SpringFest 2012 - May 11-12, 2012

The 13th annual Allied Gardens SpringFest, May 11 and May 12, was a big success! The Kiwanis Club of Grantville-Allied Gardens actively participated in many of the events including the parade on Saturday morning.  The Kiwanis membership booth offered free sunflower seed planting and coloring projects for kids, as well as information about our club's contributions to the community.  Our exciting theme this year is "Growing in our Community!"  We hope to encourage more folks to join our organization and help us do even more!

05-15-2012 10:08:25    Posted by: Mary Haas

The Saturday morning parade included school groups, bands, community businesses, churches, athletic teams, service groups, and so many of the local youth groups and residents.  Serving as Grand Marshal was our own John Peterson, longtime Kiwanis member.  Club president Luisa Moore and secretary Billie Moore led our Kiwanis group in the parade and Lieutenant Governor Doug Beckham and Governor-Elect Gary Jander greeted the crowd.

05-15-2012 10:08:15    Posted by: Mary Haas

Many of the members of Kiwanis family of clubs participated in the parade, including members of the Lewis Middle School Builders Club and Patrick Henry High School Key club as well as members of Grantville-Allied Gardens Kiwanis Club.  The crowds seemed to be having a very good time.

05-15-2012 10:07:49    Posted by: Mary Haas

A lot of work went into preparing for and participating in SpringFest.  It is always a fun event that brings the Allied Gardens community together for some thrilling rides, delicious food, music and entertainment galore,  and a chance to learn more about our community.  Kiwanis inaugurated this festival 14 years ago and continues to be a strong supporter.

05-15-2012 10:07:30    Posted by: Mary Haas

Our thanks to the SD Flower Shop on Waring Road for the beautiful sunflowers they donated so our little gardners know what to expect!

05-15-2012 10:06:02    Posted by: Mary Haas

Silpada Jewelry Party Fundraiser - April 3, 2012

Our recent Silpada jewelry party fundraiser proved to be a fun and profitable evening!  Twenty two ladies and two lucky guys were on hand to check out the glitz. We raised $300 and also received a $100 necklace we will raffle or auction off at a future fundraiser!  We thank  Mary Engelhardt, our Silpada representative, for helping us reach our goal!

04-05-2012 13:37:15    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Although March 17 dawned rainy and windy, 15 club members, along with our Cal-Nev-Ha Lieutenant Governor, Doug Beckham, Lieutenant Govenor-elect, Tom Bilotta, and 12 students from our sponsored youth clubs, bravely marched in the 32nd AnnuaI St. Patrick's Day Parade. It proved to be a great opportunity for us to highlight our presence in San Diego. It was gratifying to hear the hardy onlookers applaud as we approached, and shout their thanks to us for our positive role in the community. It made us proud to be Kiwanians and glad we were there, in spite of the abysmal weather! (Check it out on YouTube.)

03-27-2012 10:42:00    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Kiwanis District Governor Visits San Diego - March 6, 2012

Cal-Nev-Ha (California-Nevada-Hawaii) Kiwanis District Governor Richard Olmstead made an official visit to Division 21 this week.  A dinner event was held at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park, hosted by   Division 21 Lt. Governor Doug Beckham. Kiwanians came from many clubs throughout the Division.  Representing our club were Luisa Moore, Pat Jordan, John Peterson, Terry Shanklin, John Crawford, Byon Newman, Gene Elmore, and Tony and Mary Haas.

Following a most elegant dinner, Governor Olmstead addressed the gathering of dedicated Kiwanians.  He spoke of ways to improve clubs and increase membership; how to inspire commitment to service; ideas for service projects; how to find good leaders; and make clubs that will continue to be a strong presence in communities.  The Governor presented the Distinguished Service Awards to two Kiwanians.  Our own member, John Peterson, received this special honor for his many years of great service to the San Diego community.   Also receiving the DSA honor was Jeff Ott of the Tierrasanta club. It was a real pleasure to honor these outstanding members who do so much for our communities.  Following a brief meeting with club presidents, a lively raffle for donated gift baskets and some interclub socializing brought this enjoyable evening to a close.

(Left) Veteran's Museum in Balboa Park. (Center) Club members with Governor. (Right) Governor Olmstead presents award to John Peterson.

03-14-2012 22:49:19    Posted by: Mary Haas

02-28-2012 11:55:03    Posted by: Mary Haas

Kiwanis 2011 Christmas Tree Sales Lot Was A Big Success!

A big THANK YOU to the community for your support. Our 23rd annual fundraiser helps finance our community service projects and sponsored programs.

Beautiful trees from Oregon:  tall ones, short ones, Noble Firs, Nordmann Firs, Douglas Firs, Scotch Pines - the right tree for everyone to enjoy! The lot was open daily from November 26 to December 20. All of our members pitched in and worked at this annual event. Thank you to all the hard-working Kiwanians, SDSU Circle K Club members, Patrick Henry High Key Club, Lewis Middle School Builders Club, and community members who gave of their time and energy for a JOB WELL DONE!

A most eloquent article written by our own John Peterson appears in the February 3, 2012 issue of Mission Times Courier. Read more...

A few scenes from the Kiwanis tree lot.

02-03-2012 17:25:14    Posted by: Mary Haas

Kiwanis Family Softball Game - October 8, 2011

SDSU Circle K Club hosted a Kiwanis Family Softball Game on Saturday, October 8th from 1:00-5:00pm at Chollas Lake Little League Field. The event was a chance to socialize and have fun with everyone in the Kiwanis family and participate in some friendly competition. Food, drinks, and raffle tickets were sold with all proceeds benefiting Not For Sale, a nonprofit organization determined to stop human trafficking and end all forms of modern day slavery. Everyone enjoyed a beautiful San Diego day outdoors and had a lot of fun for a good cause.

(Left) Boyd Sauter, Circle K President Scott Frame and Chrissy Tanoura enjoying the day.

(Center)  Batter Up!  Circle K and Kiwanis players might have sore muscles tomorrow!

(Right) Enjoying the food and camaraderie at the softball game.

11-16-2011 18:49:03    Posted by: Mary Haas

2011-2012 Installation Banquet - September 17, 2011

We installed our new officers for the upcoming 2011-2012 Kiwanis year with fun filled, Hawaiian themed Luau on September 17th, at the home of Gary and Amy Blume.  The new officers will guide GAG Kiwanis into its 52nd year of community service in the Allied Gardens, Del Cerro and Grantville area. 

Leading the charge will be our new President, Luisa Moore.  Bob Wall will take over the responsibilities of President Elect, Gary Blume has accepted the office of Vice President, Kevin Tostado will continue his good work as Treasurer, Billie Moore will be our new Secretary and Pat Jordan becomes Past President.  With this fine group of leaders the continued success of GAG Kiwanis is assured.

An important Club honor was presented at this banquet - the Kiwanian of the Year. Kathy Butterstein was honored with this award for her outstanding service and enthusiasm.

(Left) Luisa, Billie, Gary & Bob                                     (Right) President Luisa Moore

11-16-2011 18:48:56    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

(Left) David Rozul, Circle K Paradise Valley Lieutenant Governor & Chrissy Tanoura, Board Member

(Center) Doug Beckham, the incoming Cal-Nev-Ha Lieutenant Governor with our Hawaiian entertainers

(Right) Past President Pat Jordan with his successor, Luisa Moore

11-16-2011 18:48:48    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Beach Bonfire Fridays

Fridays are often beach bonfire days at Mission Bay.  Kiwanians and their families enjoy roasting hotdogs, hamburgers and marshmallows over a roaring fire. A fun, and sometime sticky time, is had by all!

11-16-2011 18:48:11    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Board Meeting - September 1, 2011

To become a permanent member, Brian Arnold needed to attend a board meeting.  He was determined to fulfill this requirement even if it did mean he had to bring his two daughters, Megan and Bridgett Marie, with him! Debbie Yost hasn't lost her touch and helped lull baby Bridgett to sleep!

(left) Brian and daughters                  (right) Debbie and Bridgett Marie

11-16-2011 18:45:23    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Kiwanians Meet Birds!

The San Diego Bird Rescuers joined us at our April 21, 2011 meeting to explain their mission to rehabilitate abandonded and/or abused birds.  It was a real treat to interact with these beautiful animals!

04-21-2011 15:40:43    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Click here to view photos of past events

04-05-2011 09:20:46    Posted by: Mary Haas