Dad has been going on and on about his recent election to the local Golden Kiwanis volunteer club in Loveland, Colorado. Loveland is a great town, and people like Dad, taking over from people like him, have made it that way. Deliberate, safe, full of life, slow, and yet with just enough cosmopolitanism to make it purple instead of red(neck).

He insisted on having someone sing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” because he was inaugurated on his birthday. Check out how the rabble responded. Tom Ryan for President!

He was elected President of a club where the average age is in the mid-80’s. Dad is a spry 78. He is on the tail end of this elderly-boom in the local culture. The younger (non “golden”) regular Kiwanis are not interested in shifting and renewing. New organizations will take over, such as my brother’s Optimist Club, where he is past president. I’m guessing between the members of my family, we have at least 100 memberships, and probably 20 past-presidencies. I’m currently in charge of about 800,000 $US for our local teacher’s organization JALT as Director of Treasury. Next month I step down. Dan, Dad, Ginger, and Marie. Let’s count them up.

By admin

Associate Professor at a Women's University in Tokyo.