Speaker
Today's program was presented by Ray and Louise Nelson on the organization Guitars Not Guns.
Their mission is to provide guitars and lessons to foster children and other youth at risk, regardless of ability to pay. They also provide mentoring of children by inviting professional musicians, teachers, entertainers, producers and other music related professionals to speak to the children to make them aware of the opportunities a life in music can provide.
Their goal is to stop the violence in schools. They divert as many children as possible from the self-destructive behaviors of drugs, alcohol, crime and gang activity. By exposing children and teens to music they hope to engage their creative potential and offer them an alternative to the increasingly narrow array of choices presented them.
The idea started in 1992 with Ray and Louise Nelson and their desire to help the foster children in their home. It was through this experience with foster kids that Ray decided to help by providing guitars and lessons not only for their foster kids but others as well. In June 2002 Guitars not Guns started its first guitar class with two volunteer teachers at the Social Services building in San Jose, CA and they have been going strong ever since.
Senior Luncheon
This Saturday the Sr. Luncheon will be held at the Cupertino Senior Center. The work begins at 9am and everyone is expected to participate. We're looking forward to another outstanding event!
Kiwanian Of The Year
In 2 weeks we will be voting for Kiwanian of the Year, so be thinking about who you feel deserves the prestigious honor this year.
Joker - Joker
Dave G. won the ability to draw from the deck today and pulled a four.
Prizes Needed
It's that time again. We need as many prizes for the golf tournament raffle as possible. If you have anything to donate please let Dave G. know. Also, if you have a great idea for a prize, please don't be afraid to solicit.
And, we need players so sign up yourselves, your friends, your in-laws and your in-laws in-laws. Let's make this the best tournament ever!!
Have You Heard The One About??????
Q: How many guns does the US need to combat an enemy?
A: Two: one to shoot and one to sell them so they can shoot back.
Upcoming Events
September 8 - Board Meeting
September 10 - Sr. Luncheon
September 24/25 - Cupertino Jubilee
September 28 - Officer Installation Dinner
October 10 - Golf Tournament
Look Who's Coming
September 13 - Grant Barnes, Golfing in Bhutan
October 4 - Ted Cheeseman, EcoSafari's
October 11 - Dennis Whitaker, Save Our City Campaign
Happy/Sad Dollars
Dave G. paid a happy dollar because he will be able to attend at least a portion of this years senior luncheon.
Clark paid a happy and sad dollar. The sad because he finally got around to checking out the sore throat he's had for 6 months only to discover that it's cancer. The happy because it is very treatable and highly curable.
When I inquired of Richard why he wasn't listed as a happy dollar contributor at first he didn't know what I meant. Then an epiphany. He missed last weeks meeting because he was in Las Vegas playing dress up with his granddaughter, Kaitlyn. He owes the club $1.
Board of Directors Actions
At last weeks BOD meeting it was decided that we would donate $1000 to the Katrina relief effort. It has not yet been determined if the money will be donated through the Red Cross or through the Kiwanis Foundation.
Finally, the bookcases from the Bring-Me-A-Book Foundation are ready to be placed. One is going into a battered woman's shelter in Sunnyvale and the other to a Westside homeless shelter.
Miscellaneous Fines
Dale paid a $2 fine because he missed last week's board meeting; he slept thru it. He was fined another dollar for the unforgivable act of calling Dave Madame President.
Out 'n About
in Cambria. His roll of the dice netted the club $6 in fine money.
This 'n That
Ray handed out new club rosters. with everyone's current telephone, address, email, etc. If you missed getting yours, see Ray.
He also reminded us that it's time to renew our Safeway club cards so that the club can get credit for all our purchases there.
