Category: Post Business

Commander’s Corner (November 2021)

As we wind up the fundraiser auction and raffle, we must extend a heartfelt thanks to each of the people who stepped up make this happen. But while thanks just doesn’t seem to be enough, the post is truly indebted to Kay Seelig and the entire band of volunteers.  THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!

Additionally, I want to focus on a special thanks to the members of the Burien Kiwanis in, you guessed it, Burien, of which I have been a member for several years now.

This club sits on ten acres in the heart of Burien located 20-25 miles south of Ballard and provides the use of their camp to any youth group in the state free of charge! That is their volunteer shtick. 

A couple years ago while attending yet another Tuesday evening meeting at their clubhouse, I happened to mention to a couple of the members about our post’s upcoming spaghetti fundraiser in the hopes of selling a couple tickets.  
Shortly after the meeting started one of them stands up and announces to the group of about ten or so (typical attendance numbers) of our fundraiser that benefits veterans, etc. and that they should pony up for the vets! 

Before I left I had a full book of tickets sold to them! (worth $200) and no questions, “Just give the tickets to needy vets.” Not only that but one of the other members announced that they should put together gift baskets to help us with the auction. Well, they did that too to the tune of four or five specialty baskets (Lego, golf, wine, cigar, dog/pet) gifted to the post. The retail value of each basket was between $100 -$150.  (This is what they do for their own fundraisers.)

Point is, they jumped at the opportunity to help vets in any way that they could! “If it’s for the vets, we’re in!” Their generosity has continued each year since. No questions asked other than, “What can we do?!” 

This year things got a little convoluted with the Covid restrictions and unfortunately no tickets went to them. But they still managed to come up with the same type of gift baskets for our raffle. 

Then, during the Oct. 26 meeting, the Kiwanis past Lt. Governor put out an unsolicited plea even though our fundraiser was all over. “These are vets- they need our help!” In the spur of the moment, $20 bills started popping up on the table next to me! They totaled $300 from a total of 16 members who happened to be in attendance! 


“IF IT’S FOR THE VETS, WE’RE IN!!” 
This is obviously a very patriotic group which in itself tends to warm the cockles of your heart,  but their generosity and willingness to help vets, “in any way we can,” speaks volumes to the character of the entire membership of the Kiwanis Club of Burien. So very appreciated!

Just thought you ought to know.

-Commander Joe

Quartermaster’s Update (November 2021)

Some quick notes as we head into November.


We have decided to hold the November, and future business meetings (until further notice) in person with a Zoom option. Members and guests who are fully vaccinated may attend in person, others please tune in via Zoom, using the directions that are elsewhere in this newsletter.


We are running way behind in drawing for free life memberships from those who have attended two meetings and who are present at the current meeting, in person or via Zoom. Please attend a meeting and take advantage of the very favorable odds that you might win a free life membership.


The November social will be our Thanksgiving dinner. The same vaccination policy will apply to in-person attendance. Others may pick up a takeout dinner. Please remember that all socials and other dinners will be by reservation only – whether in person or take out. To make reservations, please text or call me (206-972-2135), or email at: [email protected].  


For the November dinner, reservations must be in no later than noon on Monday, November 18th. 


Our annual fundraiser was held in October this year. Attendance was less than in years past due to a variety of reasons, but based on early returns, it looks like it was quite successful. I’ll have a full report at the business meeting on November 4th. Meanwhile, many thanks to Co-Chairs Russ and Kay Seelig and all those who helped by soliciting or donating prizes, volunteered in the kitchen and at the hall, or contributed their hard-earned bucks to make the event successful.


Please remember our typical fall/winter weather presents challenges when out and about. Darkness, wind and rain make it hard to see pedestrians, so remember to drive defensively and keep a weather eye out for the unexpected person, animal, bike or car that might pop up from the darkness.


Yours in Comradeship,

Harold  

Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Fundraiser a Success

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, the post’s annual in-person Spaghetti Dinner went on without a hitch Saturday, Oct. 23. It was a wonderful dinner, courtesy of Chef Kay and her amazing team. There was also a raffle for select items and a virtual auction. If you missed out on the action and want to contribute to our Relief Fund, you can mail a check to the post or donate via our PayPal link. All donations are tax deductible! Thank you to everyone who pitched in and participated!

Officer Spotlight: Bob Lehman, Post 3063 Surgeon

This is a recurring column that highlights the 2021-2022 post officers.


What is your military background?

      My military service is backwards to nearly everyone else:  I was in private practice for 22 years, and then joined the Air Force at age 52. Accidentally, I became a flight surgeon, that got me deployed to Iraq, and led to another residency in Aerospace Medicine. Which then led to 3 more deployments: Korea, Iraq again, and Kyrgyzstan. My role as Aerospace Medicine specialist meant I flew and took care of air crews, but it also put me overseeing shop safety and public health on the base, which put me in an experienced role when Covid arrived – having dealt with SARS1, MERS, Swine Flu/N1H1, and Ebola already.


Tell us about your position and what you hope to accomplish during your term.

I’m still trying to decide my role with the Post. I’ve enjoyed contributing to the newsletter, particularly trying to translate what is going on with Covid. I can offer medical advice to members and fellow board members as we negotiate these times where the goal posts seem to keep moving. My goal is still to meet people, and hopefully we will be able to do more in-person functions in the future as vaccination of the members increases.


How long have you belonged to Post 3063 and did you previously serve in an officer position?

I joined the VFW less than 2 years ago after I retired from the Air Force and moved to Seattle.  My intent was to try to meet people, but then Covid hit.  I was asked to be Post Surgeon, which is fun for some as I really am a surgeon.