KIWI NEWS
This is your page Kiwis! Your place to let everyone know what is happening in your chapter.
If you have any airline-related news that you would like to share then this is the place!
Send your news to Jill Richey Rohan, Kiwi Web Master
Kiwi Convention 2026 – Fiesta Flight Royale!
"Nacho Ordinary Convention!"
​​​​​​​​​Convention Information
-
Details for the 2026 Kiwi Club Convention are now available on our website.
-
Visit the Convention tab to explore lodging options, event highlights, and important updates.
-
Hotel reservations are now open, so be sure to secure your room early.
-
All convention news and information will be posted under the Convention section as it becomes available.
​
​"Your enthusiastic 'Fiesta Crew”' is so looking forward to welcoming you aboard!
From deep in the heart of Texas, and mine,"
​
​
Sherri Engle Lowe, Convention Chair (Contessa Captain)
Atlanta Kiwis - Interline Uniform Show -October 21st
Our Atlanta Kiwis (pictured below) were joined by flight attendants from Delta, TWA, United, and Eastern—each modeling their classic uniforms and giving us all a delightful glimpse into the golden days of flying. The country club setting provided the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled luncheon and a raffle so well-stocked that most guests went home with a prize!
​
A heartfelt thank-you to our ATL president and National Uniform Coordinator, Chris Moeckel, The uniforms and memorabilia on display brought back wonderful memories.
​
If you’re a current or former flight attendant who misses the camaraderie of crew life, consider joining The Kiwi Club. We keep the friendships, laughter, and stories of our flying days alive—and we’d love to have you onboard!
L-R: Dee DiBuono, Mary Stettner, Claire Madden, Maureen DiCola, Maryann Montigel, Carolyn Havens, President Chris Moeckel, Joyce Hince, Jill Rohan, Barbara Hyland, Pat Evans, Colette Samara, Michele Caine, Pam Kuhn, Peg Crotty.
Looking for Flights to the Convention?
Then Start at Google Flights!
-
​Simply type “google flights” into your search bar to get started. Now follow the prompts to find flights.
-
You can even just type your departure and destination into the search bar. Such as: ATL to CMH. That’s it, hit enter, and you will see a list of all flights on all airlines sorted by price! Pure magic.
-
Finding the best flight deals is easy with Google Flights. It lets you quickly compare prices, explore destinations, and book flights.
-
Try it out now. You will never look for a flight any other way.
Google Flights: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open Google Flights in your Browser
-
Open Your Web Browser: Start by opening your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
-
Visit Google Flights: Go to the Google search engine and type "Google Flights"
Step 2: Enter Your Travel Details
-
Select Trip Type: Choose whether you want a one-way, round-trip, or multi-city flight.
-
Enter Departure and Destination Cities: Type in the cities you're flying from and to.
-
Choose Travel Dates: Click on the date fields to open a calendar and select your departure and return dates.
-
Add Travelers: Click on the "Travelers" field to specify the number of adults, children, and infants traveling.
Step 3: Find Flights
-
Click the Search Button: After entering all the necessary details, click the "Search" button.
-
View Results: Google Flights will display a list of available flights. You can see the airlines, flight times, prices, and any stops.
Step 4: Refine Your Search
-
Filter Options: Use the filters on the left side of the page to narrow down your options. You can filter by stops, airlines, price, times, and more.
-
Sort Results: Sort the results by best flights, price, or duration to find the most suitable options for you.
Step 5: Select and Book a Flight
-
Choose a Flight: Click on the flight that best fits your needs.
-
Review Details: Check the flight details, including layovers and baggage fees.
-
Book: Click the "Select" button to be redirected to the airline's website or a travel agency to complete your booking.
Bonuses not to miss!
-
Explore Destinations: Use the "Explore" feature to see various destinations and their prices if you're flexible with your travel plans.
-
Price Alerts: Set up price alerts to receive notifications when flight prices drop for your chosen route. ABSOLUTELY SET PRICE ALERTS!
P. S. All this information and more is in the Travel Section of this website.
Carefree Chapter - "Purse Impressions"
At the September meeting, Carefree Kiwis combined fellowship with generosity through their “Purse Impressions” drive. Everyone was encouraged to bring along purses or bags no longer in use, and the response was overwhelming.
The photos show the spirit of the day—club members together in support of the cause, and the trunk of a car filled with donations headed to a local charity. A heartfelt thank-you to all who shared in this effort of kindness.
South Bay September Luncheon
On September 9th, we had a wonderful quarterly gathering for our September meeting/luncheon!
​
We met at Mimi’s Cafe in Torrance CA, had a room to ourselves where we lingered long after we ’should have left’, lol.
We’re very much looking forward to our next luncheon which will be the Holiday Celebration in December.
Love to all Kiwis out there!
Linda Hessler Radke, President
Golden Gate Kiwi Chapter - July 9, 2025
Members and guests gathered at BJ’s Restaurant in San Mateo for a patriotic Red, White & Blue luncheon, hosted by Junior Turpen, Emily Garvik, Beth Norris, Anne Fatooh, and Judi Ender.
​
President Casey Bode called the meeting to order with a warm welcome, surrounded by festive tables topped with mini rose plants and flags. Great food, great friends, and a great venue made for a memorable day!
​
The San Francisco Golden Gate Chapter held its June luncheon meeting on June 11, 2025, in the scenic town of Boulder Creek. Members enjoyed great conversation, good food, and a special celebration of two of our fabulous “80-year-young” gals.
The accompanying photo captures the moment: Jo Policastro (left or above on phone) and Carol von Raesfeld (right or below on phone), wearing the crown) were each honored with birthday cheers and a birthday cake!
​
​
​
Golden Gate Chapter Gathers in Boulder Creek
Orange County/Long Beach June Luncheon
The Orange County/Long Beach Chapter held a travel themed June Luncheon. Members dressed for their favorite destinations. Participation was enthusiastic and everyone had a great time!
Top Row L-R: Linda Barker, Judy Doyle, Janie Fretz, Pat Jones, Linda Polese, Nancy Bonner, Janice Fletcher, Connie Leifheit, Mary Kay O’Neil, Karen Ford.
Seated L-R: Krystyna Kisting, Calley O’Henley, Bobbie Gulbrandson, Judy Carroll, Joann Prendergast
Orange County/Long Beach May Luncheon
The Orange County/Long Beach meeting was May 21st and very productive. Members suggested and discussed various charities that were close to their hearts. We then took a popular vote and selected three. Our lunch was in the popular Wine Room at Hanna's Restaurant in Rancho Santa Margarita.
​
​
Members Top L-R: Karen Ford, Debbie Wilterink, Judy Doyle, Linda Barker, Calley O’Henley, Sandra Burns, Nancy Bonner, Linda Polese.
Seated L-R: Joann Prendergast, Judy Carroll, Janie Fretz, Barbara Gray, Bobbie Gulbrandson
Anaheim May Meeting
The Anaheim Kiwis, Betty Williams, Louise Malenofski, Cindi Sanders, Gloria Kimmel and Dotti Zimmerman, held their May meeting at the Streamline restaurant in Orange, California.
Denver April Luncheon
April Lunch at Julie’ Gionet's new house in Longmont, CO
Pictured from l-r are:
Paula Freeman, Julie Gionet, Melinda Leal, Lisa Linnebur, Chris Carlson, Sandy Gibbons, Nancy Uszko, Jo Sharp McFadden, Bonnie Morgan, Pam Bradley
Golden Gate Chapter Group Photo
Golden Gate Chapter Members and Guests
​
1st Row-L/R: Cassandra Spittler, Joyce Adkins, Jane Wiborg, Betty Leson, Gladys Kupper, President Casey Bode
​
2nd Row-L/R: Sylvia Mazzi-guest, Jo Policastro, Kay Middleton, Jane Kay, Paula Grosse, Carol von Raesfeld, Liz Hockinson, Laura Greenberg,
3rd Row-L/R: Eileen Tyson-guest, Julie Griffen Haley, Claudia Siegler, Judy Cadet, Jan Brian, Junior Turpen, Caroline Womack, Susan Crawford, Linda Lorenz and Lynne Rieger.
Atlanta March Meeting
The ATL chapter held their March meeting at the 57th Fighter Squadron which is located adjacent to the active runway of the Peachtree-Dekalb Airport. One of our favorite meeting places!
Front Row: Maureen DiCola, Carolyn Havens, Jill Rohan, and Barbara Hyland.
Back Row: Barbara Huff, Collette Samara, Pam Kuhn, Michele Caine, and Dee DiBuono.
Orange County/Long Beach March Meeting
Top Row L-R: Barbara Gray, Connie Leifheit, Judy Carroll, Karen Ford, Judy Doyle, Linda Polese, Linda Corvan, Janie Fretz, Linda Barker, Calley O’Henley, Bobbie Gulbrandson, Debbie Wilterink, Krystyna Kisting, Sandra Burns.
Seated L-R: Linda Radke, Janine Harris, Pat Jones, Eve Brumfield, Mary Lou Arnold
The Orange County/Long Beach held a Charity Auction with proceeds benefiting our chosen charities and chapter operating expenses.
Members wore green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and also added pins and even face stickers! A fun day enjoyed by all.
Judy Carroll also gave members cute Elephant and Friendship cards. So very true of Kiwis.
South Bay March
The South Bay March Luncheon was held at the Lotus Asian Restaurant.
It was a new venue and was fabulous!
Orange County/Long Beach February Meeting
Orange County/Long Beach February Meeting was held at the popular restaurant, Hanna’s, in Rancho Santa Margarita.
They have a private Wine Room that is perfect for Kiwis!
Florida Suncoast February Meeting
We met several days after Valentines Day but since February is also Women’s Heart Health
Awareness month we figured red was apropos.
Many thanks to our hostess, Marilyn Lowe, for
providing balloons and chocolate candy hearts…like we hadn’t had enough chocolate yet!
Front sitting - Sandy Pagden-Gribaudo, Vicki Kubal, Tammy MacLeod
Back L-R - Kathy Kuzminski, Stephanie Butler, Sherri Schwab, Tina McNeice, Danya Archbold,
Karen Thomas, Jane Finzer, Betsy Howlett, Mary Paulson, Bonnie Lindenberg, Marilyn Lowe
ATL Celebrates with a Galentine's High Tea.
Pictured above L toR are Barbara Huff, Barbara Hyland, Peg Crotty, Michele Caine, Colette Samara, Maryann Montigel, Hostess Maureen DiCola, Carolyn Havens, Jill Rohan and Chapter President Chris Moeckel.
The Atlanta chapter held their February meeting at Maureen DiCola's home, where she treated us to a High Tea. The food was incredible—as tasty as it was beautiful! Many choices of exotic teas were served from her extensive tea pot collection.
It was a great afternoon that culminated with our Kiwi auction. Our talented president, Chris Moeckel, provided many of the hand-made Kiwi items.
​
FYI: Our hostess, Maureen DiCola was in charge of table decorations, as well as entrance decor, at the last convention in Savannah and will be in charge of the decor in San Antonio.
It's huge job. Thank you Maureen,
DCA Anniversary Luncheon
The DCA chapter's anniversary brought ten Washington, D.C. members to Anthony's Restaurant on Dec. 4th for a festive luncheon. With delicious food, shared stories, and plenty of laughter, the day was a true celebration.
Many thanks to all who played a part in creating such a fun and memorable event!
Front row: L to R.... Ann Signore Muench, Lonnie Mervis Hill, Susie Beers Clark
Standing: L to R.....Debbie Maitland Roland, Jane Mansfield Lam, Sandra Fiorini Hodges, Judy Rowe, Jennifer Bixler, Michele H. Smith, Linda Cowperthwaite Sterlacci
We Have a New Kiwi Facebook Page!
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Facebook page, The Kiwi Club! The page is a public page and was created by Kathy Minner. Thank you Kathy!! It was launched to help prospective members learn more about our club and what we offer.
​
We need your support to make this page a success. Please take a moment to "Share" the page with your Facebook friends to help the page grow. We also encourage you to post interesting content related to Kiwi Club events and activities, so that our page is engaging and informative. Keep in mind that for some people this will be their first look the The Kiwi Club. So posts to let them know more about the Kiwi club and what we do are needed.
​
Let's work together to make our new Facebook page a hub of activity and a valuable resource for those interested in joining the Kiwi Club.
​
Here is the link for the new page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/536365985250703
​
Give it a look now. Let's show off who we are!
