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The La Kawañian

March 31, 2004
Barry Riedel, Editor

Opening: Martha Crockett gave us the benefit of her wonderful piano playing and received a big round of applause for it. Ed Moulton led us all in "God Bless America". Carl Gieseke led us in the pledge. Dick DeGrey read some passages from a favorite book and gave the invocation.

We were happy to see Shirley DeGrey back after her accident. Likewise it was great to see President Jim Ackland back and looking hale and hearty.

Guests: Pat Anderson introduced her two special people Stephanie Levy and Windy Gayner, from the Chamber of Commerce. We had a West Glendale Gateway interclub with Carl Moseley--a cousin of Jim Ackland-- introducing the immediate past president, Carl Raggio and member Wendell Will. Anthony Portantino confessed that today is his anniversary and thanked Jim Ackland for reminding him. Anthony introduced Jon Mobafsky of Parks & Recreation and Councilman Greg Brown. Mark Alexander introduced several staff members: Eve Kostaloniz of Public Works, Carl Anea administrative intern from USC and Ann Wilson, an analyst. Daryal Gant introduced two of our newer members, Frank Ragazzi and his wife Rosemary Ragazzi. Dave Spence introduced Mayor Pro Tem Laura Olassho and Anthony Portantino who needs no introduction but got one anyway—as well as Greg Brown (who is receiving the sewer treatment this week). Ed Moulton led us in "Hi Neighbor".

Terrific Kids: Jim Ackland pointed out the many good things we do as a club including something terrific: Pat Anderson introduced the Terrific Kids and their families: four students from LCE: Alexandra Antonoplis, parents Robert and Nancy. Alexandra likes math is a member of the 6th grade council and a wonderful softball player. Patrick Hobart was presented with his parents Dana and Laura and Grandmother Hobart. Patrick is a member of the 6th grade council, chairman of the spirit committee, led the book drive, enjoys mountaineering, skiing and basketball. Also, Alexander Ward with his mother Caroline. Alexander is a terrific soccer player, also plays basketball and is interested in science and math and plays piano. Last but not least Catherine Werrick, Brad and Melissa, parents. Her favorite subjects are Social Studies and enjoys sports and wants to be a teacher or psychologist. Each student received a gift certificate from La Cañada Books and Toys and the balloon tied to the back of their chairs!

Ed Moulton gave an additional honor to each parent: a bumper sticker saying "I am a proud parent of a Terrific Kid".

New Member: Paul Westmoreland then proceeded to induct Shirley DeGrey into the club. Husband Dick DeGrey pinned the Kiwanis pin on Shirley with a kiss. Ed Moulton led us in a rousing version of "You're In Kiwanis Now" as we heartily welcomed Shirley into the club.

Bob Wallace was asked by Jim Ackland why we won't have a board meeting tomorrow night: We will be having our Dining for Youth Fundraiser tomorrow night at Brookside. If you haven't signed up, talk to Bob Wallace and he'll squeeze you in. There will be 31 silent auction items and four courses for dinner for 65 people so far.

April 8 will be the board meeting. "January 8" if you are Jim Ackland.

Anniversaries: Anthony Portantino contributed generously for his 14th anniversary.

Happy/Sad Bucks: Clyde Hemphill acted as sergeant-at-arms. Bea Cirar gave for her niece who is out of ICU in Washington DC. Dick DeGrey contributed to the pot to honor his wife Shirley who just joined the club. Ed Moulton had a happy, uneventful trip to Mazatlan and thereabouts on a cruise with 23 in his party, including children, spouses, great-grandchildren.

Frosty's Challenge: Frosty Boyd told a short groaner about women making coffee. Patsy Christianson remarked that in Kentucky they brew something else. Frosty Boyd won by default.

Announcements: Jim Ackland suggested that the Foothill-2Fwy park be named the "William Pickering Memorial Park" Jack Dawson raffled off Saturday April 10 seats for the symphony in the best seats in the house. Ed Moulton won the bidding. Paul Westmoreland announced a Soap Box Derby committee next meeting Tuesday April 6 7PM at Descanso, Van De Kamp Hall. All invited. Ed Moulton announced our coming programs: 4/7 John Goddard, April 14, Soap Box Derby update, 4/21 craft talks from newest members, 4/28 Rachel Werbe, Musical Director of Summer Pops Concerts.

Pat Anderson reminded about the Chamber of Commerce April Mixer, April 15 at the Sports Chalet headquarters. It is the emergency preparedness mixer. Bachy Bachmayer reminded us to give generously to the Children’s Hospital. Clyde Hemphill gave out some Total K Day certificates, giving recognition to Jim Ackland, Ed Moulton and Jack Dawson for the 2d time since he left his certificate from the last meeting! Barry Riedel reminded us about the April 10 “Biblical Treasures of Turkey” Travel Adventures at Flintridge Prep.

 

Program Dave Spence first pointed our attention to guest Carl Raggio who is the former Mayor of Glendale and former member of the board of Bob Hope Airport. Dave went on to introduce Stephen Del Guercio, Mayor of La Cañada Flintridge. Steve gave us an informative up-date on our lovely city. Steve Del Guercio grew up in LCF. He came here when he was 10. He has 4 generations of family living in La Cañada Flintridge and cares about what happens in LCF. He first ran for Council in 2001 and is Mayor this year.

50/50 Raffle: Accumulated proceeds through 3/24 are $228.50 Estimated today is $253.50. Tom Stafford’s ticket was drawn but he could not pull that little orange ball out so the pot keeps growing!

Closing: Ed Moulton led us in "Come On Kiwanis".

Interclubs:

April 7—Wednesday, 12 Noon West Glendale Gateway Club—Masonic Lodge, 244 N. Maryland, Glendale.

April 12—Monday, 6:30 PM, Dinner, Verdugo Hills Club—American Red Cross Bldg, 1501 S. Brand, Glendale

April 28—Wednesday, 7:30 AM, La Cañada AM Club, Church of the Lighted Window, 1200 Foothill, LCF

Soap Box Derby: The 5th annual Greater Los Angeles Soap Box Derby sponsored by our club will be on Saturday, May 29th this year. This is a service project that had 58 racers last year and we expect at least that amount this year. This project is great one to help with. It does take a Saturday, but is usually rewarding in seeing the excited kids during the race. Committee chairmen will be asking for help. This is a great activity to support.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

April 7: John Goddard, Travelogue Filmmaker, world traveler and photographer

April 14: Soap Box Derby Plans

April 21: Craft Talks, New Members

April 28, Rachel Worby, Musical Director of Pasadena Pops

DATES TO REMEMBER:

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

Saturday, April 10: Travel Adventures “Biblical Treasures of Turkey”

Saturday April 24: Dine-Around

Saturday May 29: Soap Box Derby