Click Here for Photo & Newsletter Archive 

The La Kawañian

January 7, 2004
Barry Riedel, Editor

Opening: For the first meeting of a new year, Shirley DeGrey provided musical entertainment on the piano. We all gave us a big round of applause. Ed Moulton led us in "God Bless America". Lloyd Welch led us in the pledge of allegiance to our great Nation. Mary Gant gave a nice invocation.

Guests: Ken Lowe introduced Jean Behjauthrit, community relations lady from the Key Club who was asking What projects can we do together? Hal Thomas introduced Julia Thomas who is waiting to apply to our club, transferring from the AM club. Sheila Cook introduced Farah Mirsa—our speaker--who is much better-looking than the Fawcett lady.

President Jim Ackland introduced Lt. Gov. Joe Thompson who said a few words about all the red buttons we are going to get for our interclubs and congratulated us on the January International President meeting. He did rag Jim Ackland a little for not going to feed the Key Clubs. February 21st at the Hilton Hotel in Burbank will be the South Mid-Year Conference.

Songs: Ed Moulton led us in "Hi Neighbor!" followed by "Home On The Range" including the second verse.

Happy/Sad Bucks: Bob Wallace gave a few as thanks for feeding the floaters on the 29th and those who contributed to the association. Pat Anderson gave a happy buck for the folks at JPL for the terrific landing on Mars and one for the TofR folks who gave us an award this year. Howard Backer contributed a century club for his wife's birthday on Thursday. Ed Moulton gave for the somber-sounding pianist for the Key Club interclub--a funeral home pianist who had no other songs. This reminded Ed of a story about an improvising pianist who played Smoke Gets In Your Eyes at a cremation! He followed this with a little rhyme. Matt Regan gave for Ed pinch-hitting for him. Barry Riedel gave for his father getting out of heart surgery just fine. Clyde Hemphill gave a sad buck for our "poor president" Jim Ackland's not wearing a badge. Jack Dawson gave a happy buck for painting his house and a sad buck for the interior now needing a coat. Elizabeth Georgeon gave for the float which is going to be on display at Memorial Park. Jeb Long gave a happy one for being a grandfather again (this morning). And one for the float--and a third for the JPL success! Jeb got a bit thank-you from Jim Ackland for the site preparation for the float. Lloyd Welch mentioned the USC game and gave for that victory. Tom Gilfoy gave for good seats at the game. Daryal Gant was happy for the success of USC and was sad because it wasn't UCLA.

Frosty's Challenge: Frosty Boyd gave a happy buck for a wonderful 61st wedding anniversary and followed up with a story about a minister in a poor church. Sheila Cook met the challenge with one about Peekaboo Street. Jack Dawson took up the torch with a Mexican baseball joke. By executive decision Sheila Cook won!

Silvia Kirkorian enjoyed a birthday on January 3. She got a "Happy Birthday" from all of us. And many more.

Jim Ackland joined the Century Club for his not going to the Key Club feed.

Secret Greeter: Bea Cirar was It!

Announcements: President Jim Ackland announced that we had a great meeting with the International President. The magazine we now get from International is being published in 6 different languages. The Intl President suggested we follow the "One Plus One" rule for bringing in new members. We need 20 members or more to go to the South Whachamacallit—Mid-Year Conference!

Silvia Kirkorian has the January invocation sign-ups. Matt Regan thanked us for the participation in the 2003 Sheriff's Food/Toy Drive. Vials of Life: Matt has more. Jim Ackland led a round of appreciative applause for Matt. Karl Johnson collected $117 for the cartridges. He asked us all to recognize Clyde Hemphill for all of his good work. Daryal Gant told us we have 41 members who have so far participated in 8 different interclubs, we’re doing great.

Jan. 14 Wed. 7:30AM La Cañada AM Club, Church of the Lighted Window

Jan. 28 Wed. 12:00 Noon, lunch Eagle Rock Club, Columbo Restaurant, 1833 Colorado Blvd Eagle Rock

Feb. 10 Tues Dinner 6:15PM, Jewel City Club, Clancy's Restaurant, 219 N. Central Ave. Glendale

Feb. 18 Wed. 7:30AM La Cañada AM Club, Church of the Lighted Window

Feb. 24 Tues. 12:00 Noon Lunch, Montrose-La Crescenta Club, Le Betulle Restaurant, 2383 Foothill

Daryal Gant has agreed to implement a strategic objective: to watch over activities over resources. Matching needs with resources. Not fully employed? See Daryal.

More Announcements: Bachy Backmayer reminded us about the Children's Hospital. Pat Anderson gave us a heads-up on the Chamber Installation January 13 from 6-8PM at Brookside Country Club. Barry Riedel nudged us about the upcoming Travel Adventures program “Rivers of Europe” this Saturday January 10 at 7:30PM (pre-show entertainment at 7:10PM)

50/50: Daryal Gant won!

Sheila Cook announced that next week Linda Taix from Taix Workout Studios will put us all in shape for the new year.

Program: Sheila Cook went on to introduce our speaker, Farah Mirsa, from the Silverado Home for Alzheimers. Farah is the Director of Residential and Family Services and she gave us a basic overview of dementia, from which your editor may sometimes suffer!)

Farah Mirsa, Director of Silverado Home for Alzheimers

Closing: Ed Moulton led us in “Hail Kiwanis!”