Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Newsletter 03032009

THAT WAS A CROWD.  At least in comparison with recent meetings.  Lots of "other" Kiwanians and even members who have been traveling managed to fill up all 4 tables.  Was there an empty chair?  And, I don't mean "committee chair"!
 
Undaunted, President Denise gonged us to a semblance of order and invited Frank to lead us in GBA.  Even without his trusty violin Frank managed to get us singing with "gusto" and, perhaps in key (of b?) and was followed by Sandy giving thanks for the rain, the food, Kiwanis, and His "tender mercies".
 
We had been greeted at the door by Evie at the ticket tables (for early arrivers) who was then "spelled" by Treasurer Sandy.  For the "Fine" Fire Box, Denise selected travel-returnee Linda and Secret Greeter Frank had to admit he had been greeted by all Berkeley Kiwanians but had failed to greet visiting Kiwanian Sherry for which he paid a self-imposed fine.
 
Not being a frequent interclubber, I probably did not get all the visiting Kiwanians, but my list shows LtGuv Bob Farhbach, Past LtGuv Dave Newacheck, and Sherry.  Spellings are undoubtedly wrong! =0 ADuring the introductions it was noted that our own VC, who is an honorary member of the Hayward/Castro Valley Club, has been nominated by that Club to be Division 2 LtGuv representing them, and she will take office next October.  We noted that her "adopted" club meets Tuesday evenings, so that means she can get out of cooking any meals on Tuesdays!  Whether Charlie Judy is smiling or turning over at what he has wrought is up for debate!!
 
Not to be outdone, UCB Circle K Kiwanis Family Chair Monica was able to claim an interclub with Kenneth, Josh and VJ joining her.  In her rapid-fire technique Monica outlined all the service they have done the past week and plan for the coming week, and then announced a K Family dinner to be held at 88 Oakmont Ave., Piedmont on Friday the 13th.  It will have a 20's theme and suitable dress is requested.  Yes, that address is the Carpenter residence.  A sign-up will be available next week so that suitable plans can be made.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debra announced that the March Dine-Out will be at Brennan's, 5:30 PM on this Thursday, March 5.  No sign-up required, but show-up encouraged.  Whatever you have to eat or drink at Brennan's, it will be filling!  And, she recommended the Irish Coffee on cold, rainy evenings!  Well, she didn't actually "recommend" them, just commented that she understands they are good.  I agree!
 
Sandy is looking for sox for the YEAH group.  Bring them (they need not match) next week.< /div>
 
RIF second phase will be Thursday, March 19th.  Another sign-up sheet from VC next week.
 
Berkeley Kiwanis St. Patrick's dinner Saturday, March 14 (that is next week) at Paradis farm.
 
DEAR Day is this Friday and our volunteers have received their assignments
 
JP announced that due to State and School District bureaucracy, the Washington School project will not be held in late March/early April.  Too many hurdles to jump and our main contact has gone off for 3 weeks.
 
Bob Barnwell recommended a concentrated effort to recruit Circle K graduating seniors to join us as full K iwanis members.  If they move out of the area they can take their membership with them and have an open invitation to transfer to a new club.  Pres-Elect Josh suggested that the May 8 "end of the year" dinner would be a great time to push that and might be an incentive to get more Berkeley Kiwanians out for the dinner.  Bob seemed to agree but felt that a "formal" invite to join should be extended in a written letter.  Is Debra going to pick up on this?
 
Our Circle K Math Major (Monica) gave a happy $ for Square Root Day.  For the math limited folks, today is 3,3,09 and the Square Root of Nine is 3.  If you wish further details, contact Monica!
 
Our speakers were representing the Alameda County Medical Center (Highland Hospital) and its Foundation.  I would give their last names, but hate to misspell them.  Mitch represents the Foundation and talked about the need for donations to help develop an Angiography Suite at Highland and20Dr. Tom (cardiac surgeon) talked about what that enhanced capability means to everyone in Alameda County.  Highland is the "County Hospital" and as such has lots of restrictions on funding.  They compete with all other County functions for available tax dollars and still must take care of the indigent as well as most trauma cases in Alameda County. The upgrade will permit radiographic observation of the beating heart and help pin-point the exact location of blockages permitting rapid access and relief.  Essentially life saving in many cases.  The goal is for $2.6M ($1.6M for the new radiographic equipment and $1M for the required renovation and installation).  Mitch reports that the drive is well on its way and they have a $1M grant which is dependent upon raising $800K from the general public – hence the public speaking drive!
 
Next Week?  Who knows!  Come visit us and see.                                                        &n bsp;  jp

No comments: