OPENING:  Our fifty-sixth annual Installation of Officers started at 6:30 p.m. with libations on the patio while everyone had a chance to visit and enjoy the piano music of Will Kaplan.  The dinner tables were lovingly decorated by Patsy Christenson.  The warmth of the candles and magnolia branches drew us in, and Pres Jim Ackland called us to our seats about 7:15 p.m.  We then sang God Bless America under the direction of Ed Moulton and accompanied by Martha Crockett.  Lloyd Welch led the flag salute and Diane DellaValle gave the invocation. 

AFTER DINNER:  Master of Ceremonies, Bill Scherkey, gave a brief overview of the accomplishments of the club under the leadership of President Jim Ackland.  Our service projects continued to expand and fundraising was very successful.  Bill commended Pres Jim on leaving the club in such good financial condition.

PRESENTATIONS:  Bill described some of the specific activities of our sponsored Key Clubs, Builder’s Club, and the “K” Kids Club and had special certificates for the leaders of those clubs:  Ken Lowe, Joan Peters, Karl Johnson, Ed Moulton, and George Lutes. 

The receipient of the annual Gil Smith Award was Paul Westmoreland.  Gil Smith was a member of our club from 1960 to 1982.  He was the director of the Youth House for many years and was the inspiration and guiding influence of many of the local youth.  The Gil Smith Award was established to honor an outstanding club member who exemplifies Gil’s dedication to the club and it’s projects.

Pres Jim received a special commendation from the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce which was presented by Pat Anderson.  Anthony Portantino presented Pres Jim with a certificate from the City of La Cañada Flintridge.  The traditional President’s Album of Memories was given to Jim by Chuck Gulick, and Daryal Gant presented Pres Jim with his president’s gavel - attached to a plaque so Jim couldn’t loose it any more.

CHANGE OF THE GUARD:  Our 2003-2004 Lieutenant Governor, Joe Thompson, retired our 2003-2004 officers and directors.  Nilo Pineda, the incoming Lieutenant Governor, installed our new officers and directors:

OFFICERS 

            President                   Daryal Gant

            President-Elect         Paul Westmoreland