Thanksgiving month kicked off for the San Diego Kiwanis Club when President Mike Boland rang the opening bell on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. President Boland welcomed members and guests and asked Club Treasurer Ryan Callan to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Immediate Past President Judy Leitner then gave a warm invocation that set the tone of the meeting. Instead of a live/virtual singer the Club enjoyed a video from Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja, who is an Indonesian American actress well known for her 2018 rendition of the National Anthem. And we could all see why!

President Boland was eager to welcome guests to the meeting as the first person he greeted was his mother and meeting visitor, Elaine Boland. He also was a happy to acknowledge Carla Camacho from Oceans Discovery Institute who was on hand to report on their recent grant award from the San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation!

While October had a plethora of birthdays with 7 members celebrating milestones, this month does not have the same turn out. The sole November birthday member is Brian Krause. Brian thanked everyone for their warm wishes, especially Club Media Officer Karina Sousa who has great photos like the one below at her fingertips.

The Fines portion of the meeting was next and member Carl Nettleton was called out immediately. He was recently honored by the San Diego Press Club – and did not mention our Club at all! Carl was gracious and agreed to pay $20 – $10 dollars for each award! Congratulations!

         

During the following “Bill’s Buck’s” highlight on the agenda, Club members donated money to the Club in honor of their parents, good news and opportunities, past members and some just “because”.

Karina Sousa has been keeping track of attendance numbers for the Club and declared it time to announce the brand new “Member of the Month” award which will recognize attendance at Club meetings, online socials and volunteer opportunity events. As the drum rolled it was revealed that the first winner was…TWO PEOPLE! Members Steve Morris and Doug Frost tied with their involvement points and will share the honor.

Ocean Discovery Institute was on hand to talk about the recent grant they received from the San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation and how it continues their work. The organization uses ocean science to empower young people from underserved urban communities of color to transform their lives, their community, and the world as science and conservation leaders. Working in the San Diego community of City Heights, they provide continuous science opportunities paired with mentoring and the tools to overcome challenges ensuring that young people unlock their potential. Their programs are provided at no cost to students. Ocean Discovery Institute is proud that their students believe that

A scientist is someone they can be.

They achieve because of it.

They lead by entering high-paying STEM fields and making a difference.

After thanking the presenters President Boland shared upcoming events and opportunities for members and a spontaneous backyard horticulture session took place as meeting attendees asked for and gave advice on residential planting and best practices. Perhaps seeing it was getting out of hand Mr. Boland ended the meeting and encouraged everyone to register for the next three events!

Watch the full video of the luncheon below!