Kiwanis Club of Greater San Mateo

Happy 4th of July wishes to my family, friends and fellow Kiwanians. I am proud to be an American where I know I am free. I will not forget th men who died who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up to defend her still today. No doubt I love this land. God Bless the U.S.A.

To family, friends and fellow Kiwanians! On the occasion of Memorial Day, let us remember the soldiers who lost their lives for bringing happiness in freedom in our lives. We are fortunate to be lead by such courageous souls. Happy Memorial Day.

CONGRATULATIONS 2021 SENIORS (DIVISION 34N KEYCLUB)

KIWANIS CLUB OF GREATER SAN MATEO BLACK HISTORY MONTH CAPTAIN LES WILLIAMS TUSKEGEE AIRMAN AUGUST 9th 1919 to MARCH 30th 2015... Leslie Alan Williams, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully at home March 30, 2015, surrounded by family and friends. Les was born in San Francisco, August 9, 1919. At age six months his father moved the family to San Mateo to open the once-famous restaurant, Noah's Cafeteria. Les graduated from San Mateo High School at age 14. Les bought his first car at age 15. He began teaching dance and attended college until WWII broke out. After World War II, he graduated from Stanford University. He practiced law in San Mateo for more than 20 years. Les was the first African American commissioned bomber pilot and rose to rank of captain. He was active in efforts to integrate the Officers Club at Freeman Field now known as The Freeman Field Mutiny. Captain Les Williams was one of 300 Tuskegee Airmen saluted by President George W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol on March 29th 2007. Captain Williams and his fellow airmen were recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal - - Congress’s highest civilian honor. "I would like to offer a gesture to help atone for all the unreturned salutes and unforgivable indignities," President Bush said. "And so, on behalf of the office I hold, and a country that honors you, I salute you for your service to the United States of America. The Tuskegee Airmen were an elite group of black fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps, who trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama during the Second World War. This was during the time of the government-sanctioned Jim Crow laws -- any of the laws that enforced racial oppression and segregation in the South. These black fighter pilots of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, later incorporated into the 332nd Fighter Group, had to endure horrible racism during their nine months of training. The Tuskegee Airmen did endure and heroically served their country. Their combat records include flying more than 200 bomber escort missions during the War, destroying or damaging over 400 German airplanes and 950 ground units. Captain Les Williams served as President of the San Mateo Downtown Club from October 1st 1967 to September 30th 1968. Gerry Weiss, President, presented Captain Williams with the Greater San Mateo Commemorative Award at the Assistant League of San Mateo County Awards Ceremony in April 2013. A scholarship was established in his name. Gerry Weiss was honored to have spoken with Retired Brigadier General Donald R. Canaday, Past President Kiwanis International. A Certificate of recognition was awarded to Captain Les Williams by Donald Canaday in appreciation of his service and sacrifice in defense of our freedom. The certificate is signed by General James H. Doolittle U.S. Air Force (retired) and General William C. Westmoreland U.S. Army (retired).

Conclave 2021 Election New Key Club Lt. Governors Region 17 (DIV34 North and South, DIV12 East, West & South, DIV43 2021-2022 Term... Saturday, January 23rd Conclave 2021 turned out to be a huge success. There were 407 members, advisors, and guests present. We were fortunate to have Alex Drahus as a guest speaker. Alex is a senior from the Nebraska-iowa District who currently serves as Key Club International President. Conclave Defined Conclave is an event run by current Lt. Governors of Divisions to elect new Lt. Governors to represent said divisions on the CNH District Board. Each dues paid club is allowed to have up to two delegates who will vote for the candidate they believe will do the best job. Any dues paid member may be a delegate. However, experienced officers are recommended. 50% of clubs in good standing (dues paid) within the division must be present to hold Conclave. Each candidate was allotted 3 minutes of talk time. Each candidate also had a two-minute caucus session in which members (students only) asked questions. Time is strictly enforced and inappropriate questions are disregarded. Votes were immediately counted and results sent to CNH District Administration. Election New Lt. Governor DIV34N Key Club The members of Greater San Mateo Club extend a warm welcome to Courtney Tai, DIV34N Lt. Governor Elect 2021-2022. Courtney is a member of Aragon High Key Club. Courtney’s sister, Kayla, served as Lt Governor during the 2017-2018 period. Gerry Weiss, Past President & Secretary Greater San Mateo Club, servers as advisor for Aragon High Key Club (since 2005). On a special note, we recognize three previous Lt. Governors who were members of Aragon High Key Club (Shu Yang, Kelvin Yang and Kayla Tai). All three were elected in succession. Lastly, we congratulate all newly elected Region 17 Lt. Governors. We congratulate Courtney Tai on her appointment as DIV34N Lt. Governor. .

DIV34N Holiday Service Project for Senior Citizens and Shelters. Held December 18th 2020 The Division 34N HolidayService Project was held December 18th. Hosted by Jefferson and Carlmont Key Clubs. Key Club Advisors present included Gerry Weiss, George Kranen and Rose Jimenez. .... Key Clubbers made Christmas Cards for senior citizens and finger knit scarves for shelters. Holiday songs were played during said project. A fun and productive event. The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. I would like to thank our key clubbers for being amazing volunteers.

TO OUR WONDERFUL KIWANIANS! Thank you for the generosity you've shown throughout the past year to make this world a better place for each and every child. We may not have the opportunity to meet the families whose lives we touch, but we can feel good knowing we helped build a better future for a child. I want to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, joy and happiness. ... Thank you for your service to the community and children of the world!

WESTMOOR HIGH KEY CLUB SERVICE PROJECT, HOLIDAY CARDS WITH SANTA HATS ATTACHED. ST. JUDE RANCH FOR CHILDREN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11TH ... St. Jude’s Ranch has provided a safe, nurturing home with therapeutic residential treatment services to thousands of abused and neglected children in Nevada. St. Jude’s Ranch has made and continues to make a difference by creating new lives with new hope for these children. Today, the campus is a community landmark and an important part of life in Boulder City. Not only do staff members continue to serve the needs of abused and neglected children and young adults in Southern Nevada, they give tours of the campus, maintain a Thrift Store that is open to the public seven days a week and conduct weddings in their beautiful chapel.

The American Flag First flown September 3rd 1777 The American flag was flown in battle for the first time, during a Revolutionary War skirmish at Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware. Patriot General William Maxwell ordered the stars and strips banner raised as a detachment of his infantry and cavalry met an advance guard of British and Hessian troops. The rebels were defeated and forced to retreat to General George Washington’s main force near Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania.... Three months before, on June 14, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution stating that the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white and that the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation. The national flag, which became known as the Stars and Stripes, was based on the Grand Union flag, a banner carried by the Continental Army in 1776 that also consisted of 13 red and white stripes. The American flag is the symbol of our freedom, national pride and history.

DIV34N SERVICE PROJECT AUGUST 5TH 2020 HOSTED BY ARAGON HIGH KEY CLUB ORIGAMI BOOKMARKS FOR CHILDREN SCHOOL ON WHEELS. BRIDGEWATER, MASS. ... DIV34N Key Clubbers are using their creative talents to create custom bookmarks during the pandemic. The bookmarks will be mailed to School on Wheels, Bridgewater, Massachusetts. SOWMA provides one-on-one tutoring, high school and college mentoring and customized backpacks and school supplies to Massachusetts students ages K - college who are impacted by homelessness. Here’s to all our Key Club volunteers who give selflessly of their time, talent and treasures. Thank you for making the world a better place. Image may contain: 23 people, including Gerry Weiss

To our wonderful members The richest wealth is WISDOM The strongest weapon is PATIENCE The ultimate security is FAITH... The greatest tonic is LAUGHTER And, surprisingly, all are FREE

MY WISH TODAY IS THAT ALL KIWANIANS STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY

KIWANIS CLUB OF GREATER SAN MATEO BLACK HISTORY MONTH CAPTAIN LES WILLIAMS TUSKEGEE AIRMAN AUGUST 9th 1919 to MARCH 30th 2015... Leslie Alan Williams, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully at home March 30, 2015, surrounded by family and friends. Les was born in San Francisco, August 9, 1919. At age six months his father moved the family to San Mateo to open the once-famous restaurant, Noah's Cafeteria. Les graduated from San Mateo High School at age 14. Les bought his first car at age 15. He began teaching dance and attended college until WWII broke out. After World War II, he graduated from Stanford University. He practiced law in San Mateo for more than 20 years. Les was the first African American commissioned bomber pilot and rose to rank of captain. He was active in efforts to integrate the Officers Club at Freeman Field now known as The Freeman Field Mutiny. Captain Les Williams was one of 300 Tuskegee Airmen saluted by President George W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol on March 29th 2007. Captain Williams and his fellow airmen were recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal - - Congress’s highest civilian honor. "I would like to offer a gesture to help atone for all the unreturned salutes and unforgivable indignities," President Bush said. "And so, on behalf of the office I hold, and a country that honors you, I salute you for your service to the United States of America. The Tuskegee Airmen were an elite group of black fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps, who trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama during the Second World War. This was during the time of the government-sanctioned Jim Crow laws -- any of the laws that enforced racial oppression and segregation in the South. These black fighter pilots of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, later incorporated into the 332nd Fighter Group, had to endure horrible racism during their nine months of training. The Tuskegee Airmen did endure and heroically served their country. Their combat records include flying more than 200 bomber escort missions during the War, destroying or damaging over 400 German airplanes and 950 ground units. Captain Les Williams served as President of the San Mateo Downtown Club from October 1st 1967 to September 30th 1968. Gerry Weiss, President, presented Captain Williams with the Greater San Mateo Commemorative Award at the Assistant League of San Mateo County Awards Ceremony in April 2013. A scholarship was established in his name. Gerry Weiss was honored to have spoken with Retired Brigadier General Donald R. Canaday, Past President Kiwanis International. A Certificate of recognition was awarded to Captain Les Williams by Donald Canaday in appreciation of his service and sacrifice in defense of our freedom. The certificate is signed by General James H. Doolittle U.S. Air Force (retired) and General William C. Westmoreland U.S. Army (retired).

Conclave 2021 Election New Key Club Lt. Governors Region 17 (DIV34 North and South, DIV12 East, West & South, DIV43 2021-2022 Term... Saturday, January 23rd Conclave 2021 turned out to be a huge success. There were 407 members, advisors, and guests present. We were fortunate to have Alex Drahus as a guest speaker. Alex is a senior from the Nebraska-iowa District who currently serves as Key Club International President. Conclave Defined Conclave is an event run by current Lt. Governors of Divisions to elect new Lt. Governors to represent said divisions on the CNH District Board. Each dues paid club is allowed to have up to two delegates who will vote for the candidate they believe will do the best job. Any dues paid member may be a delegate. However, experienced officers are recommended. 50% of clubs in good standing (dues paid) within the division must be present to hold Conclave. Each candidate was allotted 3 minutes of talk time. Each candidate also had a two-minute caucus session in which members (students only) asked questions. Time is strictly enforced and inappropriate questions are disregarded. Votes were immediately counted and results sent to CNH District Administration. Election New Lt. Governor DIV34N Key Club The members of Greater San Mateo Club extend a warm welcome to Courtney Tai, DIV34N Lt. Governor Elect 2021-2022. Courtney is a member of Aragon High Key Club. Courtney’s sister, Kayla, served as Lt Governor during the 2017-2018 period. Gerry Weiss, Past President & Secretary Greater San Mateo Club, servers as advisor for Aragon High Key Club (since 2005). On a special note, we recognize three previous Lt. Governors who were members of Aragon High Key Club (Shu Yang, Kelvin Yang and Kayla Tai). All three were elected in succession. Lastly, we congratulate all newly elected Region 17 Lt. Governors. We congratulate Courtney Tai on her appointment as DIV34N Lt. Governor. .

DIV34N Holiday Service Project for Senior Citizens and Shelters. Held December 18th 2020 The Division 34N HolidayService Project was held December 18th. Hosted by Jefferson and Carlmont Key Clubs. Key Club Advisors present included Gerry Weiss, George Kranen and Rose Jimenez. .... Key Clubbers made Christmas Cards for senior citizens and finger knit scarves for shelters. Holiday songs were played during said project. A fun and productive event. The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. I would like to thank our key clubbers for being amazing volunteers.

TO OUR WONDERFUL KIWANIANS! Thank you for the generosity you've shown throughout the past year to make this world a better place for each and every child. We may not have the opportunity to meet the families whose lives we touch, but we can feel good knowing we helped build a better future for a child. I want to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, joy and happiness. ... Thank you for your service to the community and children of the world!

WESTMOOR HIGH KEY CLUB SERVICE PROJECT, HOLIDAY CARDS WITH SANTA HATS ATTACHED. ST. JUDE RANCH FOR CHILDREN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11TH ... St. Jude’s Ranch has provided a safe, nurturing home with therapeutic residential treatment services to thousands of abused and neglected children in Nevada. St. Jude’s Ranch has made and continues to make a difference by creating new lives with new hope for these children. Today, the campus is a community landmark and an important part of life in Boulder City. Not only do staff members continue to serve the needs of abused and neglected children and young adults in Southern Nevada, they give tours of the campus, maintain a Thrift Store that is open to the public seven days a week and conduct weddings in their beautiful chapel.

The American Flag First flown September 3rd 1777 The American flag was flown in battle for the first time, during a Revolutionary War skirmish at Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware. Patriot General William Maxwell ordered the stars and strips banner raised as a detachment of his infantry and cavalry met an advance guard of British and Hessian troops. The rebels were defeated and forced to retreat to General George Washington’s main force near Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania.... Three months before, on June 14, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution stating that the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white and that the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation. The national flag, which became known as the Stars and Stripes, was based on the Grand Union flag, a banner carried by the Continental Army in 1776 that also consisted of 13 red and white stripes. The American flag is the symbol of our freedom, national pride and history.

DIV34N SERVICE PROJECT AUGUST 5TH 2020 HOSTED BY ARAGON HIGH KEY CLUB ORIGAMI BOOKMARKS FOR CHILDREN SCHOOL ON WHEELS. BRIDGEWATER, MASS. ... DIV34N Key Clubbers are using their creative talents to create custom bookmarks during the pandemic. The bookmarks will be mailed to School on Wheels, Bridgewater, Massachusetts. SOWMA provides one-on-one tutoring, high school and college mentoring and customized backpacks and school supplies to Massachusetts students ages K - college who are impacted by homelessness. Here’s to all our Key Club volunteers who give selflessly of their time, talent and treasures. Thank you for making the world a better place. Image may contain: 23 people, including Gerry Weiss

To our wonderful members The richest wealth is WISDOM The strongest weapon is PATIENCE The ultimate security is FAITH... The greatest tonic is LAUGHTER And, surprisingly, all are FREE

MY WISH TODAY IS THAT ALL KIWANIANS STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY

Dream Dinners Meal Packing Event Saturday, March 7th 2020 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Hillsdale High School, SM, Ca. DIV34 Members Invited to Participate in Same

Wishing all Kiwanians a Happy Holiday Season. Looking forward to an increase in membership in 2020. BENEFITS! Greater attendance at lunch and dinner meetings; spearheading new service projects; raising additional funds for charitable contributions, holding new fund raisers, greater representation at conferences and conventions. An achievable goal. Please join us as we take on this great task

KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL Worlds largest Service Organization for Children For more than a century, Kiwanis has created opportunities for children to be curious, safe and healthy regardless of the community in which they live. It’s a mark we all proudly leave on the world.... We additionally build playgrounds, prepare and feed meals to families in need, read to children, stock libraries with books and pantries with food, maintain parks, mentor teens, support youth sports, and much, much, more. Proud to celebrate my 19th year as a Kiwanian. Joining is as easy as 1-2-3.

Kiwanis Club of Greater San Mateo 2019 Walk to end Alzheimer’s Saturday, November 9th SF's Cruise Terminal, Pier 27... Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. In the United States someone develops Alzheimer’s every 60 seconds Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented, cured or protracted. . More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions! By participating in the Alzheimer’s Annual Walk, Greater San Mateo Members and Key Clubbers help change the level of Alzheimer’s awareness in the community. Members and Key Clubbers pass out water to walkers, help man the registration booth, are positioned at the START/FINISH LINE cheering walkers back from their walk and pass out commemorative buttons to walkers! Key Clubbers also assist with the general event breakdown and helped with disposal of refuse that was left behind. Image may contain: 8 people, including Deborah Orler, people smiling

Coyote Point Kite Festival Coyote Point Park , SM, CA. Saturday, June 29th 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.... The 3rd Annual Coyote Point Kite Festival was held Saturday, June 29th from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Activities included Berkeley Kite Wranglers-Giant Kite Show Team, Free Kite Making, BBQ provided by Burlingame Lions Club, and Taiko Drumming Presentation. Members of Greater San Mateo and DIV34N Key Clubs helped with Kite Making, making sure volunteer booths had water, helped direct traffic and picked-up trash during the event. Sponsors include San Mateo County Parks Foundation, County of San Mateo (Supervisor Groom’s Office), Burlingame Lions Club, San Mateo County Libraries, Peninsula Clean Energy and Recology. Proceeds used to support work of SM County Parks Foundation.

Greater San Mateo Club wishes all Kiwanians a happy and safe Independence Day. With great respect in our hearts, let’s give our thanks to all the great soldiers who make our land free, on this 4th of July. And let us not forget those who make our country so vital, vibrant, and unique. Here’s to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for all!