Wednesday, July 2, 2008

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 are Welcome

Van de Kamp Hall in Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada, CA 91011

Upcoming Events

July 9, 2008
Steve Berkman - Car Care
Wednesday Lunch Meeting @ Van de Kamp Hall in Descanso

July 16, 2008
Darren Mattix - La Cañada Properties
Wednesday Lunch Meeting @ Van de Kamp Hall in Descanso

July 27, 2008
SUMMER SOCIAL
Sunday Afternoon - Home of Bill Watts - 4 to 7 PM

September 14 2008
WINE AND GOURMET FOOD TASTING
Sunday Afternoon at LCF Memorial Park

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the long term calendar

The Prez sez . . .

President Diane opened the meeting welcoming all the special guests that included the Terrific Kids and families, guests of members and guests of the speaker who assisted him with the wonderful presentation.

President Diane introduced Brenda Pieroni representing the Girl Scout Troops of La Cañada Flintridge, who is the daughter-in-law of Jeb Long. Brenda brought along her daughter, Allison and a friend of Allison’s, Gabi, who announced that the LCF Girl Scout Troops Service Unit had nominated the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada to receive a certificate of support for our support of the Girl Scouts of the area. They presented President Diane with the certificate and a box of Girl Scout cookies.

Brenda, Allison, Gabi, and Diane

President Diane then called upon our Membership Drive co-chairs, Daryal Gant and Linda Magarian. Unfortunately our newest member Marv Nelson was not in attendance and could not be inducted. Daryal thanked everyone for the guests that have been attending and to announce July 16^th is a good day to invite guests as Darren Mattix, the developer of the new Town Center will be speaking.

TERRIFIC KIDS

Tom Slaughter introduced 6 Terrific Kids, though only 5 were able to be with us from Palm Crest Elementary and their parents and some family. It is always impressive to hear of their achievements.

Palm Crest Elementary Terrific Kids

Pat Flynn then introduced 4 from La Cañada Elementary; again one was absent, being with family on vacation. They really are Terrific Kids. Watch in our local papers for the photos of the TK’s and parents and their names; The Outlook and the Valley Sun are very good about printing the information Paul Westmoreland submits.

La Crescenta Elementary Terrific Kids and parents

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Howard Backer reminded everyone to put money in the can in the center of the table. These donations go to support the Doctor’s in training to treat children in Trauma Centers.

Clyde Hemphill announced that the post cards are ready for the LCF Wine & Gourmet Food tasting and while the committee will send out to those who have attended in the past members may want to send their own. Editor’s note: The printing was done by Kiwanian, Glen Pettit, and they are very nicely and attractively done. Pronounced by one Kiwanian, the best post card ever!

Nick Berkuta reminded all of the Club and Foundation Board meetings tomorrow night, Thursday, July 3^rd at 7:00 p.m. at Citibank.

THE PROGRAM

VP Nick Berkuta introduced Megan Nordvedt, one of newer members, who is Executive Director of the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge. Megan is an authentic hometown girl and a graduate of the La Cañada High School; she has her BS from Colorado State University in Human Development and Family Studies.

Megan gave and excellent overview of what the Community Center offers beginning with the new logo and going through to the facility. Recently the buildings have been painted and new landscaping done, however, more is needed to truly serve everyone. She noted that a remodel would not work so it would be to the community’s advantage to build new buildings and redo the parking and the grounds. A Community Outreach Survey was done to see if a bond would pass if offered to LCF for new building. While there was support the needed 2/3’s vote probably could not be attained. It was felt that it is necessary to raise the visibility of the Center to the community to realize what the Center has to offer. The buildings are owned by the City of LCF and leased from them. It was pointed out that a number of Kiwanians are on the board of Directors, Bob Wallace, Charles Broberg, Joel Smith, Joel Peterson, Carl Christensen and John Parady.

Megan stated that the classes are self-support plus the Center also receives Grants and invited all of us to go on the web to find out more. Classes are aimed at all age groups, pre-school, youth sports, kid’s stuff, teen activities as well as adults and seniors. Classes include ceramics (very popular), cooking, exercises, and adult tap dancing.

The Community Center has several Fund Raisers one is the Run for the Hungry done in conjunction with Fiesta Days. Also an Elegant Evening was offered; this year they will team with Kiwanis for our La Cañada Flintridge Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting.

Megan and husband, Eric, reside in East Pasadena and are starting their family in October with the anticipate arrival of a daughter.

The program ended with a question and answer time.

Sick, Lame and Ailing

Dr. Frosty was not present today because wife, and new spouse member of our club, Fran is hospitalize. Bill Watts is also in hospital as a result of a fainting spell, something that has happened in the past. Melinda Thompson was with her mom, Helen, a regular at our Travel Series, who has been hospitalized for blood pressure. Helen recently celebrated her 91^st birthday. Jeb Long announced that daughter-in-law, Vicky, is doing better.

HAPPY & SAD BUCKS

Bob Wallace, in a pink shirt, was Happy because of the birth of their first granddaughter in the wee hours of this morning. Baby was not wee but weighed in a 9+ pounds. Everyone is doing well, including Grandma Bev.

Jeb Long was happy because his daughter-in-law, Brenda, was with him today as well as granddaughter, Allison and her friend, Gabi.

Linda Magarian was happy about the Kiwanis International Convention and is looking forward to next year’s in Nashville and the following year in Switzerland.

Howard Backer gave up some $’s because La Cañada Elementary was represented with Terrific Kids and Howard revealed that all 4 of his children and some of his grandkids had gone to LCE.

Pat Anderson gave 2 bucks, one happy and one business; both were for Earth Oasis Computer business and our own Tom Slaughter who owns it and stated that they keep our Chamber of Commerce in business.

Howard gave again a Service Buck for Jim Akland and Jack Dawson. Helena Harrison gave a happy buck to have Prez Diane and Linda Magarian back for Int’l Convention.

FACTS AND FICTION

Music: piano tunes by Tom Burrows, and Ed Moulton lead us in This is My Country, and Come On Kiwanis, Boost Kiwanis

Opening: flag salute by Pam Feterl and the inspiration by Mary Gant

Guests:

Norm Johnson introduced Dr. Scott Beeve, a local Ophthalmologist who is well known for the work he does with the natives of Tahiti and their eye problems.

Gigi Schlueter introduced her friend Sharon Dye who is in Commercial Real Estate.

Bill Scherkey brought his daughter, Nicole, her husband, Richard and their two boys (who were very good) Evan and Sam; the family was visiting from Lafayette, Indiana

Guest Lee Brown was introduced by Joel Smith

Anniversaries

Mike Leininger revealed to us that he and his lovely, Nancy, a local school teacher, met in Junior High and dated through High School and just celebrated their 36^th anniversary. Karl Johnson was not here today so we await his comments for he and Yvonne.