The Berkeley Kiwanis Club's Third Annual Oktoberfest
October 17, 2009
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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 1st one (V. Carpenter) to remember who the 2nd 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…) (2nd 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 (3rd 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.
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