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The La Kawañian

January 21, 2004
Barry Riedel, Editor

Opening: We enjoyed some lovely piano music ("You Never Walk Alone", "I Could Have Danced All Night") from Shirley DeGrey. President Jim Ackland brought the meeting to order. We all stood to give a big round of applause to Shirley. Ed Moulton led us in "You're A Grand Old Flag". Bob Wallace led us in the pledge and Diane DellaValle gave a lovely invocation urging us not to wait to do some good.

George Lutes sadly informed us about one of his friends who was lost in the wilderness. Jim Ackland mentioned that member Jim Edwards might well be one of the ones who are looking for him.

Guests: Bill Bodell introduced his sponsor into the Montrose-La Crescenta club: Paul Anding--as well as a fellow chiropractor, Ron Bittle. Jim Ackland asked Patsy Christianson to stand up and give us an update on her latest experiences in being a grandmother. She has been to Seattle and three trips to Sacramento. Then Baltimore. But she did miss us and of course we missed her. Harriet Hammons was present and gave her saludos to all. Al Restivo was presented. Ed Moulton led us in a rousing chorus of "Hi Neighbor". Then on to "Row, Row, Row Your Boat". Then Ed took the daring step of breaking us up into groups--a "round". It almost worked but it certainly gave us some laughs. Ed experienced a little problem turning it off.

Patsy Christianson announced her birthday on the 25th--not another round but a nice "Happy Birthday!"

Happy/Sad Bucks: Harold (Hal) Thomas gave out that he had finally put in the application for his lovely wife Julia Thomas. He gave generously something for Descanso Gardens being chosen as one of the outstanding places in the United States. Jack Dawson gave one for getting along so well with his mother-in-law. George Lutes gave some sad bucks for his friend who is lost. Sookie Mathews gave some for George's lost friend's safe return and a happy buck as well. Daryal Gant gave for the continued success of the Mars rover. Glenn Petit gave for our member Bill Pickering who put our first person in space. Patsy Christianson gave a prayerful and happy buck for Ken Lowe's wife Marge who is recuperating in the hospital.

Frosty's Challenge: Frosty Boyd disclosed a joke about a preacher and a horse. George Lutes challenged with one about a preacher and some boys having a contest. Finally Frosty won!

Special Days: Bill Wiederkehr celebrated an anniversary of 45 years.

Announcements: Karl Johnson announced a major idea for change in our raffle. You win an opportunity to draw a white or orange ball out of a bag. White means the pot continues to grow. Orange means you get one-half of the pot. Things might get exciting when the pot gets big. Howard Backer asked "Who exactly would keep track of it?" "You are, Howard", is the answer. We used to have the same thing (Howard went on to explain) when Joel Smith was president but then someone stole the bag and it was the only time that the President ever lost his marbles. . . . Uhhhh . . . .

Anyway, the plan for the 50/50 will start next week. Whatever white or orange ball is drawn will be taken out of play. So the odds should get interesting . . . . .

Mid-Year South Conference February 21: Jim Ackland gave a brief report on the DCM meeting: February 21 will be the next conference--the Mid-Year South Conference. Saturday, February 21 at 8:30 AM at the Burbank Hilton. We want to get forty attendees. There will be seminars on Electronic Publications, Public Relations, Total K, Youth Projects, How To Run A Club Meeting, Membership 6 Pack: Growth Revolution, Fund-Raising Projects. I'm taking Strategic Planning, Electronic Publications, Top Fund Raising Projects and Patriotic Projects--how about you? Clyde Hemphill has the sign-up sheet.

Kudos: at the DCM all the clubs were talking about the many things they do--none of which were as good as what we do. Diane DellaValle put on a dynamite Christmas party. Daryal Gant has had about 6 interclubs when the closest "competitor" had only about 4.

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

Wine Dinner—“Dining for Youth”—at Brookside, Thursday night, April 1. Social hour 6PM.

Dine-Around April 24: Diane DellaValle announced the "It's Never Too Soon For Another Social"--social--on Saturday, April 24. It's a "Dine-Around". Willing hosts can sign up--where else?--on the sign-up sheet. (Somebody explain the concept of "dine-around" again to me. Somebody hosts it and then people bring stuff?) Remember: Dine-Around, Saturday, April 24.

Bachy Bachmayer reminded us to contribute to the little buckets for Children's Hospital.

Jim Ackland asked us if we had gone on the internet. Why? This writer is puzzled too. Anybody know? Is it just me?

Sheila Cook announced that "Opera" will be the next program. They say it's terrific.

Fines: The bucket was filled (a bit) for not-having-your-pin-on.

Secret Greeter: It was Dave Spence (who came in at the last minute).

50/50: "Betsy Ross" (our speaker) pulled out a ticket and announced that Patsy Christianson was the winner!

Program: Sheila Cook introduced our speaker Debbie Mcintyre, from the Forest Lawn speaker's program. Debbie was dressed like Betsy Ross and showed us some slides along with giving us a little talk about Betsy Ross. She told us all about the fascinating Betsy Ross who was present during the Founding of our wonderful Republic. Sheila Cook graciously presented Debbie with a cup in appreciation.

Closing: Ed Moulton led us in the "Star-Spangled Banner".

Dates to Remember:

Saturday, February 21 : Mid-Year South Conference

Thursday April 1: Wine Dinner—“Dining for Youth”—at Brookside, social hour 6PM.

Saturday April 24: Dine-Around

Next Program: “Opera” Don’t miss it!

Never Give Up: “If I had thought about it, I wouldn’t have done the experiment, the literature was full of examples that said you can’t do this.” Spencer Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3-M “Post It” notepads.