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The La Kawañian

December 18, 2002
Bill Watts, Editor
www.sparkywatts01@cs.com

OPENING: Featured on this chilly day was the HOT piano artistry of Shirley DeGrey as Christmas songs set us in the Holiday mood for our program. Ed Moulton in his very bright red sport coat & international tie led us in what he called a patriotic song "All Come All Ye Faithful".

HEAD TABLE & GUESTS: Our salute to the Flag was skillfully led by Bachy Bachmayer. Howard Backer (with the help of the internet) performed the invocation. Guests were many as we had a large attendance from the A.M. Kiwanis Club as an interclub, whose members were introduced by Joy Gifford including her guest Don Ziehl. Other guests included Martha Crockett & Shirley DeGrey that dramatic duo of piano artists, who were introduced by their hubbies. Jack Dawson introduced his guest John McCardy, Dody Gilfoy was introduced by Tom, Joel & Wendy Bennett were guests of Ed Moulton, and Frank Osman was a guest of Paul Westmoreland.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: First in line was Paul Westmoreland who announced key assignments for the Soap Box Derby and that YOU would also be called on to help, Jim Ackland said have you "interclubed lately" and gotten that nasty red sticker off your badge?  If not, here's your chance. January 2, 2003 is an interclub with Pasadena where we will be privileged to hear our International President Juan (Ito) Torres, Jr., M.D. It will be at the Pasadena Hilton at noon, sign up or call now to attend. Bob Holst reminded us all to save used computer ink cartridges, eyeglasses and aluminum can tabs, Matt Regan gave his final pitch for the toy drive, Jeb Long said the Tournament of Roses needs help this Saturday at 8 am to move the float under the bridge, Dick DeGrey said all who volunteered to serve dinner to the T of R workers on December 30 should be aware that the time has been changed to 4:30 pm, Doris Horwith said to get those reports in now, Daryl Gant told us of upcoming programs, Ed Moulton once again made a pitch to save newspapers and drop them off at his house, Bachy Bachmayer pitched for money for the Children's Hospital tubs on the table.

AN OFFICIAL ELECTION: As two directors had resigned, the election committee of the board recommends Paul Westmoreland and Clyde Hemphill as their candidates for the vacancies. A unanimous vote put them in office.

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARIES: I got confused here because Jim Ackland said he didn't want to celebrate his, but did he get fined? Anyhow Bill Pickering was more agreeable that it was his birthday and became a Century Club member (which is only 7 years more than his age). Even with one "uncelebrated birthday" they rated a Happy Birthday song. I believe it was Tom Gilfoy's anniversary or he was the" Secret Shaker" or both. Also the Pres fined for no pins and of course not shaking Tom's hand.

HAPPY GO LUCKY BUCKS & STUFF: Jim Edwards had a sad and also a happy buck, sad for Bill Scherkey and Melinda Thompson because their office building caught on fire and he had to move out but happy that a fine young man from USC won the Heisman Trophy, Sheila Cook had a happy buck as there were only 12 days left in her term as Chamber of Commerce President and Pat Anderson put in a sad buck because Sheila would be leaving her post, Frosty Boyd put in a buck for a "size 6" joke and Daryal Gant (a Frosty in training) told one about "being a little patient". Paul Westmoreland parted with a buck to clarify that his upcoming program is about Swing Dancing and not "swinging", Jack Dawson told a "true story" about Frosty that fell a little flat. Clyde Hemphill, doing his best to egg on Bill Watts, put in a buck about the spoons or lack thereof.

50/50 RAFFLE: Was won by Tom Stafford who doesn't have to sell tickets until 2003.

THE PROGRAM: WOW! If you missed this, you missed a winner. In this writer's opinion this was the most outstanding program of 2002. Nearly 30 outstanding students from Flintridge Prep presented an absolutely WONDERFUL program. The soloists were first rate and I'm sure they are looking to rewarding musical futures. Once again it's young adults like this that don't get their share of good publicity. Our thanks to Ed Moulton for arranging this program, which I got "goose bumps" watching, and hearing. 

CLOSING: "MR. ED" led us and the Flintridge Prep Singers in "The First Noel".

UPCOMING PROGRAMS IN 2003:

January 8 - "400 years of Irish Problems'
January 15 - "Surprise Program"
Januart 22 - Paul Westmoreland with Adventures in Swing Dancing

And that's "30" until next year.

GOD BLESS US ONE AND ALL!

MERRY CHRISTMAS
&
A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Board Meetings are the lst Thursday of the Month at Cal-Fed, 7 p.m.

District Council Meetings are the 3rd Monday of the month at Verdugo Hills Hospital cafeteria - 7 p.m.