Opening

Tom Burroughs had us dancing in the buffet line; his piano music is definitely a stress breaker and makes the beginning of our weekly meeting upbeat and enjoyable.

 Prez Carl Christensen opened the meeting to a full house.  Every seat was filled, and the Terrific Kids and their parents enhanced our normal lunchtime conversations.

 Ed Moulton led the singing - starting with God Bless America.  Tom Burroughs reminded veterans that they are now allowed to salute the flag, and several members did so as the rest of us covered our hearts while we all pledged our allegiance to our beautiful flag.   Ellie Wildermuth inspired us with a lovely story about her grandson and then tied that to a quote of Abe Lincoln:  You can please some of the people all of the time and all the people some of the time. But you cannot please all the people all the time.

Guests

The Prez introduced his beautiful wife, Irene. 

 Nick Berkuta introduced his good neighbor, Tom McGuiness, who was here for his second visit. 

Brian Fuller introduced Adam Demidecki, a radio announcer.

Terrific Kids

Tom Slaughter had such a warm approach and personal touch when he introduced the Terrific Kids and their parents today.  Before he started the actual introductions, Tom reminded us that the Terrific Kids program was initially introduced by Ed Moulton who has been a member of our Kiwanis Club for 50+ years.   These Terrific Kids were chosen by their sixth grade teachers at Palm Crest Elementary School:

Leigh Sclafani and her parents, Louis and Sherry

Danny Badie and his parents, Behnam and Rosa

Hunter Farrington and his parents, Glenn and Malinda , and his little sister

Lauren Fuller and her parents, Scott and Cathy

Cal McFadden and his parents, Michael and Jennifer

Kaitlyn Thein and her parents, Robert and Lorna

Announcements

 Nick Berkuta is still soliciting members for an InterClub meeting with the Sunland/Tujunga Kiwanis Club - next Tuesday evening at Joselitos West.  Pam Feteryl encouraged support for and attendance at our Alaska Travel Adventure this Saturday evening.  Rorlando Morales invited all to attend the Chamber of Commerce mixer tomorrow evening hosted by his employer, Gilmore Bank. Cory Stevens reported that the Prez's new studio is being drywalled and should be completed in time for our Holiday Party on December 14. Pat Anderson represented the Chamber of Commerce and encouraged attendance at the LCF annual Festival in Lights scheduled for December 4.  Mary Gant - on behalf of the LCF Tournament of Roses Association - invited everyone to the Happy Hour being held this Friday at Kiwanis member Jack Dawson's home.  Clyde Hemphill and crew will be installing holiday lights at Glenola Park tomorrow morning (Thursday) starting at 8 a.m. and volunteers are always welcome.  Howard Backer reminded everyone to support the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma project which trains doctors on the special aspects of emergency care for children.  

Membership

Linda Magarian presented Mary Gant, Daryal Gant, and Diane Della Valle with a Ruby K pin.  The Ruby K is awarded to Kiwanians who have recruited five new members.  Diane and Mary have each sponsored five new members and Daryal has sponsored ten new members.

New member Art Fernandez was inducted by Linda Magarian with help from Art's sponsor, Mary Gant.  Art's grandchildren have been participating in our Soap Box Derby for several years.

Happy and Sad Bucks

HB - Elizabeth Georgeon for her husband's good health after struggling through pneumonia and a hip replacement.

SB - Ellie Wildermuth in memory of Pat Logan who died on Monday of a heart attack.  Pat had been a track coach at LCHS.  Ellie also had a HB for Ohio State.

HB - Daryal Gant had a newspaper from Dinuba and was bragging about something ... all I heard was .... "cat house."

HB - Pat Anderson reported the signals around the Town Center were now all programmed and synchronized. 

SB/HB - Pam Feteryl had three rooms flooded in her house, but her 24 year old "baby" is graduating from college on December 1 and also has a new job that starts the same day.

Non-HB – Jeb Long would have given a happy buck because U of Texas beat Kansas but Carl was tired of football happy/sad bucks. 

Program - Heifer International

Bill Watts introduced speaker Richard Justice who has been a Heifer International volunteer for eleven years.  Richard described his own personal experiences in Honduras where he met many community groups who were being helped by Heifer International.  Unlike many global relief organizations, Heifer International is a comprehensive program that helps people obtain a sustainable source of food and income.  The organization emphasizes community involvement, and recipients who receive training and support must agree to share the offspring of the gift animals with others in need.  Sustainable agricultural production and long-term benefits are cornerstones of Heifer International.

Other Items…

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50-50 Raffle: Chuck Gulick

THIS WEEKS EDITOR:  Melinda Thompson

Photographer:  Paul Westmoreland

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