Newsletter 102610

Re-charged Denise called us to order on a beautiful, sunny Berkeley-Fall day (unlike the previous Sunday Cazadero event, but more on that later).  Steve Chun entered quietly, but no fine was given—we are all so pleased he is coming to meetings.  Phuoc conducted us in a lively (and in tune) God Bless America.  RevBill  offered the invocation, reminding us to remember the Haiti people.  Denise then ordered FineBoxPhuoc to collect $$ from those without badges or pins; her coffer is filling fast.  SecretGreeterBill nailed RevBill and Steve; Sandy escaped ridicule and a hefty fine by having bought insurance.

 

We've been busy.  Jack reported on a rainy (6 inches was the supposed deluge) Cazadero end-of-season project last Sunday that included Denise, Dan, Tony and Deborah (plus her SO John).  Jack also added:  "Thank God for the Circle K'ers.  Garbage bags were the appropriate uniform—however ineffective—and many comments were made about a mysteriously dry Ken.

 

This Sunday (if it doesn't rain) will be the Washington School wrap-up.  The team is ready.  This Saturday, Denise and 15 Berkeley High Key Clubbers will be cleaning out Berkeley storm drains.

 

 

MembershipBob reminded us to wear our Kiwanis caps or t-shirts or aprons at any Kiwanis event.  Advertise who we are!

 

And speaking of Denise's coffers (see opening paragraph), Virginia auctioned off a couple of Bill's Special Apricots (vodka is one of the ingredients) and some homemade fudge.

 

Circle K'er Shera introduced John and KenL and KenT and Diana and Hera.  They've been busy too.  They had their concession stand at the CAL game (scribe, who buys from them every home game, recommends you visit them—they have lots of yummy items to feast on).  The Broomball Social was a success; Habitat for Humanity joined them.  And Cazedero was "wet and awesome".  Upcoming events include the Children's Halloween Festival this Saturday, starting at 10:30 at Lincoln Recreation Center in downtown Oakland and Reverse Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, spreading awareness about fair trade chocolate.  Contact Phuoc if you can help drive to FTC (Sonora) November 5-7.

 

Scholarship season is starting.  If you would like to be on the Scholarship Committee, contact tamara@dgi.com, explaining why you'd like to be on the committee, by

 

 

 

November 1.  Members of the committee need to check their email daily, be comfortable communicating via email, be around in April and May, plus enjoy reading applications,  ranking them and then defending that ranking.

 

InterClubBill announced the #4 interclub on October 19 to Hayward/Castro Valley (Bill, VC, Evie and Ed attending).   Sandy noted YEAH training on November 3 or 9 or 17 at 6:30-8:30, November 20 10-12.  VC reminded us of RIF on November 18 and the Turkey Project November 20. Bettye announced the Senior Center Holiday Party on December 17.  Our Christmas auction will be December 14.  Each Kiwanian will be asked to donate an item to fill a basket—details to follow.

 

Happy/Sad dollars:

--JohnP, Membership Bob crossed the line into politics (scribe has edited out their comments). 

--Phuoc noted the rain and Sunday and Caz.

--CircleK'er John pleased he survived Caz.

--VC pleased Cousin Mike's son-in-law has returned.

--RevBill sad about the USC game and the fact he attended it.

--Jack pleased everyone made it home safely from Caz.

 

We had a fantastic speaker:  Lyisha Johnson from Chabot Space and Science Center.  It's located in the Oakland Hills, off Highway 12; 10000 Skyline Blvd.  Their charter:  educate about space and science.  110,000 folks visit yearly plus 50,000 school children on field trips.  And they offer classes for teachers on effectively teaching science. 

 

 

 

 

The Bill Nye's Climate Lab opens on November 6, an interactive exhibition (become a climate scout; learn how to generate clean energy…).  Tales of the Maya Skies is the current featured exhibit.  "Immerse yourself in the beauty of … Mexico's Chichen Itza; hear the story of the ancient Maya civilization".  You will be transported to the jungles of Mexico, learning the rich history and culture of the ancient Maya.  Besides the exhibits, Chabot has telescopes available for viewing the sky—their most popular offering. If you have kids or grandkids, they have a wonderful Balloon Drop on December 31.  www.ChabotSpace.org

 

MembershipBob, at the recent board meeting, announced a 7 prong membership attack.  1-friends and family; 2-lapsed members; 3-relocated Kiwanians; 4-Circle Kers who have graduated; 5-Key club members returning to Berkeley; 6-scholarship recipients and their family; 7-folks we impact (YPSO).  Details to follow.

 

November Speakers:

--November 2:  Jake Bodden on the Coffee Scene.  Jake has recently opened a coffee shop on Rockridge. A great talk, especially if you love coffee or puzzled about the popularity of coffee shops.

--November 9: Our own Jack, a veteran of the Korean War, has tales to tell.

--November 16: Our own Roberta will talk about the newly established and not quite understood Trustee role.

--November 23: TBA

--November 30:  Captain Keith Turro, Commanding Officer at the Coast Guard in Alameda.  He spoke at Alameda Kiwanis and is an interesting and entertaining and funny speaker.                     (tjp)

Newsletter 101910

    KIWANIS                      KOLLEGIATE

SECRETARY                                                                               KOLLEGIATE STAFF

Frank Bliss                                                                                                      Chair :Jeff Egeberg

P.O.Box 323                                                                                 Writers: V. Carpenter; F. Bliss;

Berkeley, CA  94701                                                                                                             .                                     J.Piercy, J. Rosano & T. Paradis

http://www.berkeleykiwanis.org/                                      Oct. 19, 2010                                                         Printer/Mailer: D. Leonard

 

 

 

^{KIWANIS  CLUB      u       Hands of Service      u      BERKELEY,  CA}

 

Well, we had a fair crowd today, with several visitors.  And lots of our CKers.

 

Announcements:

 

The Skrak's are celebrating their 37^th year

of wedded bliss.

 

Allen Coe has moved and can have visitors

(with prior notice) at Rosemont Residence

in Richmond.  Please call: 237-5769.

 

RIF Distribution coming up on Nov.

17 & 18.  Sign-up sheet soon.

 

Holiday Auction committee meeting next

Tues. at 11:30.

 

Holiday Auction is slated for Dec. 14^th.

$20 gets you a great lunch and a chance

to raise lots of $$$$ for scholarships, RIF

books, diapers, senior ctr. b'day cakes, etc.

50/50 tix are currently for sale.

 

Denise's 1^st Bd. Mtg. coming up this Thurs.

at 5:30 at S. Hearn's lovely home on MLK Blvd.

 

Cazadero "tear-down" is this Sunday,

Oct. 24^th.  Rain or shine.

 

 

 

We had several auction items today courtesy

of  Rev. Trustee R.Bliss.  And the winners were:

A non-alcoholic basket won by Lt. Gov.

Mary  for  $15.00.

A whole basket of assorted beers was scooped up by J. Piercy for $25.00.

And, a nice bottle of wine in a Halloween

basket was purchased for $20.00 by D. Leonard who insisted J. Rosano take it

home!!!!

 

We actually had two programs today:

1.      Ed Levitch and his senior partner,

Maurice, gave a synopsis on how

the new trellis at Washington

School was developed and how it

is trying to be built.  There is a lot

more to this story!!!!!  One thing

for sure, it'll be the best looking

 trellis in town!    

2.     Our current Lt. Gov. Mary Bowerman

was present today and gave us a

neat little run-down on her life

and how she got involved in Kiwanis.

Of course, like all Lt. Governor's

dissertations, the word membership

did come up.

 

See you all soon, jr.

Newsletter 101210

^{KIWANIS CLUB   u                 Hands of Service                u  BERKELEY, C}

 

On a Warm Fall Day

 

To start with, our star-filled line-up for today

Included –

Ticket Seller:               J. Piercy

Song Leader:               P. Khong

Prayer Sayer:               R. Bliss

Fine Collector:            V. Carpenter

 

Then our greedy new (no, not really new) Prez made early bucks by selling insurance and had a fierce Secret Greeter in S. Hearn AND THEN did a pin & badge check to nail a few others. Whew – we were lucky to leave the room today with nary a penny in our jeans.

 

Then our warmed-over Prez reminded us all of our Committee assignments (yes, she even had it all written down with copies on every table). Chairs have already signed up (with large signing bonuses) and now everyone volunteers to be on one or more committees (do it now!).

 

Then J. Egeberg announced that the preliminary financials are in on the fabulous Oktoberfest 2010.  Not only did we set a record with 85 paid guests, we

 

took in well over $2,000 in proceeds! And yes, it was in spite of having a rather meager auction. It will be much expanded next year. Way to go!!!

 

Speaking of auctions, R. Bliss reminded us that the grand daddy of all, the fab BK Holiday Auction will be DECEMBER 14!! A vote was taken to raise the price to $20. Flyers will be out next week!

 

J. Egeberg and D. Haughin reminded folks that BK has signed up as a volunteer organization to help out our wonderful city in its annual ALL STORM DAY on Saturday, October 30, helping cleaning out storm drains and sweeping up leaves, etc. Although we were counting on a bunch of college folks (aka Circle K), it turns out they're all caught up with Halloween shenanigans and activities for the young at heart. However, we do expect some enthusiastic high schoolers (aka Key Club).

 

Circle K Shenanigans

Speaking of such, up trotted Shera, who introduced a decent contingent. They have been very busy as usual, with a major effort at the annual Krazy Kompetition for kids. And their "A Key to College Day" was hugely successful (but no one from Berkeley High came?). General Meeting tonight in 102 Wurster as usual (should be large as usual, too).

 

More Nonsense & Incense

 

J. Rosano reminded us of the "Take-Down Day" at Camp Cazadero on Sunday, October 24 (stowing beds, tent tops, etc). He needs 10 – 12 Kiwanians – sign up next week.

V. Carpenter announced a full RIF season this year – with distributions tentatively scheduled for Nov – Feb – and May.

 

S. Hearn announced the YEAH schedule for the year. We will be cooking Sundays at 6:00 p.m. Go to www.yeah-berkeley.org for more info on their wonderful mission.

 

Sec'y F. Bliss announced some very nice correspondence received from V. Coe (with a secret message), B. Price (regretting he hasn't been with us more often), and C.A. Stewart (who was signing books @ a book store – way to go!!)

 

P. Khong reminded us the fall DINE OUT season has arrived. -à this Fri 5:30 @ "PIQ" in Shattuck Square.

 

B. Carpenter provided a nice Interclub Report that #2 of the year took place last week @ Richmond and that LtGov R. Bliss will be there tomorrow, and who's interested in doing one next Tue @ Hayward-Castro Valley? See Bill!

 

B. Barnwell and R. Bliss were concerned about "lost" members and want to develop a new brochure to be worked on by the Membership Committee.

 

R. Bliss announced a scary party on Friday, October 29 at the Bliss Haunted House.

 

Board Meeting is next (third) Thursday @ 5:30 @ S. Hearn's house.

 

We think B. Skrak just had an anniversary. Bob wasn't sure. Check with Joyce.

 

 

On a Happy Day

 

It was such a beautiful day that there were many Happy $$$ --

·         B. Fay was happy about the Cal Bears' big win over UCLA

·         B. Barnwell was happy about the S.F. Giants!

·         P. Khong gave the grumpy-of-the-week award to F. Bliss

·         J. Piercy was still overwhelmed with his Distinguished Service Award.

·         S. Hearn was very sad that she lost her brother-in-law

·         D. Leonard was extremely fortunate to make a very economical purchase for a measly $35 a Fine Free badge (with the name J. Rosano on it) valid all the way thru 11/30/10.

 

A Rewarding Program

 

Diane Tran came all the way from New York City where she attended a wonderful conference on Ending Poverty. She is now involved with awarding scholarships to the Congo. Go to www.mdgmonitor.org, and get involved with them for Goals #4, to reduce by two-thirds by 2015 the mortality rate of children under five, and Goal #5, to reduce by ¾ the maternal mortality ratio and achieve universal access to reproductive health. Very commendable goals. Thanks, Diane – and great to see you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

newsletter 100510

Installation as Past

½ & ½ Presidents

 

They look happy, don't they? 

 

Denise greeted us at the door to Pyramid Brewery.  She had the official list and collected money too!  Roberta sold guesses of how many cookies in the cookie jar.  After some nice libations, Jack got everyone's attention to start dinner. 

That's not what the program said, but everyone was ready to eat, so we all went with the flow and enjoyed the change of plan. 

 

Frank was seen passing out invoices for dues to start the new term.  At 7:06 p.m., Roberta rang the bell and handed the meeting over to Virginia, who MC'd the evening. 

 

Bill C led the pledge to a tiny little flag Frank carries at all times.  Phuoc led us in song with Frank playing the violin.  John invocated about the good past and good future, then proceeded to pray for the food we were about to eat but had already eaten.

Guests Galore!

Virginia asked guests to be introduced.  Bob & Carol Fahrbach, Karen Euston, Bill & Patricia K'Berg, Traudel Piercy, Donna Egeberg, Adele Leonard, Margie Fay, Nick Haughin, and Denise's sister Debbie.  A late but very welcome arrival was our new Lt. Governor Mary Bowerman. 

 

We started the year with an interclub with San Leandro today (Carpenters and Blisses).  That looks like a good beginning to a round robin!

 

De-installation  / Promotions

Virginia properly objected to the announced term "de-installation".  She reminded us that we install as past the outgoing directors and officers of the club.  So, Frank duly installed our past officers.  He also presented our half and half presidents with gift certificates for Skates on the Bay.

 

 

New Officers

 

Once we were leaderless, Bob Fahrbach took the reins and eloquently charged each of the new officers with the happy task of their office.  Pins were pinned and oaths sworn.  It appears that everyone was happy and willing to serve in their respective positions.

 

When Denise was installed as our President, Frank pointed out that she needed a fine box.  So he pulled from the bag the Fire Extinguisher fine box Denise used in her last term as President.  However, there was a wrinkle, in that it came with a tag announcing "RECHARGED 2010-2011".   If you weren't there, be sure to come to a meeting to admire and fill the fine box. 

Looking Back

Tamara and Roberta had fun giving gifts to virtually everyone.  Flashlight pointers, notebooks, a beautiful orchid, and a "neck healer" were among the many objects and thanks to each special person in our friendly club.  And then…

 

Piercy Gets a DSA

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to John Piercy for his consistent efforts in serving Kiwanis and our community.  Congratulations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wrapping it up!

Here is our leader for the next term.  She is excited about all the things we have planned.  She's also happy with all of the support she is getting from our membership.  Governor Tom Milham's theme is B.E.A.R.  We'll hear more about that, I'm sure.  We do know that fits Berkeley well.  We all look forward to Bringing in a new member, which is what the acronym starts with.  The rest will follow.