Member SpotlightMember Spotlight - April 2007 : Maggie Hall Born and raised in the southern Florida area as a post war baby. Her parents were from Georgia and New York. She went school in the Miami area and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a BA in Education. She began a teaching career at Pompano HS. She taught high school art for three years when southern schools were integrated for the first time. Then it was onto California, but was unable to land a teaching job. So she went to work as a secretarial assistant at the Dean Witter training department, where she met her future husband, Doug. An opening came up at Santa Monica College. She learned shorthand and took the test in six weeks to become a secretary again while she waited for a teaching spot to open. During this time, she finished two MA programs at Cal Lutheran (Art) and Loyola University (Counseling). From 1976 up to the present, her efforts have been focused on the development of the Emeritus College Program at SMC. During her 32 years, she began as an Instructor, then Director, Assistant Dean and now Associate Dean. She is very proud of the Emeritus Program which serves 3800 individuals each year with about 160 class sections offered weekly. To learn more about Emeritus College, visit their website www.smc.com/emeritus Maggie joined the Santa Monica Kiwanis Club in September 1987. She has been a vital member ever since. She has chaired numerous committees, and has sat on the Board of Directors for both Club and its Charitable organization during her tenure. The Club salutes Maggie Hall not only for her upcoming 20th anniversary as a member, but her caring spirit for the community of Santa Monica. Member Spotlight - March 2007 Charlie Wiese Charlie Wiese joined the Santa Monica Kiwanis club in March of 1985. Over the years, Charlie has served in many positions and on many committees. He has been a board member of both the Club and Charities and once held the Treasurer position for the club. Charlie is a fun loving guy. It was never more evident when he was known for his hugging. As a leader of the rowdy table, Charlie stirs the pot in an undying effort to raise funds for the charity collection. Once again, the rowdy table members proved successful in stealing the President’s gavel and holding it ransom. Charlie is a partner of his CPA Firm, Whitman, Maher & Wiese and seems to always enjoy tax season! Member Spotlight - February 2007 John Stead John is 2nd Generation owner of Stead Printing Company. John was born and raised in Santa Monica. He is the oldest of 3 brothers. His brother, Jim, is also a Kiwanian in Temecula and has served as Club President. During his childhood, John enjoyed going to the Pier or beach and do some fishing. Fishing seems to be John’s favorite hobby. As a kid, John always enjoyed doing work with his hands, just like his father. He spent time building model kits and train sets. Ask John about his Mohawk at age 11, he has the pictures to prove it! John seemed destined to follow in his dad’s footsteps as a printer. He earned his Boy Scout Merit Badge for Printing. His dad instructed him on the “right” way to do a print job. After all, his father had been a printer most of his life, in fact, he had to convinced Mr. Barnum at Santa Monica High School (And former Kiwanian) to let him in the print shop class. After finishing school, John started working full time with his dad. He eventually met and married Janice in 1961. They went on to have 3 kids (1 Boy and 2 Girls) and now have two grandkids (1 girl and 1 boy). You can tell in talking with John about his grandkids how proud he his and how much love he has for his family. Most know now that John is a recent cancer survivor. And we are glad for that. John’s fondness for Kiwanis is the fellowship. He may look cantankerous, but he is a friendly spirit and loves to laugh. He has many stories and it’s always good to visit with him and hear his tales. He is quite a historian. The Santa Monica Kiwanis Club salutes John Stead! Member Spotlight - January 2007 John Lee On his professional side, he worked as an aerospace engineer for 7 years at Hughes Aircraft Company. His proudest achievement as when he was at Cape Kennedy and helped launched Surveyor 2 and 3. Surveyor was the first aircraft to land on the moon, scoop up soil samples and the returned to Earth. He got his MBA at USC going to night classes while working at Hughes. Upon completion of his degree, he decided to go into the securities business as a stock broker for Hayden Stone in Century City. After 7 years in that line of work, he went into the restaurant business when his dad (who ran a very successful Chinese Restaurant in the San Fernando Valley) decided to retire. The restaurant was named Chung King Inn. It was located in Sherman Oaks and was the second Chinese Restaurant started in the valley. It began in 1945 before any freeways were built. Tex Ritter is said to have ridden to the restaurant on his horse from Republic Studios. John’s catering career started when Bob Hope asked him to cater a party for him at his Toluca Lake home. Since then, he has catered for such luminaries as Sammy Davis, Jr., and Danny Kaye. His proudest achievement was being selected by Rick Dees to cater a party for his guest, King Gustof of Sweden. His community involvement includes being a charter member and past president of the Crescent Bay Optimist Club, a club that was charted in 1966 as “Friend of the Youth”. They run a youth basketball league that is host to 700 kids. He also started the flea market at Venice High School and has been cited by the school for outstanding community service. He is also a member of Le Tip of Brentwood, a business networking club, for 15 years. Although he is one of our newer members, he has been very enthusiastic and has shown a willingness to help in various projects. The Santa Monica Kiwanis Club salutes John Lee. Gregory Mullen 
On October 18, 2006, the Santa Monica City Main Library and Allison & Partners received the 2006 Public Relations Society of America (Los Angeles) PRISM Award Pictured in the photo are: Susan Annett, Rahcel Foyt, Librarian & Kiwanian Greg Mullen, Dawn Wilcox and Cynthia Koploy. They were recognized in achieving the goal of their grand Opening Plan by engaging and involving the community with events and activities surrounding the opening and creating an on-going positive buzz about the library Member Spotlight - December 2006 Richard "Dick" Wagnon Barstow being Barstow, interest in music was at a low ebb, and there were just 14 members in Wagnon’s band. Five years latter, however, his 90 piece marching band, along with 22 drill team girls, marched in the Rose Parade. That year, the band rehearsed in the new music building built on campus which was named, WAGNON HALL. During the same year, the Barstow Band traveled to Santa Monica and participated in a band competition held at Corsair Field. The Barstow Band won first place, beating out the favorite-SAMOHI. Dr. Wade Thomas (a solid Kiwanis Member and former Past President) was at that time Supervisor of Music for the Santa Monica Schools, and offered Dick a job. The Santa Monica band grew in numbers and stature under his direction, and with the help of Sam Porter & the Chamber of Commerce they set up a competition parade of bands and invited the Rose Parade Committee to attend and select a band for the Rose Parade. It was most successful and the SAMOHI Band was chosen to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Dick left the high school and moved to the central office as Music Supervisor. He carried on the traditional “Stairway of the Stars” musical extravaganza (started by Wade Thomas) and held in the Civic Auditorium. He brought in guest conductors to help inspire the young musicians. Meredith Wilson, Ferde Grofe, Alfred Newman, Carmen Dragon, Nelson Riddle and Patric Williams were among the many professionals he brought in to conduct. Budget tightening for the schools resulted in eliminating all Supervisors and Dick was assigned as Principal of Franklin Elementary. Being Principal of Franklin was a most interesting and challenging assignment, however, Wagnon stated, “Being out of touch with music made the job a job:” So he retired and now enjoys playing his trumpet at Kiwanis along side Harriett. He also plays in the Los Angeles Police Band, the SMC Emeritus Band, a Big Band jazz group and an active combo called the Friday Jazz Group. Having been retired for over 20 years, he has greatly benefited from being able to enjoy his three children and their families, including 7 grandchildren and soon to be added, one great-grandson. Plans are underway to host the entire family in Maui next summer to celebrate his 60th anniversary with wife, Marge. Kiwanis has always been “the club” in his estimation and he is happy to be a member of an organization, global in scope, which is helping to make our world a better place to live. He considers involvement in Kiwanis a privilege and is personally delighted that our club has continued to offer, among its innumerable benefits to the community, the Kiwanis Music Scholarships to deserving, talented students for over 60 years. When asked for a special quote, he chose the statement by the philosopher, Nietzsche: “Without MUSIC, life would be a mistake”. The Santa Monica Kiwanis Club salutes Dick Wagnon and your tremendous history with the organization and your support of youth for many years. Member Spotlight - November 2006 Ray Carriere He met his future wife, Alice, and fell in love. She graduated from Mt. Saint Mary’s College shortly after they met. His ambition grew after their meeting and he realized that he should get going on a career. He enrolled in the Santa Monica College Printing department with the financial help of the G.I. Bill. Within a year of his graduation, he started Ray’s Printing Service in their first real estate purchase at 14th & Pico Blvd. During this time, Ray became interested in real estate and purchased some apartments. He got his real estate license and later a Broker’s license , which required several college courses. In the ‘80’s, he developed Condominiums and a strip shopping center at 6th & Colorado. In 1961, Ray joined the Sunrise Optimist Club of Santa Monica and became President in 1971 during which time he promoted the first “Respect the Law” Program with the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments. In 1972, he became Lt. Governor of Optimist, Zone 19. In 1969 he served on the Board of Directors of the Santa Monica Jaycees, President of the Los Caballeros Toastmasters Club and Assistant Esquire in the Santa Monica Elks Club. He is presently a member of the Santa Monica Kiwanis Club and the current President of the Santa Monica Sister City Association. He is leading a delegation to Hamm, Germany and is exploring a new sister city in Italy. He is first Vice President of the Santa Monica Family YMCA where he faithfully exercises. Ray and Alice enjoy family reunions with their four children and 14 grandchildren whenever they can manage them. The Santa Monica Kiwanis Club salutes Ray Carriere for an extraordinary career and years of dedication to service and social clubs to help make Santa Monica a great community. New Member Spotlight - November 2006 Alexsys Nabor-Duke Kiwanis means to me giving back to the community and building great relationships. My Dad was a Kiwanian for over 30 years and president 3 times during those years. Ever since I could remember, I was going to meetings and events with him, even when they didn’t allow women! I was an active member of Encino Kiwanis Club for 10 years and then decided to transfer to SM Kiwanis Club to be closer to home. I am a native Angeleno. I have been married for a little over 2 years and have 2 wonderful puppies. My husband is in commercial real-estate and very excited to have a baby boy on the way. In my spare time, I am an active mentor/donor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of LA, Step-Up Women’s Organization and President of a Business Networking International chapter on the Westside. I currently live my passion which is in Real-estate. I am a residential broker for Coldwell Banker Brentwood East. I have been in Real-estate over 7 years. I help people buy and sell homes as well as income property on the Westside. I specialize in people. Prior to Real-Estate I was VP of Sales/Marketing for an LA based steel manufacturing company. I consider myself extremely fortunate to live and work on the Westside and always proud to say I am a Santa Monica Kiwanian. Member Spotlight - October 2006 : Henry Shishmanian 
Henry Shishmanian is not only a long-time member of the Santa Monica Kiwanis Club; he is a long time supporter of Santa Monica. At the age of 18, shortly after 1928, Henry made his way from Fresno into Santa Monica to begin his adult life. He got started in the produce business with a job at Piggly Wiggly Market in that department. Eventually, he struck out on his own selling produce on the street off a flat bed truck at the corner of Venice & Lincoln. He later on developed selling produce to local markets throughout the Westside and South Bay. He settled in by owning and operating his own produce market, of which he bought from a Japanese couple in 1942. Henry’s Market was located at the corner of 21st & Montana. Henry also expanded to operate Henry’s Liquor. He would eventually retire in 1980. Rumor has it that he bought a lot of property and he owns most of Montana Avenue. He was first recruited into Kiwanis in 1973 by then current President George Noonan. It has been great to have Henry represent the ideals of Kiwanis ever since. Henry has a soft spot for kids. He has been a long time supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica and especially the Salvation Army. Henry remains grateful to this day that the Salvation Army was there for him as a child in providing Christmas gifts. Thanks to Henry, the Boys & Girls Club and the Salvation Army were recipients of a generous donation. The Boys & Girls Club has an apartment building they use to generate income for the club and also help provide living arrangements for staff members.Henry met his wife, Dorothy at the market. Dorothy used to live nearby and visit the market on her way home. One day, Henry decided to ask her out and the rest is history. Between them, they had 4 children, and now have 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. The Santa Monica Kiwanis Club thanks Henry Shishmanian for the many years of service and to your commitment to the Santa Monica community. October 4, 2006 KIWANIANS OF THE YEAR 
Immediate Past President, M.E. Raco announced his selections for “Kiwanian of the Year”. This time, two members were selected. Joe Palazzolo and Jeanne Segal. Joe Palazzolo is a long standing member who contributes a large amount of time to various functions of Kiwanis. Joe is your typical hardworking man that enjoys the behind the scenes. He never calls attention for himself and works unselfishly for the good of the cause. As always, thank you , Joe ! Jeanne Segal is one of our most recent members, joining the club a few years ago. Jeanne work hard and tirelessly in getting our Makin Magic Camp off and running for another year. Even though there were moments of frustrations and concerns, Jeanne made it happen with great determination. Thank you, Jeanne for your hard work and congratulations! October 2006 A New Administrative Year 
The Club formally installed its new officers for the 2006-07 year. The installation party was held in the Arcadia Room at the Santa Monica Pier. On hand was Entertainer, Magician Ken Sands. Mr. Sands delighted the audience with his sleight of hand tricks and comedic insights. The New Officers are: Ron Davis, President; Janie Harding, President-Elect; Patty Loggins-Tazi, Vice President; Dolores Rodriguez, Treasurer and Donna Alvarez, Secretary. The Board Members are: Joe Deering, John Lee, Fabian Lewkowicz, Calisse Lindsey, Gabrielle Schkud, Jeanne Segal and Donald Wagner. |
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Longtime member, John Stead, known as the “Tri-Tip king of Santa Monica” has been with the club since 1984. His father, William (Bud) Stead served as Club President back in 1963.
John Lee was born and raised in Southern California within the Los Angeles Chinatown area. He went to school at Belmont High, Los Angeles City College, UCLA (Engineering Degree) and USC (MBA in finance). He was always community service minded serving several student body offices in high school and college. He represented Southern California at California Boys State, a mock state government held in Sacramento.
Dick Wagnon is the old guy blowing his trumpet before most meetings. He joined Kiwanis in 1949 when he was High School Band Director at Barstow High School. He established a Key Club at the high school to help promote Kiwanis.
Ray Carriere was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island., the oldest of three brothers and four sisters. At the age of 18, he joined the United States Air Force and served for a four year stint. In 1956, he followed his family to Santa Monica where they had settled. His first job in California was as a Meter Reader for the Edison Company.
