Berkeley Kiwanis Kollegiate: October 2008

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Newsletter 102808

Our room at the BCC was bursting with folks and noise… what a delight! It's always groovy to have visitors, fellow Kiwanians, and our K family "kids" join us for lunch.

There was a ringing of the bell… but troubles all day with the new? microphone.. so at times it seemed no one was listening- or hearing anything!! But we were happy!!! Madame Pres. BFE Denise asked for our song leader, B. Rice, to lead us in GBA (did you plug your ears??). Invocation was short and to the point, with thanks and blessings for "the weather, Kiwanis and the work we hope we're doing" given by J. Piercy. The "fine" fire extinguisher was carried around by B. Lowman who did have a fun time filling it up.

We had an interclub from Oakland K- (and you know when they show up they have something to sell!). K. Hansen, R. Aubry, and Past Gov. P. Barsotti (along with her handsome son Tony) arrived, partook of lunch, and sold tickets for the raffle of their upcoming Christmas Auction (which has been held for some 42 years at least). It'll be at the Park Plaza Hotel on Dec. the 8^th (AFTER our Holiday auction!). $25 at the door.

Our Circle K family chair, Monica, introduced Joe and Peter "on the couch" (I don't think that's an interclub?). She then proceeded to list all the things that Circle K has done in the past week- and what might happen during the upcoming week. Well, this editor got tired of writing!! However, some things remembered are: FTC (Fall Training Conf.) is coming up the weekend of Nov 7-9, and there was a work session for that this past weekend. They put on a Haunted House Halloween festival at the Lincoln Center for over 500 children, and worked at the Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree in Oakland the following day. They worked a concession stand at the UCLA game, and will work a volleyball concession stand at an upcoming volleyball event. UC Davis needs assistance with the planting of an herb garden, they'll work on care packages somewhere in San Jose, something else is going on in San Francisco, and Tuesday evening they are putting on a scary movie fundraiser (that was last night!). Monica then wished for us to all have a good lunch- and went and sat down next to Peter "on the couch"!! (She needed a rest after all that information and hard work!!)

Our very own Madame Pres. BFE Denise is hard at work also, providing See's candy for folks to purchase, available each and every week. So far this is a great success. The lovely filled "October basket" (jams and beer and dried fruits) garnered $50 and when the ticket was pulled, it went to R. Bliss- who happened to be the main person who filled it up to begin with! So, past LTG Bliss decided to give it away to 12 people who purchased a ticket trying to win the basket. I could list everyone whose ticket was drawn, but you know who you are if you were there. The basket itself went home with VC and will be filled again with November items, to be auctioned off in the same manner- Way to go, BFE Denise!!!! Also up for auction was a cute Halloween container of fresh homemade chocolate chip & walnut cookies, made by VC and purchased by B. Lowman.

Committee reports as follows:

Our quilt project is getting it's jump start with a learning session to be held this Sat, Nov. 1^st at 10:00am at the quilting room- (That's the upper floor of BFE Denise's business!). PLEASE come if you have or don't have any sewing skills. You will gain some!! B. Lowman has checked with the Kyakammena center and has found they would love to have quilts for both men and women. Dine out night will be held this next Wed. evening, Nov 5^th, at the "new" Brennans- same area, right across the parking lot!! 6:00pm.

RIF has three dates over the next few months. Get these on your calendar!

Dec 3 & 4, Feb 11 & 12 and Apr. 22 &23. A wonderful social event can be this coming Sat, Nov. 1^st- with the YPSO concert at the Congregational Church in Berkeley. Didn't hear a time. Key Club Sponsored Youth attended their Fall Rally this past weekend, ours assisted by BFE Denise, P. Khong & D. Wong. All went well until time to leave- hmmmm..! membership: according to table 1, "keep asking, keep asking, keep asking".

There was an S.G. (that's Secret Greeter) – the carrier of the fire extinguisher, B. Lowman. The one who missed her, D. Leonard, paid his fine so was not caught!

JLJLJLJLJLJLJL$$$$$$$$

L. Hannawalt put in 5 for "Hey Gramma, How do you feel?" and for Key Club help at a fundraiser. F. Bliss put in $$ for two claps (??) and Happy Bday to R. Bliss. P. Khong put in $$ for Circle K's Haunted House Single Service project which is a from the ground up event- lots of hard work and great success- and for Key Club Fall Rally. D. Leonard put in $$ for J. Egeberg's dessert (how does DL stay so slim?- all that rowing) and R. Aubry being a great host. B. Fay put in $$ for the Cal Bear win. S. Hearn put in $$ for the Hope Walk she was in! R. Aubry put in $$ that kids grow up toooooo fast. I think there were more, but then I daydreamed.. and missed some…. Although Past Gov. P. Barsotti did put in $$ for her son joining her for lunch- and for being in Berkeley at lunch time.

D. Wong introduced our speakers, one of whom lives only four blocks or so away from the BCC. Jim Gleich and K. Russell work for AC Transit.

Lots of interesting information!

245,000 people a day ride AC Transit.

30,000 kids are delivered to schools each day.

About 105 routes with 650 buses going at a time.

$310 million operating budget.

6 million gallons of gas a year.

Lost about $19 million from state this year.

Prop VV on ballet would put a $4.00 per

month parcel tax for 10 years to assist.

Working on cleaning up the diesel fleet.

Moving toward hydrogen based system.

(Hydrogen fuel cell)

Working on Bus Rapid Transit from Berkeley to

San Leandro. Money in place to do it.

$250 million

Question asked: parking facilities at the Bus Rapid

Transit stopping sites?? Good idea!!

There was more, but that's all I could get written down!! Thanks so much for all this info-

And thus another day has come and gone. Madame Pres BFE Denise called on R. Aubry to lead us in the pledge- which he did with great authority!

The bell was gonged- and we were free!

SAQOTD

Teaching kids to count is fine,

But teaching them what counts is best.

B. Talbert (Columnist)

SAQOTW

What a strange thing is memory, and hope:

One looks backward, the other forward.

The one is of today,

the other is of tomorrow.

Grandma Moses (Painter)

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

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Newsletter 102108

PrezDenise officiated in her enthusiastic style. Previously, she had been encouraging us to buy raffle tickets for a huge basket filled with all sorts of treats from the kitchen of Roberta. The meeting started with PrezD calling on Frank Bliss (complete with his conductor's wand) to lead us in GBA. We were enthusiastic and lively, if not exactly on key. Bettye called on blessings "in His name", on our food, us, our service, our troops. Grumpy was collecting money and handing out tickets. Dan roamed the room collecting the fines in the Fine Fine Box.

William Wells, the Circle K advisor, was introduced as our guest. Thank you for coming Advisor William! VC introduced Her Bill, 3 weeks out of surgery and looking healthy and fit.

PrezD collected Dan's book and promptly fined the folks who had not signed his book—shame, shame on you four for not signing! (The scribe can say that; she unfortunately was in that category.)

CircleK Monica introduced Peter and Virginia. As always, they have been busy. Last Saturday was spent at an event with 76 high schoolers. This Saturday they are at the Oakland Rec Center for a Halloween festival with a Haunted House (2PM-7PM); Sunday is the jack-o'-lantern Jamboree. November 7-9 is the Fall Training Conference (please contact Phuoc if you can help with transportation). She ended with a reminder that we are always welcome at their weekly Tuesday evening meetings.

Denise had a series of quick announcements:

--See's candy is for sale

--Dues are due

--The Basket Raffle will be extended until next week (check out the contents—all those yummy goodies just waiting to go home with you if you are the winning ticket)

--No steak picnic this '08 season.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Fund Raising

--Christmas Auction December 2

Community Service

--Linda's Quilt Training at Denise's November 1 and 8 (Bettye has details)

--Sign up to be the contact person at a Berkeley elementary school (Denise has the sheet)

--Linda is presenting quilts to the Kiwanis House in Sacramento (date to be announced).

Youth Services (Frank is the overall contact)

-- RIF (VC contact)

--Scholarships (Tammy contact)

--DEAR and YPSO also under this Service

--First YPSO concert Nov 1 (Sandy is the contact)

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Newsletter 101408

An Inspiring Intro

Today's motley crew consisted of D. Pannell trying to keep the receipts straight and sell tix, too, (but mostly trying to work off his shiny new member's badge!), E. Levitch belting out a blaring banter (as off-key as if B. Price were there 0 even with an on-key interlude by F. Bliss on the ever-in-tune City Club baby grand), J. Piercy invoking an inspirational word, & ever-so-outgoing P. Khong on the fearsome finebox.

We pretended to have a whole lotta guests, but it came down to a bevy of esteemed Past-Lt-Governors, of the likes of immediate-past E. Levitch, the also afore-mentioned F. Bliss, sweetheart R. Bliss, and everybody's sweetheart V. Carpenter.

A Whole Lotta Circle K

Monica, our very own K Family Chair, introduced Peter, Gail and others. Monica proceeded to rattle off a never-ending recital of service projects and events, past, present and future. First and foremost, last weekend was the infamous Krazy Kompetition, with some revealing stories about certain B.K.'ers who attended, namely Prez D. Haughin & I.P. Prez P. Khong. Well, it turns out that our eminent reps came out well-decorated for their performance on otherwise quite ordinary teams. Anyway, the first memento that Prez D showed off was a respectable (but quite boring) certificate of commendation…but then…Prez D brought a little bag with a VERY SPECIAL GIFT : well, it was a "sculpture" of a very, shall we say, well-endowed minion (yes, physically explicit). She put it up for auction, and it was easily decided that it would go to lonesome (more on that later) V. Carpenter, and others bid it up big time for that purpose. She accepted it fondly.

Anyway, back to the Circle K report. Hard to find an act to follow that, but next, last Saturday there was a college intro event for Key Clubbers. Last Sunday they did "Adopt a Creek." Next Saturday, they are doing "Rebuilding Together" and are looking for rides from B.K. from 8:00 – 3:00. Then there's also an event at the Discovery Museum in Sausalito, Swim A Mile at Lake Merritt (B.K. donations accepted), and the "Children's Fall Festival" at an Oakland Rec Center next Sat. Besides all that, the fantastic new T-shirts are still available (@ $14 apiece), the donut sale (organic? low-fat?) is still going on, and they showed off an upscale new newsletter (copies handed out) they are producing (Wow!) – want to put a spotlight on one of us B.K.'ers next time (wonder who?). Oh and of course, the big event: FTC (Fall Training Conference) in Sonora November 7 – 9 (need chaperones/rides – sign up now!). WHEW!!!

Lots of Our Very Own

Sunshine Report: VC reported that favorite hubby B. Carpenter is recovering fast from his miraculous multiple bypass. Then she secretly pulled out a cell phone and made a call (normally a major fine!). But guess who she called? You got it – and everyone yelled out "Get well, Bill!!!)

Dues are due!

Secret Greeter: B. Skrak intimated a few into buying all-inclusive insurance policies and only managed to nail D. Wong as coming in late and not paying attention.

Holiday Auction: Mark the date – December 2! (Oakland Club is following Monday, December 8)

Blood Drive: October 24 at BHS. Sign up now.

Tennis Balls: R. Bliss reported that a bevy of balls have been delivered to Thousand Oaks School, and they are SO happy that they are requesting more!

Entertainment Books: D. Leonard reminded folks that both kinds are available NOW!

Annual Tilden Steak Feed: It's scheduled for October 14 – don't miss it! ….Oops, that's today (?)

Something New

Membership: Prez D asked each table for new membership idea. Table 2: E. Levitch said a free lunch (for the prospective mem ber) is always the grabber. However, D. Wong suggested that the current member who brings in a new member gets the free lunch! (novel idea!)

Website: Prez D had huge kudos for the same Ms Wong for the new version of the Club's website, just released. Check it out at the address up top in the header that you're all familiar with.

Very Happy & Not So Sad

C. Fitch had a grand quantity of Charlie's Angels (It was at least a whole table full, if not a whole room full!)

F. Bliss was anxious because his kids were in the air (in a plane, we hope) on the home to visit!

E.=2 0Goodwin was "sad" (but not too sad) because she will miss a couple meetings because she just has to visit

France

J. Rosano was proud that one of his younger clan is about to break the big time in Hollywood!

J. Piercy was bragging about some members of his clan who have mastered cross country skiing with dogs in tow (or vice versa?) – he was intentionally vague about details…

B. Lowman was HAPPY to be back (and we were even happier to see her!)

E. Levitch is ecstatic that he now belongs to TWO Kiwanis clubs

F. B. Barnwell was both happy & sad that he's heading off on a cruise to

Mexico

Programs, We Got Programs

Prez D announced that today's program is all about the great things she'd like to do this year. Of course, they depend somewhat on the rest of us tagging along and helping out. She has done the "hardest part" – putting together her budget for the year, to be presented at the Board Meeting Tomorrow Night (Wed, Oct 15) at 5:15 p.m., 1447 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Berkeley.

Among other things, she would like to see the Club accomplish a "Super Round Robin" this year. Of course, someone in the back of the room blurted out, "What the heck is that?" Well, finally someone who (sounded like he) knew explained that it consists of hitting every club in the division with an interclub at least once, AND every member of OUR club participates in at least one interclub. Got it?

Prez D placed a particular focus today on one of our most popular programs – Scholarships! She invited Chair T. Paradis up to speak, who in turn invited all interested members to apply for membership on the Scholarship Committee. She indicated, however, that the maximum size must be kept at 9 members in order to function at all. She further stated 3 prerequisites: (1) be able to do business by email, (2) be available as needed during the scholarship time frame, and (3) be able to commit a solid 10 – 12 hours in early April to review applications.

D. Leonard was then called upon as President of the Berkeley Kiwanis Foundation Board – because that's where the money comes from for all the scholarships! He proceeded to hand out and give a snapshot of the Foundations, its beginnings, and its current shape (which is pretty good despite the economic crisis). He then shared the good news about B.K. scholarships: since 1998, $272,000 in scholarships has been awarded. Last year it was $42,500, and $60,000 is budgeted for this year!

Prez D closed with a list of her favorite "cabinet" –

Ø Fundraising: V. Carpenter, D. Haughin

Ø Administration (& Kollegiate): J. Egeberg

Ø Sponsored Youth: P. Khong

Ø Youth Services: F. Bliss

Ø Community Service: B. Lowman

Ø Membership: D. Wong

j.e.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Newsletter 10708

New President, New Year, New Header.

President Denise got off to a rousing start except that the chair for the month had not arranged for a ticket seller, nor any of the other weekly assignments. So, it was "Pot Luck" at the ticket table, but considering the honesty of our membership (?) it probably came out as close as the collection usually does (and you can interpret that as you wish!)

GBA was "led" by Borden "accompanied" by Frank (you can make your own decision) and even Borden was pretty close on the high notes. Roberta was called upon for an invocation (there was a volunteer, but she is a professional) and Sandy was called upon to lug the fine extinguisher and collect fines.

Monica was accompanied by 4 male members of the greatest (naturally) Circle K Club in the world and expounded on all the service they did in the past week and have scheduled. She closed by inviting everyone to their meeting at 170 Barrows, but I was sitting next to Ed and missed the time and date.

Dan was back for the second week in a row.

If we had gotten our Kollegiate from last week we would all know he is our newest member. What WAS that excuse, Debra? Something about schedule conflicts??

Ed was "fingered" by Secret Greeter Charlie. He complained, but was cut off by PD (President Denise) with the question "How much money DO you have, Ed?" He paid.

PD announced that next week would be her Annual Organizational Meeting (now, who would have ever mistakenly thought we were an organized club) but did mention that she would have Sees Candy for sale weekly (Somehow, I didn't get to buy any.) Maybe there ought to be a See's Lady going around during the meeting like there used to be Cigarette/Cigar Ladies. And before you complain about sexism, did you ever see a Cigarette/Cigar "Guy"? And if you did, what were you doing in that kind of a place?

VC was back, having left Bill in the hospital where he is rapidly recovering from his triple bypass "cut-up" last week. He sounds like his old self=2 0on the phone, but just in case, keep up the good thoughts (also known as prayers) for a speedy recovery. It has worked so far.

And word from Bettye that she's getting things straightened out and hopes to be back with us next week.

The next Board meeting was announced for Wednesday, Oct. 15^th at the Blissful residence about 5:30ish. Starting in November the Board meetings will be on 3^rd Thursdays, same time and place. Mark your calendar now all ye officers and Directors.

Roberta came up with a Kiwanis scarf for PD to auction, and taking example from her Father, she ran up an astronomical bid from VC. It was not modeled – at least today.

A very nicely worded thank you letter was received for an initially unidentified teacher who was so happy to have Kiwanis Tennis

Balls on the feet of the chairs in her classroom. She commented that it is of special help to those students with some hearing problem. Then, the author was identified as "Miss Bliss" and Frank paid a fine without a murmur. Can't help but wonder if he dictated the letter!

Also a nice letter from the YPSO acknowledging receipt of a $2,140 donation from Kiwanis ( ½ from Club Members and ½ from the Foundation).

And a report from Treasurer Sandy that it appears we netted $1,600 on the Oktoberfest (congrats to Jeff and Duane). It was a barrel of fun, regardless of the profit.

VC reported that the YMCA has finally gotten its act together and RIF is being organized for dates on Wednesday starting in November.

IPP Khing Khong reported that Circle K Fall Training Conference is scheduled for Sonora November 7-9 and he is looking for Club

representatives to join him. He will provide the ear plugs and sleeping pills.

We've also been asked to staff the after bleeding station at a BHS Red Cross Blood Drive on Oct 24. PD will have a sign-up sheet for us next week. She also noted that there will be a Division-wide Turkey Drive Nov 22 and she will ha ve more details after the DCM Thursday of this week. And, by the way, she would welcome any BK folks who can attend with her, but needs to know so that enough food can be assured. Maybe no free lunch, but how about a free dinner?

I don't usually report H/S $s, but this week Secretary Jack gave a H5 acknowledging that his daughter has made him very proud. He was even heard to respond "Yes, Mam" to her!!!

Debra was called upon to introduce our two speakers representing the Eco-Metro Book which we are selling (if and when Duane ever pushes them out to us). Carla is a management level person who, after several false tries, hooked on with the organization back in Minneapolis and then got to come to the Bay Area to get the East Bay version going; next will be Silicon Valley and Denver to join the versions in Seattle, Portland and Minneapolis. Took 3 tries to get the job, but she perservered.

Jennif er is our local sales rep and she gave us a rundown on how great the book is and how easy to sell. She was backed by Fruit Bob who is really impressed and only sorry there isn't a SF version. We all ought to have at least one copy that we can demo to our friends and neighbors. Get on the phone and complain to Duane if you don't have one.

Next week PD lowers the boom and puts us all to work. See you there. jp

McCain or Obama? Stay updated on coverage of the Presidential race while you browse - Download Now!

Newsletter 93108

Pres. Khong rang in his very last meeting with esteemed title with a big smile. Sharing and made-up hyphenated words are today's theme. We kick this off with shared duties on tickets with both E. Goodman and S. Hearn helping each other out. Then B Rice led us in song with F Bliss's help. E. Goodman also did double-duty as today's invocator, impressing us with her on-the-spot invocating. Soon-to-be president D. Haughlin gladly took up the fine box as it would be her last time doing it for quite some time.

President Khong announced our guests: E. Letvitch, soon-to-be immediate past Lt. Gov and F Bliss, soon-to-be no longer immediate past Lt to take a place among the distinguished lt. governor with R. Bliss, distinguished past lt. gov.

Then of course came the CKI. Monica announced an ever growing list of CKI Kiwanis-meeting-attending members. We had Gail, Rocky, Tiffany and Virgnia. Their week's accomplishments were aplenty!

· Member orientation

· Concessions at football game

· Children's Art Festival

· ROCK

· Longfellow middle school workday

· Park clean up

· SNAP orientation

Not to mention all the upcoming events!

· ROCK

· San Francisco Library renovations

· Cal concessions

· Swim-a-mile

· Home-front-fest

· broomball

· Key to college

Their general meetings have been packed, but a seat was promised to any Kiwanis who come out.

F. Bliss gives an apology dollar for calling Monica, Cheriz.

Reports:

Installation report: Great time at installation with President Khong receives a nice looking wooden plaque, though I have no idea what it was for. J. Egenberg was reportedly missing-in-action this past Tuesday. He gives a couple dollars to report on his absence, a vacation of sorts to Santa Fe New Mexico with his wife. Unfortunately, shopping seemed to have dominated that vacation. He was then given his Thank-you-gift from Pres. Khong, a Cal Beer Stein for upcoming Oktoberfests. Pres Khong puts in some dollars to apologize for having forgotten to give J. Rosano his gift, a brand with his initials on it. For adding an extra touch to his signature steaks at Gualala.

Committee Reports:

Oktoberfest: Money not yet counted, Egenberg reported that his second vacation to Tiberon's Oktoberfest confirmed what we all were already thinking… that our event is much more enjoyable. At least that's what the band playing reported. He also mentioned later on that the event was a great success with 70 people in attendance, particularly members of the church… Kiwanians… where were you? (anyone with digital pictures please pass them over for the website!)

Longfellow: J. Piercy reports an over-abundance of CKI and Key-club help and a under-abundance of Kiwanis help… One in particular, the-man-soon-to-be-formerly-known-as-president, was reportedly missing-in-action. In his defense, Key clubbers had his hands tied. There was plenty of cleaning, some moving, some recycling, some setting up of gym equipment. There was some worry about missing and extra parts…

(look to the website for more pictures!)

Quilting: L. Hannawalt reports progress and photo-op at the Kiwanis house. Let her know if you would like to go with on a Thursday afternoon.

RIF: CANCELLED for later dates as B. Carpenter is undergoing triple or quadruple bypass, please wish him well and give him a call!

RTC: Key clubbers chaperoned by several Kiwanians, worst thing reported: bug bites, not bad for a weekend with highschoolers (IMO)

CKI: FTC is coming in November! There is a limit on attendance for Kiwanians so let… Phuoc know if you want to go to that!

Interclub: There was an interclub at Hayward Castro valley to give the winner of the 50/50 all his/her cash. Also, Albany Installation at Solano Bar and Grill.

Membership Induction: Dan Pannell

Dan was inducted this afternoon. The induction was reported to be quite "interested" membership chair D Wong promises to write down some notes for the next new-member. Dan Pannell was a prior CKIer, a known-hard-worker at Gualala, and a graduate of UCB with a mechanical engineering degree. He reported being excited to be back in the service world and that our new focus on increasing service really drew him in. "Let's get some work done!" We are really excited to have this familiar, passionate, not to mention good-smelling new member join us.

Bdays!

September 26: J. Egenberg gave some big money for his 59^th bday.

At this point in the meeting, the fine box was auctioned off, this beautifully crafted box made of cards and felt… there was great commotion as the price of the box quickly elevated into the fifties, pres-khong finally lost his beloved fine-box to eager bidder E. Letvitch for 53 dollars.

J and L dollars

There was B. faye with J dollars for attending his 60^th Cal reunion. Then a L dollar for missing 2 weeks for seminary classes.

P. Khong had J for Cal's win and a L dollar for Bess' hurt arm

F. Bliss also had a go-bears dollar and J that he will be going to

England

for Xmas.

L. Hannawalt had a big unhappy 5 for the drop in stock.

Program:

Our program for today was Susan F from Senior helps which aids seniors in staying home and being independent for as long as possible. She gave a talk on "fall prevention" Falling is the leading cause of death in elderly folk, typically from complications such as hip fracturing. She gave some great tips on preventing falling in our own lives.

1. get the right shoes

2. EXERCISE

3. Eat well

4. Minimize drunkenness