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The La Kawañian

September 10, 2003
Bill Watts, Editor
sparkywatts01@earthlink.net

OPENING: Martha made melancholy music that mesmerized most merry Kiwanians as she meandered through the piano keys. Ed Moulton sporting a wild tie led a large crowd in singing "God Bless America".

HEAD TABLE & GUESTS: Jim Reynolds took the mike and presented a tribute to "September" the 11th as he led the Flag Salute; Al Restivo gave a great invocation; on the right of the Pres were Father Matt Elshoff (our honoree), Steve Del Guercio (our mayor), Laura Olhasso (mayor pro-tem) and Daryal Gant. Guests were numerous as this was "Clergy Recognition Day" and clergy from most of the Churches in La Cañada were in attendance. The Pres picked on Jeff Hoffman as one of the "lost souls" who we see so seldom and Jeff introduced his guest Samanatha Schuman; Karl Johnson introduced his guest and a guest of the club Dan Mirisala; Ed Moulton's guest was Robin McCartny; Sheila Cook had us meet Chamber of Commerce President Terry Walker and Allen Lund, president of the Allan Lund Company, father of 6 and great grandfather of 18; Dianne DellaValle had two guests: Terry Villanueva, (owner & administrator of Learning Castle & La Cañada Prep) and Jessica Susnar, teacher of French & other subjects; Carlos Cortez was introduced as an uninstalled new member; all the Clergy in attendance were introduced individually by a Kiwanian at their table or by themselves; Pat Anderson introduced Skip Lindeman, senior interim minister at the Church of The Lighted Window. Jeb Long introduced Andy Wilson, the Paster of the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church ;Other guests included Gary Dennis, La Cañada Presbyterian Paster,  Richard Bolin, Paster of the La Cañada United Methodist Church, Toni Zollner, Gloria Schneider, Farhia Daher, & Irene & Cal Elsholl (father Matts parents) and Jennifer Elshoff Moore. Hal Crockett gave a "hey" to Martha Crockett at the piano, and Shirley DeGrey was welcomed also. (sorry unable to obtain all guests names and/or get correct spelling)

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Were brief and started with Paul Westmoreland who said he had 2 permanent badges to hand out but the recipients were not in attendance. He went on to tell us who was ahead in the membership contest (Jim Ackland) and then showed us a plaque that was presented to us as the Outstanding Soap Box Derby City and said it would be on display at the City Hall; Daryal Gant told of the last 2 programs of the year; Pat Anderson touted the Business Expo tonight at Verdugo Hills Hospital and then she talked about the "Man About Town" luncheon on October 30, make your reservations now for this, at $100 a pop, as it was sold out early last year, she went on to tell of the great door prizes that would be available; Carl Christensen touted the Wine Tasting event and said he needed help to pull it off so sign up on the sheet being passed around, if you want to look important you can wear a red "security vest" ; Howard Backer asked all guests to make sure to sign up (although many whose names were signed were unreadable so if you see the name misspelled, or missing here, you'll know why); Bachy Bachmayer asked for bucks again for the Children's Hospital table tubs. The pres called on Frosty Boyd who created a lot of "oh no's and icks" with his joke.

50/50 RAFFLE: Won by Paul Westmoreland

THE PROGRAM: Daryal Gant had to top Frosty by telling another corny joke and finally got into the program by complementing Al Restivo & Sheila Cook for their work in putting it together. Although a completed "Bio" on our honoree Father Matt, was available at each seat, he gave highlights of his career to date. Father Matt is a local boy who attended St. Bedes Elementary and on to St. Francis High and graduated in 1973. He then enrolled in the San Lorenzo Franciscan Noviete at Santa Inez where he spent a year of formation prior to entering the Seminary in preparation for the priesthood. After various theological schools and degrees he returned to St. Francis in 1992 as president of the high school and taught classes as well. In 1993 he assumed full time duties as president of the high school.

Father Matt Elshoff

La Cañada Mayor Steve Del Guercio and Allan Lung then gave a brief talk about Father Matt and said he inspires everyone he meets. Next Laura Olhasso gave her presentation about how wonderful a Person and Priest that Father Matt is. He was then presented with a proclamation from the City of La Cañada Flintridge for his outstanding work on behalf of the church, the children, and the community. This ended with a standing ovation for our honoree; Father Matt Elshoff. A benediction followed presented not by the scheduled John Day but by Monsignor Francis Wallace of St Bedes Catholic Church.

CLOSING: "Hail Kiwanis"  led by Ed Moulton

• September 14 -  Wine Tasting at La Cañada Memorial Park

• September 17th - The "Swan Song" of Bob Wallace
  

• September 24 - Installation Dinner --- we will be dark at noon.