Donald L. Lydy Art Exhibit - Art for Architects and Other Lovers of Fine Things

Don Lydy is a dedicated 32-year member of GAG Kiwanis. After a successful architectural practice that spanned five decades, Don has turned his focus to painting full-time. Although he has painted off and on all his life, his priorities always involve his role as an architect in the community. This architectural influence is obvious in his painting style. Don’s favorite media is a combination of acrylic paint and ink. While Don covers a wide range of subject matter, his emphasis is frequently on streetscapes, historic buildings, and historic architectural themes.

The opening of Don’s latest art exhibition was celebrated with a wine and cheese party May 18, at the dental office of Dr. Doug Grosmark, 6398 Del Cerro Blvd. in San Diego. Many of Don’s fellow Kiwanians, friends, family and admirers joined him for this exciting event. Fifty five paintings, that represents two years of work, were on display.  Seven pieces were sold and he had offers of intent for three others. Don commented "I love it when people opt for original art instead of prints. Selling a painting isn't about the money, it's validation that someone likes it." The exhibit will run for three months. Anyone is welcome to walk in during business hours to see them.

The Kiwanis Club of Grantville-Allied Gardens is proud to claim this talented artist as a dedicated member and a valued friend!

05-19-2012 15:35:52    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

The Eliminate Project Fund Raiser
 
With The Eliminate Project, Kiwanis International and UNICEF have joined forces to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. This deadly disease steals the lives of nearly 60,000 innocent babies and a significant number of women each year. The effects of the disease are excruciating — tiny newborns suffer repeated, painful convulsions and extreme sensitivity to light and touch.
 
To eliminate MNT from the Earth by 2015, 129 million mothers and their future babies must be immunized. This requires vaccines, syringes, safe storage, transportation, thousands of skilled staff and more. It will take US$110 million — and the dedicated work of UNICEF and every member of the Kiwanis family. The project will reach the poorest, most neglected mothers and babies with additional lifesaving health care. The end of this one disease means the beginning of better health for so many families.
 
In order to raise funds for this important project, our club designed and sold 238 Eliminate Mother's Day cards. The purchase of each card honored a mother here and will now help another mother and her future children, a world away. We are grateful to those who helped us raise $521 for this worthwhile cause and made our card campaign a big success!

To learn more about maternal/neonatal tetanus, go to: ELIMINATE

05-18-2012 11:22:53    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

News from our Sponsored Service Leadership Programs

K-Kids at Hearst Elementary School (Dr. Doug Grosmark, Kiwanis Advisor):  A food drive by the K-Kids (assisted by Kiwanis members) will be held on May 18 for the MCAS Miramar military wives and family food locker.  Kiwanians are urged to bring donations to the G.A.G. Kiwanis meeting on May 17.  The kids recently made a video to announce this worthwhile project to their fellow classmates and share with them the reward of helping others.

Builders Club at Lewis Middle School (Dr. Byron Y. Newman, Kiwanis Advisor):  Members have recently been collecting pet food and other supplies for donation to local animal shelters. Builders Club is also collecting coins for Lymphoma and Leukemia society.  Officer elections will be held in May, when the club will also be busy with a Kiwanis breakfast meeting takeover and the SpringFest parade and activities.

Key Club at Patrick Henry High School (John Crawford & Kathy Butterstein, Kiwanis Advisors):  Four Key Club members plus advisor Therese Frerichs, attended the sixty-sixth annual Cali-Nev-Ha District convention in Santa Clara from April 13-15. The club earned recognition for membership increase (membership is up to 87), received a Distinguished Kiwanis Family Award for working with Kiwanis Clubs, Circle K Clubs, and other K Clubs.  PHHS Key club earned the “Most Improved Club” for its efforts over the past year.  Immediate Past President Andrew Tran was presented the Award by District Governor Erinn Wong. New officers have taken over with Vanessa Nguyen- President, Margaret Do-Vice President, Steve Lu-Secretary, Amy Tran-Treasurer. Members recently helped at an Elks Lodge benefit, volunteered at the Creek-to-Bay Cleanup of the San Diego River, and entertained the Kiwanis Club of Grantville-Allied Gardens on April 5, when they held a takeover of the breakfast meeting.  Club members participated in the Miracle Mile of Quarters on May 5, and are planning to participate in the SpringFest parade and activities on May 11 and 12.

Circle K Club at San Diego State University (Boyd Sauter & Chrissy Tanoura, Kiwanis Advisors):  New officers are Amanda Willis-President, Hilario "Rio" Moncado-VP Admin., Allie White-VP Service, Stephanie Fryar-Secretary, and Lisa Kanemori-Treasurer. Current projects include EMBRACE program, set up to feed and clothe the homeless; help with New Entra Casa projects, La Jolla Half Marathon and the Relay for Life in conjunction with the American Cancer Society.  Numerous other projects are listed on their website.  End of year banquet was held on May 5 at Faith Presbyterian Church. New officers and board members were inducted, Immediate Past President Scott Frame was honored for his outstanding service and inspiration to the club. Accolades were given to many of the enthusiastic members of Circle K and their advisors.  The club’s entry of quarter artwork in the Miracle Mile of Quarters on May 5 won FIRST place in their division! 

05-18-2012 11:09:58    Posted by: Mary Haas

Allied Gardens Little League Donation

Thanks in large part to our Christmas tree sales, we are able to support the children of our community.  On Tuesday, April 10, our president Luisa Moore presented a check for $500 to the Allied Gardens Little League.  Accepting our donation was coach John Erlanson, the son of Dave Erlanson, a member of our Kiwanis club.  Luisa was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch.  She did us all proud by throwing a perfect pitch into the strike zone! 

04-25-2012 19:27:58    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

In Memory of Oscar Edward Knight, III - A Beloved Kiwanian

Sunrise: September 6, 1939 to Sunset: April 1, 2012.  First born son and second child of Oscar Edward Knight, Jr., and Margaret Lavert Hubbard Knight. Oscar was born in Memphis, Tennessee where his parents ran the local grocery store and at the age of six, he and his family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio.

Oscar attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and was member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant and achieved the rank of Captain. His military career included tours of duty in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. He served as an Airborne Ranger and was awarded the Bronze Star. He met and married the love of his life, Gladys Moore and together, they are the proud parents of three daughters, Tracey Roberts; Piper Knight; and Tuesdae Knight.

After leaving his active duty service, he and his young family re-located to San Diego where he became branch manager for Bank of America and then President of Pacific Coast Bank in southeast San Diego. Upon leaving that position he founded and became CEO of Knight Financial Services where he served until his illness would no longer permit. For 35 years he was ably, lovingly, and loyally assisted by his Administrative Assistant, Joyce Gordon. During this time, Oscar also earned his Master of Business Administration degree from National University and went on to teach many classes in business and banking at community colleges throughout the San Diego area.

In addition to his lifelong love of basketball, his commitment to being of service to his community led to a long and fulfilling relationship with Kiwanis International. As a Kiwanian for more than 30 years, Oscar had a long and significant record, serving as president of the La Mesa Club, Lieutenant Governor, Governor of Cal-Nev-Ha and lastly International Trustee. In addition to traveling extensively throughout the United States, his duties took him to Iceland, Japan and Switzerland. His selfless dedication to humanity led to many acts of generosity and kindness to his neighbors when they were in need, especially during the devastating East County fires. Oscar always showed up to help with a smile and many words of encouragement. He will be lovingly missed by all who knew him.

Services were  held at the Alpine Community Center at 1830 Alpine Blvd., 91901 at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 7. 

04-07-2012 23:33:13    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Kiwanis Club of Grantville-Allied Gardens Honors San Diego Student Scientists - March 21, 2012

Seven Pershing Middle School eighth graders won prizes and/or certificates for their outstanding experiments and presentations at the 58th Greater San Diego County Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) in Balboa Park. Pershing sent 37 students who showcased their experiments with beautiful displays.The students were mentored by Pershing Middle School science teachers Susan Benson and Lance Justice. Kiwanian Byron Newman served as one of the judges.

First Place: Wesley Cooksy - Project: So Cool: Fans in the Wind Tunnel. (Cooksy also won a top prize by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.)

Second Place : Olga Bronshteyn - Project: Battling Bacteria:  Which Hand-Washing Method Works Best? (Olga also won prizes in the SD County Dental Society and the SD Society of Health-System Pharmacists.)

Third Place : Quintin Romano - Project: Which Glue is the Best for You?

Honorable Mention :

1. Tanner Galvan - Project: Watching our World Fall Apart.
2. Sydney Sporl - Project: Smell it.
3. Nicolas Armenta - Project: Some Like it Hot.

4. Amanda Morgan - Project: Propagate or Terminate.

Wesley Cooksy and Olga Bronshteyn will be presenting their projects to the members of our club at our meeting on April 12 (7 A.M. at the Allied Gardens Park Recreation Center). 

04-01-2012 11:59:41    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

International and District Conventions in 2012

CAL-NEV-HA Kiwanis Mid-Year Conference South. February 11, 2012.  Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA. For more information, click here.

97th Annual Kiwanis International Convention, June 28 - July 1, 2012. New Orleans, Louisiana.  For more information, click here.

92nd Annual CAL-NEV-HA District Convention, August 16-18, 2012.
Santa Clara Hyatt Regency, Santa Clara, California.  More information, click here.

03-06-2012 09:49:27    Posted by: Mary Haas

Save a Life Golf Tournament                    Friday, November 18, 2011

Kiwanian Doug Grosmark is an ardent supporter of the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation, which is committed to preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest/Death (SCA/D) in high school aged children through Awareness, Education and Action. Saving lives is paramount to this organization's mission and prevention is its goal. 

Their 2nd Annual Fundraiser, the EP Save a Life Golf Tournament, is fast approaching.   This year, they are fortunate enough to have both Bob Scanlan and Mark Grant as their Emcees! It is sure to be a fantastic event! Supporters will join in for a fun day of golf, dinner and auction! Last year, the Golf Tournament was a huge success and they raised enough funds to purchase 17 EKG machines!  So far they have screened over 3000 San Diego students and detected 57 with heart anomalies and 30  students who are at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest!  To learn more about this life-saving organization, the golf tournament and the way you can help, click here.

11-10-2011 19:50:04    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Key Club Regional Training Conference - October 29, 2011

by John Crawford

More than 360 students (and a few dozen adults) from all over San Diego County converged on Taft Middle School in Serra Mesa on Saturday, October 29th to travel back in time... back to the 80's!  The Key Club Regional Training Conference brought high-school volunteers from Regions 1 and 2, representing six different Key Club divisions and nearly 40 different schools.  Students from Vista to Chula Vista, from La Jolla to La Mesa, from San Ysidro to San Marcos gathered on campus to learn about Kiwanis and battle for the coveted Spirit Trophy.

There were plenty of activities to keep the students busy during the day and into the night.  First, San Diego Parks and Recreation Department ranger Jason Allen arrived on campus to lead a cleanup of Ruffin Canyon, right next door to the middle school.  There was a service fair open and available during the registration period, and after the final bell rang at the end of the day, there was still a variety of late-night activities to enjoy.  Most students took part in the 80's Dance, but others enjoyed karaoke, 80's Jeopardy, Key Club Jeopardy, Pac-Man, and other fun.

The biggest draw at the training conference, of course, were the educational workshops available.  Adults enjoyed seminars for Key Club advisors and a lesson in social media.  Students were given tips on public speaking, leadership, and (thanks to the SDSU and UCLA Circle K clubs) helpful hints on applying to colleges.  There were lots of officer training workshops, plus presentations on important District and International programs such as the Eliminate Project and Pediatric Trauma Prevention.  One workshop, hosted by John Crawford, taught students how to properly use Parliamentary Procedure, using motions and spirited debates to create a "trail mix" treat for all members to enjoy.

Motivational speaker Chad Williamson and Kiwanis International Trustee Oscar Knight made popular presentations to the crowd before giving way to some of the more silly events -- a costume contest, a talent show, a dance competition, and a contest for Key Club advisors.  Key Club members were allowed -- just this once! -- to wrap their advisors in toilet paper until they resembled Egyptian mummies.  Each of the winning advisors was presented with a $10 gift card to Chili's as a "thank you" gift.

Many of the students arrived in costume -- dressed in neon colors, legwarmers, headbands, wild hair, and everything you might expect from an 80's tribute.  (Remember... these students weren't around for the 80's, so for them, RTC was more of a history lesson than an exercise in nostalgia.)  Patrick Henry High School had the largest delegation of any school, with 28 members, but their division could only manage second place in the Spirit Contest.  The newly-formed Division 37 East "Jellyfish" (covering Escondido, San Marcos, and Valley Center) earned the right to take home the traveling spirit trophy at the end of the day.  Quite an accomplishment!

Most students seemed to enjoy the 1980's celebration, and thanks to Tierrasanta Kiwanis member Mike George (principal at Taft Middle School), the day turned out to be highly successful from start to finish.  Now, the process begins again... Key Club leaders and advisors will gather together to review the event and determine ways to make next year's RTC even bigger and better.

11-03-2011 15:35:59    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Key Club FUN-RAISER at Souplantation

On Thursday evening, October 20, the Patrick Henry High School Key Club took part in a fund raiser at Souplantation.  Key Club will receive fifteen percent of the sales generated by members and friends of Key Club and Kiwanis.  By 7:00 a lot of supporters had shown up and it appeared everyone was having a great time with good food and fun conversation!

10-20-2011 19:35:23    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Pat and Bob's Last Stand!

Our September 29th meeting was President Pat Jordan's last time to welcome us as president.  Next week he will be the Immediate Past President as Luisa Moore becomes our leader.  Also today, our esteemed charter member, Bob Frankhouser, relinquished his long running role as chairman of the House Committee.  For as long as anyone can remember, Bob has been at the rec center every Thursday at 5:30 A.M. to prepare for our 7:00 meetings.  From now on he will be our guest instead of our host!  It was noted today that both Pat and Bob were all smiles as they look back on jobs well done.  We thank them both for their service.

(Left)  President Pat Jordan bangs the gavel for the last time.

(Right)  Bob Frankhouser prepares his last Kiwanis breakfast.

10-03-2011 23:59:10    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Kathy Coleman Day - July 28, 2011

Councilmember Marti Emerald was at Brothers Family Restaurant on July 28 to honor manager Kathy Coleman's volunteerism in our community.  Councilmember Emerald proclaimed this day to be "Kathy Coleman Day" in the city of San Diego.  Kathy's restaurant was packed for the celebration.  Many present consider Kathy to be the "Angel of Allied Gardens".  Grantville-Allied Gardens Kiwanis members were on hand to congratulate Kathy. 

Kathy's restaurant is the go-to place for breakfast orientation meetings for our new members. We are also grateful for the support Kathy gives to our on-going Miracle Mile of Quarters campaign. Thanks to the generous donations from her customers  and other community businesses, we were able to donate $3022 this year to the Rady Children's Hospital.  

We wish to congratulate Kathy and thank her for all she does to help make Allied Gardens a great place to live!

(left)          Councilmember Emerald, Kathy and Henry Coleman

(center)  Kathy and her staff

(right)    Kathy and members of the Grantville-Allied Gardens Kiwanis Club

07-28-2011 17:12:38    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein

Builders Club End-of-Year Celebration - June 10, 2011

Lewis Middle School Builders Club ended their successful and active year with a bonfire on Mission Bay.  Students, parents and club sponsors from the Grantville-Allied Gardens Kiwanis Club enjoyed fire roasted hotdogs, pizza, smores and other delicious delights.  The highlight of the event was the  presentation of awards to honor the students' school spirit and support for their community.

2010-2011 Board members                 Builder of the Year: Alexcia Lopez
President: Brianna Pinto
Vice President:  Kelly Imlay                 President's Choice: Alexcia Lopez
Secretary:  Sarah Sawyer
Treasurer:  Rachel Schmeltzer            Mike Silveria Award:  Brianna Pinto

(Left) Board members with advisor Dr. Newman     (Center)  Advisor Mrs. Enrile with Brianna Pinto     (Right) 2010-2011 Club members and families        

06-15-2011 20:10:47    Posted by: Kathy Butterstein