MUSIC 

Music provided by Tom Burrows

Opening

. Mary Gant filled-in for president Bill Watts by running the meeting like a long-time pro. But, she still wants Bill to hurry back ASAP—she says she’s having more fun than she deserves.



. Tom Burrows and Wendy Smith artistically led us in “God Bless America,” our favorite patriotic song.



. The flag salute was led by Tom Slaughter.



. Pastor and member Skip Lindeman called for a moment of silence as we mourned the death of member Dr. Allan Perry, Sr. A long-time member, he will be greatly missed. His memorial service will be on Sunday, April 17, 2011, 1:00 pm, at the Eagle Rock Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 2322 Merton Ave., Los Angeles CA 90041, (323) 257-5803.

. For his inspirational, Skip recited a poem called, “The Dash,” which reminds us that what really counts in the end is how we choose to fill in the “dash” between arrival and departure—a timeless message.
 

Guests

 

. Pat Anderson brought two guests—City attorney Mark Steres, and Pat’s own sister, Marilyn Smith.



. Wendy Smith gets credit for inviting Penny Lee Morgan as a guest today. Penny is moving soon, and plans to join Kiwanis in the Newhall area.



. Dr. Frosty Boyd brought along daughter, Francie Agajanian, to pay us a welcome visit.



. The Montrose La Crescenta club was well-represented by veteran members Bob Peterson and Anita Pearson, on their inter-club visit.



We welcomed our guests by shouting “Hi!” and banging on the tables, as usual, demonstrating how our club has consistently good taste.

 

Welcome Back

People who have been away for a while were welcomed back—Peggy Touchstone, Pete Palermo, Jim Edwards and Matt Regan. The club sang our “Welcome, welcome back” song as lustily as could be mustered.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Scads of members had celebrations, but most of them were shamefully absent. We’ll get to them later. But, Skip Lindeman was present and he cheerfully joined the century club—100 pennies?! He’s the man. (We all know that ministers are underpaid, but does he have to be so obvious about it?)

 

Happy/Sad Bucks

. Joan Peters was happy for the privilege of selling 50-50 tickets—reminding future members that they must sell after they win. (She won last week. Boo-hoo.)



. Bob Martin was happy to receive a birthday present of a cane—er—a Marine Walking Stick--from the halls of Montezuma. We greatly appreciate Bob’s service in WW II.



. Pete Palermo was happy that he had just finishing visiting everywhere in the world. And, he plans to go back, soon, especially to see “The Bridge Too Far.” Pete also joined the century club in honor of our ailing president, Bill Watts. Thanks, Pete!



. Pat Anderson was happy that city council member, Laura Olhasso, and Mayor Don Voss, actively oppose the proposed five-mile 710 tunnel—a tunnel too far. She encouraged others to do the same.



. Jim Edwards was all broken-up and rambling about Pete Palermo—something about reading or not reading “Two Years Before the Mash.” (Yes—Mash.)
 

Announcements

Mary Gant announced that there will be an interclub opportunity with Jewel City on Tuesday, April 12. 6:00 pm, Clancy’s Crab Boiler, 219 N. Central Ave., Glendale. Please sign-up—now’s the chance to do your duty!



. Linda Magarian nicely reminded members that there are several hang-fire, newer members who need to hurry and fulfill their club requirements to earn their long-pants and amazing prizes. Don’t make Linda angry and force her to pay you a personal visit.



. Mary Gant reminded us that there is a monthly board meeting tomorrow night—7:00 pm at the community center. She also reminded us of our La Canadan of the Year (our own Clyde Hemphill) program on May 4. On a roll, Mary added that the monthly Division Council Meeting (DCM) is now held every third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, at the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, 200 S. Louise St., Glendale. Our “rookies” are reminded that attending a DCM is one of the required, neophyte duties.



. Frosty Boyd had a long sick-list today. People who are doing OK or getting better, include Bill Watts, Peggy Touchstone (here today), Hal Thomas, Elizabeth Georgeon, Norm Johnson, Bea Cirar, and Harriet Hammon’s daughter, Heidi. Regrettably, not doing as well as hoped is member Dave Spence’s son, Andy, who is still hospitalized since being struck by a car a few weeks ago. Well wishes to the Spence family.

. As a post-meeting item—Newspapers can be delivered to Gilmore bank where they are collected and donated to Glendale-based GAR services—an organization that aids individuals who are handicapped.
 

Program

Today’s speaker was Deputy District Attorney, Alan Jackson. Alan is running for the DA position in the next election, 2012. He was accompanied by Ali Wolter, his campaign administrative manager.

By way of background, Alan was born in Texas, served in the Air Force, and received his law degree from Pepperdine University. In the legal community, he is noted for prosecuting serious and complex cases, including gang crimes, and for handling high profile trials--known in the trade as “Marquis” crimes-- including that of Phil Spector, as a recent example. He also is active in teaching criminal law up and down the state.



Alan informed us that, as a practical matter, the public prosecutor is arguably the most important of all public officials. That is because there must be the rule of law and public safety for society to function at all. “Filling pot holes doesn’t matter if you are afraid to go on the streets.” He firmly believes in our constitution when it states “that all men are created equal’ and that laws must be fairly enforced on all. In elections, he believes that it is very important for citizens to pick a candidate, get involved, and give vigorous support to that candidate.
 

During the Q and A. session, he made several points:

• A deputy D. A. is not given detailed instructions on how to prosecute a case.
• He believes that domestic violence should be more vigorously enforced—there are still too many bad things that can and do go on.
• Predators should receive the maximum sentences possible, with minimum paroles.
• He illustrated his view by relating an unforgettable story of the murder of an innocent, young girl. Alan successfully prosecuted the murderer.

SPECIAL VOLUNTEERS AT THE MEETING

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

La Cañada Kiwanis goes to LA King's Hockey Game