“The La Cañada Kiwanis Club received $5000. from the Kiwanis Foundation specifically to be distributed to the Kiwanians seated in the center table opposite the head table.  Sadly, since no one was seated at that table today, (and this was a “one-day offer”), no one received any money.”  Looking at the audience, our President could only ask the obvious: Why wasn’t someone seated at the central table?

                      Prez

In spite of this  cold and somewhat drizzly day, our La Cañada Kiwanians gathered in good   spirits for our weekly luncheon meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JOEL SMITH alerted us to our traditional Soap Box Derby and the ‘first call’ has been given for volunteers and those interested in planning and working for this happy event.  ED MOULTON, referring to his ’90 year old memory’, said he couldn’t remember where he left his raincoat and umbrella.  He also forgot who had said he would give him a ride back to his home in Pasadena….Our guest, BILL HACKET, had indicated he would (and did) help Mr Kiwanian.  Thanking those who have attended our interclubs so far, DIANE DellaValle notified our members that  on Monday evening, January 22^nd, our interclub will be with the Verdugo Hills Club in Glendale, an “evening meeting” with a sign-up sheet available at our tables. 

DR FORREST BOYD (“FROSTY”) informed us of DICK DE GREY’S current situation and that phone calls are welcome (not before 11 a.m., please).  The REGAZZI’S are reported to have knee and feet difficulties while LLOYD WELCH is experiencing serious eye problems.  Our best wishes to all those whom we are missing from our club at this time. 

Although PAT ANDERSON was not present, DIANE DellaValle announced the installation of the La Cañada Chamber of Commerce officers next Thursday, January 19^th.  Standing in for an absent BACHY BACHMAYER, CHUCK ELLIS requested money be donated for the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles….the usual way, put your money in the little cans!

THE PROGRAM

CHRISTA KERMODE, representing the Mountain Lion Foundation, gave a fast-moving talk accompanied by information and large screen photos about the amazing PUMA, COUGAR, or MOUNTAIN LION (only a few of the many names it is called…but not “bobcats”).  Stressing its role in ecology, CHRISTA gave details about the animal, its characteristics, and its habitat.  Curiously, it is widespread in the Americas but not known in Europe.  The National Mountain Lion Foundation is concerned with preservation of this species but also human safety. Several main points: True, mountain lions are predators and dangerous, but humans are not their normal prey. 

Christa Kermode

Admonitions: Be aware of your surroundings!  Learn ‘warning signs’!  Know where your children are! And,  above all, do not feed wild life!  CHRISTA KERMODE is excited about her work and offering abundant information about mountain lions. 

Click here for more information regarding the Mountain Lion Foundation:

HAPPY & SAD BUCKS

TOM SLAUGHTER (who, incidentally, helped adjust our speaker’s computerized slide show before the program) collected fines at today’s meeting.

CLYDE HEMPHILL gave a “sad dollar”, referring to a misunderstanding with his wife, where he had said, “Stand up!” and she had heard “Shut up! 

    Prez, Tom, and Clyde

PAUL WESTMORELAND gave a happy buck for UCLA’s basketball win but, earlier,PAUL challenged PRESIDENT STEVE to guess what he had in his pocket…and it was our missing Club gavel…..$100. on that one?

NORM JOHNSON gave a very happy dollar as he learned he would soon be a great grandfather.

Finally, MARY GANT simply had to add another dollar for UCLA’s victory but she also displayed a photo from our Winter Social at the BILL WATTS home which showed that our PRESIDENT, STEVE was NOT wearing his Kiwanis pin (the “mortal sin” in our club).  With great dignity and an apology, STEVE admitted his guilt…but did he say he wouldn’t be here next week?!?!  And MARY had the last remark that STEVE had finally let her talk!

FROSTY CHALLENGE:  Members groaned with some of the jokes today from Frosty, Bill Watts and Clyde Hemphill, but TOM BURROUGHS  won handily with his Viagra story.

FACTS AND FICTION

Music:  piano tunes by Tom Burrows and Ed Moulton leading us in singing “God Bless

America” and conluding our meeting with “On, Kiwanis!”

Opening: Flag salute by FRED SCHOOLEY   and the inspirational message from CHUCK GULICK.

Guests:  BILL HACKET, representing our Kiwanian, ANTHONY PORTANTINO, now Assembly  Member, Forty Fourth District. 

Anniversaries: Not a single anniversary at this time…

Birthdays: …and no birthdays, either!  

Secret Greeter: CLYDE HEMPHILL

Fifty-Fifty Drawing:  CARLOS CORTEZ

This Week's Editor:  Bob Martin