Newsletter 082608

Yet Another Inspiration

Today's crack team consisted of D. Wong in the tricky ticket booth, D. Leonard on the fiery finebox, B. Rice belting out a blissful banter, and J. Piercy invoking an inspirational interlude.

All the while, in came a streaming multitude of studious college students, apparently representing the Circle K of UC Berkeley, led by Alex, Cherize, and Monica. We found out why – next day is the first day of classes for the fall semester... and things are buzzing! This will be combined with an on-campus work day on Thurs, followed by the annual Garage Sale this coming weekend. Contact one of the above right away if you have last-minute donations. Speaking of a certain local hardware store, seems they've already been there this week, making sure the collection buckets are all filled up.

Lots of Signups

To start with, there's the Lt. Governor Installation (and DE-Installation) on Saturday, Sept 6 at a restaurant owned by a "Big Fat Greek in San Leandro (somewhere south of Oakland). We

 

 

can all be thankful for Bob H. taking over for our very own, hobbling E. Levitch.

Then there's our very own Club Installation on Tues, Sept 23 at Chevy's. Everyone will be on hand to witness the reins being turned over from almost-worn-out P. Khong to the fresher and capable  hands of D. Haughin.

Lots more sign-ups for our 2^nd annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept 20, starting at 6:30 at St. Mary Magdalene Church. First of all, of course, tickets were for sale – 3 tables and 24 tickets were already sold today! Next sign- ups were taken to sell tickets outside the church after services on two Sundays, Sept 7 & 14 (and the Saturday evening before). Finally,  sign-ups were taken for the pre-warm-up at the good ol' German restaurant (you heard the name) in Alameda on Fri, Sept 5.

And then, V. Carpenter requested sign-ups for two more RIF Distributions on Sept 24 – 25.

Other Important Stuff

The placemat project is still moving right along. For a mere $50, you can advertise your business, cause, message, products or whatever you please (parental discretion advised). Contact project manager P. Khong.

Perhaps more importantly J. Piercy announced the proliferation of serious work projects at Longfellow School. First, a major drainage project on Sept 11-12-13. Turn out if you can – this is during the week (contact JP). Next, there will be a painting project on Saturday, Sept 27 to finish off the library relocation.

 

 

 

There was a successful Interclub last Saturday at Hayward-Castro Valley's fund-raiser. There were two Carpenters and two Rosanos present.

HS Dollars ETC

·        D. Haughin offered homemade beef jerky and banana bread for big bucks, going to B. Fay & P. Khong.

·        B. Barnwell was sad not to be at the Demo Convention for the 1^st time in a long time

·        F. Bliss had numerous HS $$$ for very eventful events in his life

·        J. Rosano was pleased that he is related to the next President.

·        J. Piercy is still obsessed with poison ivy – will it never end? (we hope so, Traudel!)

·        B. Fay was anxiously anticipating the start of the season of the Golden Bears (just what sort of team will it be this year??)

·        D. Wong was still thinking about her wonderful time in Taiwan

·        V. Carpenter was still bragging about her mysterious new jelly invention (eater beware) – ingredients remain a secret

·        S. Hearn refused to pay actual labor charges incurred in producing a new badge saying something about being "RETIRED"

A Renowned (er, Required) Program

Our esteemed Sec'y, known as "JR" or less respectably as "Gimpy" stood before us and handed out a 1989 version of our Club's By Laws.  Someone in the20back of the room grumbled that there's a later version somewhere – doesn't really matter though, cuz the whole point is that there are a number of updates that render the old version as ripe for the recycling can. Well, anyway, there are changes such as

§      Changing terminology from "1^st Vice President" to "President Elect"

§      Board of Directors is officers + 6 elected directors

 

 

 

§      That fees & annual dues are approved by 2/3 vote of the membership at a regular meeting

§      Members under 25 years exempt from Int'l & District dues for 2 years

§      And a few other misc cleanups (as handed out to the members)

These By-Law changes are to be approved by the general membership at a regular meeting with two weeks' notice. Notice is hereby provided that the vote will be held at the meeting of September 16, 2008.

The program evolved into lessons learned from the recent District Convention and was taken over by Ms D. Wong. She proceeded to suggest that each table have its own discussion to come up with ideas for new service projects. Ideas ranged from more volunteering in parks and schools, reading, painting projects, getting more involved with YMCA, etc. These meritorious ideas will be referred to our illustrious Board of Directors for further=2 0action (as it may be).

 

j.e.

Newsletter 081908

Our Chairman of the Day, Jeff, was off in New Orleans eating crawfish or something so there was no organization in place to "run" the meeting.  Denise filled in on ticket sales with her usual smile firmly in place (will that expression change when she is President??) and Khing Khong was able to round up volunteers for the other jobs.  It was a close finish (Olympics talk), but Bob Rice stood up before Borden Price, so Bob led us in GBA and Bill C gave the 4 word (plus "Amen") Invocation.

 

Phuoc moved right into recogn izing the large group of UCB CKers and called up Kiwanis Family Chair Monica who had to admit she had just gotten back from vacation and punted to "ever-present" Joe who rambled thru the introduction of Tiffany, Monica, Peter, Joe, Virginia, Gail, and one very quiet young lady whose name he swallowed.  And there may have been others – your know about Joe's legendary speed at the microphone.  Is there an Olympic sport for such performances?

 

Two notes I was able to make as he sped on down the track: a trip to Yosemite on the 24^th and a parking lot sale to be held on the 6^th and 7^th at an unnamed, but well known, Ace Hardware Store on University Ave. in Berkeley.

 

 

Besides those 2 important events, my notes indicate that we have a lot coming up.

20 Sep. Oktoberfest and 6/7 & 13/14 Ticket

    selling for Oktoberfest

24 & 25 Sep RIF

14 Sep Solano Stroll

26/27 Sep Key Club Training

    Drivers/chaperones needed – call Phuoc

3 Sep, 6 PM "Debra's Group" meeting at

    Cactus at top of Solano

23 Sep Berk. Kiw Installation DINNER

5 Sep Social at Speisekammer in Alameda

6 Sep (I think) LtGuv Installation Dinner

  ;

In between all the above, Bill C is trying to squeeze in interclubs with Div 2 as a means of peddling Oktoberfest tickets.  Check your roster for times and places and call Bill so he can try to make up groups of 4.

 

We had a "short" convention report by Secy Jack.  The politicians at Kiwanis Intl have taken up the "change" slogan and that's the big thing for the coming year.  Debra noted that means modern technology to attract modern youth membership.  We seem to be a bit ahead on that concept, but can't see too very much evidence as yet, except for the long list of projects that are beginning to show.

 

 

 

 

 

Frank stood up and demonstrated (by holding it upside down) that20the Fine Box he was carrying was empty and he was upset.  So, the H&S dollars rolled in but I can find no notes (as usual) on who was H/S about what. 

 

Our program for the day was not really introduced, but then we all know the line dancing experts, VC & Bill.  Today, though, it wasn't line dancing, but the Polka – as in "what do you dance to that fast 4 beat music we'll be hearing at the Oktoberfest?"  Well, there are now a number of CK and BK members who will dazzle the onlookers at that big occasion.

 

In a nutshell, VC described it like this:

1.  A quick step forward

2.  A quick step (with the other foot) to close

     with the first foot.

3 & 4 a slow step forward

 

Or something like that.  When I tried it at home, I ended up standing on my left foot!  But that's normal, because both my feet are "left feet".

 

The lesson then morphed into making a circle, and even to twirling your partner.

 

Finally, DON"T LOOK DOWN.  Keep your head up and be aware of the folks around you – helps reduce the collisions.

 

Before the meeting ended, there were 5 couples tearing up the proverbial rug and ready to lead the crowd at the Oktoberfest.

 

If you want to practice, you can tune in to the Lawrence Welk show on Saturday evening (7 PM on 54 and 8 PM on 22).  They usually sneak in one or two polkas.

 

 

 

Just thinking about all that exercise has tired me out, so that's the end for this week.  Next week's program is a surprise, as most are since they aren't announced in advance.    jp

 

 

 

---

Get the MapQuest Toolbar. Directions, Traffic, Gas Prices & More!

Newsletter 081208

Where Has All the Fog Gone?

It was a beautiful summer day at the Berkeley City Club. Before lunch there was a secret meeting for the fantastic Oktoberfest event coming right up (sure, you know the date), but we were chased out of our regular attitude-adjustment location by a bunch of, no other than, CAL fans! (as if there aren't a few stalwarts in the good ol' Berkeley Kiwanis Club). Anyway, the Club treated us well, as we found a secret quiet place in the Library, where we had so many fond memories for meeting for so many years. And then good ol' Lupe found us and delivered our favorite concoctions (which she has memorized well). But as for those noisy and annoying CAL fans (well deserving of the age-old term: OLD BLUE!)…

Anyway, B.K., under the steady hand of still-young (but barely) P. Khong got underway quite smoothly. As opposed to some past prezes, he found most of our special guests right away. To start with, there was an esteemed Interclub from the island of Alameda (somewhere off the coast of the Northern California metropolis known as "Oakland.")  < /span>Yes, there was Al and Dave, who did most of the talking but actually represented some other respectable members whose names were not recorded.

 

 Then there was Bruce, son of an illustrious member known as C. Fitch.  (Good ol' Charlie is with us week in and week out and it's always great to see Bruce)

Lastly, there was this guy named Michael John. Anybody remember? Well, he's our Prez's verybest friend, who went off to defend our country somewhere overseas. M.J. was further accompanied by another much remembered C.K. guest (past Prez): Ivy!

 

 

And finally, a little later, believe it or not, an honored representative of Berkeley High's Key Club (what's that all about – it's Summer?). Anyway, Robert showed up to represent that venerable youth club.

Next, the fast-moving Prez sold insurance (willing buyers included D. Leonard & F. Bliss), but our Secret Greeter, B. Carpenter failed to nail anyone else.

Next up  was Alex of Circle K who for once didn't have much to say because it is finals week for summer school, and things are pretty quiet. However, this also means that the huge start to the Fall Semester is right around the corner, so BRACE YOURSELVES! They did receive many awards from International in Denver, but they were too numerous to record here.

What's Happening, Doc?

Here at Berkeley Kiwanis there's plenty going on:

Ø      District Convention coming up this very next weekend in Anaheim with Secy J. Rosano heading up our contingency (yes, gin fizzes and all), R. Bliss is arranging the Division dinner on Fri night at Buca de Beppo (sounds like a Greek restaurant)

Ø      Lt Governor Installation is Sept. 6 @ 7 p.m. at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant (this one also sounds like a Greek restaurant) – sign up now

Ø      Solano Stroll on Sept 14 will have the usual lineup, including not one, but TWO types of entertainment books for sale to satisfy the most discerning of Berkeley shoppers (who

Newsletter 081208

   ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO CLICK

---

It's time to go back to school! Get the latest trends and gadgets that make the grade on AOL Shopping.

Newsletter August 5, 2008

Today Evie was smiling at us as we came in the door.  At least she smiled at me since I paid for my lunch with 3 $5 bills which helped a bit with the change.  When it came time, Prexy Khing Khong started mumbling into the mike and waving the gavel, but it just didn't seem to want to hit the bell.

 

He finally made gavel/bell contact and asked (ordered?) all present to stand and give a cheer, which we did, and then raised all sorts of gasps when he asked Borden to lead GBA.  Borden asked Frank for "the note", but then went ahead and gave it to20us and we were off.  The only surprised Kiwanians there were Leo Iodice who hasn't heard the "new" Borden and our visitors from San Leandro.

 

The invocation was given by Rev. Roberta and Rev. Bill was assigned to the fine box. "Who were our Kiwanis visitors?" you ask.  It was non other than Lt Guv Elect Bob Fahrbach (sorry Bob, but Microsoft does not like the spelling of your name!) and his lovely, patient wife Carol (with the same last name!).  Bob admitted that this was his first visit to Berkeley Kiwanis in the BCC.  Of course, we are so used to Berkeley Kiwanians being Lt Guv that we forgot to stand.  Fortunately, he is not yet Lt Guv so that wasn't too much of a faux pas.  Our routine is to stand once at the first meeting when "our" Lt Guv member attends and just

 

applaud from then on.  Just a Berkeley "thing", I guess.

 

Alex had been briefed to go slow and he did for a while, but we all know Alex!  So, I got the following on UCB Circle K, but I'm sure it's not all.  He had support from Miguel, a former CKer from UOP (didn't that used to be "COP"?), Charise (GG LT Guv) Naomi, Tiffani, Gail and ??Green.  (it was getting faster!)

 

There was mention of work in the MLK, Jr. Edible Garden, Circle K International Conv. next week, and Kiwanis CNH Dist. the next week.  There was announcement of a parking lot sale sometime, but that was drowned out by VC.  Probably because she didn't want the operator of the lot identified. 

 

We missed Lt Guv Ed.  Grumpy announced that he had spoken with Ed at length yesterday afternoon and learned than Ed is only working half days.  That' s not a joke, but I wonder just how long he can keep that up?  Gimpy then noted that he had spoken with said Ed this morning and all was well.  Now, the big question is whether Ed is alternating half days so that he gets 24 hours off at a time. 

 

Prez announced that things are moving along with the "place mat" fund raiser and initial orders for placement have been accepted.  The format is business card sized

 

spots at $50 each, but already a 3 card space has been purchased.  Talk to Phuoc if you want to be included.  First "big" exposure will be at the Oktoberfest Sep. 20.

 

Speaking (writing?) of that, things are moving along: tickets are being sold; flyers are on the tables and being spread around town; a source for the sausages has been found; and the band is already reserved.  Now it is up to you.  We want 120 ti ckets sold, so get to work.  The Interclub Chair is planning a series of visits to get support from other Division 2 Clubs, so give Bill a call and make sure we have the requisite 4 members on each visit.

 

The Board has a busy session planned for its August 19 meeting.  The Circle K and both Key Clubs will be making their budget presentations. 

 

Denise reports that Solano Stroll (Sep 14) plans are progressing and if you aren't signed up to help that day, it may become an expensive error on your part.  The usual position in front of that State Farm office is where we'll be recruiting and selling two different discount books.

 

Duane reports a "social" is brewing for a visit to Speisekammer (German) in Alameda, but still no specific date has been selected. 

 

Prez reported that Neal Henderson has both a BD and an Anniversary on Aug 11^th. Since we don't expect he will be down from Oregon, it was suggested that everyone give him a call.

 

After an long list of "happy" and "sad" by the motley crew, Jeff was called upon to introduce the speaker. 

 

Emily Sheele is the Associate Director of Outreach, Bay Area, for YES Reading.  Her

 

 

first words explained that the organization has just changed its name to "Reading Partners", but the new name is still "foreign" to her and it will take some getting used to.

 

She just joined the program this year, and really enjoyed her chance to tutor a young student in reading, the whole purpose of the program which originated at a small, private university in Palo Also – we won't mention the name.  Based on a teaching model developed at that un-named school, Reading Partners provides tutors (volunteers) and age-matched books to help underserved K-5^th grade kids improve their reading ability.  The program works in participating schools and the students are referred by the teachers.

 

Tutor volunteers are provided a 90 minute "training" session and then assigned to a student and have a weekly 45 minute session with that student for 15 weeks.  The student is given a choice of books and selects one that interests her/him and goes to work with the tutor.  There is a "Site Director" available to help with "problems", but it's a very informal session.

 

Reading Partners started in the South Bay and now serves 12 schools including one in the Los Angeles area.  Most are in the South Bay but included are 3 in Oakland, 1 in SF (Castro District) and 1 Charter School (Meynard) in Berkeley.

 

There were lots of questions and comments, but Emily had all the answers and even a bit of time left over.  Surprisingly, Prez let us out early.

 

Come next week to see what the program is!

For some reason that's never announced.

(Grumble, Grumble!)

 

Jp

 

---

It's time to go back to school! Get the latest trends and gadgets that make the grade on AOL Shopping.