Newsletter 12908

All Out-Bidded

A good number of our members came dragging in because it was the second meeting in a row. Yes, yesterday was the long-awaited Holiday Auction of our step-sisters in Oakland, and had we shot our wad over there?  After a joyous ride down the Eastshore (following Caltrans sweeper trucks), we arrived at the Park Plaza Hotel on Hegenberger for this momentous event (Oh, for the old days at the magnificent Lake Merritt Hotel with its charm and views!). Anyway, our partners in crime did their best to be a "tough act to follow" after Berkeley's very own last week.=0 AEven though it was a venerable event, we have to admit we know which one "takes the cake." …. A very enjoyable time for all, but it seems like the "state of the economy" took its toll that day. Some nickel-and-diming went on about seemingly generous donations of premier tickets to sporting events of certain Bay Area teams…and so it went. Oh, and by-the-way, B. Carpenter announced we had another good-size Interclub of 9 B.K.'ers… and won once again the prize of a case of premium wine (unfortunately, transportation manager F. Bliss then announced that there were only 3 bottles left…the event was yesterday/go figure!).

Arriving back today to BCC (aka "City Club"), we were reminded how beautiful it can be this time of the year. Then we ran into Nancy who gave us her warmest holiday greetings, and in return, we informed her how grateful and impressed we were with their performance last week – it was VERY nice. AND THEN (more later on), we were informed that the income from last week's auction was somewhere around $7,115 (Wow, another

 

 

record?). Somehow BK overcame this darned recession…

And Then We Got Rolling

To start with, it was Prez-Elect R. Bliss warming up in the front of the room when in walked none other than incumbent Prez D. Haughin (who managed to overcome some family health difficulties to get here at the last minute). She threw together a last-minute "surprise" team for the day, consisting of Grumpy trying to sell tickets, Evie on the invocation, Jessica trying to collect fines… AND THEN listen to this, it was B. Fay conducting,  accompanied by a well-known local violinist (quite frankly trying to drown out another well-respect member of our Club (?).

Yes, we had guests – first of all, all the way from another state in the middle of our country, we had Gordon, who also happens to be the accountant for a certain hardware store in downtown Berkeley (let's hope he keeps up the account after today's meeting). And then, one=2 0of our favorite repeat guests, Bruce, who is related somehow to our very own C. Fitch (and boy was Charlie happy about his visit, jumping up and down…)

Circle the Wagons

Yes, it's all quiet on the western front, because it's… Finals Time! (Well, almost quiet, because the resourceful Circle K never seem to really quit). Monica introduced Tiffany and Peter (and then more anonymous young'uns snuck in). Well, somehow they had a banquet last Saturday, as well as participated in the (KQED?) Oakland Holiday Parade. This Thur-Fri, they are volunteering at the

 

Learning Center and will be doing a Clothing & Food Drive over the next two weeks (please donate anything you have!). So, that's "quiet time" for the Circle K.

B. K. to the Rescue

Ø  J. Rosano announced that it is "official" that Cazadero Camp will replace Gualala as the  springtime featured event in the future. It has many advantages, among them, that it's much easier to get to, that it's really for Berkeley!, and that they really want us!

Ø  D. Leonard: Get your See's candy now!

Ø  P. Khong: Caroling next Sunday @ 12:15  at a senior facility near Ashby (check in with him for details, and bring your B.K. songbook handed out today)

Ø  V. Carpenter: Much success at recent RIF Distributions (620 kids)  -- AND QUILTS handed out to 22 kids at Vera Casey Center. And since L. Hannawalt was not here today, she announced that quilt-making will start up with a bang after the holidays.

Ø  P. Khong: Sponsored Youth will be working as usual this year on the Rose Parade Float and that local clubs are working on housing for all participants.

Ø  P. Khong/V. Carpenter: Sat, Dec 20, 10:00 – 4:00/Bell Ringing for Salvation Army

Ø  And last but not least, Banner Committee Report from B. Barnwell: Yes, the new banner is done…and he unveiled it…and it is BEAUTIFUL! What a success! AND THEN F.Bob revealed his true secrets to success, and gifted them generously: (1) D. Wong – design (hand-crafted earrings!), (2) S. Hearn – financial backing (hand-crafted earrings), and (3) D. Leonard – all other backing (hoping for earrings, but settled for a gourmet martini shaker!) … (comments from the back of the room about wanting to be on Bob's committee next time)

 

Happy/Sad $$$$

Ø  Ø  B. Fay: Cal Bears X 2: Victory over Washington last weekend and invitation to play against Miami Hurricanes in  Emerald Bowl  (Sat, Dec 27, AT&T Park, San Francisco).

E. Levitch  about generations carrying on our great traditions (in his name?)

Ø  C. Fitch: Once again, appreciating Bruce's arrival.

Ø  V. Carpenter: What an exposure to real music to have F. Bliss's violin at RIF events (it's such a rarity for kids to have such a treat – they were enthralled!)

Ø  And then F. Bliss had the strangest one of all – Milo (the Grand) Cat has apparently been around the world a few times but last time was relegated to the Cargo Hold (along with the rest of the pets). Anyway, that's apparently not good enough for Milo, and would anyone be kind enough to put him up for a few weeks (don't call too soon)??

What a Month for Birthdays

Well, Prez D. announced a few, but then many other kept stepping up. First of all, she offered big bux for DAD's 75^th (aka J. Rosano) and B. Carpenter's umpteenth. Then they came forward…B. Fay admitted he was 85, L. Iodice 89, and then Bruce, B. Lowman, S. Hearn, all of whom of course wouldn't fess up.

Then there was the most rousing (but not necessarily the most harmonic) rendition of HBD you've ever heard!

What a Program for Birthdays

Well, we decorated cards and crayons and thingamajigs for those much-deserving kids stuck in hospitals over the holidays, as we have done for the past several years. What a rewarding activity! AND with a strolling violinist engaging us in "holiday carols" and a certain collegiate fight song (!) the whole time. A nice day…

                                                                         je

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Newslwtter 112808

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ONE AND ALL!!

 

We hope you are enjoying your day.

 

 

Our Tuesday meeting went off without a hitch.  Pres. BFE Denise is learning how to lead her meetings with humor and a strong wielding of the Presidential gavel! 

Taking tickets was handled by "all"- sounds like we did our own thing!  B. Rice led us in a truly harmonious GBA and P.Khong gave a short invocation.  This editor has a poor memory, but believes it was B. Lowman who manhandl ed the fine box.

 

Our sunshine report from B. Fay is that Dr. Coe has had a slight stroke while out for a walk, spent a few days in the hospital and is now back at the Berkshire. We send our best wishes to Dr. Coe and his wife, Vivian.

 

We had one guest- Salvation Army Major Patrick Grenat- who is the Alameda County Commander and located in Oakland.  (He was advised that the Bezerkely Club is far superior to the Oakland Club!).  He offered to be our speaker for the day!

 

Committee reports as follows:

B. Lowman reported that the quilts are ready for Vera Casey and on track for Kyacamena.

V.C. reported that RIF is on and passed around a sign up sheet which was filled up.  THANK YOU!

There will be two groups working on both distribution days.  This helps us finish by noon and gets us to many children.  The dates of the upcoming distribution are Dec. 3 and 4 (Yes, the two days immediately following our Holiday Auction!).  The Vera Casey quilts will be delivered on the same day as our visit with RIF.  What a day- and photo op!

The new Banner Committee, headed up by B. Barnwell, has met and decided on a banner. Thanks to a generous donation from Bob, this banner will be a wonderful addition to our projects- it'll help us get our name out into the public!!  Thanks for your hard work, Bob.

Interclub reports were that we had two interclubs, one with Richmond (Evie, Bettye, Ed, Jessica and Pres. BFE Denise) and one with Alameda  (Roberta, Frank, Tammy, John and Traudel).  Thanks to all who go to interclubs- we get to know our fellow Kiwanians much better!!

 

Our great UCB Circle K was represented by Monica, Gail, Linda, Josh and two others whose names this editor did not catch (sorry- my hearing??)

As usual they have done a tremendous amount of work- Concession stand at games, 2 environmental projects, holiday packing with the Berkeley police, and the social dinner held at the Blisses and attended by 20 Circle Kers, 8 Oak. Tech Key Clubbers, and 6 Kiwanians.  GREAT EVENT!!  They'll be helping at our Holiday Auction next Tuesday, and are hosting a banquet on Dec. 5^th from 5:30-9:00 in Barrows Hall- $18 for dinner.

They would love our attendance at this event.

     

 

JLJLJLJLJLJLJL$$$$$$$$

There were lots and lots of happ y sad $$$.  Evie was happy for having her family to dinner at her home this year.  Sandi delighted with the work of the banner committee and sad that D. Wong's numbers in the roster are wrong.  Monica enjoyed the Bliss dinner, and ecstatic that Joe got "pied" (sp??) instead of her- they raised $124 in just the few hours at the dinner- and the money will go towards purchasing a bell and gavel for the Oakland Tech Key Club.  Jeff, Bill F. & Bob R. were happy for the game, and Charlie F. so happy his son was coming up for Thanksgiving.  Frank B. happy for the dinner and that he was able to attend the funeral for Dr. Coe's son-in-law, and L that his computer died.  Pres. BFE Denise told us it was her birthday- so we all sang.  She also emphasized the joy in her presidency that she is experiencing.  There were others, but this editor was running around selling auction lunch and split the pot tickets… so missed some stuff.

 

We were lucky (as stated=2 0above) to have Major Patrick Granat join us for lunch, and he volunteered to be our speaker.  He feels the Salvation Army is America's Best Kept Secret.  Stuff is happening all over.  Due to a huge 1.6 BILLION $ donation from (I missed the place!) they will be able to build centers for needs of the people around the country.  The Kettle:  The first one was in San Francisco- a Mr. McPhee (sp?) as an afterthought wanted to serve dinners to about 1000 folks in 1891.  He ran into a restaurant to borrow a huge cooking pot, and set up for "donations" out on the street.  As is turned out, the very first donation came from a customer who had just stepped off the ferry- so controversy over was it in SF or the East Bay that the first donation came??!!  We also learned the ranks in the Salvation Army- and lots of other interesting information.  Major Granat asked us to invite him back- what a deal!!  Also, we'll probably have the kettle out at your local ACE Hardware store located on University Ave. for two Saturdays.  Hopefully we can get Berkeley Kiwanians, Circle Kers and Key Clubbers to come out and ring that bell.  Major Granat noted that our club was the only group allow ed to keep a kettle overnight.  What an honor!!

 

 

 

 

I know this edition of the Kollegiate is a couple of days late… but perhaps for the best!!  This is your reminder that one of our biggest fundraisers of the year is this next Tuesday, Dec. 2^nd-  our annual HOLIDAY AUCTION.  Please be thinking about any "late" donations you might want to bring.  Homemade goodies, bottles of wine or spirits,

Christmas items, games, dinners, books, whatever whatever!!  This is one of our most exciting events.  Our two auctioneers, "Dack" Rosano and Sharon Silveira, will be trying to get that money out of your pockets and into the BK koffers, so come ready to share!!!  It's always a pleasure to have Sharon join us from that faraway town of Vallejo!!  We have many other clubs joining us this year, so let's have a GREAT showing of holiday items to be snapped up at "not so reasonable" prices!!!

 

And so… another day is gone, another meeting finished, pleasantries exchanged, smiles and hugs all around.  Great place to be on Tuesdays at noon!

 

 

SAQOTD

If I were given the opportunity to present a gift

to the next generation, it would be the ability

for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.

Charles Schultz (cartoonist)

 

 

SAQOTW

Good days are to be gathered like sunshine in grapes, to be trodden and bottled into wine and kept for age to sip at ease beside the fire.

Freya Stark (Writer)

 

 

Know that you were missed if we did not see you at lunch today.  We are all a special part of this great BERKELEY KIWANIS CLUB.

 

Editor:  VC

"Dack" Rosano= Dad Jack Rosano

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Newsletter 111808

PrezDenise called us to order (what a silly word choice --"order"-- to describe this group!).   Frank led us in an enthusiastic, mostly on-key, GBA.  Who was collecting ticket money??  Scribe observed a number of people.  Evie, I think, gets most of the credit.  Sandy called for His blessing on us and our work of "one child at a time".  Bettye was in charge of the fine Fine Box.

 

Albany had a half of an inner club!  Karen (scribe guesses Jack was the other one).  Karen, it was so great to have you at our meeting.  Roberta, aka The Secret Greeter, pronounced us all friendly, except for Karen, who was quickly forgiven. 

 

Frank is chair of the December programs; please contact him if you can volunteer—you can lead the singing (Frank refuses during December), collect money, bagger folks for fines, etc, etc, etc.

 

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

Saturday November 22 9AM to 4ish PM

Contact Denise or Phuoc for details.

-Location one: 3000 9^th St., Oakland

-Location two: 247 East 18^th St. Oakland

 

RIF is coming in December.  VC will be getting us the details.

 

HOLIDAY AUCTION

December 2.

-Tickets are $15 now ($20 at the door)

-Donations needed

-Contact Denise or VC

 

 

 

&nb sp;

-Some of the donations include deYoung tickets, His Lordship dinners, ice cream maker, marmalade, cozy dinners with fellowKiwanians, etc, etc ,etc.

 

INTERCLUBS

We had an interclub November 19 at Alameda to sell HOLIDAY AUCTION tickets (thanks to Roberta, Frank, JohnP and Tamara).

Interclub planned to Richmond to sell HOLIDAY AUCTION tickets too.

 

CIRCLEK were here in force (even if it took a bit of time for all to come dribbling in).  Welcome Joe, Tiffany, Joshua, Rocky, Dmitriy.

-November 21 is the Thanksgiving Kiwanis Family dinner at the Blisses.  5-10PM.

-November 22 is the Herz Playgound Workday 8-1 AND the Gateway Garden Gardening 9:30-1:30.

-November 23 is the Lakeview Elementary Gardening 9:30-1:30.

=0 A

-Remember their General Meeting is each Tuesday at 7PM.  Contact Phuoc for details.

 

Frank's donated a $ per year to the Kiwnais Foundation in celebration of his birthday.  He refused to lead us in the Happy Birthday song; he refused to agree to let us sing the HB song.  So we, under Phuoc's direction, hummed HB.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY AND SAD

First a note of sadness .  Allen Coe's son-in-law, Brian Pugh, was murdered last Friday.  Services are November 21 at 1pm at the Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos.  Contact Frank for details.

--Ed read a thoughtful, moving poem, one of his own, in memory of Brian Pugh

--DadJack sad for CAL's loss, but happy to have had a great trip and time with friends

--RevBill sad for CAL's loss, happy that CAL WILL beat Stanford

--Jeff for the "infamous" trip to Oregon, the reunion with Neal and Jackie Henderson, and the unbelievable consumption of sweets….and liquid

--BobR happy to be getting rid of his stitches and sad about the Oregon game

--Karen happy that Denise is president

--Duane sad for CAL's loss, and comments about averaging 58 mph and 21.2 mpg

--JohnP for all the Park Hills folks present (Karen, the20speaker and JohnP)

--Denise sad for Allen's loss

 

 

RevBill introduced the speaker, Bill Huyett, Superintendent of the Berkeley Unified School District.  Bill has been an educator for 35 years and a superintendent for 13.  Previously he was Lodi's superintendent; he just recently came to Berkeley.

 

Bill started by commenting that he was giving blood when RevBill came by with juice and cookies and refused to give him either until he promised to speak at one of our meetings! 

 

Bill likes the size of Berkeley Unified:  small enough to be personal, large enough to have a staff that can help.

 

A previous goal was the 2020 Vision—all kids would reach state proficiency by the time they graduated.  This goal was initiated with last year's kindergarten group.  And three pre-schools have been set up to get the younger ones ready for kindergarten.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He has 5 goals:

 Teach proven curriculums adopted by schools and teachers—all teaching the same curriculum that gives proven results

1.      Teach a diverse curriculum that takes into consideration diverse folks

2.      Engage parents in the curriculum

3.      Recruit and hire the best, and be diverse within that caveat

4.      Invest in teacher and staff development.

 

Bill chose Berkeley unified because he knew the school's reputation (superb) and liked challenges (budget).   Budget cuts are intense and there is rumor of a midyear additional 3 million dollar cut to education, via the governor.

 

Berkeley schools and the community support the arts, have improved school buildings, support smaller class size and have an incredible sports program.

 

Bill was a powerful and engaging speaker.  We should all be proud to have him our Superintendent!

 

 

Scribe was surprised to learn (and it does impact Kiwanis) that it is a state law that no group ( e.g. parents, service club) can do any work for a school that a union member could do.  It's the law, California law. 

 

And an addition to last weeks' Newsletter:

Duane's military escapades were left out.  ROTC to Adjutant General Corps.  Processed GIs for oversees.

 

 

RevBill helped Denise close the meeting by leading us in The Pledge.

 

                                                            (tjp)

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