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The La Kawañian

February 5, 2003
Bill Watts, Editor
www.sparkywatts01@cs.com

OPENING: We were treated once again to the piano melodies of Martha Crockett (play it again Sam). Ed Moulton led a big crowd in "America". (on take #2)

HEAD TABLE & GUESTS: From the floor (which left a vacant spot at the head table), Chuck Gulick led us in the Flag Salute and from the next chair in line Hal Crockett gave a great invocation saluting our astronauts. Daryal Gant & Karl Johnson (Our Speaker) filled out the head table. "Terrific Kids" and their moms & dads were introduced by Pat Flynn who also gave a brief "bio" on each and why they were picked to be a "Terrific Kid" by their teachers. They were from La Cañada Elementary and Palm Crest. Other guests were Vernon Chase, guest of Tom Slattery, Marry (2 r's?) Barrie, guest of Anthony Portantino, & Shirley De Grey a guest of Dick.

Don't recall singing "Hi Neighbor"

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Eileen Ferber said she needs your "offering of goods, services, dinners, etc. for upcoming auction, Bachy Bachmeyer said to pony up some bucks for the Children's Hospital in the tubs on each table, Jim Ackland's booming voice announced the upcoming inter-club with Hollywood-Los Feliz next Tuesday at noon. If you didn't sign up call Jim to do so & get rid of that awful red sticker on your badge. Daryal Gant reviewed upcoming programs, Ed Moulton said the inter-club at Hollywood-Los Feliz would be a doozy and maybe Abe Lincoln would show up.

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARYS WERE MIXED INTO HAPPY, SAD & OTHER BUCKS:
So Howard Backer started the ball rolling with a few bucks for his 73d birthday which by the time he got done talking rolled into a $100 for the Century Club, then it was Bill Shipley's turn and he to joined the Century Club and thanked all who helped him out, particularly Tom Slaughter, who set up his computer stations after the recent fire in his building. He's now fully operational & ready for your business. Frosty Boyd gave a happy buck for our "Terrific Kids" and then a joke of course, Bob Martin popped up with $15 for his recent grandson which brings up the total Grandchildren to 6, Elizabeth Georgeon gave happy bucks for a recent cruise to Costa Rica & Panama and a sad buck for too many Emails to answer when she got back, plus she told a joke. Daryal Gant again tried to top Frosty with a medical joke, Don Corbett put in sad bucks for past member Doug Morgan who now has Parkinson's, and a Happy buck for all "chocoholics" to visit the central library (downtown L.A.) this Saturday at 10:30 am to see the program his wife is putting on about Chocolate & even get a sample of "Dr. Bob's Chocolate ice cream". Jack Dawson put in a buck because he now has to do the housework because his wife has a cold. (I told you the women would get back at you Jack!). Dick DeGrey put in a sad buck for the fallen astronauts & their families & friends an related he know how they feel as he lost a best friend who was previously aboard Apollo 13. Rick Lazare put in bucks for his high school friend who finally got married. All these bucks were collected by our now "long time" Sgt of Arms Karl Johnson who likes to handle your money but not particularly in this way.

50/50 RAFFLE: Two people won it. But how can that be, anyhow Patsy Christianson prevailed

Dates To Remember:
March 9th - Governor's Visit - This will be a Sunday lunch at the LC Country Club
March 29th - Total K Day
April 3rd - Wine Dinner at Brookside CC

THE PROGRAM OF THE DAY: Our own Karl Johnson (Mr. Bonsai) presented a most interesting program on his hobby. The front of the room looked similar to Frankenstein's lab atory as Karl brought all his tools and gear with him (some of it looked like Don Corbett's dental stuff, even the big saw). His first question: "How many think that Bonsai originated in Japan?" and most said yes. Well wrong, it traces back to 700 AD with the first record of Bonsai in China. The idea was to create in miniature what existed already in nature. It became internationally known in 1909 and really popular in the last 50 years. He showed many plants (trees?) and trimmed them before our very eyes. Each cut caused a groan from the audience. He has over 250 plants and enjoys his hobby as it "unstress's" him. Even though he's been doing this for over 20 years he said his knowledge is but a grain of sand in the Sahara. (What does he do in his "spare" time??) An entertaining program and a lot of effort on his part.

CLOSING: "Mr. Ed" led us in "Come On Kiwanis".

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

NEXT WEEK: "New Initiatives Day" It's Important to attend this one to voice your opinion and hear what's going on in the Club.
February 19th- Congressman Drier -
February 26th- The Rose Queen & Her Court 

SOAP BOX DERBY IS COMING UP IN MAY

Our 4th Annual Officially sanctioned Soap Box Derby is coming up in May.  Get your muscles in shape now for more hard work!

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.