Newsletter 012610

 

At this, the last meeting of January 2010, we were greeted at the "buy your lunch ticket" table by E. Goodman who directed each and every one of us to the lunch line where we got a slice or two of a delicious meatloaf, other assorted goodies, and your choice of beverage.  Barely had we sat down to chat and enjoy this delicious meal when a strange voice came over the microphone requesting an invocator and song leader.  F. Bliss requested that we be driven to pull out our wallets for the purpose of donating to a worthy cause, and P. Khong led us in a rousing rendition of GBA.  Amazing voices we have!!

 

You wonder the strange voice??  Seems ½ of the ½ presidents was missing in action and the other ½ of the ½ presidents was sitting at a round table with her family- thus, a young energetic Circle Ker Diane had taken over the microphone and zoomed through the whole meeting- playing games, threatening huge fines and otherwise creating total chaos and FUN!!

Yes, it was the "once a year"……….

 

CIRCLE K TAKEOVER

 

 King Diane (as we were told to call her) was escorted by a group of Circle K Lords and Ladies (this editor did not capture all the names due to such laughter at table 4).  Among the

 

 

many "rules" which we lowly Berkeley Kiwanians would be fined for was hat when we spoke anyone's name it had to be spoken backwards.  Another was when we heard music we had to stand up and dance.    

Do you want to walk around?  Two steps with the left foot, one with the right and then repeat… 

No elbows on the table, and many more which at the moment have been relegated to the back of this editor's mind!!

The money just flowed into the fine box- because we elders just do not know how to behave in the midst of fun!!! 

 

Before getting into the real stuff of taking money from our pockets King Diane did ask for reports from any committee heads who might wish to speak without getting fined!

1.      YEAH- According to S. Hearn we will be cooking for YEAH on Feb 1, this coming Monday, from 6pm-8pm.  Four had signed up!

2.      We hope there will be a RIF distribution in February.

3.      Interclubs were two- Regional Training Conference and San Leandro Crab Feed.

4.      Board meeting report:  Tabled the budget due to need for further discussion on increase in meal fee.  For Haiti donations, if you give to the BK

 

 

Foundation, it will go to CNH District Foundation where it will be matched.. and on up the chain.. matched each time.  The donation will grow before it reaches Haiti!!

 

And there was room and time for JL$$:

B. Carpenter is in the hospital again.. and hopefully the third time will be the charm.  B. Barnwell put in a check for $100 to cover the next 10 weeks of the increase in lunch fee.  He does not like loose change increments… or ad hoc committees.  D. Leonard will match for the following 10 weeks, and who's the next taker??  Our newer member Chino is headed to Japan for about 1 ½ years to teach English..  WE will miss you, Chino- and have fun!!

 

King Diane was more interested in $$$ going to baked goods..  One of "her" Lords became an auctioneer… and many of us purchased the following:

Phuoc: Cornbread

Jack: Brownies

VC: Board Picture (given to F. Bliss)

Denise: Cupcakes

VC: Clown art picture- will have Jack's

      picture sketched!!

Frank: Calciim Vitamin basket

Car Wash (don't know who got it!!)

Denise: Chocolate lover's basket

Phuoc: Ballroom dance lesson for VC

Phuoc: King's Cake for Linda

Linda: Chocolate Chip cookies

John: Chocolate Chip cookie basket

Evie: Chinese basket

Elsa Jennie: Dutch Apple Blueberry Pie

VC: Fish Oil + Cookie Basket for hubby BC

Bill Fay: Romance Candle Basket

Sandy: Handdrawn vase & flower picture

 

If you were there at this fantastic event you would know which item went for the most $$$.  I won't spoil that for you- except to say that it brought in $100….  Go Circle K!!

 

  

 

 

Your editor was advised that next week's speaker will be the City of Berkeley Superintendent of Schools.  He will be discussing the state of the District with emphasis on the controversy over the Science Department.  This should be a well attended meeting- so invite your friends and relatives!!!

 

Another meeting enjoyed, successful, fun, - and know that if you missed it, you were indeed missed.

 

We leave you with a SAQOTW:

 

How you spend your time is more important than how you spend your money.

Money mistakes can be corrected,

but time is gone forever.

  David B. Norris

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEE YOU ALL NEXT WEEK!!

BRING A FRIEND!!!

 

                EDITOR:  VC

Newsletter 011910

 

_____________________

On a Rainy Day

 

Well, it finally did rain. We were beginning to think it never would; now we're beginning to wonder if it'll ever stop. There are always the pluses and minuses… but we managed to slog through it to make it all the way to the City Club.

 

Half Prez Tamara presided, and immediately denied that Other Half Roberta was referring to her with her constant flattery about her "Better Half."

 

And Now for a Fresh Start

 

Yes, we had a pretty fresh team today: D. Leonard on the funky Fine Box, F. Bliss on the songfest, and R. Bliss doing a thoughtful invocation . Oops, and let's not forget E. Goodman giving away tickets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As far as guests today, we had the usual honorable assortment of past and present, esteemed and otherwise, Lt Governors and District Trustees (in the persons of R. Bliss, F. Bliss, V. Carpenter et al). Since E. Levitch was not present, all was done with thoughtful and lavish decorum without interruption.

 

Oh wait, we did have a real guest, the familiar face of Z. Sher representing the Alameda Club and promoting their gala Chili Cook-Off  this coming Saturday. The cost is only $50 which includes dinner, but for one, this reporter is confused: does this mean that you're paying $50 for something else for dinner besides chili, or is it $50 chili?? And if you want to go, please note that it's at the "O" Club, wherever that is (maybe it's right after the "N" club and just before you get to the "P" club).

 

On a Clear Day

 

It was the Circle K who managed to clarify a few things through the raindrops. Diane introduced the esteemed yet motley crew.  And they have been BUSY, with the first general meeting of the semester coming right up. But the BIGGEST news…is that the TAKEOVER OF THE BERKELEY KIWANIS CLUB is next week! As instructed, be there and bring money! Be prepared for an exotic Mardi Gras theme!

 

The Governor's Visit last Saturday in Vallejo was a great success, thanks to Division Trustee R. Bliss!

 

 

 

 

Nominations coming up! Yes, our Duo Prez confirmed that a secret committee has been formed under the tutelage of longtime former Sec'y J. Rosano. The other members remain unknown, under a cloud of mystery. However, it was assured that they will fulfill their mission well. You need to throw your hat in the ring NOW!!!

 

Upbeat Monthly Report! Neophyte Sec'y F. Bliss just submitted our club report to higher authority with some impressive numbers: 127 service hours and $5260 in fund-raising!

 

Midyear Conference on March 6 in San Jose. Sign up now – don't be left out! Join the usual stalwarts..

 

Key Club Convention on April 9 – 11 in Sacramento. Join P. Khong as a chaperone and travel by luxurious rail accommodations.

 

Scholarship Committee! Special arrangements this year only: D. Haughin is Chair, subbing for Duo Prez T. Paradis (but she wants it back sooner than later!) AND V. Carpenter was enthusiastically welcomed to serve on the committee this year (if she doesn't wear funny hats). News is anxiously waiting from the Foundation Board in the next couple weeks as to how much $$$ will be available this year for scholarships (given the hit that such investments have taken in the economic downturn).

 

SUNSHINE REPORT

 

Well, to start with, poor B. Carpenter is going in for another try at stitching up his chest bones (maybe some metal & screws this time). Good luck, Bill! (Third time's a charm!)

 

B. Fay's dentist told him he was quite amazing for still having all his original natural teeth. What's he biting into next?

 

B. Price reported he's still driving but lost his car recently. We don't know if he's still looking for it…

 

AND then some sadder news: longtime BK'er Charlie Fitch passed away recently in Texas. The family requests donations be made to the Berkeley Kiwanis Foundation. If you wish to contact the family: Bruce Fitch, 5706 Maidstone Drive,

Richardson, Texas 75082

 

Jane Alexander reporting in from "the Island" in Georgia, adapting to "a slower pace, walking on the beach, and taking in the natural and historic beauty…All in all, retiring to Tybee was a very good move for me…Please send my best wishes to everyone in Kiwanis." Everyone please reply to her at birdladyjane@gmail.com.

 

Other upcoming events:

·         Board Meeting this Thursday

·         Legion of Honor Feb 23

 

Late Breaking Development!: Our Board has just decided on a great way to help out with the disaster in Haiti. All BK members are encouraged to make a donation, specifically designated for Haiti, to the BK Foundation, who will likely match it (request being made), then it will be forwarded to Kiwanis International, who will again match it, and then it will be matched again, and sent to UNICEF. YES, your donation would be multiplied 8 times! SEND THEM IN NOW!

 

Happy/Sads:

·         J. Piercy for his grandson's accomplishments in Junior Olympics

·         T. Paradis for her alleged new kitchen, auctioning off an appropriate cookbook + an X-rated coupon book (call TP for details)

·         P. Khong attending memorial for a close friend with many BK/CK'ers

·         V. Carpenter for hubby's added surgery

·         S. Hearn tax season joy

·         And many more…

 

And Now for a Fresh Program

 

And then there was Kirsten Saenz Tobey who was a partner in starting "Revolution Foods" which is an upstart into the revolutionized school food programs, focusing on healthy, natural foods. She spoke to the very interesting and challenging details of starting up such a program, and especially how to try to make any money doing it. In the end, though, it's the benefits to our children growing up that really count. A very interesting program. Mucho thanks, Kirsten!

 

                                                                        j.e.

 

Newsletter 011210

OK, there were only few of us present again today.  But we sure sounded better singing, since

our voice lessons last week.   With Franks leading and with more sopranos than tenors, we actually

sounded  almost in tune!!!!!!!!

Looked like a nice meal again today ( ye ole writer doesn't eat lunch on Tuesdays after a hearty breakfast

at Carrols, with the Albany/El Cerrito Club).   Sec. Frank did have to sell off a few left-over meals.

By the way, at its next Bd. Mtg., your Bd. of Directors will be discussing the additional cost per meal

instituted by the City Club as of Jan. 1^st.

We only had a couple CKers present today as they're not all back at school yet.  We did have a couple

visiting Kiwanians for the State of Washington.

 

Reports:

1.      Inter Clubbing-----------Per Wm. Carpenter

a.       We had 5 members attending the  Alameda Club meeting.  (#19)  

b.       We're hoping to have a large group attend the Gov's visit on the 16^th.

 

2.      Community Service----------

a.       Frank was sure we did have some accountable hours of service, but couldn't locate

his notes------------sad $ !

 

3.      Sponsored Youth------

a.        Circle K take-over  will be on Jan. 26^th.  So, let's show them our support by filling the

       house with lots of members and lots of money to buy all that good stuff they bake.

.

4.       Fundraising--------

a.        Nice selection of See's candy is still for sale at each meeting.

 

5.       Scholarships-------

a.        Student applications are being distributed this week to the various schools

 that we recognize for our program.

b.       The Scholarship Committee is looking for someone (for one yr.) to serve on the

screening committee.  If you are interested, call Denise ASAP.

 

6.       Important dates-------

a.       Club Bd. Mtg. at Bliss' on 1/26 at 5:15.

b.      Blood drive assist. at BHS on 1/20.  Did you sign up for an hour or so?  Call Denise.

c.       Our annual Legion of Honor lunch will be on 2/23.

d.      Mid-Year Conference in San Jose on 3/6.   (Inter-Club lunch)

e.       Gov's visit in Vallejo on 1/16.

 

 

7.      Other important facts---------

a.       New Club rosters were distributed today

b.      Leonard found out how to use our P.O. Box!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Program:

 

We always said some of our best speakers are our own members--------well that's what happened

today.   Our long-absent member George Maxe was here today to present the program in which

he is the Executive Director  FIRST TEE OF SAN JOSE.  It was like watching a new father show off his

first-born son!!!!!!!!  George is very proud of this program and justifiably so.

The First Tee of San Jose recently completed its 4^th year of successful life skills programming.

The organization continues to be recognized as a model chapter as measured by its impact on youth,

retention of participation and volunteers, and strategic community relationships.

Their purpose is to develop youth through golf.   Their mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-

enhancing values through the game of golf.

 

Per Phuoc------------

Next week's program will be—"A Healthy School Lunch Program"

 

 

 

HAPPY TRAILS, PARTNERS!!!!!!!!!!

 

JR aka Dack

 

 

P.S.     Heads Up for Alameda Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off:  Raffel Tickets for prizes of $1,000; $500; and $250.