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The La Kawañian

December 3, 2003
Barry Riedel, Editor

Opening: Our meeting was held at the La Cañada Presbyterian Church. How many of us went to Descanso? The lovely Shirley DeGrey delighted us with some favorites on the piano: "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"; "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands"; "California Here I Come". Ed Moulton led us in "God Bless America". Bob Martin informed us that the Pledge of Allegiance was written by a guy named Francis Bellamy who was a socialist but in spite of that was a great patriot. Bob Martin led us in the Pledge. Barry Riedel gave the invocation.

The Inside Joke: Just to let you know ahead of time, the program was supposed to be on Alzheimer’s—what’s it called—oh I can’t remember.

Guests: Dick Barley treasurer of District and from the AM Club was introduced as "Oats". Ed Moulton introduced the best-coordinated lady in the room (dressed in red): Theo Abelmann, widow of Bill Abelmann and an honorary member of the club. Howard Backer introduced Art Zook from a Washington club. Former B-17 pilot Hal Thomas introduced his wife Julia Thomas. Dick DeGrey gave us an intro to the lady who needs no introduction, Shirley DeGrey. Ed Moulton led us in a version of "Hi Neighbor" and without advance notice launched into a B flat or A minor rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful". Jim Ackland bravely asked for another one and those of us who knew the second verse sang it too. A nice Christmasy touch.

Special Announcement: Paul Westmoreland gave us the update on the winners in the Membership Contest. Jim Ackland (was there any doubt) won, Jim Edwards won--but the individual who won--Ed Moulton--was not here last meeting so he was presented with the award. One secret to winning appears to be to have Ed Moulton on your team.

Happy/Sad Bucks: Bob Martin had some happy bucks for his speaker at a meeting, Anthony Portantino. Theo Abelmann had a couple of bucks for being an honorary member. Ed Moulton confessed that the reason he wasn't here last week was because he was forced (forced, mind you) to go on a cruise with his wife and two daughters. Somebody had to do it, Ed. Ed Moulton gave some bucks as a thanks to Jack Dawson for leading the music last meeting. Paul Westmoreland had a happy buck for something other than Dinuba: Mr. and Mrs. went to the Swing Dance Competition. Mr. Barley had a number of sad bucks for wanting to come to the meeting but forgetting what it was about--then about where it was--the first of many Alzheimer's jokes. The sad bucks were for having Jim (he couldn't remember the last name) as President. Clyde Hemphill had a happy buck for Mel Wilson and Chuck Gulick for putting on the meal at the church. Howard Backer had a happy buck that since Dick Barley could not join our club at least he joined the AM. Daryal Gant had one for his bet with various members over the Membership Competition and since he lost he joined the Century Club. Sheila Cook gave one for the fact that the Alzheimer's Group forgot that they were doing the meeting today but if they don't forget they will be back on January 7. Jack Dawson had one for Dave Spence who with him bought an old truck and then was late in showing up. Bill Watts had one for Dick Barley who helped him during his recent infirmity. Hal Crockett gave one for a great city council working on sound wall stuff inspiring Hal to buy a decibel reader. Ed Moulton came to the mike again feeling guilty for getting more members than did Daryal Gant and since one member bailed out he also joined the Century Club.

Frosty's Challenge: Frosty Boyd let one get away about a rebellious teenager and a Christmas tree. Jim Ackland opined that surely there was another challenge to Frosty's "bald spot" joke. Ed Moulton stepped up to the plate with one about two Alzheimer's sufferers. Dick Barley offered one about a pastor and 7 kids and a cemetery. Dick Barley won to shouts of "Fix! Fix!"

Secret Greeter: Jim Ackland asked Tom Stafford to stand up--turns out he was the secret greeter. It seems Tom Stafford has been the secret greeter for the last 6 weeks. Clyde Hemphill scooped up the fines.

Announcements: Jim Ackland made two crucial announcements. Tomorrow night is the board meeting at 7PM at the Citibank board room. (That was only one announcement but maybe it was the Alzheimer's.)

Sheriff's Toy and Food Drive. Mat Regan will purchase Ralph's gift certificates and the Sheriffs will contribute these certificates to needy families. Please contact Howard Backer if you wish to contribute.

Interclubs: Daryal Gant announced about the Interclubs. The International President will be at the Rose Bowl interclub on 1/2/04 at noon at the Pasadena Hilton. If you don't sign up soon, they know where you live. Sign up! Here's the schedule:

Dec. 9 Tuesday 12:00 Noon, Hollywood Los Feliz Club--Acapulco Restaurant, 4444 Sunset, Hollywood

Dec. 11 Thursday 12:15PM, LCF Key Club, LCF High School, East Balcony

Dec. 18 Thursday, Lunch, 12:00 PM, Highland Park Club, Police Museum, 6045 York Blvd, Highland Park

Jan. 2, 2004, Friday, Lunch, 12:00 Noon, Pasadena Club featuring our new Int'l President, location to be announced.

Also Daryal Gant announced that the Towne Singers is giving a Holiday Concert on Sunday December 7 at 4:30 at the Lanterman Center on Cornishon. Pat Anderson told us about the visits Santa will make to Memorial Park Festival of Lights kick-off tomorrow from 4-6PM. The Sheriff's Department will deliver snow and children will receive candy canes from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Miss La Cañada Flintridge court will be announced. Afterward the Chamber will light the median on Foothill Blvd. (Jim Ackland asked if that were tomorrow night or Thursday night--but they were the same thing. More Alzheimer's? One can only wonder.) Ed Moulton gave us information about the paper drive. Bachy Bachmayer followed the redcoats with an announcement about the tree lighting ceremony at 6:15 in Glenola Park . Also the little tubs followed us to the church--put a coin or bill to support Children's Hospital! Diane DellaValle thanked everyone for the overwhelming response to the Christmas Party, Sunday December 14 from 5PM-7PM at the Dawsons' house.

50/50 Drawing: Mr. Oats--no sorry Guest Dick Barley--drew Frosty Boyd's ticket.

Program: Jim Ackland forgot who the program was. Sheila Cook introduced the honored guest of the afternoon--Jack Dawson!--who spoke on the Oregon Trail from the tourist's point of view. Sheila Cook presented Jack Dawson with another nice cup.

Next Week: Gordon Clune and his family will speak about spending 6 months in Montana in primitive conditions. In the Presbyterian Church.

Closing: Ed Moulton led us in "Hail Kiwanis".