Newsletter 101209

We think fall has arrived, with its colorful drifting leaves, brisk breezes and warm/cool days and night!  Halloween is just a few days away, doorways are decorated in ghoulish décor, witches swinging from trees and ghosts appearing at all times from everywhere.  It's a fun time of the year. 

           

Lots of folks were in the dining room today.  Sec. Bliss was at the back desk taking money, issuing directives and smiling all the while.  Maestro B. Rice led us in GBA, accompanied by B. Price with his interesting rendition of the same!  Sec. Bliss gave a short invocation, and Josh Lomeli (Circle K Pres.) carried around the fine box while he was in the room- he rushed off to class at some point.      

 

At the ringing of the bell by ½ Pres. R. Bliss, we immediately welcomed  B. Rice's "good wife Esther" who was visiting with us basically to hear our speaker.  We know she enjoyed the comaraderie of her dining mates as well as the good BCC food!!  We also applauded S. Hearn as the honored Kiwanian of the Day who had the pleasure of joining ½ Pres. Bliss at the front table.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS OF IMPORTANCE

1.      An interclub took place at the Hayward/CV club with E. Goodman, ½ Pres. Bliss and V & B Carpenter.   Another interclub will take place at both the Circle K meeting this Tuesday evening and at the Division 8 DCM meeting in Napa on Thursday.  More info on those two interclubs next week.

2.      P. Khong had information about Circle K, but this editor did not catch what was said. 

3.      D. Haughin promoted her Sees Candy sales and there were some after the meeting.

4.      The Spiritual Aims "committee" (really, we all are a part of that!) wants to keep up with members who are not able to visit with us each week.  Dr. Coe can have visitors and would love to see us!  C. Fitch, we do miss your happy smile each week!

5.      RIF is taking place tomorrow, the 28^th.  Nine Head Start sites will be visited, and there will be enough help!  We'll be giving out about 350 books this time around.

 

Our Circle K was represented by K. Family Chair Diane along with Josh, Ken, Tami & Mimi.  We always have a great group visit us each week!  They were busy with fundraising (scary movie night netted $96 and the concession stand at the CAL game about $600.  They are planning a St. Andrews cleanup, Halloween event, FTC the weekend of Nov. 6-8 and helping at Cazadero on Nov. 1^st.

 

There was an early meeting upstairs outside the bar with some members of the Kollegiate staff.  There is discussion going on regarding how often the "rag" needs to come out, and how it should be formatted.  No decisions are immediate, however, and one good thing which came out of the meeting was getting 2 volunteers to work on our Website.  So now there may be a "Website" committee?  One fact that did arise is the need to get more of us into utilizing the Website.  It is a great tool for information if kept updated properly.          

 

Several notes of interest coming along for you to enter into your BRAIN!!

(What you do with this info. is up to you!!!)

 

Nov. 1:  Work tear down at Camp Cazadero.  HOPEFULLY the weather will stay neat!!!  Did we hear if the bakery across the street is open on Sunday?

Nov. 6-8:  Circle K FTC weekend.  We will have an interclub there!!!   YEA!!

Nov. 12:  Division 2 DCM will be held at the Spaghetti Fundraiser for the Hayward/CV Kiwanis Club.  This is an opportunity for attending another club's fundraiser as well as getting interclubs if you bring enough members.  We should do this more often!!  LTG. Virginia will be sending information to all club presidents.

Nov. 17:  LTG Virginia has 2 official visits that day, Sand Leandro and Hayward/CV.  Interclub Chair BC would like interclubs for those visits.

Dec. 7:  Oakland Holiday Auction, Park Plaza Hotel

Dec. 15: Berkeley Holiday Auction, BCC.  Please start getting auction items!!!        

 

JJJJJJJJJJLL$$$$ were numerous, as usual!

P. Khong was appreciate for the support of S. Hearn in taking Oakland Tech Key Clubbers to their Fall Rally.  He's also happy for the Cal Bears, as was B. Fay.  J. Rosano is looking forward to the work day at Cazadero and thinks it'll be windy but not rainy.  S. Hearn had info $$ that she has season tickets available for YPSO.  They are $45 for seniors and $60 regular.  B. Rice is always delighted when his "good wife" Esther joins us at lunch.  B. Barnwell was happy to be the SG (Secret Greeter) and raised insurance funds from VC, B. Lowman and S. Hearn.        

 

½ Pres. R. Bliss auctioned off some items.  D. Leonard bought a Halloween box of homemade caramels for $30- then proceeded to give them all away before the meeting was over.  Oktoberfest beer went for $15.  And Sees candy did make at least $100.  Don't forget to check out the BK store each week. 

 

And yes, the speaker Esther came to hear at our meeting today was Bob Skrak.  We find that our most entertaining speakers are often our own members.  (If memory serves this editor, the last week of each month will feature a BK member??)  We know Bob for his many years of work and involvement with Iceland, the "used to be" local ice rink in Berkeley.  Bob got started at the age of 15 working at an ice rink.  He worked there because all available men were in the service (World War II) so he took over the men's work there.  He was in the service and did attend business college for one year.  From 1947-1957 he was "on tour" beginning and ending in Atlantic City, covering 22

 

 

cities, with pay covering only the "work"- no hotel, food, taxes, laundry- just transportation.  When shows were on vacation they were unemployed and not eligible to work.  Also, they were never allowed to ski, horseback ride, or do other things that might cause injury.  After some time in Philadelphia as a rink manager and assistant instructor he then went to work for Frank Zamboni.  He became one of few men able to

drive and maintain the Zamboni machine.  Another interesting tidbit of information that came out was that Bob also worked in a meat market, and I think made a bit of extra money by giving "Bob Skrak tours" in his free time when in various other cities.  One excellent tour he recommends is the Budweiser factory.  Of utmost importance to Bob is his marriage to Joyce in 1963!!  Many thanks, Bob, for highlights of your life!! 

 

 

 

 

 

I leave you with the following

SAQOTW

 

Heard at the Division 8 DCM meeting this Thursday evening, 10/29/09….

 

Little People Keep Secrets

Big People Share Ideas

 

 

HAVE A FUN FILLED

HALLOWEEN SCARY WEEKEND!

 

 

 

 

IF ANYONE HAS WONDERFUL DONATIONS FOR OUR DECEMBER HOLIDAY LIVE OR SILENT AUCTION, PLEASE BRING THEM TO OUR MEETINGS.  CONTACT VC  OR DH (DENISE) WITH ANY INFO OR HELP YOU MIGHT GIVE!!!

 

SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY

Editor:  VC

Newsletter 102009

It was a double whammy today.  We had a full quart (2 Pints) of President.  Pint 1 was Tammy chairing the meeting and Pint 2 was Roberta.  They were both glowering at us from the head table and then they were the program.

 

NEXT WEEK: (No, this is not the end of this Kollegiate, but I'm so excited to know ahead of time what next week's program is!) our own Bob Skrak will tell us all about his professional ice skating career.  It's always great to know more about our members – even our long-time members.  Hope he brings Joyce to keep himself honest!

 

Today started out pretty normal (considering two glowering Presidents) with first Evie, then Frank, and finally Phuoc holding down the ticket table.  Bob Rice did his "thing", and you know, I think we were on key and pretty loud.  Could it be that we are getting to know GBA??  The invocation was short, simple and presented by Duane.  Jack (who is vying with me for the title "Grumpy" got to carry the fine box for the first time in years.

 

Pint 1 then tried to get into her script, but was only partially successful.  After all VC and Grumpy were there interrupting her all the time and Gimpy was mumbling a bit himself.  However, she (Pint 1) was able to

 

 

foist the raucous crowed off on Circle Ker Diane who introduced her support team of Ken and Mimi plus Josh who poked his head in just in time.  He (Josh) claimed he had no class today since they are having mid-terms. 

 

Diane rattled off all the stuff they did this past week, including providing vital support to our Club's Oktoberfest.  There was some noise about there being more Kiwanis Youth (Circle K and Key Club) than "old folks" working that fund raiser.  She called on Josh to report on the Fall Training Conference: it seems as though there are 60-65 Circle K planning to attend and transportation help is sorely needed.  Did you note that number – 60-65!

 

Bill C reported 2 interclubs (#3 & 4) last week and rounded up a quartet to attend one this week, but I failed to record where.

 

There was a short discussion of the Oktoberfest and later a few H$ for all the youth help.  Since the meeting the financial results have become a bit clearer with the major costs reported, and it looks like we may have cleared $3200 but there may still be some expenses not turned in.

 

VC was called upon for her LTG report and noted a good turn-out for the DCM on Sunday evening.  After some mumbling

 

 

about something she also noted that there will be a big RIF distribution next week, but she had forgotten her sign-up sheet, so

passed around a blank one.  Not sure there were any takers, but next Tuesday is time enough since it will "happen" the next day (28 October).

 

Denise introduced us to the Berkeley Kiwanis candy store (See's) which was displayed on a table for sale and Jack reported that the Cazadero Work Party on Sunday, 31 Oct, is pretty well organized.

 

In the meantime, there will be a work party at Denise's office on this coming Sunday to get going on painting the Salvation Army kettles, 9-12 or so.  Wear painting clothes!

 

And, not to be ignored, the famous Berkeley Kiwanis Holiday Auction will be held on Tuesday, December 15.  The drive is on for auction items, so get going.  Our famous auctioneer duo (Sharon & Jack) will need lots of good items to foist off on unsuspecting attendees. 

 

The new "team" held its first Board meeting last week.  Actions included authorizing both Pints (Presidents), the Treasurer, the Secretary, and the President Elect to sign checks (2 signatures required).  The budget proposal was discussed in detail along with some procedural changes based on the budget, but final action was delayed until next month to permit fine tuning. 

 

A small committee was formed to complete development of the 09/10 Roster and the Club Storage Bin has been transferred to the Bliss garage at some financial savings.  It was a loooong Board Meeting, and generated a suggestion that distribution of documents such as the Treasurer's Report

 

 

and proposals such as the new budget in advance (with the Agenda) to permit

individual review prior to the meeting may save some meeting time.

 

The Presidential "Pint 1 & Pint 2 Dog & Pony Show" (I am not ascribing those animal titles to either half-quart president) then commenced.  There was general discussion of the coming year and some of the changes that were planned.  Of even more importance, the committee list was distributed and expectations for each of the committees discussed.  Even more important than that, the committee chairs were identified and in a few cases "Coordinators" (sounds more official than Subcommittee Chair) have been assigned.  Bettye wasn't there, but I hope it's not too much of a surprise that her Service Committee has the programs for November!!

 

½ Quart Roberta will coordinate the following committees (with monthly program assignments as noted)

Youth Service – Bettye – Nov & May

Student Leadership – Phuoc – Jan & Jul

Community Service – Sandy – Mar & Nov

Satellite – Cheriz – "None"

½ Quart Tammy has:

Fundraising – Denise – Dec & Jun

Club Activities – Jack – Feb & Aug

Administration – John – Apr & Oct

Membership – (Unassigned) – None

 

Speaking of Cheriz, she made a surprise visit – and no she doesn't have a firm job lined up yet.  She reported on all the Kiwanis and Sponsored Youth clubs she has visited, spreading the "word" about our great duo (UCBCKI & BK) here in Berkeley.  She is not only generating interclub points, but lots of miles.  There was a grin on Bill C's face.                        jp

 

Newsletter 101309

The Berkeley Kiwanis Club's Third Annual Oktoberfest

October 17, 2009

_____________________

On a Rainy Day

 

4" of rain in a single day in mid October??? Well, it did, and we managed to slog through it to make it all the way to the historic Berkeley City Club for our ever-important weekly meeting. There were a couple of important reasons that it was such an important meeting. See important reminders below and elsewhere in this publication. It is especially important not to underestimate their utmost importance.

 

And Now for a Clean Start

 

Yes, we had a pretty clean team today: D. Haughin on the funky Fine Box, F. Bliss on the songfest, and was that really B. Skrak doing an invocation (well, he was reading it, that is). Oops, and let's not forget Half-Prez T. Paradis presiding.

 

 

 

 

According to the new tradition, an honored Club member was honored to sit at the Head Table. Today it was retiring J. Rosano, not so retiring and not so unaccustomed to that spot. Speaking of that, he was obviously taking advantage of having some sort of "Fine Free" privileges (anybody remember where that came from?) Anyway, he easily got away with it.

 

Supposedly there were two Secret Greeters today, but apparently it was up to the 1^st one (V. Carpenter) to remember who the 2^nd one was. There was, of course, mass confusion, and the best way was just to buy some of the available low-cost insurance and ignore the ensuing bedlam.

 

As far as guests today, we had an array of past and present, esteemed and otherwise, Lt Governors and District Trustees (in the persons of R. Bliss, F. Bliss, V. Carpenter et al).

 

On a Clear Day

 

It was the Circle K who managed to clarify a few things through the raindrops but still left a few clouds hanging around. Diane came to the rescue and introduced the ever-present Kenneth, accompanied by Secretary Connie.  And they have been BUSY, having just finished a fund-raiser for Pediatric Trauma, and a "college open house" that even Oakland Tech Key Club attended! AND they just had a DCM somewhere, and have a General Meeting tonight in 126 Barrows. It all culminates with the world-famous BK OKTOBERFEST (first important alert!).

 

 

 

 

A Clean Break

 

Speaking of DCM's, Kiwanis Division 2 has a wonderful one coming up this Sunday as a BBQ at the Carpenters from 2:00 – 5:00. You need to be there! (Yes, it's a little early after a Big Late Night Out at OKTOBERFEST…) (2^nd Important Alert).

 

November 1: 3101 San Pablo Avenue (office of Best Fire Equipment). Paint Salvation Army buckets. 9:00 – 12:00 Noon.

 

B. Carpenter described two intriguing Interclubs last week: Oakland Lunch (F. & R. Bliss, V. & B. Carpenter); Albany-El Cerrito Installation (V. & B. Carpenter, J. Egeberg, D. Leonard, J. Rosano, D. Haughin).

 

P. Khong announced again the Key Club Halloween Extravaganza at the Garden Center from 5:00 – 9:00. Plan to be there – contact Phuoc for details.

 

V. Carpenter announced again the next RIF Distribution on Oct. 28, which will cover 250 kids including the Deaf School (that's special). Sign-ups were passed, but it's not too late.

 

P. Khong jumped up yet again to remind us of the Key Club outing to Great America on Oct. 24. Rides are needed from 9:00 - 4:00.

 

B. Lowman announced that the cake distribution to the Senior Centers is still going strong.

 

Lastly, there was an important hint (3^rd alert) that the Holiday Auction may just be a bit early this year, tentatively on Dec. 1.

 

Happy/Sads: They were bountiful and too excessive to report here… EXCEPT the prize goes to D. Leonard for "customizing" his expensive sedan in trying to negotiate Mother Nature getting to work this morning (something about starting up after the red light a little sooner than the car in front of him…)

 

And a huge alert!: It's a very big GO for the much-anticipated 3rd annual Oktoberfest – Lederhosen , Dirndls , Oom-Pah Band, German raffles, and all. SEE YOU THERE!

 

 

 

 

 

The Saints Go Marching On

 

We had a very special program, which we are privileged with from time to time – the very special ---

 

Young People's Symphony Orchestra

 

To start with, we had none-other than Wendy Howell of the Board who showed us a video of last year's performances. It was obvious to everyone that the level keeps on rising! She informed us that this year's tour is to Alaska – the Kiwanis-sponsored POPS Concert will be June 13, 2010 and will be a send-off for the tour!

 

Then long-time-acclaimed conductor David Ramadanoff took over to describe the "hot" new programs and performances, including many original pieces written for the YPSO.

 

As a grand finale, up stepped Ljuba Davis, long-time President of the Board, who reminded us that our Kiwanis contributions support as many as 25 scholarships handed out last year, with many thanks!

 

They opened up for questions, and there were two: First, since it coincides with graduation, a suggestion that the POPS event be segmented into two parts, for those who are there for each; and second, how can we procure "season tickets?" Simply contact them at (510) 849-YPSO (9776) or ypsomusic@yahoo.com.

 

 

je