Union City Lions Club

LIONS CLUB OF UNION CITY NEWSLETTER
NO. 1 July 6, 2005

Welcome to Lion Carol Dutra-Vernaci’s year as President. Lion Carol assumed the position of President on July 1, 2005, and is looking forward to a great year of service.

REPORT ON FIREWORKS SALES

Once again the Lions of Union City responded to our largest fund raiser of the year. Numbers are not yet final, but Lion Chair Bill Fournell thinks that we grossed over $25,000.00 in sales. We should have net numbers to report to you in our next newsletter. Lions who worked at this event were: Chair Bill Fournell, Joe Kimura, Lydia Hertzler (with friend Margie Tang), Ed Xavier, Jaime Jaramillo, Johny Tahirkheli, Tony Acosta, Helen Kennedy, Cathy Kelly, Mac Sandhu, Fely Kwan, Andy Denoga, Greg Stewart, Laura Stewart, Conrad Preciado, Chuck Harvey, Ida Gueco, Bernard Lipscomb, Steve Miller, Diana LaMountaine, Jim Navarro, Pam Navarro, Joe Albano, Alexander Choi, Alice Huang Sundberg (with husband David), Regis Amann, and stealthy Larry Cheeves.

REPORT ON BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2005

The Food and Wine mixer was discussed in detail. Please see the article later in this newsletter speaking to this subject.
Final numbers were reported for the Luau. Total income was $9802.00. Expenses for food and supplies were $3,467.69. We donated $300.00 to Our Lady of the Rosary Church for use of their hall. We gave the Leos $150.00 for their help. Our profit after expenses was $5,884.31. We gave the Oakland Blind Center $5,000.00 to assist them during their period of crisis.
The Board voted to honor two of our senior members with life memberships with Lions International - Lion Al Rose and Lion Doug Tatum. Both Lions have been members of this club for more than 20 years and both have contributed a great deal to the programs and activities of this club.
Lion Bill Fournell gave his report about fireworks. All is ready.
Lion Carol Dutra-Vernaci gave her final report as Treasurer, handing over the Treasurer’s duties to Lion Fely Kwan.
Lion Jim Navarro reported on the availability of the USS Hornet for use as a fund raiser. The USS Hornet is moored at Alameda and is a retired aircraft carrier.
Lion Christine Friday could not perform her duties as Secretary in 2005-2006, so Lion Linda Fernandes was appointed to be our club Secretary for 2005-2006. Thanks Lion Linda for stepping in.

REPORT ON LIONS OAKLAND BLIND CENTER

Lion PDG Ed Cossart filed the following report:
“CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO ALL.

This morning, during a meeting at OBC, with the some of the key contacts of the Department of
Rehabilitation it was learned that the Center has been restored to the status of Certification for a period of two years. What a great job by all involved. I felt very comfortable that the message of ““fix, replace, repair and reorganize”” is being heard by those that are so involved in the Centers future. We and DOR know there is so much more to do than has been done, but there is confidence we will get it done. We also discussed the process for revising some things that need revising and some new things on the horizon (soon). I was blown away by the acceptance of our vision and approaches to a number of subjects. Certainly the DOR folks had some input and cautions but the positive feedback of the entire morning was so invigorating. To the staff, the management group, the big four (that was three) and the volunteers, thank you so much for your tireless efforts. Each and every one of you have
contributed so much in terms of the quality of the turnaround at the Center and planning for what is
ahead, yet maintaining the services that are helping to keep us alive financially. I would be remiss in not thanking the individual Lions and Lioness, and clubs who have contributed so much in money and time and effort. A lot of what has been, and is to be accomplished will be dependent on your
continued work and generosity. Thank You Thank You Thank You What a great feeling to be associated with such a potentially outstanding place and knowing so many wonderful people. Please take a few days and savior this victory, and then go back to work, after all we see CARF again in a
little over two months. Lion Ed Cossart” WE have too many good Lions in District 4C3 to allow the Oakland Blind Center to close. The money raised from our Luau helped in this effort.

REPORT ON CLUB MEETING OF JUNE 10, 2005

This was our installation dinner. Lion President Rick Sealana presented his awards to club members for their achievements during his year as President. He selected Lion Helen Kennedy as his Lion of the Year.
Nancy Pratt, an artist who lives in Newark, displayed her work named “History of Union City”. Her picture shows the diversity of the people who made Union City. A bridge between Alvarado and DeCoto districts symbolizes the love, joy, and hopes of the residents of Union City. Mayor Tom Kitayama is shown in the center of the picture. Recognition is given to the Portuguese families who started the Holy Ghost festival in Union City in 1862.
Incoming Lion Vice District Governor Gary Wong was our installing officer and it gave him and our members an opportunity to get to know each other better.
Lion Rick gave his farewell remarks and Lion Carol gave her incoming remarks. The torch was passed for another year. Lion Rick accomplished his main goal for the year, to bring the Lions Club of Union City back to Union City.
Lions attending were: Joe Kimura, Mark Tayo, Joe Albano, Bruce Davis, Ed Xavier, Andy Denoga, Jim Navarro, Pam Navarro, Fely Kwan, Edit Guerrero, Rick Sealana, Kathy Sealana, Gary Wong, Steve Miller, Diana LaMountaine, Tony Acosta, Helen Kennedy, Linda Fernandes, Ken Buffum, Laura Syewart, Greg Stewart, Johny Tahirkheli, Don Watson, Gloria Watson, Larry Cheeves, Carol Dutra-Vernaci, Conrad Preciado, Cathy Kelly, and Fely Kwan. Many Lions brought spouses, significant others, family and friends.

REPORT ON CLUB MEETING OF JUNE 23, 2005

Lion President Rick Sealana came to the meeting prepared not to lose his bell and gavel. He had both taped to his body. Unfortunately he could not start the meeting because the bell would not ring out as long as it was taped to his torso. Lion Rick then had to undo his elaborate taping and guard his bell and gavel one last time. To his credit, Lion Rick made it through the meeting without losing his bell or gavel.
We inducted a new member, Lion Lydia Hertzler. Lion Larry Cheeves was the inducting officer and did a commendable job.
Our speaker was David Langer, General Manager of Allied Waste, formerly BFI. Allied waste takes over garbage collection on July 1 in Union City. David told us what we can expect from his company. Sounds like a lot of garbage to me.
Former Lion Dr, Saul Cepada donated over 50 used eyeglasses to our Lions in Sight program.
Lions attending were: Rick Sealana, Johny Tahirkheli, Joe Kimura, Larry Cheeves, Tony Acosta, Helen Kennedy, Don Watson, Gloria Watson, Jaime Jaramillo, Ida Gueco, and Ed Xavier.

REPORT ON FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

Lion Helen Kennedy filed the following report:
“Lions, We're excited to announce that the Union City Lions Club will be one of
the organizations taking part in the second annual Fall Arts Festival in Union City. Save the date: October 8, 2005! This fun event will be held at Old Alvarado Park on Smith St., and it will feature art, wine, food, and live entertainment. Lions members will be asked to volunteer that day to work at the booths pouring wine, so stay tuned for more details in the coming months. We need your help now to spread the word about the event and help us obtain donations and participants. 1) WINE: The Lions are are responsible for lining up a few wineries to participate. If you have a contact in the wine industry, we would appreciate it if you would request a donation of several cases of wine for the event. Please let me know which winery you are approaching, so we don't have two people asking for the same donation. You may use the attached letter to request the donation, but be sure to change the name of the winery, and to add your name at the end. (If we are not able to obtain donations, we may be able to purchase some wine if the winery will offer a discount.) 2) ART: Lion Diane La Mountaine is coordinating the artists, representing the Arts Association. If you know of any creative people who might like to set up a booth and sell some of their work, please send them the Fall Festival Booth Application. The price of a booth is very reasonable, and it is a great opportunity for artists to showcase their work in the City. Diane's phone number is on the form. Questions? Contact anyone on the joint event committee: Tony Acosta - Chairperson for the Lions Diane La Mountaine, Bob Swartz (Union City Friends), Paddy Iyer ( Paddy's Coffee), Linda Fernandes, Chris Valukas (Union City Leisure Services), Helen Kennedy Thanks for your help. We're looking forward to a fun event! Lion Helen Kennedy”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 14, 2005: Regular club evening meeting at eMocha. Meeting starts at 7:00 pm.
July 11, 2005: Board of Directors meeting at Union City City Hall. 7:00 pm.
July 28, 2005: Club lunch meeting to be held at eMocha at noon.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Remember that the club will treat a prospective new member to their first lunch or dinner as our guest. This gives people an opportunity to visit us and see if they have an interest in our club without incurring any financial obligation. You also get to invite a friend to lunch and have that lunch paid for by the club. Such a deal.
Lion Alice Huang has married and is moving to Texas. Following is her email to us about her future plans: “It’s hard for me to say that I have to withdraw my Lion’s membership. It was a great experience for me and it was a great honor to meet so many nice people. But now I’m too far away from Union City, also David is planning to move out of California. I want to have a kid, it’s just too expensive to start a family here in bayarea. So we are thinking about moving to Dallas, TX early next year. Please pass my sincere greeting to other lions. Take care!”

SUNSHINE REPORT

Lion Tom Kitayama is now home from the hospital. He is able to swallow food after chewing it very well. His legs and knees are very weak as a result of the stroke that he suffered. He does a lot of exercises to strengthen his trunk, legs and ankles. Hopefully this will enable him to stand on his own.
Loin Bob Poole is having a wheelchair ramp put in at his house for his eventual return home.

See you soon.
Lion Ed Xavier