities early with our Kiwanis colleagues—stuffed chicken and mac and cheese and chocolate cake.  PrezPhuoc had us all gobbling like turkeys to get the meeting started on the right note….   

VC led us in an energetic GBA, accompanied by Immediate Past Lt Gov Frank on his Fine Fiddle.  Between the two of them, we stayed in tune and sounded wonderful!  RevBill led the invocation, reminding us to be thankful for all the blessings we have.  Duane gleefully collected the ticket money.  Insurance apprentice PrezPhuoc sold a number of insurance policies; Frank, Sandy, VC, and Evie were trembling with fear that they had ignored one of the key rules and regs of the meeting.  And a good thing they had insurance; all had missed the Special Greeter.  George was the Fine Master. 

Jan Robitcher and Lorella were our guests. 

Gail and Keiko (and a bit late Vijay) joined us, despite the Thanksgiving holidays (thank you for being with us!).  Gail thanked the Carpenters for the special K Family Thanksgiving feast, last weekend.  She also reminded us of their meeting next Tuesday, as well as the Installation dinner December 7 (6-9) at Clark Kerr Garden Room (contact Gail if you are attending). 

VC reminded us of the up-coming KIWANIS CLUB OF BERKELEY AUCTION.  All is ready (although more donations would be appreciated).  And if you would bring those treasures to the meeting next week, that would also be 
 
 
 

appreciated.  Rumor has it that there will be a football at the auction, signed by CAL's Coach Tedford (expect spirited bidding on that one). 

VC also has SEE'S CANDY CERTIFICATES for purchase.  You'll save $$ and the club will make $$; a win-win for all. 

Early Tuesday morning, PrezPhuoc and a Kiwanis contingent (including Circle K'ers) joined the Police Department in packing SPECIAL TURKEY BASKETS; over 400 boxes were completed.  

Our next interclub (after a visit to the  Alameda Kiwanis next Wednesday, note date change) will be the Oakland Auction December 3 (Park Plaza, 150 Hegenberger Rd). 

Roberta is planning her annual cooking/baking party prior to the Auction; details to follow. 

We wanted to sing Happy Birthday to Denise, but Denise wisely had taken the week off, celebrating her birthday far away from us. 

PrezPhuoc requested a "holiday" travel update:

VC and BC are off on an 8 day Caribbean Cruise to celebrate BC's birthday, Duane is heading to Miami, and Tamara is off to the East Coast to check on her kids and celebrate Christmas with them in the mountains of CT.  Jack is already somewhere celebrating in the Midwest. 

PrezPhuoc led a lively pre-auction Auction.  Evie, for $20, won the treasured Gobbling Turkey (was that Turkey in the Straw coming from that critter?).  OK, for those of you there, truth in print requires me to say that "lively" is a bit of an exaggeration…. 
 
 
 
 

Lots of happy and sad and confused $$$.

--JohnP sad that the True Secretary was on a trip

--PrezPhuoc happy for the scrumptious Traditional Thanksgiving K family dinner at the Carpenters, happy for all the pre-Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving dinners he has had so far

--RevBill happy for Jan's attendance, happy 3 kids are coming home for Thanksgiving

--Bettye happy to see PreviousLtGovFrank at the West Berkeley Senior Center Party, happy her niece has passed the bar

--Deborah happy for a guitar session, happy 'cuz "her kids" told her she was just the best teacher they've ever had

--Tamara feeling consternation for joining Toastmasters, feeling nervous for her 3^rd speech coming up

--PreviousLtGovFrank sad for his performance in line dancing at the above mentioned Senior Center celebration

--VC happy for the chance to tease Deborah about her hot date

--Evie wishing Tamara good luck at Toastmasters

--RevBill happy a good friend was the speaker today

--George happy for the experience of working with Meals on Wheels while in college

--VC happy her grandson adores George (but she is afraid that grandson thinks Our George is related to Curious George…). 

Bettye introduced Today's Speaker, Faye Combs (Faye also is Bettye's supervisor).  Fay was a riveting speaker, with an opening that revealed the many obstacles she has overcome in her life.  Although she was  illiterate through a good portion of her life, she is now literate and secretary of the National Board for Adult Literacy! 

She has been the Director of Meals on Wheels in Berkeley, for 17 years.  There are 8 Meals on Wheels in Alameda County.  Berkeley Meals started in 1977.  Nutritious meals are delivered to needy seniors between 10 and 2.  Project Open Hands is the core behind the program, preparing the meals and delivering them to the Berkley Meals on Wheels who then delivers them to the needy.  She explained in details the many steps and equipment used to keep the food safe. 
 
 
 
 

As part of this program, Faye also worked with Volunteers of America this weekend in preparing 360 Thanksgiving baskets! 

To apply for Meals on Wheels, you must

--Be 60 years or older

--Be homebound

--Be unable to prepare a balanced meal

--Have a safe pathway to the delivery door

--Be able to safely store and reheat meals

--Participate in 2 brief quarterly phone interviews and 2 in-home assessments annually.

Unfortunately, there are 70 people currently on the Waiting List for Meals on Wheels!  Meals on Wheels relies heavily on private donations.  A mere $20, for example, will take 3 people off the Waiting List. 

For those needed donation checks, Meals on Wheels is located:  1901 Hearst Street, Berkeley 94709. 

Meals on Wheels also needs volunteers willing to donate time for a variety of needs. 

Thank you, Faye, for an inspiring talk.  And thank you for all the good you do in coordinating this special and needed program. 

In closing, PrezPhuoc asked Keiko to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
 
 

REMEMBER 

VC has See's Candy Certificates 

HOLIDAY AUCTION December 3 
 

                              

      (tjp)

11/13/07

'Tis the Season: Autumn is Here 

The Clue: Yes, leaves falling everywhere… stories of Old Blue stalwarts sitting (to no avail) in the steady rain last weekend in Memorial Stadium at Strawberry Canyon … plans for turkey give-aways to the needy…honoring all of us Veterans sitting in the Peanut Gallery…much anticipation for upcoming holiday events…an official visit by the Lieutenant Governor and his entourage…an autumn prelude virtuoso violin performance … and much more…(Whew, what else could you ask for? AND more on most of this later)

The Kickoff: Prez Phuoc started by announcing that the usually reliable Secretary was "not at his post."  Well, "so what" was the most oft' response.  Thankfully, a very competent team was on duty for the day so it didn't matter. There were E. Goodman and then S. Hearn at the door (trying to match the ticket sales to the money collected – an usual accomplishment for B.K.),  
 

There was the usual Bob & Bill Tandem doing the much-too-loud and very off-key vocal tribute but a very respectable thankful word.  "Yo' Geo" Maxe on the finebox rounded out this esteemed group without undo fanfare. Very rare indeed.

When Did Daylight Savings End Anyway?

Well, we changed some of our clocks for a week or so, and then the rest. So which were right? We never knew, but it didn't matter much because it didn't last very long. At least, for some of us, we showed up at events an hour early, rather than late. Meanwhile, we all got a week older.

Better Late Than Never

Regardless of what clock you were watching (that's not to say anyone was bored), the meeting started more or less on time. Wow, did we have guests today? To start with, it seems like we always have the sitting Lt Governor with us, and this time it's none other than our very own E. Levitch (A surprise visit? … More later). While he had the spotlight, he introduced his very own guest, known to all of us by now as Jessica (rumor as it that she has an application that she's thinking of filling out). While we were at it, we acknowledged other past LtGov's in the room (No, not very properly) – names of Bliss, Bliss, and Carpenter come to mind.

Speaking of Blissful (hint), was there a Secret Greeter today? Well, did we tell you about the violin prelude? And did you ever think that it's difficult to shake hands with a violin artist while he's playing. Need I say more? Insurance apprentice Khong sold a number of policies (but admitted they were not "All Risk")

When the __Come Marching In

It's fill-in-the-blanks time. Answer is the world-famous Circle K of UC Berkeley. CK Joe arrived breathlessly at the door and came forward to tell some stories (By the way, Joe tried his hardest to lose his keys, leaving them behind wherever he went). To start with, they just arrived back from the Masquerade Ball last weekend at UC San Diego, and they're still tired. Gail and Virginia walked in just in time to back up his story. After a quick recovery, he went on to announce upcoming events –

• This Fri: Bay Area Rescue Mission
• This Sat: Carnival at Playland in Berkeley
• Sunday: K Family Dinner (Thanksgiving style) at the Carpenters
• Fri Dec 7: Fall Banquet ($26) at the Clark Kerr Garden Room

Sign up for all of these events now!

We forgot there were some other guests today, very important guests, from our sister (and mother?) club from the great neighboring community of Oakland. Yes, they even had an interclub consisting of Russ, Stan & Art. We, of course, thought they came to buy all the tickets (door, raffle, and others) to the greatest holiday fest of all – at Berkeley Kiwanis Holiday Auction on Dec. 11 (more on that later) --- BUT NO! They came to push their own warm-up act on Mon, Dec 3. Some of us bought a bunch of tix and are trying to remember its NEW location:

Yes, the Oakland Holiday Auction is at the Park Plaza at 150 Hegenberger Road on Dec. 3 ($25)! 

World's Greatest 2007 Holiday Event

But the best of all is the Berkeley Kiwanis Holiday Auction on Tues, Dec. 11. And better yet, the price is only $15 (in advance, because it's $20 at the door). Buy your tickets now…and for the 50-50 drawing ($1,000 guaranteed).  There will be fantastic bid items, including hosted theme dinners and an autographed Cal football (yes, their interesting season will be over).  

Overtime

There were two successful Interclubs last week, at the Richmond club last Wed and at the DCM on Thur.

And then there were so many Happy/Sad dollars that it's impossible to record them all, including many for being so wet and then so dry for the Cal/USC football game, Russ from Oakland for attending a superior meeting today, and B. Fay for another tasteless joke.

A Sobering Thought

Then F. Bliss introduced our esteemed program for the day, current Lieutenant Governor Ed Levitch's official visit.

Ed told us his story of how he became a member of Kiwanis and what the ideals of the club mean to him. He noted that it started out as a business club and how much it has changed for the better. He indicated that he will be here for us and asked us to be here for him.

As far as a specific project for the year, he asked each member to come up with an idea and let him know.  He is promoting the idea of several clubs getting together (also with Circle K and Key Clubs) to work on projects. It was noted that One K Day is set for Sat, April 8, 2008.

As far as the state of Division 2, it is still hovering at 9 clubs and 250 members. IF it cannot maintain this level, it remains at risk. A new concept is being floated of alternative membership (no obligations for dues or lunch), but this hasn't gotten very far.

Thanks Ed!   
 

????? Challenge of the Week: Can the upcoming Holiday Auction outdo the previous event of the year--????

11/6/07

Yep, it IS November already.  Have YOU started your Christmas shopping yet!  (Me neither!)  Planning for your Holiday Auction is well underway.  Last week VC was flogging the "split-the-pot" drawing and today it was sheets of 8 lunch tickets that we need to sell to our friends, relations, neighbors, and anyone else we can get to come and spend money.  It would be nice if a majority of the net came from the public (and we want to include other Kiwanis Club members in that group). Do you remember that December 11 is the date!!  Next week that will be less than a month away.  Bring in those "treasures" that you want auctioned (silent or live) and take advantage of VC's offer to provide free transportation and storage. 

Khing Khong was right on the ball today; he tried to open the meeting on the dot of 12:30, but failed to ring the bell so was behind as soon as he started.  But, things got better – or at least what seemed better as things went along. 

Bettye had all the chores assigned although the ticket-seller was probably an unscheduled (but appreciated) Evie.  Bob, accompanied by Frank, led a spirited GBA (why does it always sound better in key when Borden is not present?); Grouchy gave his brief invocation; Bettye took over the fine box and away we went – well, sort of. 

Ed Levitch introduced his "gal Friday" from work and proceeded to announce that she will be applying for membership.  That was news to her!!  And I didn't know Ed paid his employees enough to afford this Club.  He did "take out papers", for her, though.  On a more positive note, he didn't seem to be favoring his aching back quite so much and reports that the best thing going for his back seems to acupuncture.   

Lt Guv Ed also encouraged everyone to attend his DCM (Division Council Meeting) this Thursday evening at 6 PM (that's 1800 hours for you National Guard folks) in the conference room at his office complex.  Enter from the Heinz St. side, not from 10^th Street.  He promises an upbeat and important meeting. 

Bill C. reported on 3 interclubs this past week.  Circle K (4 attendees), Richmond (4 attendees) and the Circle K Fall Training Conference (4 attendees).  Bill, VC, Evie, Gimpy, Frank, Roberta, Phuoc, Tony Ng (TONY NG!!!), and Jane were the attendees.  And Jane even made it to lunch today (Tony didn't!).  Jane reports that it was the biggest Fall Training Conference yet,  
 
 

and her last since she is already training her replacement on the District level position.  Will Jane miss the Circle K more that they will miss her??  It might be a toss-up. 

Pres. Phuoc announced 4 birthday celebrants for November, but only Denise was present, so although we supposedly sang HB to them all, it was really for Denise.  Gotta be present to have it sung to you!  (Oops, will that discourage folks from attending?) 

Jeff and Jane were each presented with 6 year perfect attendance recognition.  I suspect Jack did his usual and got their 5 year tags back – saves money, you know! 

Roberta was asked to explain why she wasn't wearing her meeting badge.  There was some discussion of her "loosing" it when she took it home after a meeting.  (Now, that's a fineable action in itself!)  But even worse, she let it slide off the car seat and into the seat adjustment mechanism which "did a job" on it.  She had snuck around using an old regular badge but finally turned in both the badges (the old and the mangled) and asked for a replacement.  As a Life Member Roberta has one of those special badges, and of course they are in short supply and quite valuable.  Since she had "confessed" it didn't seem that the Pres could be too tough on her, but something green was added to the "Fine" card box. 

There were a fair number of H$ deposited in that card box, but only a few got recorded.  As usual, I was having too much fun.  Duane has graduated from his "in the REAL water" rowing class and now is qualified to do it on his own.  Hope he doesn't go out under the Bay Bridge!  There were lots of H$ for our now active web site (www.berkeleykiwanis.org ) and if you haven't reviewed it, you should.  Just remember, it gets changed daily since it is still in the forming stage.  Send your comments to the webmaster (Debra). 

Bettye introduced our speaker, Eva Garcia, the acting Director of the West Berkeley Senior Center (Hearst & 6^th Streets).  Eva has been "acting" Director for 6 months and is currently on the short list to become THE Director.  She told us a bit about "her" Center and the programs it offers, including a hot lunch five days a week.  There is a fee for the lunch, but most of the activities are supported by the City.  The target population is low income Seniors, but all Seniors are welcome.  (Maybe we should meet there!!! Most of us qualify.)   Line dancing, holistic fitness, computer operation, Food and Nutrition are some of the many activities/classes offered and there are even a couple of pool tables available for you sharks.  Eva mentioned a "story-telling" class – that should be right up our alley.  They are having a pre-holiday lunch party on Nov 16 (Friday) and would welcome some volunteer help to set up, serve and clean up.  Nothing was said about helping cook!  Bettye will probably show up next week with a sign-up sheet. 

Eva was pretty brief, and after she answered questions there were still 10 minutes left.  So, Khing Khong made a bigggg mistake, and asked if anyone had a story to tell.  JP and Denise both jumped up, and both paid.  You needed to be there – well, maybe not! 

Joe led the Pledge right after Bettye admitted she is still working on next week's program. 

And off into the sunlight we went.