The Ken 8/15/16

Attendance: Bill Brucker

Split Club: Mike Bernat

Invocation: Chuck Patterson

Fine Master: Tom Lang

 Mike began the meeting at 12:35 with the Pledge, Barb led us in singing “God Bless America” and Chuck Patterson gave the invocation. Mike asked Bill Brucker for guests. We had Mike Ryan from Buffalo and Chuck and Laurie Markarian were in from Florida.

Announcements: Holly and Audrey fine-tuned Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach. Tom Lang is selling the Moon dance for August 30. We need about 50 people to make this work so please think of friends, family or colleagues. $20 for admission and food. Cash bar. Gary Roberts inquired about interest in the Darwin Martin House tour somewhere around the first week in October. There were several interested. We are on a roll. And the sell is much easier as we do more. Pat announced a Shred-It meeting after this meeting today. Mike is still collecting clothing for KenTon Closets. Jim Prichard said KenTon Closets is also doing an electronic re-cycle drive. Please check out their website for the details.

Fine master Tom Lang first pardoned Michaelene for any fines. Mike has been filling in all month at the front table. Pat confessed to being hurt that he was fined last week for no reason. Tom fined him. Rick Graham was on a 2 week Rhine river cruise vacation. Brian Ahern bragged that Pat was named in the top 100 woman of WNY. Ted was fined for butting in. Art for taking the Moon dance signup sheet.

President Mike won the split club but Brian missed the Ace of Spades

At this time Mike introduced one of our own. Jim Prichard gave us an overview on what’s happening at the Riviera. First, the Riviera was built in 1926. It was called Twin Cities Riviera. Sheas purchased it in 1929 and changed the marquise to Sheas Riviera. Then Dipson bought it in 1939. All along, the Riviera was home of the mighty Wurlitzer. The organ was saved by the Organ Society. Rick James was going to buy the Riviera and turn it into a video recording studio. Many thought the organ would not survive. The organ society took over and only asked for a small percent of the earnings whenever the organ was used. Jim has spear headed many restoration projects at the Riviera. All done by volunteers and fund raising. It is now bigger than North Tonawanda. It is a destination. What started as a movie theater is now becoming a player in the concert, comedy and theater scene. They hope to add a dark theater to the property so theater companies can use to run shows.  You must visit them at www.rivieratheatre.org.Great presentation from a guy who speaks quickly, clearly and to the point. Well done Jim.

The Ken 8/8/16

Attendance: Ron Lavea in for ?

Split Club:Michaelene Bernat in for ?

Fine Master: Tom Lang in for Mike Hettler

The Ken: Jeff Markarian

Mike started the meeting a little early today. We gave our pledge. Gary rushed the podium to give his invocation and convinced Mike not to do a song today. Gary gave the invocation off his iPhone. Pat interrupted somewhere through all this.

Ron introduced our only guest, Dr. Werner, who doesn’t want to be introduced as a guest.

Mike mentioned there will be a meeting Monday 8/15 even though Sunshine Day is Wednesday. Mike thanked everyone for attending the Presidents Party and especially Brian and Pat Ahern for hosting.  Mike also reminded us to bring clothing for Ken Ton Closets to the meeting or to drop off at Elmlawn.  Holly reminded us to sign up for Sunshine Day activities 8/17. A signup sheet was sent around the room. If you haven’t been to a meeting lately and want to join us for lunch, let Chuck Patterson know so he can have enough food.  Set up is at 11:00. Chiavetta’s BBQ will be 12:00 – 2:00 and the games are 2:00 - 4:00. There will be a dunk tank, new games and they are working on getting the horses back.

Tom Lang announced that he booked the Moon dance for August 30 at 2:00. $20.00 / person and includes food. Not sure about drinks. Stay tuned. And Scott said he will have the first Shred It meeting after our meeting 8/15. Shred It is 10/1 this year.

Tom Lang filled in for Mike Hettler at the last minute as fine master. Mike Hettler was the first fine. Mike Austin confessed to playing in a 3 day invitation at Park Club. He and John Coogan came in last where Gary Roberts and Jim Logan were runners up for first. Gary paid Mike $40 for deserts. Tom fined me for a Ken article (?) and Pat for being Pat. Tom asked each of us to share a story, joke or pay a fine. Dr. Werner schooled me on how to tell a joke. However, mine was kind of funny.  We made good fine money overall.

Rene won the split club and Michaelene picked her own number and missed on the Ace of Spades.

President Mike introduced Mike Wiener, President and CEO of the United Way. Mike joined the United Way in 2009. Mike holds Master degrees in Business Administration and Rehabilitation Counseling. The United Way is responsible for fundraising and the allocation of over $15 million dollars annually. These resources are utilized to address local health and human service priority indicators; encompassing income, Education, and Health/Wellness. This was a very informative meeting.

Meeting adjourned.