Click Here for Photo & Newsletter Archive 

The La Kawañian

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Don't wait! Call now to volunteer your services to Joel Smith to help out on the Soap Box Derby.

April 9, 2003
Bill Watts, Editor
sparkywatts01@cs.com

OPENING: Shirley simmered as she skimmed the secluded melodies that hid in the piano just waiting for her to arouse. "Every ready" Ed erupted with enthusiasm as he engaged his limbs in engulfing our intricate voices in "God Bless America" (complete with that meaningful prelude).

HEAD TABLE & GUESTS: Financial Fiddler Karl Johnson presented the Flag Salute; Howard Backer read a long poem followed by a short prayer. Besides Pres. Bob the rest of the head table was bear. Several wayward members whose attendance has been shy were almost introduced as guests, which means we were happy to see them. Real guests were Lloyd Welch, guest of Daryal Gant, Diane DellaValle introduced Sookie Mathews (who has signed a membership application), Vernon Chase who accompanies Bob Slattery, Tom Gilfoy presented his ex next door neighbor of 17 years Walt Richardson (who used to climb up on the roof as Santa Clause for Tom's kids), Skip Baker brought Ryan Baker, Brent Baker, & John Palka. Dick DeGrey welcomed our key thumper Shirley, and not to be left out was our Lt. Governor Joe Thompson. "Hi Neighbor" then greeted all.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pres Bob praised the awesome ladies who put on a most successful fund raising wine dinner: Eileen Ferber, Mary Gant, Joan Peters, Diane DellaValle, & others (?). The club raised over $5000 for our children's programs, which was helped along by the bidding contest of Jack Dawson & Nana Smith. Also announced by the Pres were two signup sheets being passed around (which never reached my table) for a Dodger fundraiser & an April 25th dinner dance to welcome two new clubs to the District. Membership Chairman Paul Westmoreland told of the progress of our membership campaign, and the upcoming Soap Box Derby (he wear's two hats & could use your help with the Soap Box Derby), Mary Gant said you can now buy business card size ads or bigger for the Soap Box Derby program, Daryal Gant told of upcoming programs and also noted that our speaker had not shown up yet as he has been transferred to Washington D.C. but promised he would be here. Diane DellaValle touted the April 17th Chamber of Commerce Mixer; asking for more pull tabs, used printer cartridges, & eye glasses Karl Johnson noted how this benefits our club & others. Karl also thanked Jeff Hoffman (you remember him), who happened to be in attendance, for his talk to the Builder's Club and how they loved it. Bachy Bachmayer said to fill up the table tubs for the kids at Children's Hospital.

HAPPY, SAD, BUCKS OR ANY OTHER REASON TO FINE: (All funds were collected by Karl Johnson who holds the longest time in grade as our Sgt. At Arms). Frosty Boyd started the bucks dropping as he was happy he finally got his tax return done and a joke of course that mowed us down; Eileen Ferber put in bucks as she was happy the Fund Raising Dinner was so successful; Jim Ackland dropped in a Fiver because (I couldn't hear why); Pete Palermo wanted to put in a buck because his 5 year old grandson is now playing "T" ball but all he had was a $20 and of course all agreed that was O.K. He then came back later to raise that to $100 and join the Century Club as he announced his upcoming marriage to Catherine Wieland; Jeff Hoffman popped in a Ten Spot and Clyde Hemphill put in bucks as his membership team was ahead in guests invited. Skip Baker made a big splash and also joined the Century Club, Hal Arman put in a buck for remembering what he was looking for.

SECRET GREETER: Nice to see Glen Pettit back & helping us fine all who didn't shake his hand.

50/50 RAFFLE: Would you believe Daryal Gant again!!!

THE PROGRAM: Our speaker managed to show up just in time and was introduced by Daryal Gant. John Alway is a grad of La Cañada High Class of 1987. He went on to USC and obtained his degree in Public Administration in 1991. In 1996 he joined the FBI and has been living with his wife & family in Long Beach. He has just been promoted and is on his way to Washington D.C. He spoke of the FBI's role in homeland security although his role to date has been more administrative. He was plummeted with short questions, which he gave long answers to. (He must have had legal training). Anyhow, we managed to stop asking questions at closing time, and Mr. Ed then led us thru "On Kiwanis".

INTERCLUB: Dine, Dance, & Romance and get credit for not 1 but 2 interclubs. How can you do this (and get that nasty red sticker off your badge)? Why by attending the Gala Charter Presentation of not one but two new clubs to our District. You can do all this for only $50 per on April 28th at the Glendale Hilton, 100 W. Glenoaks. Our International President John "Ito" Torres, Jr., M.D. will present the charter and shake your hand too. No host cocktails start at 6 pm with dinner at 7 pm. This is possibly a "once in a lifetime" event that you don't want to miss!

RSVP now to: Lydia Soriano (818-523-2644) or Nini Maldonado (818-281-9084), or Ruby de Vera (323-255-6351), or send a check, payable to Fil-Am Kiwanis for $50 a head, to P.O. Box 10310, Glendale, CA 91209 no later than April 21st. Note: Kiwanians over 45 should do this NOW so they don't forget.


APRIL 3rd FUND RAISING DINNER: A magnificent job was accomplished in arranging our Fund Raising Dinner and in the presentation of the Silent Auction items. One could really understand what was offered and you could actually read it with out glasses. A bang up job by Eileen Ferber, Mary Gant, & Joan Peters who we offer our applause and sincere thanks to. Over $5000 was raised for our kids programs. It's a shame that more non-Kiwanians could not attend and enjoy the festivities.

I FORGOT: To Thank Diane DellaValle (she says you pronounce it like in Italian) for taking over the newsletter job 2 weeks ago. Grazie Diane! Molto Beni!

Something to Ponder: We have reached the 1/2 way point in this Kiwanis Year. Are YOU proud of what YOU have accomplished so far?

Thought For The Day: "The True Measure Of A Man is How He Treats Those Who Can Do Nothing For Him"... Ann Landers

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.