The La Kawañian

November 6, 2002
BILL WATTS, EDITOR
(sparkywatts01@cs.com)

OPENING: Kiwanians pulsated to the piano artistry of Shirley DeGrey that in turn awakened the musical magic of Ed Moulton who zestfully guided us through "This is My Country".

HEAD TABLE & GUESTS: Jeb Long helped us to salute our flag & Jack Dawson, besides being our speaker, gave the invocation. Guests included Jack Christie, (friend of Jack Dawson), Julia Thomas (Hal's wife whom he met at USC a few years back), Shirley DeGrey (who Dick didn't meet at USC but she's been around for 56 or 57 years & he's stuck with her), "super scribe" Don Mazden introduced by Pres Bob, Ken Bean former VP of our club & guest of Ed Moulton, Don Hernandez, guest of Anthony Portantino, & Gordon Neff a past president. Gordon presented a Kiwanis ring to the club to raffle off that he received over 40 years ago from the #1 Detroit Kiwanis club. Pat Flynn introduced the "terrific kids" (and their parents) who were breaking bread with us this week: They were: Tommy Baragona & his mother Linda; Matthew King & his mother Ophelia Chong & father David King; Emily Jackson & her parents Matthew & Sara; Allison Overgaard & her mother Connie. Congratulations to these "terrific kids'.

Terrific Kids and their parents

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Anthony Portantino gave a political message about the failure of Prop 51, Paul Westmoreland apologized for not having the new rosters ready as promised and we would get them next week (however in the newsletter of October 23rd he said they would be ready on November 13th so no apology necessary Paul). Barry Riedel reminded us of the upcoming Kiwanis Travelogue this Saturday preceded by the Flintridge Prep choir, PP Pat Anderson once again reminded us of our annual Christmas Party on December 6th from 6 to 8 pm. Sign up sheet next week for those coming and what gourmet delight they will bring. Bachy said to put in some bucks for the Children's Hospital.

HAPPY, SAD, GLAD, MAD, ETC. BUCKS: The Pres surprised us all by fining those without pins and springing on us a "secret greeter" in the person of Frosty Boyd. He also fined anyone who couldn't produce a voter stub another buck. (Boy is he getting tough). Then he prompted the "Birthday Boys" to monetarily celebrate their birthdays, Clyde Hemphill hit the Century Club with $100 even though he said he wasn't that old, Mel Wilson also joined the century club although he hadn't had his birthday yet. And then the bucks started pouring in from Clyde Hemphill in thanks to Jack Dawson for refurbishing the Kiwanis sign at the door, Dick DeGrey also dropped a buck to thank Jack for fixing the piano bench, Howard Backer had a happy buck that Carol Liu won her re-election, Elizabeth Calciano Georgeon put in a buck in hopes that the caterer would provide a menu so we could know what we're eating, Pat Anderson put in a happy buck for once again being gainfully employed. Hubby Phillip put in a sad buck that she was working again, as he retired so they would have more time to "play house". First she becomes club president and next goes back to work. Joan Peters hit the century club with a C note as she got a new car, a new computer & a new phone but still managed to hang on to her husband of 50 years, Patsy Christianson put in a buck as she would be gone for two weeks to take care of Grandkids and hopes she survives, George Lutes (not Lucas) put in a buck to thank Ed Moulton for finding someone to help out at the Palm Crest school, Jim Ackland dropped a dollar to thank all those who turned out for the Inter-club at the high school last week and to announce that they can now take the big red stickers off their badges, last but not least was Dr. Frosty Boyd with a joke (?).

50/50 DRAWING: Won by "Mr. Terrific Kids" Pat Flynn who has the ticket selling duty next week,

THE PROGRAM: Bob Martin introduced the man who really needs no introduction Jack Dawson. Jack has been a mechanical engineer since he was 22 and holds masters in Engineering, is a student of history and is really a "Jack of all trades". He presented a very interesting & historical program on the Oregon and Santa Fe trails. He got his kicks on Route 66 as well as many others. 

CLOSING: "Hail Kiwanis" produced by Ed Moulton

INTER-CLUB FUN: Twelve courageous Kiwanians went back to High School (LCHS) last Thursday to participate in an "inter-club" with the 145 members of the Key Club. It was great fun to watch student leadership in action trying to control all those members. It's unbelievable all the service projects they have in the works. You too, should attend an inter-club

COMING ATTRACTIONS

November 13th: Craft Talks by New Members (three) turn out to cheer them on.

November 20th: "Identity Theft". Has someone taken your identity?? Find out here.

November 27th: Private Investigations - Bert L. Porter, a Pasadena private investigator will describe his business and how it is changing (a private eye will be looking at us).

December 4th: "Life in the NFL" - A former linebacker in the NFL, our own Jeff Hoffman, will fill us in on the nitty and the gritty happenings on & off the field.

Christmas Party December 6th - 6 to 8 pm- put it on your calendar now.

Is It True? Department: It may be true that a "Key" club is a private nightclub somewhere, but not at Kiwanis. Key Clubs (Kiwanis Educates Youth) are a very important part of Kiwanis international. The concept started in 1925 and today the Key Club is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. There are over 5000 Key Clubs in high schools in the U.S., Canada, and South America participating. What makes Key Club so successful is the fact that it is a student-led organization that teaches leadership through serving others. Members of the Kiwanis international family, Key Club members build themselves as they build their school and communities. Our Club sponsors Key Clubs at La Cañada High & Flintridge Prep, both are very active helping others in all types of community service.

Answer to last week's "Question of the Week": Kota Kinabalu (fondly known by locals as "KK", Is the gateway to Sabah on the island of Borneo, East Malaysia, and is the site of the 28th annual Kiwanis Asia-Pacific Convention, March 20-23, 2003.

Proudly Wear Your Kiwanis Pin & Beware of the Secret Greeter