Newsletter May 27, 2008

   

Balloons floating in the air greeted the many folks who arrived at the BCC terrace for one of our greatest meetings of the year- OUR annual SCHOLARSHIP

LUNCHEON held in honor of graduating seniors from Berkeley High, Albany High and El Cerrito High.  It's always a pleasure to host young people who are following their dreams.  Their enthusiasm is overwhelming, their smiles touching, and their speeches

an insight into the education they have received.

 

Along with all these guests we also welcomed Esther Rice & Traudel Piercy.  D. Wong brought along photographer Peter Libby whom I saw snapping photos all during lunch & speeches & awards, etc.!!  It was great to see L. Iodice & C. Fitch!!  B. Barnwell arrived with his fruit container filled with cherries and strawberries.  Six tables overflowing with chatter, delicious food, and laughter-  this is the kind of day we all love!

 

Greeting all these wonderful friends and guests at the ticket table was R. Bliss.  We were "called to order" by Pres Khing Khong who invited B. Rice to lead us in GBA.  R. Bliss did double duty by giving a short invocation and asked for nourishment for our brains!  D. Wong did have that fine box in hand.  

   

We were joined by an interclub of Circle Kers headed up by past KFC Joe, Alex, Gail & Virginia.  Joe did give a report on a couple of summer events- and those who go "home" down south will attend some events with Circle Kers in that area.  Heard that Joe is headed to Europe for a couple of weeks and Virginia is off to China for two months.  WOW!!!       

 

 

Pres. Khing Khong called on the Scholarship Chair, T. Paradis, to take over the meeting.  Tammy had a great program planned.  She called on incoming Pres. D. Haughin to tell a bit about what our Kiwanis club does.  (RIF, Berkeley Schools, Sponsored Youth, Scholarships, Cazadero and Gualala to mention a few!!).  Then she asked  J. Piercy to tell a bit about the Berkeley Foundation (started in 1998, combining monies from funds held in the District Foundation along with funds we had in hand, we are a 501C3 foundation with in excess of $650,000.00.  So far we have given about $350,000.00 in scholarships to deserving students.)

All the while we are listening to this we are enjoying a lunch of BBQ hamburgers & hot dogs, beans, salads, potato chips, and American apple pie for dessert.  This is the type of meal we need to have every week, especially when the weather is so nice.      

 

Tammy asked D. Wong to let us know about some

EVENT(s) OF IMPORTANCE:

 

June 3:  Dine-out Night at Sauls,  7:00pm

June 7:  MLK Jr. High- Edible School Yard project

                                    9:00 – 12:00

June 12:  DCM w/ LTG E. Levitch

June 15:  YPSO Pops Concert- a fundraiser-  YPSO group is going to Australia/New Zealand this summer.

 

Tennis balls were to be sliced this weekend, but I think that has been postponed.  Also, there will be a RIF distribution sometime during the summer.  Watch for dates…..

 

 

 

 

 

OUR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!!

 

D. Leonard introduced Berkeley High School's Zachery Sorgen who brought along his mom, Phoebe, to help him celebrate.  Zachery's real love is the arts.  He held the lead role in Hair (while on crutches), plays in a pop band and enjoys modern jazz and hip hop.  He is interested in global warming, and he is the youngest member of the Berkeley Energy Commission.  Zachery is going to attend Vassar College in New York.

 

B. K'Burg introduced Albany High School's Amanda Wilmsen who brought along her parents, Carl & Patty, as well as school counselor, Vicky Lilienthal.  Amanda has volunteered in Mexico and Costa Rica, involved there in summer camps for local children.  She is very interested in recycling and light bulb exchange, plays the clarinet, and is involved in cross country running.  Amanda will attend Pomona College in Claremont, CA.

 

D. Haughin introduced Albany High School's Lea Cohen who brought along her mom.  (Denise pointed out that she attended Albany High with Lea's mom many moons ago!)  Lea is interested in sports and dance, and plays the saxaphone.  She got applause when she noted that she volunteers every Sunday at the Little Farm.  Lea plans to attend UCLA and to take up business economics. 

 

 

 A. Paradis introduced El Cerrito High School's Cathy Nguyen who brought along her dad, Tom.  Cathy has been very active in Rotary's Interact Club while in high school.  She discovered that there was no Jr. Tennis Team at El Cerrito High– so was instrumental in getting that going.  She shared her story of receiving the note stating she was receiving a BK Scholarship while sitting on her bed- She ran out to her Dad and was surprised when he said it was for $6,000- not $600!  Cathy plans on attending UC Davis and I believe is headed toward a career in medicine.          

 

Last, but certainly not least, J. Rosano introduced Albany High School's Madeleine Bottome who brought along her mom and her school counselor,

 

 

 

Doug Kagawa.  It was very obvious that Madeline's dream is being on stage!  She loves singing, and has been performing since the age of nine.  She has attended summer camps where she is a teacher's assistant in the arts, working with children 6 – 14 years old.  (Wonder what she thought of our rendition of GBA??!!!)  Madeline will attend Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY.  We should look for a star in the coming years!!   

 

Tammy asked parents and counselors if they would like to add any additional comments on these five "well-spoken" young people.  Zachery's mom shared a story of when he was young, running away from her in the store, grabbing a bag of "marshmallows" off the shelf, tearing it open, and popping a cotton ball in his mouth!!  (Zachery covered his head with his hood!!!)   Other stories were shared, and the overall comments were to "keep up the high energy, and go for it with wild abandon and joy"!!  Counselor Vicky Lilienthal is so grateful for BK's support of and contributions to all students.  And Tammy thanked the parents, counselors, and her Scholarship committee for all the hard work.

 

There was time for JJJJJJ$$$…  and many came in for these five wonderful Scholarship Winners who are taking home a total of $38,000.00 between them.  

 

And so ends another visit to the Berkeley Kiwanis Club.  J. Piercy led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. If you missed this day, please know that you were missed by all of us. 

 

 

SAQOTW:

 

"Learning is the best of all wealth; it is easy to carry, thieves cannot steal it, and tyrants cannot seize it; neither fire nor water can destroy it; and far from decreasing, it increases by giving."

The Naladiyar

 

 

Editor: vc

 

Have a wonderful week!!

Don't forget to check out our website

www.berkeleykiwanis.org

 

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Newsletter May 20 2008

A boisterous group greeted PrezPhuoc as he aggressively gabled us to order. He called on BobR to lead us in our GBA and RevBill called for God's blessing on all of us and on our service. JohnP greeted folks at the entrance, collecting lunch money, and then greeted folks during the meeting, collecting for the Fine Fine Box. RevBill proudly introduced his son Jim and daughter-in-law Mary Lynn.

CircleK'ers were present in impressive numbers: Monica, Alexander, Gail, BJ, Josh, Gerald, Tiffany, Joe, Linda, James! They are in Final Mode so no activity report. Joe, though, took the lectern to make a series of presentations to Special Kiwanians who have taken CircleK'ers under wing in all sorts of ways: Virginia and Bill, Roberta and Frank, Jack, Phuoc, Jane, JohnP, Debra, Linda, Denise, NewBob. Their recognitions were long and varied—dancing, cooking, providing vans, baking, overseeing projects, providing money….

Joe then presented an "art show", a series of photos of Kiwanians and CircleKers in all sorts of activities—dinners, projects, feasting, laughing. Was there a dry eye in the house? What a wonderful gift to us. Thank you CircleK'ers.

Two mysterious items were auctioned off: A manila folder and a weird container. Yes, two people were being mischievous to each other. Bill had the folder Tamara needed (containing Sharon-calligraphied scholarship certifs.) and Bill wanted their pie holder back from Tamara's St. Pat's party. A jar of strawberry and kiwi and rum jam then went for a large amount. At least folks knew what that

one contained and I am sure the "rum" contents upped the bidding.

Congratulations from PrezPhuoc and the rest of us to Hayley for her Graduation!

InterClubChairExtraordinaireBill announced three interclubs:

--Number 25: Division 2 Official Governor's Visit

--Number 26: CircleK'ers banquet

--Number 27: Albany/ElCerrito

Planned Activities:

--Tennis ball work day TBA soon

--June 7, 9-12 King Middle School

--This coming weekend: Linda's project (contact her for the details)

Tamara reminded folks that next Tuesday's luncheon is the annual Scholarship Winners Celebration (and a celebration for Kiwanis because of the scholarships we provide). Five students, their parents and counselors will be present. And for this special event, we will meet on the patio. Remember to greet our guests and make them feel welcome.

Two birthday kids this week: JohnP on the 24^th and VC on the 25^th. Happy Birthday to both of you.

Happy J Sad L Dollars:

--Happy Hayley that her Dad is visiting from Hawaii

--Sad BillC for being the Secret Greeter and the Prez hadn't called on him to "nail" the nonshakers

--Happy Evie that her car is fixed

--Happy Ed about something (scribe couldn't hear)

--Sad RevBill for missing the Scholarship luncheon but happy to be heading to Buffalo for a family reunion

--Happy Duane for something about Butte Montana

--Happy Jeff heading for Croatia

--Happy Linda for feeding the CircleK'ers

--Sad Josh 'cuz this is the last Kiwanian meeting for him 'til the next school year

--Happy NewBob noting the colorful ties

--Happy BobS for a trip to receive an award at the Ice Skating Convention in Anaheim

--Happy Phuoc for the graduating CircleK'ers

PrezPhuoc then introduced Claire Null, a graduate student in Agricultural & Resource Economics at UC Berkeley. She is conducting research for her dissertation on the factors that discourage or encourage people to make charitable gifts. A portion of her talk was our participation in her survey.

The internet has changed the way folks donate to charities—transaction costs are down and it is cheaper to get info out to the public about the charity. More and more donors are calling "the shots", making donations with restrictions. There is a downside to this, though; donors can make poor choices. And, she wondered, why folks tend to give to a variety of charities, instead of to just one.

Claire noted we give for two basic reasons: charity does good in the world and we get a good feeling when we give.

Each of us received a packet to fill out. We were given an imaginary $100.00 and through various scenarios, we were asked to divide that $100 between our club and other charities, under different circumstances. And there was an incentive. One person would be chosen and his/her distribution would be in "real" money. (Phuoc's name was drawn at the end and part of his division went into the Kiwanis Foundation. Thank you Phuoc.)

So with pencil in hand we made many decisions with our $100:

--Would we keep all for our club or give some to a specific charity

--Would we give more to the charity that had matching funds provided

--Would we give more to the charity that had the highest matching fund (one charity has $1.50, one has $1.00, one has .50)

--A variety of matching fund scenarios were listed

--Risk factors were then thrown in—would you give more to the charity that you knew would get the money, rather than to one charity that may not be carefully regulated.

The final part had questions of a personal nature-- how do we chose a charity, do we give more money or time, etc.

In addition to providing info for her dissertation, Claire's presentation made us all think and, perhaps, re-evaluate the way we choose our charities. It would be interesting to hear about the results (hint to the Kiwanian who asked Claire to speak).

We Pledged Allegiance to the Flag and many lingered for quite a bit, catching up on news and info and perhaps a tidbit of gossip.

REMEMBER

NEXT TUESDAY

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS LUNCHEON

(tjp)

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May 13 Newsletter

   

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

Well, they're still coming, we hope. With the coldest yet driest Spring in history (?) and the announced prospect of mandatory water conservation, they're very slow in coming, and probably less plentiful, but we're still looking forward to some joyous flowers. (Of course, you can pick up all your gardening supplies at your local downtown hardware store.)

Last Sunday was Mothers Day, and many of us spent it with the mother of our choice. However, since there was a planned K Family event that same day, unrelated to Mothers Day, another phrase comes to mind: Where Have All the Mothers Gone?"  Perhaps those CK'ers limited themselves to a quick phone call to "Mom," just as my own college-bound offspring did. Oh well, some traditions live on and others….

Back to Basics

Today E. Goodman was peopling the ticket booth, B. Rice an on-key (for once) musical tribute, S. Hearn invoked admirably, and D. Leonard Esq. dealt some cards from the overly-ornate Finebox. Prez P. Khong faked us again into buying insurance when he had forgotten once again to appoint a Secret Greeter – makes one think twice about where to buy serious insurance, like life, home, property, liability…

Guest introductions included sitting (reclining?) LTGOV E. Levitch who pretended to have real guests but turned out to be a (much esteemed) trio to be today's program. There were notable Late Arrivals, including new Life Member J. Alexander and old Past LTGOV F. Bliss.

 

Could It Be A takeover?

There were so many CK'ers today (9 by last count) that we thought they may ambush us. However, they held off, and Monica came to the podium:

Ø      Last weekend volunteering at some event in SF

Ø      Last Sunday the aforementioned Spring Banquet

Ø      This Friday Special Olympics

Ø      Quiet next week à FINALS!

Ø      After that helping out with UC Graduation

Then "Shy" Joe came racing in and grabbed the mike and quickly remembered that he forgot the gifts (What gifts??). He may have said he has gifts for all BK'ers, or maybe it was for special ones (did he murmur names like Linda, Carpenter…?) Anyway, he's deferring to next week.

Lastly, talk about UC graduation, are there any CK'ers graduating? Perhaps not, but here's a first: there's a BKiwanian graduating – yes, our very own Haley – and wow, is she HAPPY (more to follow..)

Main (Mickey Mouse?) Events

J. Rosano was invited to announce two events – one in June in Orlando – The International Convention (so far, it's only D. Leonard going? He's gonna be lonesome if you don't sign up to join him!). And then in August, it's the District Convention in Anaheim, both very "Mickey Mouse" venues.

BEFORE THAT, however, there's a very premier event – Mark May 27 on your calendars right now! That's our very special annual Scholarship Award

 

 

 

Luncheon. All of our scholarship winners, plus parents, counselors, mentors will be there, and you must, too! To make it extra special, it will be a barbeque on the City Club's special vine-adorned Terrace.

The Sewing Bee

L. Hannawalt announced a major community service project making quilts (a hundred or more!) with a special meaning for seniors and for the children of the world. Immediate goal is forty "quilt tops" ready for final sewing by Labor Day. The big kick-off is a 3-day weekend (Sat thru Mon) on May 24 – sign-ups being passed around. And yes, by special request of D. Leonard, ice cream will be served. And yes, by special request of B. Barnwell, it is very accessible by public transportation (BART + Muni + special limo pickups provided!). AND THEN in June, the project will relocate to a warehouse in Berkeley. Stay tuned…

 

Happy and not so Sad

v     Once again, Haley offered big bucks because she is so excited about GRADUATING, and what's more, is MOVING!

v     As a result, Debra is very said that she is looking for a new roommate,

v     L. Hannawalt is happy about "Grandma" rewards,

v     B. Barnwell visited the Rolling Hills Estates Kiwanis Club and registered the Berkeley Kiwanis Club as a sponsor of the Palos Verdes Marathon with a personal donation (Thanks, Bob!)

v     J. Alexander just returned from being roasted on her retirement from Circle K sponsorship at a District event last weekend (she claimed the Roast wasn't too bad).

v     B. Rice was very happy to find out he can live out his remaining days without oral surgery

v     F. Bliss & E. Levitch were extremely proud to have honored guests today to present our Program (much more later).

 

 

The Phenomenal Young People's Symphony Orchestra!

Now we can reveal that our very special guests were none other than David Ramadanoff, Luba Davis, and Wendy Howe of the world-renowned YPSO! They of course are always grateful of the historic partnership with Berkeley Kiwanis. David admitted that he is growing weary, in a happy way, of announcing what a fabulous orchestra they have this year (it keeps happening year after year). AND this year they are touring Australia & New Zealand with a signature performance at the amazing Sydney Opera House.

The immediate opportunity is a Spring Concert (& Silent Auction) at Berkeley Community Theater this Sunday, May 18 at 6 p.m. It will be a joint performance with the Oakland Symphony Chorus. Get your tickets now online or by phone with YPSO (849-9776).

Our annual Pops Concert will be held this year on Sunday, June 15 and will be a special occasion to celebrate Fathers Day.

Then (actually earlier), Wendy and Luba offered Happy Dollars that David Ramadanoff is being honored by the Vallejo City Council for his 25 years of superb performance as the conductor of their Symphony Orchestra.

Lastly, Wendy made a small plea for those who might want to serve on the YPSO Board of Directors (a very rewarding experience). It was noted that a couple of BK'ers have already served (names of E. Levitch, S. Hearn come to mind). Contact Wendy!

What a great program!

              je.

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Newsletter 050608

It may be May, but the weather seems more summery – foggy and cold. I'll have to admit that the sun did come out some in the late afternoon.

Anyway, Khing Khong got the meeting going right on time, but the bar crowd got to seats before he beat the Khing Khong Gong. Roberta was collecting funds and dispensing tix at the door while trying (with her bum thumb) to braid some plastic strips like we used to do in Boy Scouts to form a lanyard on our whistle. Can braiding be easier on a thumb than knitting??

Bob R led a rousing rendition of GBA accapella (yes, where IS Jonny Davis??) and Alan C served as the invocator – short and to the point. Bettye L carried the gambler's fine box. There was no secret greeter – at least not announced – and Bette looked so forlorn standing there with an empty fine box that I put in a sad dollar just to get her started.

Our guest (and substitute speaker) was Kishore an Old Blue who was President of UCB Circle K way back when Phuoc was a Sophomore. At least to some of you that was way back! More about that later.

Monica, UCB Circle K Kiwanis Family Chair, was given the microphone and proceeded to introduce Joe (!), ?, ?, ?, Sandra, Darryl and Jessica. The "?" indicates names not recorded. She then ran thru a litany of activities Circle K was involved in this past week (Relay For Life and the Kiwanis LaConte Library project) but her speed and my note taking missed all the rest. You know the drill – they were INVOLVED! Their last meeting of the year is tonight (yesterday when you read this), so the new crew of officers is off and running.

Bettye gave a detailed report from Linda H regarding the quilt project to which we are donating and noted that we will soon have finished quilts to disperse to senior facilities here in Berkeley. Linda was sad not to be here herself, but since she and Bill are in Italy she's probably not too sad!

Phuoc announced that he had a 20 year pin to award VC, but she and Bill had already skipped out. He had a great substitute award and called Jane Alexander to the front to accept a Life Member Badge awarded by our Club for her service to Kiwanis and the Circle K; service as President of her club in Sacramento, Board Member of our Club, and long-time and widely traveled District Administrator of Circle K. That brought us all to our feet and resulted in a very nice response by Jane.

This past Saturday Debra led a select group of Berkeley Kiwanians and UCB Circle Kers in a project to box all the books at the LaConte Elementary School in preparation to move them so that the school can be

painted this summer. The school librarian (Estella Sisneros) was amazed that we got it all done by noon and she's hoping that we will be back to help re-shelve them in August. Principal Sheryl Wilson showed up with some fruit and muffins to get us thru the morning and she, too, is hoping to see us back to hang those bulletin boards for her.

Jack read a letter from the Gualala folks thanking us for all the wonderful work and "refunding" us $50 for meal expenses. Since the meals have already been paid for, the check was passed along to the Foundation.

He also announced the District Convention to be held in Anaheim Aug 14-17. Never too soon to start planning.

Jessica, in her position as Senior Assistant to Lt Guv Ed Levitch (and the brains behind that great dinner last Friday in honor of Gov Oscar) announced that the DCM will be held this coming Thursday at the San Leandro library. There was an attempt by Roberta to explain where that is, but it was decided that better anyone who wanted to go should check with her at a more quiet time to get the directions.

While speaking of the Gov's dinner I should report that the Berkeley Club (as usual) was out in force and outdid the other clubs in attendance. When it came time to present awards, lots of kudos were given to Club secretaries, long-time members, and so forth. Phouc, when his time came, spoke about recognizing long-time members and officers and made it sound like he was going to recognize one of the older male members. It was noted that Frank B. was a little upset but Roberta made him sit quietly. We all knew who it was supposed to be but, like Frank, began to think Phuoc had made other plans. He finally 'fessed up and introduced an extraordinary new member who is doing her best to drag our "old" club into the present and called up Debra Wong to present the District Service Award to her. It appeared to be a complete surprise to Debra and if she hadn't been at the library boxing books on Saturday we would have thought she was still "out" when she didn't show for lunch today,

There was considerable confusion about JP's past wedding anniversary and coming birthday. Phouc had it all wrong, and kept asking for money. JP finally had to tell him (again) that he and Traudel celebrated their 53^rd anniversary two weeks ago with a trip to Yosemite and he made a donation last week. Then he had to admit that he has a birthday coming up on the 24^th of this month, but thought that he had covered that last week. There will probably be more heard about that in the coming weeks.

Phouc re-introduced Kish who gave us a few words about his 1995 arrival at UCB and introduction to Circle K. We tried to get him to tell us about his impression of Phuoc back then, but he was too nice to give Phuoc the bad time he could have. Rather, he wanted to talk to us about what is obviously something "close to his heart" – the crazy way folks waste money and damage the environment as well as themselves by drinking bottled water out of those little plastic bottles. The water (maybe distilled) is no better quality than tap water and the EPA enforces very stringent requirements on the utilities providing tap water, but the FDA does very little to control the purveyors of bottled water. And all those plastic bottles end up filling oceans, lakes and landfills, and pass on to drinkers trace chemicals from the plastic bottle.

The bottom line is get your own container and fill it with tap water. Unless, as Jack said, "You are stockpiling for the upcoming disaster.

Join us next week, and bring a guest. jpp

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