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 75th (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
