The La Kiwanian The Weekly Bulletin of the La Cañada Kiwanis Club Serving the Children of the World

Wednesday,  December 6, 2006

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada meets every Wednesday at Noon Visitors Welcome Van de Kamp Hall in Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada, CA  91011

Upcoming Events

December 13, 2006 CHRISTIANITY & ISLAM - RELIGIONS IN CONFLICT Dr. John P. Crossley, Director of the USC School of Religion Wednesday Lunch Meeting @ Van de Kamp Hall in Descanso Gardens December 20, 2006 CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND SONG - Tom Burroughs Wednesday Lunch Meeting @ Van de Kamp Hall in Descanso Gardens December 30, 2006 KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT'S LUNCHEON Nelson Tucker Saturday Luncheon @ the Pasadena University Club   Click on the following button to view the long term calendar

The Prez sez . . .

Prez Steve had a big thank you to all who showed up to hang the lights at Glenola Park.  The lighting ceremony was a great success, and helped everyone in attendance to get into the Holiday Spirit.

Prez Steve asked for volunteers to assist bulletin editor, Melinda Thompson, with writing the bulletin during her Tax Season crunch.  Please pick meeting dates when you will be available, and sign up on the sheet that is coming around.  

Jim Stratton presented a THANKS Award to Immediate Past President, Paul Westmoreland on behalf of the club and foundation for the great work done on the Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting fundraiser.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mike Leininger reminded everyone to be sure and attend the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at Glenola Park.  Mike also announced that he is making plans to Feed the Float Workers, and he will get back to the club for volunteers just as soon as the date is set.

Diane DellaValle announced two Interclubs opportunities - this Friday at the Glendale club, and the luncheon for the International President, Nelson Tucker, on December 30.

Pat Anderson reminded everyone to attend the Festival of Lights at Memorial Park this Thursday, December 7.  Be sure to bring five shopping receipts from La Cañada businesses, and get a chance to win some really great gifts.  Members of the La Cañada Flintridge Royal Court for 2007 will be announced.

Bachy reminded everyone to donate to Children's Hospital.  USC fans will have to remove the blemish from the cans to put in their donations. (part of Mary's decorations)

Carl Christenssen announced the programs for the next two weeks - Christianity and Islam - Religions in Conflict is next week, and a Christmas Music and Song program presented by Tom Burroughs.

Clyde Hemphill reminded us to attend the Christmas Social at Bill Watts home beginning at 5:30pm.  The parking is limited, and you might want to allow extra time to find parking.

Frosty reminded us of who was still on the SLA list, Dick DeGrey and Ed Moulton.  He announced that Patsy is back, and ended with a joke about Chip Monks....

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CRAFT TALKS

Ellie Wildermuth gave her craft talk using a photo album with pictures of important milestones in her and husband Bob's lives.  Ellie went to Ohio State University, and got married to Bob in 1955.  Bob started his own brokerage company, and they moved to LCF in 1967.  Ellie taught school, they had two children and now have four grandchildren.  There is much more to learn about Ellie and Bob in the scrapbook, and I am sure Ellie would like to share it with you.

Norm Johnson was born in Fowler California, a suburb of Dinuba, and moved to the Bay Area when he was four.  Attended San Francisco State College, and was stationed in Germany while serving in the Army.  Norm had a career in Marketing and Advertising, and was involved in every aspect of the media.

In 1975 Norm helped organize an effort at Saint Bede's to take care of Vietnamese Boat People.  Norm's wife passed away in 1989.  A friend got Norm involved with the Habitat for Humanity, and he now serves on the Board of Directors.

PROGRAM

Carl Christensen introduced our own Lt. Gov., Daryal Gant, who made his formal visit to our/his home club.  Daryal began by informing us that his Giraffe mascot came out of retirement when he became Lt. Gov., and now Giraffe attends every DCM (Division Council Meeting).  The Giraffe asks questions of the DCM members in an effort to keep them on their toes.  Daryal reviewed his official uniform, and pointed out that he has modified it to include a collared shirt and tie in place of a white mock turtleneck.

Daryal thanked the club for all it does, and reviewed some to our achievements.  Daryal had three main points he wanted to cover in his presentation, as follows:  1- How he sees his job,    2-The changing Kiwanis organization, and 3-The membership challenge.

First, Daryal sees his roll as a coordinator and facilitator, but not to get involved with specifics at the club level.  Daryal wants to promote good communication and make sure that it flows both up and down. 

Second, Kiwanis needs to change to survive.  Under the direction of our Immediate Past International President Steve Siemens, the old Kiwanis was buried, and the new Kiwanis launched.  The main focus is at the club level, and starts with the members.  The members are at the top of the inverted triangle, and the Kiwanis International leaders are at the bottom.  We now have a new automated computerized reporting system that will generate the annual report for clubs that enter all of their monthly reports into the system.  The club needs to think about change - smart change.  Try new things, and innovate.  Daryal challenged us to do at least one new thing this year - a Project, a Fundraiser - something substantial.

Third, the goal of Kiwanis is to have one million members by the year 2015. (Kiwanis 100th anniversary)  We have nine years to achieve the goal and need a strong grass roots support to make it happen. 

• Increase membership in the club.

• Look at new membership requirements.

• Build new clubs.  This will be the major way to reach the one million goal.

• Establish a long range membership goal, and have short range goals to focus on.

• The vision - go for the greatness.

In closing, Daryal reminded us that it only takes one to make a difference and each of us can be that one.

HAPPY & SAD BUCKS

Anthony Portantion thanked everyone who supported him in the November election and everyone who came to Sacramento for his swearing in ceremony. 

Howard Backer donated $42.50 Happy Bucks on behalf of Tom Slaughter who fixed his internet connection.  Howard also donated $100 Happy Bucks for the UCLA win over USC.

Mary Gant had $20 Happy Bucks for UCLA's win.  USC crumbled while UCLA dominated (referring to the appropriately colored tortilla chips arranged on each table)

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Joan Peters paid for half of Mary Gant's table decorations. (the tortilla chips).

Paul Westmoreland had a Happy Buck for UCLA, and a Sad Buck for USC.

Frosty had a Happy Buck for UCLA, and a Sad Buck for USC.

Dave Spence had a Happy Buck for Anthony who has one of the largest offices in Sacramento and a Sad Buck for having to miss the party that Anthony organized for everyone who attended the ceremony.  It seems that Dave, along with some of the other La Cañada attendees, had to catch a plane   home.  Sounds like a communication/planning problem.

Patsy Christianson had a Happy Buck for Frosty who called her regularly with a joke that kept her in good spirits while she was convalescing.   Patsy was very happy to be back with us.

Jack Dawson was wondering if and when Bill Scherkey was going to check the plumbing under his house.  I (Bill - your guest editor) commented that the plumbing must not be leaking too bad because the pump is still pumping and the water heater is still putting out hot water.

FACTS AND FICTION

Music:  piano tunes by Tom Burrows and Jack Dawson leading us in a patriotic song, Welcome Back, Hi Neighbor, Happy Birthday and Hail Kiwanis.

Opening: flag salute by Jim Reynolds and the inspirational message by Sheree Ingram.

Guests: Ken Lowe introduced seven Key Clubbers from LCHS - Caroline Koo, Jessica Kim, Young Li, Erica Yu, Michelle Lee, Derrk Kim, and Fyan Lau.  The Key Clubbers went to White Memorial Hospital to wrap Christmas gifts for children who are sick and needy.   

Birthdays: Jim Reynolds celebrated his Birthday on a cruise to Catalina and the Mexican Rivera with his wife, Bea.  He made a Birthday contribution of half a Century Club ($50).

Norm Johnson was born in 1929, and was celebrating his 77th Birthday. 

Ellie Wildermuth announced the 80th birthday of husband Bob.

Prez Steve contributed a Century Club in celebration of his birthday.

One of the Key Clubbers was celebrating her birthday, and Prez Steve tried to get her to sign for a Century Club.  She was too quick for Prez Steve and gracefully dodged the Century Club bullet.

Fifty-Fifty Drawing: Frosty is today's winner!

This Week's Guest Editor:  Bill Scherkey

The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada meets every Wednesday at Noon
Van de Kamp Hall in Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada, CA  91011

P.O. Box 33, La Cañada, CA  91012

Website:  http://lacanadakiwanis.org