Thursday, April 15, 2010

NEWSLETTER 041310

 
_____________________
 
The Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Kiwanis Club and Foundation!
 
…but first some important preliminaries. Twin Prez R. Bliss, fresh from more recent travels, decided not to try to trick people into paying false fines by starting the meeting early. That leaves more for Happy (sad?) Dollars, and there were many today. …in spite of that E. Levitch was VERY late and insisted on paying a fine. He DID say that it wasn't because he couldn't find the City Club; rather, he complained loudly to City Engineer J. Egeberg that HIS trucks were blocking his driveway. Even though he pointed out all the good for the city that
 
these trucks were doing (replacing leaky sewer lines, paving potholed streets, etc), Mr. Engineer willingly pulled out his wallet to pay EL's fine.
 
….but next P.Khong sought a whole bunch of help from F. Bliss to barely keep GBA on key. This was rather remarkable since the latter musician couldn't hear much of anything at all! Then J. Rosano read a very nice prayer from his grandfather's funeral a few years ago. It was a little longer than usual, but no one complained. F. Bliss also tried to keep the books straight while he sold tix and D. Haughin (wo)manhandled the fine box.  And Duane was still Wonderful (?) but subdued because he had to help some clients right after lunch try not to lose their inheritance, so he wasn't his usual self (this was especially noticeable to those around the refreshment stand).
 
Surveying the Scene
 
…but then KFC (that's Kiwanis Family Chair, not the "colonel") Shera took the podium, and with much confidence, made some very important announcements that Frank, Ed (and myself?) couldn't hear very well. They're of course excited about the Cazadero experience coming up this very next weekend. Someone wondered whether there would be pediatric doll materials???
 
And then there was something about a project providing an Internet CafĂ© experience for kids. And then there's another General Meeting experience tonight in Wurster Hall. And then there's the Spring Banquet in Pauley Ballroom on April 30 (5:30-9:30)! Josh then came to the rescue….for the seven seniors the theme is "Retrace your footsteps."
 
….and then someone in the back of the room just happened to wonder where all the hugs are? Yes, it seems that usually when Josh shows up, a lotta hugging goes on. Well, we figured out that the "Cheetah" wasn't present (is that the right animal?), so it wasn't happening…until Josh took the cue and gave hugs all around the room! (was there anyone who turned them down?). Of course, the aforementioned hard-of-hearing had no idea what was going on but they got a big bearhug anyway.
 
 What's Next???
 
·         D. Haughin is looking for some volunteers for the Blood Drive tomorrow at Berkeley High School, anytime from 9:30 – 3:30.
·         P.Khong chronicled his adventures on the way to the Key Club Convention by train to Sacramento. He bragged about how well behaved they all were. However, F. Bliss blew his whole story by announcing that the same PK didn't get a wink of shut-eye the whole weekend!
·         The same D. Haughin advertised some delectable See's Candy offerings… and responded that there will be plenty more for an important event early part of May every year, known as Mothers Day.
·         The Semi-Prez suddenly remembered (when prompted) that there's an Interclub today somewhere, and that's why attendance is down (something like that…)
·         AND THEN .. the grand finale is ---CAMP CAZADERO WEEKEND is upon us! Yes all arrangements have been made, all signups have been taken, all gourmet food items have been purchased, and all projects have been manned (or womanned). All you need to do is show up (ready to work and have fun!). SEE YOU FRIDAY!
On a Happy Day
 
·         B. Barnwell had an uplifting report on his "girlfriend." Yup, he still likes 'em tall. He also has a furry little bear to donate to the Circle K all the way from Habitat for Humanity.
·         B. Fay was thrilled to be teaming up with E. Levitch to try to find their way to Camp
 
      Cazadero, but for starters, they couldn't        even figure out which one was driving!
·         Josh was extremely proud to announce that Circle K   just received the "Oski award" for best service club on campus! Wow!!
·         J. Rosano was proud to be heading up another great camp outing this weekend!
·         J. Piercy talked B. Barnwell into letting go another U.S. Olympics fleece sweatshirt. And yes, JP was the winning bidder at a great price.
·         P. Khong was thankful for having the great experience of the KC convention last weekend.
·         D. Haughin had a multitude of things to be happy about.
·         And lastly E-J Bliss had the only sad $$ of the day because she had the skip out before the program.
 
THE Meeting
The annual meeting of the Berkeley Kiwanis Club was opened, and after some uncertainty, we think the proposed slate is as follows, so we voted unanimously to adopt it –
·         President:                    Denise Haughin
·         Pres-Elect:                   Duane Leonard
·         Vice Pres:                    Bettye Lowman
·         Immed. Past Pres:       Tamara Paradis
·         Treasurer:                    Sandra Hearn
·         Secretary:                    Frank Bliss
·         New Board:    Rosano/Egeberg/Barnwell
·         Replacement on Old Board: V. Carpenter
 
The annual meeting of the Berkeley Kiwanis Foundation was then opened. It was announced that the terms of two directors (Rosano and Piercy) were expiring, and that the Board recommends that these two be re-elected. This was so moved and passed unanimously.

President Leonard then described the activities of the Foundation in the last year, which is primarily to manage its fund investments. Once a year or so, the Board meets with its financial advisor, John Asher. The Foundation's main expenditure is toward the Club's scholarship program. This year, $30,000 will be awarded, which is down slightly from previous years due to the economic times.
                                                                        j.e.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Newsletter 040610


The meeting was held in the Member's Lounge today, and the familiarity of that room was "felt".  And it was so close to the bar!  The pre-meeting bar group was apparently very engrossed in solving the Club's problems, and so were late.  Half-Pres (HP) Roberta had her fine collector (Bill C) at the door with "double fine" orders and that sure raised a ruckus.  Not sure the fines were collected.
 
V Carpenter was at her friendliest at the ticket desk, but she still wanted the cash.  It was a surprise (pleasant?) to have Borden there all dressed up to lead GBA.  It's a good thing he was ready because the HP was trying to get her busy spouse to do the leading – Borden won out and somehow suppressed his urge to miss that high C. 
 
After a short invocation by John P. and no guests (other than the speaker) HP Roberta was introduced to Circle K Family Chair Shera who was invited to give her breathless report.  As usual, they've been busy (how else do you think they win all those District awards reported last week) and are off and running with their new slate of officers and committee chairs. 
 
Whereas Diane had few supporters last meeting (her last) Shera had a bunch (6) this week, including PP Josh and current Pres.
 
 
Darryl, who made a few kind remarks about the support they get from us.  Then, VC realized that her "love" for Josh had been replaced by her "love" for Darryl which was a pretty noisy realization.  After her overwhelming welcome for Darryl, Josh looked so crestfallen (relieved?) that she had to fuss over him too.  It all bordered on sexual harassment, if that term applies to actions of female toward male.  We'll have to send a reporter to interview Bill C. about all this carrying-on.
 
Late to arrive, but early to leave were the Hannawalts.  Bill was very quiet, but Linda popped up during H/S to comment that the drive from SF to here seems to be getting harder.  Maybe they should BART-it with Bicycle Bob!!
 
Jack was passing out scholarship application packages – 25 per pack – to members of the Scholarship Committee to start the review and award process.  The Committee will meet on May 11 to make the final selections and our luncheon honoring the winners, their parents and their advisors will be on May 25.  Is there any sly reason why that meeting is the day after my birthday??
 
Sandy reported that the last scheduled meal preparation for YEAH has been completed
 
 
 
 
successfully, but there will be continuing less-formal meals (PB&J?) on occasion.
 
Next week we meet to participate in the Annual Meetings and elections for our Club and our Foundation. 
 
The Club will retain Phuoc Khong and Debra Wong as Directors for the 2010 – 2011 Club Year and will vote for the following Directors:
          Bob Barnwell 2010-2012
          Jeffry Egeberg 2010-2012
          Jack Rosano 2010-2012
          V. Carpenter 2010-2011
            (Replacing B. Lowman)
 
Officers nominated for 2010-2011 are
          President: Denise Haughin
          Pres.-Elect: Duane Leonard
          Vice Pres.: Bettye Lowman
          Imed. Past Pres.: T. Paradis
Treasurer: Sandra Hearn
          Secretary: Frank Bliss
 
Following the Club Election, the meeting will be recessed for the Annual Meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Berkeley Foundation.
The agenda for this meeting is:
 
1.     Call to Order
2.     Report on Foundation Activities
3.     Election of 2 Directors for 4 Year Terms.  Nominees are:
     John Piercy
     Jack Rosano
4.     Open Discussion
5.     Adjourn
 
After all that "heavy" business there's hope the remainder of the recessed Club Meeting will be "short and sweet".  There will NOT be a congratulatory cocktail party following.
 
 
 
As usual, H/S $$ went by very fast and I took few notes.  JP bragged on his grandson's skiing prowess but was boo'd for trying to repeat last week, so switched to Joe's progress to a 26 mile cross-country run at Mammoth Mountain on Easter Sunday.  Second place in his category and  "he "done good" in the words of his proud Father.
 
So, our speaker today was a co-teacher with Debra in Fremont, Alan Kahn, who reins over a 5th grade class.  Alan is an "almost-native" of California, having moved here from Arizona with his parents at the tender age of 2.  After battling thru 12 grades in Fremont, he moved slightly south to San Jose State for his Bachelor's and then worked a bit back in Fremont before returning to SJS for a Masters and teaching credential.  Back to Fremont, and there he is.
 
Alan was a member of the Key Club and then the Fremont Kiwanis when he worked in that area, but had to drop when he went the "teacher track".  His purpose today was to give us some pointers on Ice Breakers for meeting people; mainly slight of hand tricks and crafting balloon figures.  It should be noted he also had a "patter" of puns to punctuate (pun intended) his talk and his own PA system and head-mounted mike to free his hands.  After "wowing" us with his sleight of hand and "paper"  tricks we all were invited to "follow the leader" and make a "puppy dog" out of a long hot dog shaped balloon (blown-up balloons provided).  There were some weird balloon figures developed.
 
Next Week:  Elections
Apr 20: Jill Ellis (Childhood Deafness)
Apr 27: Wm Rogers, City Parks/Marina       jp

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Newsletter 033010


At this, the last meeting of March 2010 (yes, it was a 5th Tuesday), we were greeted at the "buy your lunch ticket" table by empty air when this editor arrived.  Never did find out who was manning that booth!!  Centenarian –1year B. Rice led us in a rousing rendition of GBA.  E. Goodman gave a quiet invocation, and then ½ president TP was off on a running start to a fabulous meeting.  Sitting at the head table was Region 9 Trustee R. Bliss. 
 
There was a SG (secret greeter) and she (S. Hearn) caught no one; however, E. Levitch came in late and had to pay up for that, and J. Egeberg admitted he had not shaken the SG's hand and paid up also!!.  Joining us as guests were Katie, daughter of S. Hearn, and William Rogers, director of Berkeley Parks, Rec. & Waterfront.  (He will be our speaker April 28th- he was here just for a visit today!).  Also present was member L. Iodice.  Welcome, Leo!! 
 
We met our NEW CIRCLE K Family Chair, Shera.
She has big shoes to fill, following after Diane, but if today is an indication she will do a FABULOUS job.  (This editor saw her sitting with J. Rosano after the meeting, getting assignments for our upcoming Cazadero weekend.)  Shera introduced her contingent of 9 other Circle Kers, including Peter Le, our new Golden Gate Circle K LTG, and Tammy Tran, our new Circle K District Secretary.
Much stuff coming up, and tonight is their dual board club meeting, where old goes out and new comes in.  Circle K Convention was this past weekend, where we Bkers had an INTERCLUB of 8!!!  BC & VC were joined by P. Khong, and T. Ng, along with Cheriz, James Lee, Vijay & Alex-
our "down south" members who worked the convention as workshop presenters and supporters of their UCB Circle K.      
 
 
You wonder about awards that they worked so hard to get!!  READ THIS LIST!!!
1st Place:  Outstanding Non Traditional Scrapbook
1st Place:  Club Newsletter
1st Place:  Single Service Award
1st Place:  Mei Po Wong Overall Service Award
1st Place:  Total Achievement Award
Distinguished Club Treasurer, Secretary, Admin and Service VPs, and President
Distinguished Club Award
Distinguished MD&E
Divisional Unity Award
Distinguished K Family Relations
Most Miles Traveled Award
Monthly Reports on Time
Most Funds Raised for UNICEF & Starlight Foundation
Golden Gate LTG: Peter Le
District Secretary:  Tammy Tran
 
COMMITTEE REPORTS OF SORTS
 
J Piercy and J Rosano gave nomination reports for the foundation and club.  Nominations were closed.  Elections will be in two weeks, April 13th.  Be here as a member to vote in your leadership!
YEAH will have it's last Monday evening cooking session on April 5th.  Sign up with S. Hearn.
SUNSHINE is at the Berkshire as Dr. Coe has returned.  He was visited by Rev. Bill, and would love other visitors as well!!
INTERCLUBS have been numerous according to B. Carpenter.  Mid Year attended by B. Barnwell, F. Bliss and R. Bliss, B. Fay, D. Haughin, S. Hearn, P. Khong, D. Leonard, H. Leaventhal, D. Wong, and B and V. and 10 Key Clubbers.  Division 2 DCM attended by BC and VC and A. and T. Paradise.  Circle K was listed earlier in the Kollegiate.  Oakland attended by R. Bliss, E. Goodman, and BC & VC.
CAZADERO is coming up.  WOW … fun times!!
 
 
 
 
 And there was time for JL$$:
 
P. Khong $$ for Circle K Convention, seeing old friends, UCBs great awards, made it back alive!  D. Haughin $$ for Circle K and for our K Family Chair Diane who has done such a SUPER job this past year.  J. Piercy $$ for grandson placing 2nd in the 15 Kil. Cross Country, and for bringing women in to Kiwanis.  B. Rice $$ for the song! (see below) L. Iodice ??$$ for ?? judgement on which women to let in to Kiwanis!  J. Egeberg $$ for B. Rice losing his badge, and one other this editor did not hear.  B. Carpenter $$$ for Circle K Conv. and our "down south" members who do service for our club!  V.C. for Peter Le, our new Golden Gate LTG.  Circle K member John for attending his 1st Circle K Conv., how proud he is of Circle K and for Tammy and Peter.  B. Barnwell for 3 hours of service at a Health Center and crime being way down in that area.  He got a real laugh when he said someone crawled on his girl friend.  YOU had to be there!!  Circle K Pres for one more day Josh $$$ of praise for his club, its members, and BK Kiwanians.  This has been the BEST YEAR OF HIS LIFE!!  WE are proud of you too!
 
A great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our
Centenarian –1year B. RICE!!  We all rose and made him sit while we sang a really COOL Happy Birthday song to him.  What a great thing to celebrate!!  Bob had the great honor of celebrating last Thursday when he was a guest of honor at the grand opening of the Fremont 99cent store.  He had to be there by 8am – so he told us he did not get to sleep in!!  The big day is Easter Sunday, April 4th.
HAPPY 99TH BIRTHDAY, BOB!!!
 
OUR SPEAKER!!
 
Yes, to top this all off, we did have a wonderful speaker.  Pamela Buckingham introduced us to the Oakland Aviation Museum, located at the Oakland Airport.  This museum was founded in 1981, and its first home was a small room at Hangar 5 at the airport's historic North Field.  The museum is now housed in the historic Boeing School of Aeronautics hangar built in 1939, providing indoor and outdoor exhibition space, a research library and aircraft restoration work areas among other things.
 
 
 
 
 
 
North Field was the Bay Area's first airport, dedicated by Charles Lindberg in 1927, and much desired location for many historic flights such as the
first Transpacific Flight and Amelia Earhart's ill fated trip around the world in 1937.  The US Army Air Corp took over operation of the airport in 1941, and during WWII war games were played as a means of training.  Commercial aviation returned after WWII.  One gets a chance now to get up close to many of the aircraft.  Housed here are many historical aircraft including a Lockheed Electra 10A, similar to the one Ms. Earhart was lost in and the Short Solent Mark III Flying Boat that was featured in the movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Thank you, Pamela, for a very interesting look into Oakland Airport history!
Your Secretary, F. Bliss, would like you to turn in your service hours for his end of month report due to the LTG Virginia and District by the 10th!!!   
 
      
Another meeting enjoyed, successful, fun, - and know that if you missed it, you were indeed missed.
 
We leave you with a SAQOTW:
 
When your inner eyes open, you can find immense beauty hidden within the inconsequential details of daily life.  When your inner ears open, you can hear the subtle, lovely music of the universe everywhere you go.  
  Timothy Ray Miller
 
 
 
 
SEE YOU ALL NEXT WEEK!!
BRING A FRIEND!!!
 
 
                EDITOR:  VC