President Lantz Balthazar opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m. and led in the singing of 'God Bless America'.
Ray Nixon gave the invocation, which was followed by Breakfast
Nichell Mitchum, our greeter, introduced our guests, which included: Michelle Scheer and Gerry Scheer.
Mel Pittman nabbed Jerry Hitt for a Pin Violation.
Interclubs - Sandy Hoke outlined planned interclubs: Buckhead Club 26 January 2004 and Downtown Club on 27 January 2004 and possibly Galleria on 27 January 2004.
Announcements:
Ray Nixon (substituting for Bill Rabel) reminded everyone of the upcoming Alliance Theater outing to see 'My Fair Lady' on 28 Feb 04 and pointed out that their were a few tickets remaining.
Connie Weatherby announced that Yvonne Conway would be having a medical procedure performed on Monday, 26 January 2004. It is not thought to be a serious situation but please keep Yvonne in your prayers and wish her the best.
Ronni French reminded us of the Division Rally to be held on 4 March 04. Also Ronni talked about the Kiwanis Gala on 13 February 04. She voiced disappointment in the low response rate from Peachtree Kiwanians. She urged that we send in our RSVP's ASAP and try to convince our friends and neighbors to also attend. In addition we need to get our gift Auction Certificates completed and submitted. Every member should support this event by provided a gift and/or soliciting a gift from friends or commercial establishments (e.g. airline tickets, restaurant dinners, golf green fees, etc.)
George Scheer introduced our speaker, Ms. Sylvia Wygoda. Ms Wygoda is Executive Director and Chairman Emeritus of the Georgia commission of the Holocaust and is the Director of the 'Anne Frank in the World Exhibit' at Kennesaw State University. Ms. Wygoda has previously served as Assistant Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR). Sylvia Wygoda is the daughter of Hermann Wygoda, a Holocaust survivor whose diary during the Holocaust has been published in the book, "In the Shadow of the Swastika."
Ms. Wygoda's presentation was in two parts. In Part I she talked principally about her role as the Director of the Anne Frank exhibit in Kennesaw. This is the world's largest Anne Frank exhibit and Kennesaw State has a long-term lease. Since opening on November 14, 2003 they have had over 8,000 visitors. They expect a large growth in attendance, after they start advertising the exhibit.
In Part II she talked about her Father's experiences with the Nazi German Government during WW II. Her Grandfather fought for Germany in WW I. Her Father moved to Poland between the wars and studied Civil Engineering. He served in the Polish Army and later worked for Siemans electronic corporation in Berlin. In 1939 Germany invaded Poland and he moved back to Poland to try and help his Family. He had many harrying experiences including slipping in and out of the Warsaw ghetto. But in the end he could not save most of his family from the Nazis. He spoke seven languages and at one point was actually hired by the Nazis as an interpreter. Together with a photographer friend they forged passports and other documents. He went to Italy and tried to escape to an Island of the coast but was arrested by the Gestapo who thought he was a spy for the British (at the time, he did not speak English) He escaped from prison and helped organize an Italian youth movement who was fighting both the Italian Fascist Government and the Germans. He became their leader and led them to some victories over the German military and was instrumental in liberating an Italian town. He was awarded the Bronze Star by U.S. General Mark Clark. He subsequently immigrated to Chattanooga, TN, raised a family and converted his diary into a book. One of the organizations that he had a long time affiliation was Kiwanis.
This is such a fascinating story and I suggest if you want to hear more, do like I intend to do, read the book!
Lantz thanked our speaker and presented her with our Kiwanis letter opener. He also thanked our guests and invited them back.
George Scheer said our next speaker would be Dr. Robert Braun who will be speaking on the Mars program. This promises to be very exciting.
Quote: "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." - Henry Ford
Dusty Miller led us in the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag
Lantz adjourned the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
Please make an extra effort to support the Kiwanis Valentine Gala. I have taken the liberty to put the invitation (except the envelope) and the auction certificate in pdf format. Please feel free to download and print them, if you need additional copies.
I plan to create a Peachtree Kiwanis calendar of upcoming events and keep it up to date on our website. Please do visit the website and make critical suggestions.
Tim Kercheval mentioned to me the possibility of sending out the billing statements via e-mail. He though it would save a couple hundred dollars per year. I'd like to hear some feedback. I'll probably bring it up for discussion at the next board meeting.
Hats off to Kathy Solley for the fine letter you wrote to Martha Gomez, a prospective member. I need to hear from the Membership committee. We need to get moving!
Back to the Newsletter Archive