Phuoc led us in…."The Star Spangled Banner". With his melodious tones and superb conducting, we should have been on key. We should have been on key. We weren't. But what sour notes we hit were quickly forgotten because of our enthusiasm. Thank you Evie for collecting our money and giving us food tickets. Duane was pleased to be given the Fine Fine Collector Box and mischievously collected our hard-earned money. Virginia and Bill brought their accountant, Lee Cordon, to join in our festivities.
Shera and her CircleK'ers have been busy, as usual. Over Thanksgiving Break: furniture organizing at Uhuru Furniture for low income families, beach cleanup in So Cal, CAL volleyball concession stand fundraiser. And coming up: Hands on Science, Chaparral House, Oakland Holiday
Parade, cooking at the Yeah Shelter, Fall Banquet (December 5 6-9PM) at the Alumni House Toll Room.
PrezDenise noted the festivities at Washington School last Tuesday—the kids singing, the yummy lunch, the superintendent attending. "It was a fabulous day for the school and a fabulous day for Berkeley Kiwanis" Denise noted and then suggested we all "drive by" to admire our
work. Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this project.
Our Berkeley Marina project, according to JohnP who was quoting Ed, is under design, 60% done.
Will there be Bell Ringing? Who is in charge? About the only known point is it
will be on a Saturday, in December, in front of a certain Ace Hardware. Details will be firmed up and we will know more next week.
December birthdays were celebrated: Happy Birthday to Jack (and thank you for your generous contribution to the Foundation) and Happy Birthday to BillC (and thank you for your generous contribution that you promise to give next week). Despite their pleas, we did sing (sing is probably not the right word) a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday".
Interclub to Richmond on Wednesday December 1, followed by a visit to Allen Coe.
December 5 is a Yeah Sunday. Sandy is asking for volunteers. Contact her if you are available.
December 11 (in the late afternoon into dinner) Roberta is hosting a Making, Baking, Decorating Cookies Event.
December 14. Auction, Auction, Auction. Remember to get your "basket items" turned in. And remember to bring guests, neighbors, friends, family.
December 17: the Senior's Holiday Party. Bettye has the details.
Oktober 8 2011 is the Oktoberfest. Get that date on your calendars!
Leo Iodice broke his hip. He is home and let's call him and send him cards.
Happy and Sad…
--Phuoc: Sad, so sad for CAL. Happy for 3 Thanksgiving meals.
--Jack: Sad for Leo.
--Josh: Happy for his family who volunteered at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving.
--BillC: Happy for Jack's birthday and Happy he (Bill) is younger.
--NewBob: Reminding us he had "Safety Tips" brochures.
--Lee (Carpenter's guest): Happy for a free lunch, even if he had to come all the way from Idaho to get it.
--Ed: Sad for Leo, Happy for a special Thanksgiving.
--RevBill: Happy for Thanksgiving and a grand-daughter's visit.
--Denise: Happy for a vacation at Collins Lake and a Motor Home that keeps out the rain.
--Jack: Happy for a yummy lemon pie (baked by you know who) for Thanksgiving.
Our speaker was Captain Keith Turro: Commanding Officer of the Base Support Unit Alameda (aka the Coast Guard).
He started by complimenting Prez Denise on a great meeting. His job is to drive a desk: make sure the lights are on, the toilets flush, the grass is cut, etc. etc. to keep 4 Admirals
(Pacific Area Command, The 11th Coast Guard Command, Forces Ready Command) happy!
We think of the Coast Guard as guarding the coast & inland waters and search & rescue. But it has a diverse mission: maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, ice patrol, aids to navigation, noting migrant folks. They have 5 Cutters on site (2 new ones just arrived).
He noted that folks are staying in the service these days and they are "full up" for one year and have a two year waiting list.
The Coast Guard is now under Homeland Security, but has been under various other departments (e.g. Treasury, Transportation) over the years. The Coast Guard was formed in 1915 out of Light House and Life Saving groups.
We learned so much about the Coast Guard and their current duties (including enforcing international law), their thoughts (the importance of communication) and some of their small un-noticed achievements (turning old light houses successfully over to stewards who would take care of them).
What an interesting and informative and delightful speaker! (Scribe tjp)
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