Hello and welcome to Cross-Checked! Issue

One. I’m Kiani, your Editor-in-Chief, and I’m thrilled to bring you our newsletter of what I hope will become something our Club looks forward to.

My dream of becoming a flight attendant began back in Oahu, Hawaii. It was 1976 and my family decided it was time to move to the mainland. As a child, I would run to the TV to catch sight of the giant plane soaring across the screen on the 70’s show “Hawaii 5-0”. So, when I climbed the steps to board an American Airlines jet, I was awestruck by the sight of the elegant looking flight attendant welcoming us on board. At that moment, I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Fast forward to 1999, and that dream became a reality! I earned my wings and began a 24-year journey with American Airlines. It was an incredible career filled with unforgettable experiences, and while I retired in 2023, I quickly found myself missing the unique camaraderie that comes with the job.

I discovered the AA retirees group through Facebook and connected with Mary McKenna.

She cheered me up and told me about the Kiwis and what an amazing thing it is to be a part of. No one had to tell me twice to sign up!

When I received my Kiwi Wings I also got some information about the Savannah Sojourn Convention in April 2024. I knew I had to attend.

The decision was easy and I was eager toreconnect with like-minded individuals. Before I knew it, we were in Savannah and those three days spent there were nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, joy, and heartwarming stories.

Trying to describe the feeling of being in a room filled with only flight attendants was a surreal familiarity that I missed. My family and I enjoyed the sights, sounds, the shopping, the auctions (I won a cart from WINGS!) and Paula Dean’s southern biscuits.

The city's picturesque architecture and delicious peach cobbler only added to the experience. It felt like finding my tribe again, and I knew this was where I belonged.

So here we are, with our first newsletter. This is your quick fix on what's happening with your Long Island Kiwi Chapter. The number of issues we plan to roll out is dependent on our group's interest. So please let us know what you’d like to see, and send it to us with “Suggestions” in the subject line to skygirl.kiani@gmail.com.

If you missed it, we had our 3rd meeting and luncheon of the year in the restaurant of The Northport Hotel.

Twenty-six members showed up for good food, good conversation, and club updates.

The Northport Hotel, located in Northport, Long Island, is known for offering a cozy and upscale dining experience. The hotel itself is a boutique establishment, and its restaurant adds a sophisticated touch to the local dining scene.

Our tailored Luncheon menu consisted of classic and modernized American dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and included main entrees of:

● Pan Seared Salmon
● Rigatoni
● Grilled Lamb Chops
● Grilled Sirloin Steak

Situated in the heart of Northport Village, the hotel and restaurant is local to various attractions including scenic harbor views, quaint shops, and cultural spots like the John W. Engeman Theater. The restaurant is an ideal spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a high-quality meal in a picturesque setting.

This is a prime location and is a standout dining destination in Long Island. It was a pleasure to host our Kiwi luncheon here.

Let’s get the word out to our fellow AA flight attendant retirees as well as those that are active that membership is open to them should they find our social get-togethers interesting!

This is your newsletter, and we want your input!

We want to read things you’ve written (poems, articles, stories). We want to see photos from your flight attendant life. Share your ideas for future events and we’ll put something together for our members to enjoy. Your contributions are what make our club special.

Got a great celebrity story? We’d love to hear it! Include a photo if you’d like, and send it our way.

We’ll select one story to feature in our next newsletter.

Know about any discounts exclusive to flying professionals, both active and retired? Share the details so everyone can benefit!

Have a favorite recipe or know of a business offering exceptional services? Or perhaps there’s a new restaurant or exhibit you think we should check out as a group? Send it all to us so we can spread the word.

We want to celebrate and acknowledge every Kiwi member so share your story with us. Don’t forget to add pictures. Whether it’s articles you’ve written, photos you’ve taken, ideas for future events like a cooking class or a Broadway show, let us know so we can set it up.

Show and tell time! I pretty knew to acrylic paints and did an abstract take on our Kiwi Club:

Send us an email with ”Contributions” in thesubject line to: skygirl.kiani@gmail.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse
551 Fifth Avenue NYC
$78 ppl | 12pm-3pm | Festive Casual Attire
Wednesday December 4th, 2024

All Chapters are invited. Active and retired AA flight attendants are most welcome. Find out what The Kiwi Club is about.

Tickets are $78 per person and include 4 courses, non-alcoholic beverages, banquet fee, tax & tip.

Cash bar available.

● A limited number of tickets will be extended to non-AA guests of the current membership.
Limit 1 guest per member.

● To purchase tickets and RSVP, please contact us at skygirl.kiani@gmail.com and write "Holiday Social" in the subject line. Give us your name, AA employee or AA Class number and the best way to reach you. If you are a member bringing a guest, please add their name or simply state “+1.” Current Kiwi Club Members may purchase tickets starting September 15, 2024. Non-member AA flight attendants may purchase tickets starting October 4th, 2024.

● Your RSVPs are confirmed once payment is received. Payment options will be offered as we respond to each RSVP request. No REFUNDS after November 4th. There will be no walk-ins on the day of the event.

Meeting Changes

On August 7th, 2024, all members present at our 3rd Luncheon of the year, voted on schedule changes to our meetings. The majority of members in attendance elected to assemble three times a year, in May, September and a Holiday party without entertainment.

Therefore, there will be NO November meeting.

National Dues

National is now accepting dues online through The Kiwi Club website at www.TheKiwiClub.org.

National dues can still be mailed via USPS to our Long Island Chapter to our address below:

The Kiwi Club of Long Island
P.O. Box 35, Brightwaters, NY 11718

All National dues will be forwarded to The Kiwi Club. Please note any dues received after October 1, 2024 will incur a late fee of $5.