WEEKLY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

MUSIC

 

Ed Moulton led the singing of “God Bless America,” accompanied on the piano by Tom Burrows.  In addition, Ed led the singing of “Hi Neighbor,” “Welcome Back,” “Happy Birthday,” and “Come On Kiwanis” at the close of the meeting.  We continue to be grateful for the gift of music provided by Ed and Tom.

OPENING

 John Landrum led the flag salute.

 

 

The Inspiration was provided by Diane Landrum with a prayer thanking God for our many blessings and for the joy we receive by providing service to others and the community.

 

President Nick Berkuta recognized the return of several members who have been away – Emelita Bituin, Paulette Keating, Glen Pettit, Howard Backer, Rhoda Backer and Margaret Watts.

 

Nick Berkuta gave kudos to Linda Magarian for a wonderful happy hour at New Moon.  He also gave kudos to Joel Smith for organizing the Kiwanis One Day event last Sunday.

GUESTS

Frosty Boyd introduced his guest, Hope Cruz.  Hope has submitted her application for club membership.

Brian Fuller introduced Geoff Baum who is a member of the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees.

Pat Anderson introduced Tyler Wright, CEO of the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA and former Kiwanian.  Tyler has submitted his Kiwanis membership application.

 

ANNIVERSARIES/BIRTHDAYS

 

Mary Ann Berkuta celebrated her birthday on April 11^th and gave 16 happy bucks for the club members who put on the successful Comedy Night and added an additional $4 to make it an even $20.

 

Joel Peterson celebrates his birthday on April 14^th.

Hope Cruz celebrates her anniversary on April 14^th and her birthday on April 16^th

Joel Smith is celebrating his 48^th wedding anniversary, and joined the Century Club last week to recognize the milestone.

Jack Dawson is celebrating both his anniversary and birthday this month and also joined the Century Club.

 

HAPPY & SAD BUCKS

Bill Watts donated 10 happy bucks because he has been cloned!  His 10 year old grandson officially changed his name to William Victor Watts, II.

Megan Nordvedt gave 20 happy bucks for the Kiwanians and K-Kids who participated in a work party at the Community Center last Sunday, and to Joel Smith who organized the activity.

Diane Della Valle gave a happy buck because her business is so busy, and a sad buck because she is unable to get to the meeting on time.

Mary Gant gave a happy/sad buck because Megan Nordvedt order five pizzas to feed Sunday’s volunteers, but they were delivered to her home address, and she had to reorder.

Linda Magarian gave a happy buck for the great turnout (over 30 members) at last Friday’s Happy Hour at New Moon.  She gave a second happy buck for the wonderful day at the Community Center and for the K-Kids being there to help.

Wendy Smith gave a happy buck for the successful Comedy Night with 55 attendees, which netted $1,500 for the club. Wendy also announced that she will be the lead for the Builders Club which meets each Thursday.  Please let Wendy know if you are available to help.

Elizabeth Georgeon gave a happy buck for her son’s family helping with Spring plantings; however, her grandson did break a sprinkler pipe.

Gigi Schlueter gave a happy buck for a wonderful trip to the East coast.  She even got some great remodeling ideas from the Astors’ Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island!

Howard Backer gave 20 happy bucks for Tyler Wright attending the meeting, two great weeks in Alabama and Florida, and a memorable military ceremony for his father.

Pat Flynn gave a happy buck for a great trip with his daughter to Washington, D.C., and a visit to his alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy.

Carl Johnson gave 20 happy bucks for a great time at the Key Club Annual Convention with over 3,000 kids in attendance.

Ken Lowe gave a happy buck for Carl Johnson attending the Key Club Annual Convention, a second buck because it was a great convention, and a third buck because one member of the La Canada High School Key Club ran for Governor, with the Key Club President acting as his campaign manager.

Pat Anderson gave a happy buck for a good texture coat estimate for her house, which the company matched at the 1999 price!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Carl Christensen announced the nominees for the 2010-2012 Board:

President:  Bill Watts

President Elect:  Jim Stratton

Vice President:  Jim Phillips

Immediate Past President:  Nick Berkuta

Secretary:  Skip Boyd

Treasurer:  Bob Wallace

Directors:  Paul Westmoreland, Melinda Thompson, Tom Passanisi, Stewart Lee and Carl Christensen

Please let Carl Christensen know of additional nominees.  A vote for the 2010-2012 Officers and Board will be held on April 28^th.

 

Pat Anderson announced that the new community map is now available.  Let her know if you would like a copy.  Pat also announced the Chamber of Commerce Mixer will be held at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 15, at Kobeissi Properties, 711 Foothill Blvd.

 

Megan Nordvedt announced the Lust for Life Senior Expo, from 1 to 4 p.m., on Sunday, April 25, 2010.  Over 30 vendors serving seniors will be on site.  There will also be free food and beverages, raffle prizes and give-aways throughout the afternoon.  The A.M. and Noon Kiwanis Club will share a booth.

 

Bill Watts announced an Interclub with the La Canada High School Key Club at 12:20, April 15^th, at the high school.

 

Frosty Boyd reported on the medical status of Dick DeGrey, Hal Thomas, Nick Berkuta, Norm Johnson, Charles Broberg, Jim Ackland and Mike Leininger.

 

Gigi Schlueter announced the La Cañadan of the Year event on May 5^th.  Please indicate your planned attendance on the signup sheet.

THE PROGRAM

 

Jim Stratton introduced today’s speaker, Kate Hansen, along with her parent, John and Kathy Hansen.  Kate is currently a senior at La Cañada High School, a member of the National Honor Society and the youngest person to ever become the Junior Luge World Champion, which she achieved in 2008 at age 15.  Kate was also selected for the U.S. Women’s Senior Luge Team and became a finalist for the 2010 Olympic team.

 

Kate graciously thanked attendees for giving her the opportunity to share the “gospel” of the luge.  She is very grateful to the La Canada schools for accommodating her participation in the sport.  Kate has traveled extensively to competitions, but truly appreciates living in the beautiful community of La Canada.

 

To share the thrill and exhilaration of the sport, Kate showed a short video of her racing with the Senior Team in Austria.  She loves the excitement of the sport and has enjoyed meeting other competitors from around the world.

 

At age 10 she attended a USA Luge Recruiting Program in Long Beach, where she was first pushed down a hill on a sled with wheels.  While in the fifth grade, she was selected to attend the home facility in Lake Placid, New York, where she received intense workouts and training.  She has also trained in Salt Lake City.  She became the 2008 Junior World Luge Championship gold medalist and the 2008 U.S. Verizon U.S. Junior national champion.  In 2009 she received the Silver medal at the 2009 Norton Junior National Championships.  She has also received numerous other medals and awards.

 

Kate has been accepted at Brigham Young University.  She is also considering what direction her luge racing career will take - perhaps the Olympics in 2014?

 

 

OTHER STUFF

 

Winner of the 50/50 Drawing:  Margaret Watts

Secret Greeter:  Skip Lindeman

Master of the Cash Box:  Elizabeth Georgeon

This Week's Reporter:  Cory Stevens

This Week's Photographer: Al Restivo

Webmaster:  Jeb Long and Newsletter Editor (from Avignon, France)

Newsletter Coordinator:  Brian Fuller