Click Here for Photo & Newsletter Archive 

The La Kawañian

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


PREOPENING: (Eds note: I don't understand why this is before the meeting starts but here 'tis) Membership Conference Commissioner, Paul Westmoreland, thanked the League Presidents, Ackland, Wallace, & Gant, for their initiative during his three-week absence.  The League Presidents reported the status of their leagues and that they were contacting their team captains to develop plans-of-action to meet the goals of six new members per team. Daryal Gant reminded members of the recruiting brochures, pamphlets, and other materials available for their use. He ended by saying to us, "BRING A GUEST, That's how it starts". Daryal also called attention to the new melon-colored team list, which now indicates team names and captains. A list will be mailed out with each copy of today's newsletter. He further announced that George Lutes would be the official Conference scorekeeper. 

OPENING: The joint was jumping as Martha Crockett was pumping the 88"s with melodies that mesmerized the ears and soothed the soul. "Mr. Ed" was mysteriously missing so Jack Dawson took over the song leading as we muddled our way through "Happy Wanderer". (some of us are still wandering).

HEAD TABLE & GUESTS: Our Flag Salute was led by George Lutes followed by an invocation by Barry Riedel. The other side of the head table was graced by Tenaya Hart & Zoraida Allison (our speakers) and Diane DellaValle today's program chairman who was "in the pink".  Pres. Bob asked Anthony Portantino to introduce his guest, his wife Ellen, and at the same time congratulated him for his City Council win. Anthony promptly responded by joining the Century Club (and it wasn't even fine time), Pat Anderson introduced Laurene Lopez, the Community Services Representative from the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Jim Edwards introduced the CEO of the Cal Tech Credit Union, Rich Harris, a guest of the club, Daryal Gant presented former Kawañian Steve Benoit, a guest of the club, Ed Moulton appeared out of the blue and introduced his guest Dr. Jeannine Scheinhorn, an ophthalmologist who has taken over Dr. Privitt's practice, Diane DellaValle's guest, Sookie Mathews, was introduced by Mary Gant as Diane was busy with the program speakers, the Pres then reminded himself that he forgot to have their hubbies introduce our dynamic duo at the piano, Shirley DeGrey & Martha Crockett and thanked them for their musical contributions. "Hi Neighbor" greeted (& perhaps scared) our guests. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Membership Chairman Paul Westmoreland (just back from his Cruise), presented a permanent Kiwanis Badge to Karl Johnson. Help fill the pots on your table with $$$ for the Children's Hospital was touted by Bachy Bachmayer, and Joel Smith reminded us that there is still time to donate money to the students in Kiev. Laurene Lopez told us of the new position she is filling with the County of LA Fire Dept., Pat Anderson told us about the new directory put out by the Chamber and we should all support the advertisers and chamber members especially since Diane DellaValle's picture is on the front cover. Clyde Hemphill said to save March 29th as "total K day" (more info to follow), Jim Ackland was happy to announce that we now have 23 members going to the Governors luncheon on Sunday, March 9th and if you hurry you can still go.
Eileen Ferber gave a message about the April 3rd Wine Dinner at Brookside and we need help getting all to reserve now. We must support OUR fund raising event, bring a friend, or friend's, (or even an enemy) as we must pay for 150 guests and we have only 4 reservations. Key Clubs & families, as well as YOU have been sent invitations. This is a great dinner with excellent wine, Sign Up Now! Next, Daryal Gant touted upcoming programs as listed in this bulletin.

HAPPY, SAD & OTHER BUCKS: Were eliminated due to lack of time (even Frosty didn't get to sneak in), but the Pres managed to fine us for no pins, no proof of voting, and no shaking hands with the Secret Greeter who was George Lutes.


Secret Greeter and Membership 
Conference Scorekeeper, George Lutes

TERRIFIC KIDS: Were introduced by Pat Anderson and the accomplishments of each that made them a "Terrific Kid" was shared with us. They were Mike Gooch, (supported by the whole Gooch family, Frank, Helen & Rita), and Kaitlin Fueling & her mother Susan.


Terrific Kids and their parents


50/50 RAFFLE: And the winner was Carl Christensen

THE PROGRAM: Our speakers were introduced by Diane DellaValle (Miss Community Directory cover girl), who were Tenaya Hart & Zoraida Allison of "one legacy", a non-profit organization that is part of a nationwide network of federally licensed organizations dedicated to the life-saving and life-enhancing benefits of organ and tissue donation.
The above ladies presented the importance of organ donations for transplants. They want YOUR body, or at least part of it, for liver, kidney, heart, arteries, lungs, and other useful parts to save lives. At least 16 people die each day while waiting for an organ transplant and over 80,000 people are on the waiting list. You can donate organs up to about 80 years old and sometimes older. You can designate which organ you will donate or your whole body. All religious organizations support this program. Even if your donation can't be used for the long term it can suffice as an "interim" organ to keep people alive until a long-term substitute can be obtained. The greatest thing you can do is to save another's life by becoming an organ donor. 

DellaValle,  Tenaya Hart, Zoraida Allison and President Bob Wallace


UPCOMING PROGRAMS: (Revised)

  • Next Week - A History Of the La Cañada Area, Melissa Patton of The Lanterman House

  • March 19th - Robotic Exploration of the Solar System, Dr. Louis Friedman of the Planetary Society (Out of this world!)

  • March 26th - (under construction)

  • April 2nd - State of the City, Mayor Dave Spence & City Manager Jerry Fulwood (no fooling this time)

  • April 9th - The FBI and Homeland Security, FBI special agent Don Alway

Thought For The Day: "Never underestimate the power of a kind word or deed"


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.