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The La Kawañian

February 11, 2004
Barry Riedel, Editor

Opening: Shirley DeGrey entertained us with some old favorites on the piano ("Let Me Call You Sweetheart", "Side By Side") and got a big appreciative round of applause from us all. Ed Moulton led us in a stirring rendition of "God Bless America" (with harmony yet). Carl Christensen led the flag salute and Glen Petit gave the invocation.

President Jim Ackland informed us that we were blessed with a beautiful audience: the Rose Queen and Court Sheila Cook introduced Leslie Lyons of the Rose Parade. Leslie introduced Howard Boodin--her partner in crime. They escort the wonderful young ladies of the Rose Court. Princess Erin--but that's for later.

Melinda Thompson introduced Carolyn Small who had just led a group of 4th graders through Descanso Gardens.

Dana Schwartz of Descanso Gardens surprised us with some interrogatories about the ransomed gavel--making Jim Ackland live up to his promises and hang the blessed gavel around his neck by a red ribbon.

Al Restivo introduced David Stassity, the father of Princess Laura and the treasurer of the Republican Party in LCF. Ken Lowe presented Jean Benjauthrit and Shereen Aclan

--no relation to President Jim. They are the community relations gals for the Key Club. Pete Palermo introduced his wife Catherine. Dick DeGrey informed us all that he had a membership application that his lovely wife and terrific pianist Shirley DeGrey was going to fill out.

Ed Mouton led us in a big "Hi Neighbor".

Jim Ackland squirmed a bit at wearing the gavel around his neck but we all shouted him down. Jim Reynolds gave the flimsy excuse that he was sitting next to a pretty girl because the Rose Princess had selected that particular sheet next to him. Right.

Announcements: Clyde Hemphill told us about the sign-up sheet for the meeting with the AM Club: Wednesday February 18 at 3:00PM at Descanso--to brainstorm new ideas for a joint project for young children in our community.

Howard Backer--dressed spiffily--said that no one recognized him today on account of his fine attire. Howard told us about the Mid-Year South Conference February 21 at the Hilton Burbank hotel. The club is registered. We now have 11 people but we would like to get more. It starts bout 8:30 on Saturday February 21. Second: we changed the raffle so we have about $60 plus $30 today so whoever wins today might win a bunch of bucks.

Paul Westmoreland introduced a new member: Julia Thomas, spouse of Hal Thomas and currently a member of the AM club. Since she is already a member she will not have to go through all of the usual ordeals. Hubby Hal pinned the Kiwanis pin on Julia.

Ed Moulton led us in "You're In Kiwanis Now".

Jeb Long told us about his birthday last week and Jeb joined the Century Club! Bob Martin confessed he had a birthday on Valentine's Day and he joined the Century Club!

Happy/Sad Bucks: Bill Watts was sergeant at arms. Carl Christensen had a wonderful 3-week trip along the Oregon coast going up to Vancouver with his family. Dave Spence had a happy buck for seeing Jim Ackland teaching Sunday School and a sad buck for not helping him--since it's against union rules to work on Sunday. Jim Edwards was at a loss for words: Our president lost the gavel. He didn't think $20 was enough. He auctioned Jim Ackland off to the audience. Ed Moulton had a couple of bucks for a dentist appointment that didn't require any drilling. Karl Johnson was pointed out for having his face in the Outlook but--what? No pin? Karl joined Diane DellaValle's company. Diane also had her photo in the paper but she mentioned Kiwanis.

Frosty's Challenge: Frosty Boyd told one about the word "service". Bill Watts responded with a joke about a lonely princess and--what else?--a frog, and a disbelieving mother. By acclaim Frosty won! First time in a long time.

More Announcements: Bob Wallace let us know about the Dining for Youth Dinner on April 1 at Brookside to support our sponsored youth programs. Your participation is encouraged. There will be a silent auction. Diane DellaValle told us about the Dine-Around. Bachy Bachmayer reminded us about the Children's Hospital. Karl Johnson reminded us about printer cartridges, pull tabs and eyeglasses and led us into the 50/50 raffle that Howard Backer won. Howard drew only a skinny little white ball so the pot is now over $100. Barry Riedel nudged us about the up-coming Travel Adventure on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 7:30 PM at Flintridge Prep.

Feb. 17 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

Program: the Rose Court: Sheila Cook introduced Princess Erin of Arcadia HS told us a little about her experiences on the court.

2004 Queen and Rose Court

Princess Christina Mills of Lasalle High School told us about USC and there visit there. Princess Christina wants to go to USC and major in Biology and Religion with a minor in Latin.

Princess Laura of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. Her best recollection was the day of the Rose Parade. It was also Princess Laura's birthday: January 1. She wants to be a physician.

Princess Katherine (Katy) Cook is a senior at Marshall High School in Pasadena. She hopes to study graphic design in college.

Queen Megan shared her favored event of the Rose Court: the Balboa Weekend Getaway where they all became best friends. Her future plans include majoring in nursing at a college back East. She loves working with people.

Sheila Cook opened up the meeting for questions for the Queen and Rose Court. No you can't take them home. No samples either.

Howard Boodin gave us an overview of the Rose Court process and some personal experiences including the four young gentlemen who came through as prospects--but they just wanted tix to the Royal Ball.

Closing: Ed Moulton led us in a rousing “Hail Kiwanis”.

Saturday, February 14: Travel Adventures “Western Canada—Far and Wild”

Saturday, February 21 : Mid-Year South Conference

Saturday, March 20: Total K Day

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

Saturday April 24: Dine-Around

Saturday May 29: Soap Box Derby

Quotes: (on troubles) “You can't have more bedbugs than a blanket-full.”

-- Anonymous Spanish Proverb