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The La Kawañian

October 29, 2003
Barry Riedel, Editor

Opening:  Shirley DeGrey provided some delightful pre-lunch piano music--"Singin' In The Rain", "Chattanooga Choo-Choo".  A big hand for Shirley!  Ed Moulton led us all in "You're A Grand Old Flag" (after a few false starts).  Carlos Cortez led the pledge of allegiance.  Dick DeGrey gave us an extensive and very patriotic introduction to the invocation and then finally the prayer with a special nod in the direction of the firefighters and those affected by the fires.

President Jim Ackland asked for suggestions of what the club might do to help.  Yesterday morning a great breakfast was had with all the committee chairs.  Unfortunately Jim left the list at home--but watch here for future announcements.  Pat Anderson in the meeting brought forth a date in history with Ben Franklin.  Paul Westmoreland saluted all the worker bees and ordered sticky buns for everyone.  Diane DellaValle spilled a whole cup of coffee in Bill Watts' lap.  It was decaffinated anyway.  Ken Lowe ordered a Special K breakfast for everyone.  Karl Johnson and Matt Regan ordered pigs in a blanket.  Carl Christinson ordered a side order of Twinkies to remind everyone of the Christmas lights (they twinkle).  (See Bill Watts’ “confused” buck below.)

Jeb Long made a report on the website.  How many of us have never looked at the website?  How many look at it regularly?  Look at the various pages--report errors.  Report them to Jeb.  Do you like the bulletin--the way it's e-mailed?  You better.  Anyway, it seems so.

Guests:  Tom Gilfoy introduced Patrick Larkin, the new CEO at Descanso Gardens.  Karl Johnson introduced Chris Sherwin, a financial consultant in Calabasas.  Lieutenant Governor Joe Thompson was saluted by Jim Ackland.  Ed Moulton did the honors for former member and possible future member and President of Montrose Club, Bill Bodell.  Hal Thomas introduced Julia Thomas.  We all gave a warm welcome to Jim Edwards.

Bob Wallace told us about his trip to Africa.  It was great. 

Ken Lowe intro'd the Key Clubbers:  Carrie Arboleda, on the tennis team and ASB rep with the Key Club--and Secretary Albert Chen. 

Ed Moulton led us in an impromptu rendition of "Hi Neighbor!"

The Key Clubbers came forward to make an announcement.  Carrie Arboleda spoke about going to Indianopolis and Chicago to attend the Key Club convention.  They went to workshop after workshop learning how to build their club--and dance hip-hop!  Afterward they traveled to Chicago to visit various museums.  Albert spoke about meeting many people from around the world.  They got to know their district better.  Carrie spoke about Unicef.  The Key Club solicits donations to help fight blindness.  Orange boxes were on the head table to take donations.

Jim Ackland mentioned one major event to be recognized:  Daryal and Mary Gant had an anniversary.  Daryal got up and joined the Century Club for 37 years.  Ed Moulton sang a song in their honor, "O How We Danced".

Confessions, Fines and Happy/Sad Bucks:  Carlos Cortez took the pot from table to table.  Bob Wallace had a happy buck for Jim Reynolds and his "creative writing" and magic words.  George Lutes had a sad buck for all who lost their homes and some happy ones for the firefighters. Karl Johnson gave a happy buck  (or was it a business buck) for a fellow business-owner.  Jim Ackland had one for Silvia Kirkorian who Jim said ordered flaming brandy cherries at breakfast.  Bill Watts had a "confused" buck wondering if they were all at the same meeting.  Elizabeth Georgeon had an amazed buck at hearing there was a chance of snow at Big Bear over the coming weekend.  Pat Anderson gave for the fact that this coming Saturday November 1, 9-12noon, LCF will have its very own Farmer's Market behind Taylor's.  Lt. Gov. Joe Thompson was happy to be with us and with one of his favorite tennis players, Key Clubber Carrie Arboleda.  Joel Smith gave a happy buck for their trip to Italy--they got robbed, wrecked the car and the wedding was cancelled but otherwise everything was all right.  Sheila Cook gave for the salvation of her children's house.  Doris Horwith gave some happy bucks, some for Jim Edwards doing the report and for not getting the fire in LCF.  Jim Reynolds gave a thank-you buck.  Jack Dawson got a book from Carlos Cortez and it cost him more than his first house--but it was for a good cause, the Boy Scouts.

Frosty Joke-Off.  Frosty Boyd gave some happy bucks for the safety of his son through the fire.  Then came the joke about a dog license fee for an expired dog.  Challenge:  Jack Dawson couldn't think of anything worse.  Bill Watts told a NY blackout joke.  A vote was taken--Bill won!  He got a magnificent gift--a pumpkin. 

Announcements:  Ed Moulton passed around a questionnaire about what songs we like to sing.  Silvia Kirkorian was passing around an invocation sign-up sheet.  Diane DellaValle will have a further announcement about the Christmas Party next week.  Daryal Gant pointed out the "interclub zits"--those nasty yellow spots on our badges.  If you have any 'druthers'--time, place--let Daryal know.  Howard Backer reminded us of the weekly Children's Hospital donations.  Jim Ackland told us about the Masquerade Ball coming up.  He's got tickets. 

Opportunity Drawing:  Melinda Thompson!

Sheila Cook announced the program for next week:  Jim Wallace and the Habitat for Humanity. 

Program:  This week:  Ken Martinet, who we allowed to speak on Big Brothers and Big Sisters even though he is a Rotarian from downtown.  He asked us to share some stories about mentors.  Jim Reynolds gave us a story about his Dad and his opportunity to work with three ministers in carpentry.  Dick DeGrey reminisced about his math teacher.  Jack Dawson told us about his mentor--the president of the company.  Ed Moulton shared his six mentors--his siblings--and his scoutmaster. 

Closing:  Ed Moulton led us in vigorous "Hail Kiwanis"!

Help Wanted:  Two members to help K-kids receive newspapers for Self Aid Workshop 7:45-8:15 every Thursday morning.  Your reward--hearing kids say "Bye Mom, I love you!"  Call Ed, 790-2111

 Board Meetings are the lst Thursday of the Month at Citibank, 7 p.m. 

District Council Meetings are the 3rd Monday of the month at Verdugo Hills Hospital cafeteria - 7 p.m.