THE KIWANIAN Bulletin of the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club
June 18, 2003	Carol Lawson, Editor --Howard Seeb, Photographer
STARTERS: President-Elect Rick Koenig chaired the meeting today. The ladies choir led God Bless America, visitor Chris Miller led the pledge and Father Earl prayed. GUESTS: Guests today were Chris Miller from the Beach Reporter, Jon McCormack from the Hermosa Arts Foundation, and returning visitor Charlie Cheatam from Public Works Commission. BIRTHDAYS: Dianne Lombardo (6/19) and Nick Panino (6/19) weren't here today, but we sang to chef's helper Patty Balog whose birthday was today. DRINK DISPENSER/FINK/LATE: Whit caught Cary and Jane and keeps trying to get all the guests. No fink today.	UPCOMING EVENTS-MARK YOUR CALENDARS: · 6/20-24 Kiwanis International Convention-Indianapolis -Rick K and Greg W are going as delegates. · 6/24 Interclub at Manhattan Beach - noon - Sam has sign-up sheet. Manhattan Beach Country Club. · 7/2 BOARD MEETING (NOTE: WED. NIGHT INSTEAD OF THURSDAY BECAUSE OF HOLIDAY) · 7/15 DCM in Lomita - Eastview hosts · 7/16 Loreto Picnic - Valley Park - noon · 7/26 New Officer/Director training in Lomita 9:00 a.m. · 8/13-17 CalNevHa Convention in Sacramento · 9/25 Div. 19 Installation at Papadakis Taverna in San Pedro. - Sign-up sheet will be passed later.
Welcome Jane: Arts Foundation Check:	INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBER JANE WALKER: Membership Chairman Howiee and Sponsor Cathy inducted Jane Walker who is new in town from New York (orig. Wash DC). She was a buyer for Lord & Taylor and a free lance entertainment reporter. She's looking forward to being involved in community service and making new friends in Hermosa. HERMOSA ARTS FOUNDATION: Yvonne and Paul presented a check for $5000 to Jon McCormack for the Hermosa Arts Foundation for the use of the Christmas Tree lot. Funds are used for programs and improvements at the Community Center.
PROGRAM: Today's program was Mike Valante from Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse. It was founded in 1993 and has several thousand members. Over 1.5 million civil lawsuits were filed in California in 1999, it takes too long for legitimate claims to be heard. Their group wants to give judges more power to declare lawsuits frivolous. They point out that a small percentage of lawyers take cases just for publicity and possible easy money. Clients press claims for their own mistakes -- "I made a mistake -- who can I blame and how much money can I get?". People should take more personal responsibility for their actions. He described several recent lawsuits showing the craziness going on in the courts. The powerful Trial Lawyers Association contributes billions to politicians to protect the position of plaintiff's lawyers. See their website at cala.com for more info re their positions.	HAPPY/SAD DOLLARS: Sam was happy re Jane a new member and re Greg R donation of generator to ARC live-in facility; Cathy happy to be Jane's sponsor, happy re sold duplex and bought new house project, happy re art scholarships; Howie happy re Jane's nice comments about his orientation lunch; Chris Miller sad to report McFadden family illness; Yvonne happy re $5000 to Arts Foundation, and re Howie's orientation lunch and Jane a new member; Terry happy re Amelia Rae Bose, new granddaughter born last Thursday, sad re McFadden illness; Dano happy that he had a chance to know the McFaddens and glad Chris mentioned it; Whit sad re Chris not shaking his hand (he got a handshake & a hug); Joe sad he didn't get to chat with Jim Fucile when he visited because he was "snoring like H#%&"; Greg W happy drunk driver who hit him sentenced to 2 years in jail; Jerry sad re School Board probably building gym next to his house - he will leave town; Bob sad re president losing so much weight he didn't recognize him; Rick happy re Jane, sad re McFaddens, happy/sad re Jim, happy re scholarships.
Visitor Chris: Happy Birthday Patty:		RAFFLE: Cary had the winning ticket but drew the 3 of hearts. Pot was $886, 9 cards left, daily take was $66. FINK: Next week is #374.	Do Good, Have Fun, Hail Kiwanis