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The La Kawañian

January 22, 2003
Bill Watts, Editor
www.sparkywatts01@cs.com

OPENING: Our ears were filled with the sound of music as Martha Crockett offered a fine prelude to our luncheon. Our opening song of "Columbia The Gem Of the Ocean" was sung by all, as we were treated to the leadership of Jack Dawson subbing for "Mr. Ed".

HEAD TABLE & GUESTS: Back from a quick recovery from knee surgery was Don Corbett who led us in the Flag Salute. Barry Riedel presented a timely invocation.
Daryal Gant, and our speaker Paul Westmoreland & his fianc‚ Elaine Alexander rounded out the head table. Guests included Harry & Pat Detweiller guests of Paul Westmoreland, Irene Christensen introduced by hubby Carl, Harriet Hammons & Vernon Chase, both guests of Howard Backer, Margaret Watts business partner and marriage partner of Bill Watts, Diane Landrum who was a guest of Mary Gant, star columnist Don Mazen and Shirley DeGrey & Martha Crockett (our dynamic duo of the 88"s) introduced by their spouses. A rousing "Hi Neighbor" was led by Jack Dawson.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Once again the Pres led off with the following announcements:

February 8th - Kiwanis Mid-Winter Conference-still time to sign up
February 12th - Election Forum for City Council which we co-sponsor
March 9th - Governor's Visit to our club
March 29th - Total K day
April 3rd - Fund Raiser - details to be announced

Barry Riedel reminded all, of our Travelogue this Saturday, Jim Ackland praised our recent inter-club with Montrose-La Crescenta and the members who went got to remove the red sticker from their badge. (Have you inter-clubbed lately?) Bachy Bachmeyer said that we raised $1450 for the Children's Hospital last year just by contributing "dimes or dollars" to the tubs on our table. Patsy Christenson reminded us that stickers for child seats were available (notifying emergency personal in case parents are unable to communicate in a car accident).

HAPPY, SAD, GLAD, RAD OR OTHER BUCKS: Don Corbett wondered who started the rumor that he had a kidney (sounds like knee) replacement when it was only his knee but was glad to be back after only 3 weeks recuperation, Pat Anderson put in bucks for an upcoming Chamber mixer & art show at Stephanies, Harriet Hammons said she was going to be a grandmother soon (plan ahead), Mary Gant put in bucks all the guests today, Hal Crockett saved money on something which was hard to hear without a mike, Clyde Hemphill parted with bucks as he was happy that all the Kiwanis clutter had been moved to another mini-storage and will save the club over $800 a year and Pres Bob put in bucks for Clyde's efforts. Frosty Boyd was cut off in mid joke as he tried to repeat last weeks horse story, but Daryl Gant quickly told one that was as bad as Frosty's, Pat Anderson popped with a buck again (and Howard Backer joined her) with happy bucks for the return of Bob Slattery, Jim Edwards was sad that he missed last week's meeting but glad that he did? (I think that was because of the horse joke)

SECRET GREETER: Carl Gieseke was the man this week and fines were dealt out to all who didn't greet him and again for not wearing your Kiwanis pin. Karl Johnson (who has now become an expert at the job) was the Sgt. Of Arms.

50/50 RAFFLE: It must pay to be our speaker as Paul Westmoreland was the winner.

(Editor's note: If you would like your name spelled wrong do something so you can get your name in the paper)

THE PROGRAM: "An Adventure in Swing Dancing" was presented by our own Paul Westmoreland. He was born in Dinuba and was a rebellious tough guy who drove a 

Paul without his leather jacket

Motorcycle, wore leather jacket, and had a blond streak in his hair. Some how he got on the strait & narrow and received a B.S. degree from USC and a masters from UCLA (but roots for SC in football). He had a distinguished career at JPL as an engineer and Senior Manager. His great hobby is Swing Dancing (and dancing in general) and has danced competitively with his now finance Elaine (a beautiful lady). In 1995 they placed third in a national "American Swing Dancing Competition". Todays program featured "West Coast Swing" and the "Carolina Shag". The head table was alive with pictures of he and Elaine and he showed an interesting video of their and others completive dancing. The main difference between the "West Coast Swing" and the "Carolina Shag" is the footwork. It was a fun program and his video is available for all to borrow (after me of course). 

CLOSING: We closed with "Come on Kiwanis" led by the multi-talented Jack Dawson.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS: 

Next Week - "Fun At the Opera", the "Barber of Seville" with our speaker and opera buff Rody Stephenson. A little culture if you please.

January 29th - "Little Things Mean a Lot" with Bonsai hobbyist and club member Karl Johnson who will show and tell us about his hobby and Bonsai collection. (Where does he keep them all?)


OUR SERVICE PROJECTS:
Builders Club, La Cañada 7/8 School
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Christmas Tree Decorations for the City
Collect Used Eye Glasses & Printer Cartridges
Fiesta Days Bar-B-Q booth, Picnic & Parade Activities
Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) Kiwanis International
Sponsor 2 key clubs, one at La Cañada High School & One At Flintridge Prep
Memorial Park, Flag Pole & Concrete Dance Area
Paper Drive, Supports Self-Aid Workshop (50 tons per year)
Pet Clinic for Community
Prayer Breakfast Co-Sponsor with YMCA
Soap Box Derby, Los Angeles Foothills
"Terrific Kids" Paper Drive, Palm Crest Elementary 
"Terrific Kids" Program, Palm Crest & La Cañada Elementary
Tournament of Roses, Help Build Float and Feed Workers
Travel Adventure Series (Kiwanis Travelogue)


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.