Newsletter 072809

The sun joined us at BK lunch today along with a pretty full house.
Our favorite maestro B. Rice and his lovely bride Esther arrived home
from a couple of weeks away, and scholarship winner Amanda Wilmsen is
back home for the summer from Pomona in SO. CA. A fellow Kiwanian from
the Southern town of Oakland, Russ Aubry, dropped by as well. Chino
Green, recent graduate of UCB, joined us for a special event- more later
on that!!

Hitting you up for lunch money at the back table (it really is the back
table since it is at the back of the room!!) were R. Bliss & VC and
maybe others. B. Rice was joined midway through leading GBA by F. Bliss
on the violin. Then FB led us in a booming, active rendition of the
Hokey Pokey.
J. Piercy gave a short invocation with thanks for Kiwanis, the cooler
weather, and asking for help in locating his sweater. The fine box was
left alone for much of the meeting- and then BFE Pres. Denise discovered
that no one had been assigned to take it around.

Circle K put in an appearance in the form of Mimi, Kenneth, and Nina!
They are busy as usual- with Adopt a Creek, Cookie baking for Soldiers
(and themselves), "Bay to Barkers"- at Golden Gate Field,
and a single service project this coming Friday and Saturday 10am- 6pm
both days at a school in Oakland.
Think some Bkers will be out helping at that event
.

Well then, the Blisses are celebrating 39 years of wedded bliss… and a
check for our foundation is forthcoming. Someone of well known quality
purchased a new badge as he wasn't happy with the old one- We all hope
plenty went into the fine fire box for that, since he ended up carting
it around today as he forgot to ask anyone else to do it.

Several notes of interest coming along for you to enter into your
Kiwanis and Social and Work calendar!!
Aug. 3: Dine Out at Café Casa- a wine bar and variety of food Café.
Located at 3136 Sacramento, about 3 blocks past Ashby. Special on the
menu for us to try out is an Oatmeal Stout Milkshake. This is a GREAT
time for any of us to get to visit with any of us who cannot make it to
our regular meetings very often- and to bring guests who might be
interested in a club such as ours. Also- Circle Kers tend to gravitate
there as well!! So come on out for a night of fun!! And.. Dine Outs
will be the place to be seen with D. Wong who is moving to Fremont for
her new job- and won't make it to regular meetings anymore.
Aug. 10 & 24: YEAH sandwich making at S. Hearn's abode- 11:00ish…
Aug. 13-15: District Convention in San Diego includes a Division dinner
on Friday night in Old Town.
Aug. 29: Oakland Kiwanis tribute to B. Payne.
Spengers in Berkele
y. Park 5:01 or after for 3 validated free parking
hours!
Sept. 10: Installation of LTG and Awards night- Elio's in San Leandro.
VC begs for you all to attend this. Happy No Host hour 6pm.. dinner
7pm.
Sept. 29: Installation of Team Bliss and Paradis at the Paradis palace
in Lafayette. NOT TO BE MISSED.

Great event of the day was the induction of our newest member, Chino
Green. It was mentioned that Chino has been through Berkeley High Key
Club and UCB Circle K, so active in many things Kiwanis!! She wanted to
join on her own- because she loves Kiwanis so much!! Welcome, Chino!!
See all our young ones!!!

As mentioned earlier, Amanda Wilmsen, a winner of a scholarship last
year, visited us today, bringing news of college life at Pomona. She's
majoring in anthropology with a minor in Spanish. She's busy with
studying and working two jobs on campus, one in the library. She's
active on a ballroom dance team, has made great friends in the coed
dorm, and states classes are a change from high school. Sounds like
fun!! Come again, Amanda!!

$$$$ were numerous, beginning with T. Paradis who mentioned
that remodel of the kitchen started "today at 4:00pm."- with no end date
in sight!!! B. Barnwell  that m
onies were restored to the SF DA
program. R. Aubry enjoyed the visit of so many Kiwanians at his July
4th party- no fireworks to see as toooo foggy- and he's angry at his
neighbor and wants a lawyer!! J. Piercy ? that D. Leonard adjusted
his grandfather clock that now runs five minutes slow. D. L. thinks
J.P. is too sensitive!! C. Green delighted she is now a Kiwanian. D.
Wong sad this is her last official planned meeting as she moves Saturday
"way down south" to Fremont. P. Khong saw a KI advertisement on
hulu.com. VC had her own money but doesn't remember what she is 
about.

Not to be overlooked, B. Carpenter reported that three interclubs took
place last week. A visit to Hayward/CV and then our Southern CA
contingency of Alex, Cheriz, James & Amy attended the Circle K District
meeting and a Circle K DCM meeting on the same day- gathering many
miles of travel for us!! There will also be an interclub tonight
(Tues.) at the Ice Creamery in Castro Valley- where the Hayward CV
meeting will be held at the same time as a fundraiser for Key Club. Go,
BC! Go, BC!

Speaker time: Our dual presidents are on a roll!! Tamara and Roberta
took over the microphone- yes, there was passing back and forth of that
instrument with NO arguing!!! They have promised total cooperati
on in
the running of the club next year!!! They are beginning on the "right"
foot!! Reemergence of a form which states:

"I, your name, WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO SERVE ON THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES
FOR 2009-2010 WITH ENTHUSIASM AND PASSION"-

and we are invited to sign up for committees we would love to serve on.
We are NOT going to be placed on any old committee. SOOOOO- if your
heart is set on being on or being in charge of a certain committee or
job, NOW is the time to act!!! And so: General committees are as
follows:
CLUB ACTIVITIES
YOUTH SERVICES
STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
COMMUNITY SERVICE
MEMBERSHIP
FUND RAISING
ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS
For a list of all sub committees: Contact Roberta or Tammy for a copy
of the list they passed out!! There is LOTS to choose from, and even
blank lines for "new" sub-committees if you are creative and passionate
about something!! They would like responses and sign-ups by August 11,
2009!!!! Channel your energy and sign up!!!
Let's all do our very best to support these two young women as they lead
our Berkeley club to greatness!!!
And (comment from your LTG elect VC)- PLEASE sign up to be a part of
MEMBERSHIP and GROWTH. A goal for our Division is 50+ members to bring
the Division back up over 300. WE CAN DO IT!!!

And thus another meeting comes to a
close. The pledge was led by our
BFE Pres. Denise, followed by the ringing of the bell, and we were gone
into the wonderful fresh air of a cool summer day!

SAQOTW:
Giving of ourselves is the way
we change the world
at the end of our fingertips.
Richard F. Schubert
Business Advisor

CHECK OUT PAGE 3 BELOW FOR SUPER
INFORMATION!!! HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!
Editor: vc

CUT OUT AND PLACE INTO YOUR ROSTERS THESE NAMES OF OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!!

1. James Lee UCB Grad 2009
1355 E. Corbett Dr. Placentia, Ca. 92870
714 924-5882 jlee123@gmail.com

2. Diep Nguyen UCB Grad 2009
3332 ½ W. 134th Pl. Hawthorn, Ca. 90250
Cell 310 531-4355 thi.diep@gmail.com

3. Cheriz Cajita UCB Grad 2009
21419 Garston Ave. Carsen, Ca. 94745
Cell 310 518-5869 ccajita@gmail.com

4. Alex Chu UCB Grad 2009
2007 Nadula Dr. Hacienda Heights, Ca. 91745
Cell 626 318-2824 lex.chu@gmail.com

5. Gail Nipitnorasate UCB Grad 2009
4557 Appian Wy. El Sobrante, Ca. 94803
510 478-5547 GAILNIPIT@gmail.com

6. Amy Wang UCB Grad 2009
2800 Keller Dr. #81 Tustin, Ca. 92782
949 923-0751 awang30@gmail.com

7. Vijay Suzuki UCB Grad 2009
4126 Mesa St. Torrence, Ca. 90505
626 372-5633 vijay.t.suzuki@gmail.com

Newsletter 072109

Forty years ago (and a day) we walked on the moon. Pause and think of
that wondrous moment now, and as you gaze at the sky tonight.

Back on earth, Denise called us together, as Debra led us in God Bless
America (with a bit of conducting assistance from Virginia). Ed's
invocation called on God to "find us another planet as soon as
possible!" Roberta took all our money.

Art had the Fine Fine Box and collected from the late comers—all from
the bar upstairs (all their watches were late…hmmm or were the drinks
and conversation so gooood; the scribe wonders). Numerous folks bought
insurance and Secret Greeter Phuoc found no one to fine.

DATES DATES DATES
August 10 and 24: Making sandwiches. Contact Sandy for details and to
sign up.
Aug 13-15: District Convention San Diego (12 folks attending)
August 14: Division Dinner (Frank the contact).
If you would like to attend the dinner in Old Town San Diego, be sure
to contact Frank by THIS Friday, July 24.
August 22: Hayward Castro Valley Dinner (Denise the contact)
September 10: VC installed as Lt Gov (VC the contact)
September 29: Prez Denise de-installation; Roberta and Tamara
Installation
September 13 Solano Stroll (the horse and dinosaur will re-appear).
September ?: Washington school project (JohnP the contact).
September ?: RIF distribution (Vi
rginia the contact)

CIRCLE K ACTIVITIES
Mimy and Kevin joined us for lunch. They have been busy, as usual. And,
as usual, the scribe tried to keep up with their litany of activities:
San Jose concession with the Oakland Tech, St Mark's church with
Habitat, AIDs walk in San Francisco, baking party to send bake goods to
our Service folks overseas, District president's retreat. Their Annual
Garage Sale is September 5; remember to get them items for the sale.

WE ARE HAPPY; WE ARE SAD
--Happy Birthday (July 24) New Bob!
--Two new members: Chino and Sylvia were "officially" welcomed to our
club.
--Bob: Sad for the Board of Supervisors cutting back Public Defender
funding.
--Phuoc: Happy for (perhaps) a state budget.
--Art: Happy for his attendance #1 in a string of ???
--Tamara: Happy for the excellent Kiwanis Prez training and for the
superb Lt Gov Virginia session.
--VC: Sad because Debra is moving and will be missed.
--Duane: Happy his weight training has started.
--Debra: about two pieces of electronics and how the battery now had
longer life and….
--Ed: Happy Debra joined his table.
--Denise: Happy for a postcard from BobR all the way from Michigan.

Phuoc was our Speaker; his presentation on "Steak Cuts" w
as
enlightening and fun. Steak is his favorite food so the
topic/presentation came easily to him.

His tidbits about steak and how to choose included:
--The best cut is from the rib or loin
--Less tender cuts come from the parts that are exercised (VC noted the
tail swishes lots so probably not so tender!)
--Chateaubriand and filet mignon, both from the tenderloin, are the best
--Fat is what makes the flavor
--Prime is the best grade of steak
--Select is what is in most grocery stores
--Kobe beef is so tender it appears translucent.

And some definitions:
--Flank Steak: tender, from the underbelly and grills quickly
--London Broil: Large cut from the flank; often marinated to tenderize
it than broiled and thinly sliced.
--New York strip: marbled, larger end of the short loin
--Porterhouse: the T-bone's big brother, combining two steaks in one,
the New York and the filet
--Rib Eye: rib steak without the bone
--Sirloin: sitting between the short loin and the rump, less tender
but still full flavored
--T-bone: similar cut as the porterhouse, only the filet side is
usually a bit smaller. Named for the t-shaped bone running down the
center of the steak.

Phuoc, thank you for the Steak 101 class. Hmm, wonder how many of us
went directly to the store to buy a steak for dinner….

Next Week's Presentation: Food in Schools…
Phuoc led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

(The Scribe: tjp)

Newsletter 071409

Early on Evie was working the ticket table, but only to get it set up
and going and then it became "honor system". One of our senior members
couldn't "handle that", but he did take a ticket and then when he got
home he found the check still in his pocket. He will go unidentified,
but if the Secretary or Treasurer don't get his check I'll "snitch" on
him!! With our small crowds we can't afford to give away meals.

And more good news/bad news from Debra. She's found a "pad" and will
be moving soon. The bad news is that it is down in San Jose. Now
who's going to run our Web Site? "What Web Site?" you ask. That's the
problem; us Old Folks don't even check it, much less add or remove
stuff. We are in trouble.

After Pres Denise opened the meeting and got a little attention from
the "crowd" she called on Frank to lead GBA. Frank was "right there"
with the note and conducted us with gusto. I think our speaker was
impressed. Then Rev Bill invocated (a bit wordy) and Denise assigned
the Fine Extinguisher (just change one letter) to Debra who promptly
forget her duties while enjoying her chicken cacciatore.

Finding no guests, Prexy noted three Circle Kers in the "crowd" and
identified Mimi to give the "breathless" report.=2
0 They've been busy
(even tho it is summer break) and plan to be even busier. Diane was
asked to brief us a bit more on the school project she is working on as
Single Service Chair. It's a big one and they are looking for support
(materials and financial). I don't think they are looking for physical
help, but we shall see. On Thursday, July 30th they have big plans for
a 3 (4?) day project to revitalize the play-yard at St. Andrew's School
at 2624 West Street in Oakland. They are talking about bringing in
soil and plants, painting the "ground" (I think this is striping for
game areas) and developing/equipping basketball and soccer venues as
well as building a playground structure.

This will be a big undertaking, but at least it's a private school and
they won't have to put up with the bureaucracy we've run into with
Berkeley USD. However, they need lots of stuff. The need has been
passed to the LtGuv and LtGuv-elect in the hopes that lots of stuff and
support can be gained. If you can help in any way, e-mail Diana at
dianee21@gmail.com or call her at 714.360.4284.

Bill Carp. reported on our 26th interclub which took place at the DCM
last week.

Jack brought in an "adult" picnic basket (champagne, etc) and the
tickets sold out. It went to VC, so I expect she will be back with
another basket n
ext week.

He also announced that tomorrow is the cut-off day for Club
registration for the District Convention in San Diego Aug 15-?. If
you are not "on his list" but want to be you need to let him know on
Wednesday, July 15. Similarly, if you are on his list but back out
after that date you will still need to pay!

Next Tuesday will be the last day that the Foundation will accept
checks in support of the YPSO. That support consists of matching
Foundation funds. Many of you have contributed, but more have not!

Roberta demonstrated a hospital gown that will go with each Pediatric
Trauma Doll produced by her and her countless helpers. In fact, they
are "producing" or whatever as you read this. There was no discussion
on whether the gown is to be tied in the front or in the back!

VC announced that the next RIF will be the Wednesday and Thursday of
the last week in September but couldn't come up with the dates. I have
consulted my almanac (or whatever) and find that would be 23 and 24 (or
possibly Sep 30 and Aug 1) and she will probably get the dates right
when she develops the sign-up sheet.

The LTG installation (of our own VC, but representing a "foreign" club)
will be held again, by popular acclaim, at Emilio's in San Leandro.
Date is September 10, so mark your calendar. Show Bob that we
appreciate his20efforts and cheer on VC.

Our club installation will be September 29 at Chez Paradis and that
sign-up should show up soon, also. Just think how often we won't have
to cook at home!!

Continuing his month of "food" programs, Phuoc introduced Sam Chen, a
UCB grad in civil engineering who went bad. He and his brother bought
Solano Grill and Bar in 1992 and that was good bye to engineering. He
concentrated on the kitchen and his brother "did" the wine, but when
his brother passed in 2005 Sam shifted his emphasis. In addition to
the restaurant and all that entails he has a private client wine
consultant business called Echelonwines and devotes 60 hours a week to
what he loves best. Today he talked mostly about tasting and, in fact,
had us do a blind taste test that we sort of "blew". We were given two
very similar samples of a dark beverage and were supposed to
individually describe each but there was so much table-talk that not
many of us tried to seriously describe. It turned out that one sample
was Classic Coke and the other was Pepsi, and it was pretty hard to
tell them apart (but don't tell that to the impacted marketing folks).
Sam then gave us another sample pair, but told us ahead of time that
one was a 1994 Chardonnay (his cellar) and the other a 2007 (current
market). Again, we were supposed to describe the two an
d decide which
was "best". I liked the old stuff but bet I wouldn't pay for it!!!
Sam presents wine tastings at the restaurant.

Another great program, Phuoc. We'll look forward to next week.
jp

Newsletter 070709

An apology for the last 3 weeks of Kollegiate miss-fires. The
Printer/Mailer went off to Hawaii the first week without setting up an
alternate printer/mailer. A volunteer tried to do the e-mail, but
failed miserably both times – only partial list of addresses. Not sure
the printed versions ever got out. Anyway, the Printer/Mailer was
suitably (?) fined by the Pres. Last week, the editor-of-the week was
in Hawaii (what's with this Hawaii stuff??) and had ignored her
responsibility as assigned editor the 5th Tuesday. Not sure she was
fined, adequately or otherwise. But, Frank was Debra-on-the spot and
pasted several photos of the steak feed and fired it off to Duane for
mailing, and he did. Let's see now, did Frank get a reward??

Speaking of Debra, she had a wonderful announcement – SHE'S GOT AN
HONEST TO GOD TEACHING JOB! There is some bad news; the school is in
Fremont. No more Kiwanis lunch for Debra when the job starts. BUT,
she will still be in the area (now looking to move) and we may see her
smiling face at evening and weekend events on occasion. There was also
talk of participating in the "Dining Out" program. There's something
for the New President and her Board to tussle with!! The subject
didn't come up, but will she (Debra) continue to keep our web site
going?? Let's hope so!

Last week's St
eak Feed in Tilden was quite a success. Before it was
all over, I had 2-1/2 beers and was not keeping good track of anything
but the beer. I do know that Denise had rigged up a couple of
recognitions for her Father (DACK) who is retiring as Secretary at the
end of this year. The first memento was a plaque recognizing his
umpteen years of service to the Club and the second was a Kiwanis Apron
equipped with a Fire Shield (to prevent BBQ burns, but you had to be at
CAZ to appreciate the burned belly story. Jack should have had that
apron on his head at the Albany July 4th affair – he looks like a 3rd
degree burn from the neck up. (Guess that apron wouldn't have helped
in this case). Anyway, the steaks last week were great, and the Yellow
Jackets showed (at least one glided across between my nose and my
steak) but there was really no problem. Could it be that those
"bounce" laundry softeners that VC brought really worked?? I had one
hanging from my shirt pocket. The Circle Kers in attendance were
almost out gunned by some of our "senior" members when Jack announced a
"few" extra steaks were first come first served. It was a great
lunch in the park.

So, back to today. We were bounced back up to the Member Lounge for
the day due to some hanky-panky in our now regular meeting room. That
meant we all20had to puff up the steps. Evie and Roberta were at the
ticket desk early on, but I think Roberta ended up "in charge". As

usual, the Pres was exactly 15 minutes late, starting the meeting at
12:30 (ref. Pg 6 of our official Roster for announced starting time)
and then sort of ignoring her agenda. Frank led GBA, Sandy gave thanks
for His Tender Mercies, and then after a long discussion Frank ended up
with the Fine Extinguisher. I do believe he collected a few bucks
before it was all over.

Of course, there were announcements. Among them, I wrote down:
1. Sep 29 Installation to be a catered affair at the Palace Paradis.
It will be catered and details will follow along with a sign-up sheet.
One was passed today to get an idea of the magnitude of the crowd.
Wonder if formal attire will be required and if Lederhoesen satisfy
that requirement.
2. District Convention (San Diego) Aug 13-15. At least 3 more needed
to get 100% attendance.
3. $2800 or so has gone to YPSO and Sandy reported she had some more
that she hadn't passed on to the Foundation yet. That matching offer
from the Foundation really helps.
4. The "July Dine Out" is Wednesday, 8 July at Brennan's (foot of
University) at 5:45ish. (Gotta get this in the Kollegiate a full week
ahead, folks!)
5. Oak Tech Key Club plans to present their proposed Budget to the
=0
ABoard in August. Berkeley Hi Key Club better get to work or the
"Youth" money will be all spoken for!
6. UCB Circle K Mimi brought along 2 supporters (it is summer
vacation, you know) and told us all about all sorts of things they are
doing. The only note I got down is that they are adopting an
elementary school in Oakland that needs a lot of help and are looking
for all sorts of stuff (paint, pipe, you name it) to support the
fixing. (Ed Note: UCB should get some support from other clubs in
Division 2 and hopefully someone will carry this need to the LtGuv.
Note is aimed at the LtGuv Elect who was not with us today.)
7. PTP doll making on July 14 at the Bliss residence, 6 PM – 9:30.
All Kiwanis Family Members welcome.

And Phuoc is celebrating his 31st BD. He netted $160 in Reno last
weekend and we sang HB to him (led by Dack!!), so it's bound to be a
great year for him. He announced that as program chair for July he had
decided that the emphasis would be on food. (Rumored to be his favorite
subject.)

So, he introduced our speaker, Malena Lopez-Maggi, co-owner of Xocolate
Bar (That's Chocolate for the unschooled) at 1709 Solano Avenue.
(Right across from a well-known insurance agent and very convenient to
Phouc!) Malena told us a bit about how she (a fine arts major) got
into the chocolate business and had samples for
all of us to practice
the fine art of chocolate tasting (somewhat akin to wine tasting, but
one doesn't spit). It was hard not to succumb and just chomp the
chocolates, but a few followed her instructions. Fortunately, the last
step was "chomp down the chocolate". She also told us of the history
of chocolate growing and how it was spread to most areas of the world
20o North and South of the Equator. If you want to know more, drop in
on Malena and buy some samples.

We need some Kiwanians to join us for lunch. Show up next week to see
what fun food program Phuoc has in store for us. jp

Newsletter 063009

No one seemed to be writing the Kollegiate, but FB tapped some notes
into his handheld…

A fine picnic day at Tilden park. Steaks, salads, libations
Rousing GBA (FB)
Prayer (RB)
Announcements: Pres Denise

Sept 10 VC LTG Installation
Saturday or Sunday in Late Sept for our Dual Pres installation
HCV Interclub tonight
Alameda Tomorrow
YEAH Thursday 1130 am with Sandy
Circle K present: Mimi, Peter, Kenneth, Margaret & Keiko. Lots going
on! (What else is new?)
Boa= Kenneth's idol

Emotion flowed as our Secretary of 25 years got honors Denise reported
it was "pleasanter" than expected
Jack got a nice gifts of an apron with a heat shield
Jack reported that Leo had big shoes to fill.

Upcoming programs:
July 7: Melina Lopez, from the Xocolate Bar on Artisan Chocolate
creation.
July 14: Sam Chen, from Solano Bar & Grill on wine appreciation.

fb, unofficial scribe.