Newsletter

   

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A Major Offensive

The Circle K from the University of California at Berkeley (aka CAL) knew that Berkeley Kiwanis did not have its right flank covered, and swept in furtively for a total Take-Over of today's meeting that lasted even longer than normal closing time.

A few of us were a bit worried that we would never be released from captivity and were quite relieved when we finally were. There were no less than twelve on the initial assault, and then relief troops kept pouring in as the meeting tried to continue on.

Not even B.K.'s finest and fiercest, who were there in force, such as Colonel Piercy (aka "Grumpy"), Captain Rosano (aka "Gimpy"), nor former Naval Officer Egeberg (aka "Retread") had any defensive response to the onslaught.

To no surprise, Joe was the first and foremost to step up to the mike and speak to us captives. He introduced other henchmen and henchwomen, among them Nancy (identified as an "alum"?),

 

 

Alex (identified as one of several vice presidents), and a dangerous-looking character named D.K. lurking in the back of the room, among many other menacing figures. AND then there was Cerise managing that ever-threatening Fine Box (although it was quickly recognized as our usual Prez's well-known "house of cards").

By the way, before we were so rudely interrupted, we attempted to have a top-quality B.K. team for the day, which included S. Hearn on the ticket table, R. Bliss on the invocation, and E. Levitch doing the hula while going through the motions of conducting a vocal tribute.

 

The Written Rule

Believe it or not, the Circle K started by passing out written orders to all. In addition to standard violations that result in fines being assessed, that we're all used to, there many others added (cruel and unusual punishment??).

 

Look at this à

ü      Sneezing/coughing

ü      Elbows on table (one or both?)

ü      Yawning

ü      Biting nails

ü      Scratching

ü      No names (what does that mean?)

Yes, this was indeed cruel and unusual punishment, but anything goes for Prisoners-of-War.

 

 

Business as Usual

Our benevolent dictator, Joe, did allow us a brief moment to announce important matters for the nervous gathering of Berkeley Kiwanians, which we quickly and fearfully got in as follows –

 

·        The big 85^th Anniversary event of the Berkeley Kiwanis Club is next Tuesday, February 26, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the good ol' City Club.

·        The mid-year conference is March 8 in San Jose. We plan to be fully represented with our usual faithful, and that means you too.

·        The usually festive St. Patty's Day celebration is scheduled for March 15 at its usual location in Paradise (that is, chez Paradis in Lafayette). Late-breaking word news! It may be postponed one day, to Sunday, March 16^th – stay tuned.

·        Oakland Tech's Take-Over is scheduled for March 11, 2008.

·        Circle K's annual convention is coming up on April 18 – 20 in Sacramento – we need sign-ups for drivers & chaperones!

 

Then we had another brief chance to wish a big Happy Birthday to A. Coe who admitted it was 80+ but the exact figure can't be repeated here.

AND THEN D. Haughin had a few very happy bux that her Mom was home from the hospital, P. Khong had several more HBux for finally being over the nasty flu bug, and V. Carpenter had a hot flash and didn't pay a damn thing. Well, that's about it, sad as it seems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Release of Prisoners

Yes, a deal was finally made. The Circle K then rolled out one after another after another after another of yummy home-baked items, which all received high-priced bid offers. At the conclusion, they announced a total ransom of over $600 and let us all go.

The Forgotten Agenda

The written rules, as acknowledged above, had some very elaborate instructions for some intriguing games called out as with exotic names, such as Electricity Hand Game, Song Game, and even Star Jar. Well, as it turned out, the first two didn't come close to happening, even though we were all so anxious after all that bidding on that fattening stuff. Instead, the invaders quickly ran off into the sunset.

 

However, Star Jar was won so very deftly by S. Hearn for guessing that there were exactly 585 stars in that damn jar. I don't believe it myself. Congrats, Sandy!

 

 

 

 

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Newsletter 021208

Three minutes early… Pres. Khing Khong rang the bell- and caught the bar gang en masse. Leonard, Rosano, Egeberg, & Levitch all paid fines, as well as D. Wong who arrived late but not from the bar!! Ticket taker D. Haughin graciously collected your money in exchange for a handshake and lunch ticket. Song leader B. Rice was in fine form with GBA, and S. Hearn gave a warm invocation including thanks for the rain and our good works. J. Egeberg enjoyed carrying around the poker table box- and it filled up with a fair amount of monies.

We were graced with the presence of B. Rice's "my

good wife Esther," and Susan from the Salvation Army. Heard that Susan might be joining our group of great Kiwanians. Which brings to mind we have two new members in the last two weeks. Hayley was inducted already. Jessica will be inducted next week we hear. See EOB (end of bulletin) for bio information and contact numbers.

Interclub chair B. Carpenter announced no interclub this past week; however four of us are headed to Castro Valley Hayward tonight. LTG Ed will be making his official visit. Also… CV/Hayward is having a Key Club takeover next Tuesday, the 29^th. BC would like you to volunteer to join him and VC at this event. Wonder if there will be an interclub at the Alameda Chili Cook-off this coming Saturday, the 26^th?? Guess we'll hear next week!!!

Circle K is back in town and in classes. We were joined by Joe, Gail and Virginia (bundled up!!) and two others who snuck in later. Jan 29^th will be their first meeting of the semester. They have been resting on vacation, but many of them attended GO WEST to help decorate the floats for the Rose Parade. That's a yearly event that they love to do!

Upcoming NOTE OF IMPORTANCE:

Our February 26^th meeting will be a celebration of the 85^th birthday of Berkeley Kiwanis, as well as a time to honor all of our Legion of Honor members. It will be an evening meeting with libations at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30 and will be held at the Berkeley City Club. For this event the City Club has offered to have more parking spots in the lot available for our members who need closer parking. More on this event to come, but please get it on your calendar now- it is a very special day!!

JJJJJLLLLL$$$$

J. Rosano enjoyed taking some of our Key Clubbers to their DCM- there were about 60 kids there- and the meeting lasted around 20 minutes. He thinks Ed should learn from them!!! D. Leonard has rowed about 1/3 of what C. Fitch has- about 10 million meters. Pres K. Khong sorry some football (?) player is flying the coup, and he won enough money in Reno to pay for having chains put on his car on the ride over the mountains coming home. F. Bliss L he had to leave early as

his employee Pres K. Khong had the day off. LTG E. Levitch had to leave early also, but he had 10J

for/from Jessica for becoming a member and for being inducted next week. J. Egeberg put in some to find out what B. Barnwell's Tshirt "Bar Crawl" meant. B.B. explained that the Lower Haight Merchant's Assoc. held a fundraiser to plant trees in the Lower Haight area- it was a visit to 6 bars one evening… he doesn't like beer or wine, but enjoyed the outing anyway!!! (Sounds like great fun to this editor.)

D. Haughin had J that her mom is doing better, and she appreciated all who helped out at club while she was off. R. Bliss gave monies for the San Leandro Crab Feed… she tried to pay there, but was informed to give the money to our club instead. (There is a story behind that!!)

Other NOTES OF IMPORTANCE

Feb 2: (Sat) 10:30-12:30: Animal Shelter Training for any of us wanting to volunteer at the shelter. Sign up with D. Wong.

Feb 5, 19: Sponsored Youth Take Overs

March 15: (Sat) St. Pat's Day Social at Paradis(e)!!! Always a fun event- and there are no raveling rugs around. (No oven either!)

April 19: Cazadero work day will be this day. April 25-27: Gualala work weekend.

Feb 23 is Gualala reconnoiter day but you have to be privately invited… shucks!!

(and some thought I could not spell!!)

And… somewhere in here we will have a social event at a firing range. + Scholarship applications are out… and that luncheon will be in May… So lots of good things… Oh..RIF in Feb!!!

Our speaker today was none other than our incoming President, Denise Haughin. She wants to get started on her term right now!! WOW!! If you have committees you want to head, be on, be off, or whatever- PLEASE let her know!! If you have new ideas, want to be on the board, or just anything… PLEASE call her!! She has formed a committee for a new venue. It'll be headed up by VC and rebel D. Wong. We hear J. Egeberg wants to join in- and anyone else who wants to "sample eat" at places or just have some input into this, please let VC or DW know!! Denise listened to comments, suggestions, etc., and we had an opportunity to fill out a form

indicating some of our preferences, ideas or whatever.

As promised earlier… here is information on our two newest members……. (From Secretary JR)

Hayley Leventhal

STUDENT, Political Scientist, writer

Jessica Padilla

391 Irwin Street

San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 455-9514

Padilla_jess1ca@yahoo.com

Levitch Associates, Inc.

Office Administrator

1029 Heinz Ave. Berkeley, CA 94710

(510) 845-6941

ejl@levitch.com

SAQOTW:

What feeling is so nice as a child's hand in yours?

So small, so soft and warm.

Like a kitten huddling in the shelter of your clasp.

Marjorie Holmes

Hope that you are all enjoying this lovely wet and cold weather. We do need the rain!!

Have a great week.

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2/12/08

Heart balloons everywhere let us know that the day for lovers is soon upon us!   Collecting your lunch $$$ was the lovely R. Bliss.  Her hubby F. Bliss assisted B. Rice in leading GBA.  B. Price gave a short invocation asking us to "rejoice and be glad".  D. Leonard carried the poker box, and it did fill up with monies from various lovey folks!!!       

We were graced with the presence of honorary member S. Silveira and her "sweetie pie", Rick.  B. Rice brought his "everyday wife", Esther.   Lo and behold, in came L. & B. Hannawalt, followed closely by J. Alexander!

It's always a pleasure to see members who cannot make it all the time, and we enjoy so much the company of spouses and significant others when they are able to come!!   

We were joined by Circle Kers Joe, Gail & VeJay, followed later by three other members.  Joe talked about so many events coming up; it was hard to listen and write at the same time.  Perhaps of most importance at this moment are: 

Feb 16^th: Real Options for City Kids in SF 9-1, 

            SF Food Bank 12:30-3:30pm.  If you want to join them at either of these, do so!!!!

Feb 17^th:  K Family dinner will be held at

      Giovannis Café in Berk.- 6:30pm

Feb 19^th:  Circle K takeover of our Berkeley Club.  Bring plenty of money!! Hopefully you have some left over from the Berkeley High takeover last week!!! Also you might have signed up for Crispy Crème donuts which they will deliver on the 19^th as well.   
 
 
 

Feb 24^th:  They will provide brown bag lunches for

the homeless in Berkeley- an all day project of making the lunches, serving the same, and then clean up. The day ends with their Golden Gate DCM from 4-6pm.  If you want to make donations toward this event, bring monies and or items from the list passed around next week!!   

Fabulous NOTE OF IMPORTANCE:

Our February 26^th meeting will be a celebration of the 85^th birthday of Berkeley Kiwanis, as well as a time to honor all of our Legion of Honor members.  It will be an evening meeting with libations at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30 and will be held at the Berkeley City Club.  PLEASE sign up with J. Piercy by next Tuesday, the 19^th of Feb.  We have to pay ahead!!  Get this  on your calendar now- it is a very special day!! 

We had a SG (Secret Greeter) … none other than new member J. Padilla.  She is learning the names of our members very rapidly, and she noted that both B. Lowman and J. Egeberg neglected to be friendly.  Way to go, Jessica.  We also learned that LTG E. Levitch is canceling the February Kiwanis DCM as it would be held on Valentine's Day- and no one will come!!  We will all be home romancing!!   
 
 
 
 

   
 
 

JJJJJLLLLL$$$$$$$$$$$$$$     

B. Lowman put in a $ from G. Maxe that cookies make him happy.  J. Egeberg had 5J$ for Abe Lincoln's bday, the upcoming Berkeley City Council meeting tonight, and the purchase of limes at 2/$1 +++ a 5% Senior Citizen discount.  J. Rosano put in $$$ for daughter D. Haughin who was at the hospital with her hubby who fell off a ladder onto his head.  Pres Khing Khong is J$ for the New Year of the Rat and that he has lost another lb.  L. Hannawalt $25 for all missed meetings and stuff and that she is beginning a quilting group for men on parole.  B. Barnwell L$ he had to leave early.  H. Leventhal $$ for all of us being so nice to her- and please don't pass on our illnesses to her!!!  S. Silveira  J$$ to be here visting with us.  B. Fay thanked VC and crew for the Valentine decorations.  B. Rice J$ for the Jr. Science Symposiam he attended last Tuesday.  R. Bliss delighted son Emil will next be going to the "Island of England"!!    

Other great NOTES OF IMPORTANCE:

March 5-6:  RIF distributions.  Signups soon.

March 8: Midyear in San Jose-  a fair number have signed up for the day- and particularly for the interclub luncheon there.  If you don't go to Midyear, think about attending a Spaghetti Feed at the CSU East Bay Circle K Installation Banquet in Castro Valley.  Info from BC if you are interested.

March 15: (Sat) St. Pat's Day Social at Paradis(e)!!!  Always a fun event- Sign have gone and will be going around!!  Cost = $15 + some type of appetizer or dessert or salad…. 

April 19:  Cazadero work day will be this day.  April 25-27: Gualala work weekend.   

In honor of the Day of Love, our speakers today were members of our own Berkeley Kiwanis Club speaking about how he/she met his/her respective spouse.  Our own are the BEST!!!

D. Leonard shared how Adele asked a shy young man to escort her to a Demolition Derby at the Alameda Fair.  He had been a 3^rd wheel for years, but finally won out over the other boyfriend- and the rest is history!

B. Fay met Margie in a mental hospital!!  He was a seminary student minister, she was a college aid, she ended up with poison oak and thus a patient in

the hospital, she received candy from another boyfriend, she shared the candy with Bill- and the rest is history! 
 

B. Skrak joined Parents without Partners.  He met Joyce and asked her to the ice rink.  She had no idea what he was doing at an ice rink.  3^rd day he knew her he asked her to a Director's Dinner.  Everyone wanted to know who the beautiful lady was.  A few years later they got engaged at that yearly dinner – and the rest is history!

J. Piercy joined Army, went to Europe, water shut off while he was in the shower, he went over to the main house (thinks he put clothes on first), banged on the door, demanded to know what happened to the water, Traudel too scared to go down and turn water on- so he did- and the rest is history!

J. Egeberg met his love, Donna,  about 40 years ago in Berkeley when UCB was in turmoil.  She would marry him only if he promised to never live in Sacramento- (something about Ronald ReaGun and diplomas being signed??!!) Joined Navy- traveled in Puerto Rico and Panama, driving in a VW squareback and didn't want to get the car "fumigated" inside coming back from Mexico- so paid- and the rest is history!

S. Silveira was home for Easter vacation.  Her Mom worked at her "Sweetie Pie" Rick's Father's jewelry store.  He thought he was too old for her.  She accepted a date for lunch even though she had already eaten lunch cause she knew if she didn't go he would not have asked her out again.- and the rest is history! 

(Just how much of the above stuff you believe is up to you!)

Your editor apologizes to F. and R. Bliss.  We ran out of time so they did not get to share-  Heard something about they married each other 16 times.. go ask them!!!  

SAQOTW:  

LOVE:

The only fire for which there is no insurance.

      Author Unknown

Have a great week.  And, J. Egeberg- remember YOU are doing the Kollegiate Dec. 19^th!!!

02-05-08

Hard to believe it's the second month of 2008.  Time flies by when you're having fun at Kiwanis.  Well, if "fun" is giving away money (your own)! 

First, President King Kong, who is usually chowing down at 12:30 apparently got off to a good start well before that hour.  Those of us who were relaxing and socializing upstairs before that time showed up to a closed door and a meeting "well" in progress.  We helped to slow down that progress, but it did cost a few bucks.  That was only a portend of things to come.   

It was reported that VC led the song (GBA), but no report on the quality of the singing or the leading.  Sandy was called upon for an invocation, and I believe that's about the time we strolled in.  Took a while to establish "calm" (an unknown term in our club), particularly since the late-comers were complaining about fines and trying to catch up with hand-shaking.  Fortunately for us, neither King Kong nor the acting president seems to have designated a secret greeter. 

Anyway, with little more fanfare, Phuoc introduced Arianna, the soft-spoken President of Berkeley High Key Club, and boy was she ready for us.  I was hoping that all the fines she levied were going to our club, but no such luck, the Key Club scarfed them all! 
 

Acting President Arianna first gave us a rapid fire (that means I got no details) of all the service work her club has been doing this year, and the obvious effort that was expended should put us old folks to shame.  But, then, that's why we support youth groups – they have lots of energy.  She even called upon Circle Ker Joe and gave him a chance to report. Joe appears to have brought along 4 member supporters but he was outdone by the 10 Key Clubbers who showed up to support Arianna.   

Fruit Bob had samples of four different fruits today, but I was across the room and didn't even get a sniff of what they were.  Bad seat choice by me!  At H/S time, Bob also reported his experience trying to get laundry done in his apartment complex.  He found the washer full, but no one around to unload it so he took the stuff out and piled it on a table.  In doing this a "wad" of bills (not $1s) fell out on the floor and he stuffed it back into a pocket of the laundry.  When he returned to the machine, there were 2/3 more bundles and he dutifully stuffede them into pockets (not his).  When he came back to get his laundry, that pile was still on the table, untouched.  When asked why he didn't help himself, he replied "I don't deal in laundried money."  Great line, Bob, was it premeditated or off-hand?? 
 
 
 

Haley reported on the City shelter training for volunteers to socialize with the dogs and cats.  So many folks showed that the capacity of the training room was overtaxed and some had to be turned away.  She also reported that it was a pretty boring lecture; of course, as a UCB student she's used to that!  (My comment, not hers.) 

Evie wished everyone a Happy New Year (Chinese) with a H$ 

Arianna closed off her report by announcing the Key Club Luncheon (Pot Luck?) on March 25 in room C-220 at 11:30 AM.  This will be the occasion of elections for next year.  Sec Jack wanted to know if there had been nominations held, and it appears the Key Club has a different way to form "The Slate"!  What, was not explained. 

She then turned to serious money solicitation.  First we had a game of "Association".  Kiwanian Members vs. a team of Key Club and Circle K members.  What a set-up that was.  Phuoc (naturally) was our leader and he was given a bunch of words and one at a time we were supposed to figure out the "association" which was pre-selected by the organizers (read "Key Club).  He was also given a list of words he could not use in trying to elicit associations from us.  We did pretty well, with 5 correct associations in 1 minute.   

When it was the youth's turn, of course, the list had been made by one (or more) of them and all the words had to do with "school".  What a "fix".  However, they also got five, so it was a tie and no fines or penalties. 

Then to the auction which included far more great looking baked goods than we've seen in some time.  It was pretty much of a riot,  
 
 
 

but according to my notes (not always

legible) they took in $400+ and a bag of tangerines.  What happened to them?  I love tangerines. 

Back to a game, this time Charades, but before we could finish one round, it was time to go home (and we were all broke anyway), so Arianna led us in the pledge and we dragged our goodies out with us.   

Tammy was home with a sick dog (Art is off in France – good thing he doesn't drink wine), but she asked that we mark our calendars for the St. Patrick's Day Bash at the Paradise mansion on Saturday, March 15.  The sign-up was started around but not sure it got much play yet.  It is a pot-luck but the corned beef, cabbage and potatoes will be provided.  Appetizers, veggies and desert are to be provided by attendees. 

In the meantime, Valentine's Day (Feb 14) is coming up and will be the theme of our luncheon on the 12^th.  Circle K was taking orders for candy roses which will be available that day (12^th – next week). 

Then, on February 19 we are due for a Circle K takover. (Boy, Phuoc is really lucking out!  On the other hand he spends a lot of money on baked goods!) 

Finally, VC made a long (as usual)  announcement about our Club's Anniversary meeting on Tuesday, February 26.  5:30 PM She had some flyers and JP was carrying a sign-up sheet.  It is mandatory to sign up and order the entre' (Tri-Tip, Chicken, Veggie) by the 19^th, so see or talk to JP and get your $30 per head to him BY FEBRUARY 19.  It will be a nice affair, honoring the Club and in particular our Legion of Honor members, so don't miss it.  There will be NO LUNCH that day (duh!).                                            jp