Kiwanis News

Kiwanis International names 2009 World Service Medal recipient

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:13:00 GMT

Dr. Gray Heppner, deputy commander,
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research,
honored for pursuit of malaria vaccine

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (June 25, 2009) – Kiwanis International today named Colonel Donald Gray Heppner Jr., M.D. as its 2009 World Service Medal recipient. Heppner, deputy commander of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), was honored for his critical role in the development of a promising vaccine against malaria, one of the world’s most devastating diseases of children. The Kiwanis World Service Medal, established in 1985, recognizes individuals who devote a significant part of their lives to meeting the needs of others.

“The malaria death toll in Africa is staggering, the equivalent of seven 747 airliners full of children crashing into Mount Kilimanjaro every day,” said Don Canady, Kiwanis International president. “Worldwide some 500 million children and adults are sickened with malaria every year. We eliminated malaria in the United States 50 years ago, so our children are no longer threatened. Now is the time to eliminate malaria everywhere. The children of the world deserve action.”

Action is what Heppner has been taking since 1990, when he joined the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research’s (WRAIR) Malaria Vaccine Development Program. Heppner was both humbled and excited to work at an institute that developed vaccines to protect against deadly tropical diseases such as Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A, dengue and diarrhea.

“Malaria kills 1 in 5 children born in Sub-Saharan Africa,” states Heppner. “Many children who survive severe malaria suffer life-long learning disabilities. The costs are borne by grieving mothers and fathers, their families and communities.” For these reasons, Heppner and others have devoted their careers to developing a vaccine to prevent malaria.

Heppner was so committed to the cause, he enrolled as a volunteer in one of the early trials of a malaria vaccine at WRAIR. The test vaccine was ineffective, so Heppner—like the other volunteers in the study—contracted malaria from malaria-infected test mosquitoes, and suffered the flu-like symptoms caused by the deadly parasite in the blood. Two days of effective drug treatment cured him, drugs too expensive and too scarce for the world’s malaria-afflicted poor to obtain.

Heppner’s quest to defeat malaria continued in malaria-ridden refugee camps on the Thai-Burmese Burma border in 1993 to 1997, where he was stunned to see how malaria devastated families who could not afford effective treatment for their children. He learned even the newest drugs to treat malaria quickly lose potency, underscoring the need to develop a vaccine to prevent malaria.

He has played a pivotal role in the development of the world’s most promising malaria vaccine called RTS,S. His team of scientists from WRAIR, working with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), carried out critical vaccine studies in Africa, Asia, Europe and the USA. With the entry of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, global efforts have broadened, resulted in the start this year of Africa-wide multi-center trials intended to license the RTS,S malaria vaccine for children.

Heppner notes, “If successful, there is real hope the RTS,S vaccine could reduce severe malaria by 50 percent. Yet 50 percent protection is not good enough for children or for soldiers.”

Heppner remains focused on developing an even more effective malaria vaccine. “The global health community realizes the tool kit to combat malaria must include more than bed nets and treatment drugs; it requires a vaccine.” Most importantly, he recognizes that real progress in the war on malaria requires strong, healthy international partnerships united by purpose.

“Only with a team of teams, the Gates Foundation, industry, the U.S. Agency for International Development, universities and ministries of health, can real progress be made. Until malaria is eliminated, WRAIR’s scientists and physicians will work to develop safe, more effective drugs and vaccines to protect those at risk.”

Heppner was promoted to deputy commander of the WRAIR in July 2008. He plays a key leadership role in the Army’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, diarrhea, dengue fever, leishmaniasis and other diseases, which afflict all people in the tropics, children, travelers and soldiers alike. “It has been my great privilege to work with some of the most talented, selfless and dedicated tropical disease experts.”

The World Service Medal publicizes inspiring examples of individuals who have recognized a need and taken personal action to meet that need. One medal is awarded each year and the Kiwanis International Foundation adds a US$10,000 grant to assist the honoree in furthering his or her service work. Previous winners have included Mother Teresa, actors and humanitarians Sir Roger Moore and Audrey Hepburn and First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Rosalynn Carter.

On receiving the e-mail notification of the award, Heppner was deeply moved. “I had welcomed my Lynchburg, Virginia hometown nomination, but never, ever anticipated one of the world’s preeminent charities for children would recognize the importance of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research’s efforts to fight malaria. I hope this Kiwanis award will inspire thousands more to join the fight,” said Heppner. “Malaria can be eliminated if we say enough is enough and take action.”

In another demonstration of service and leadership, Heppner said he would not keep the $10,000 grant. Instead, he will donate it to a Kiwanis school in Africa that helps children and families hard hit by malaria.

“WRAIR established a field station and a pediatric ward in the City of Kisumu, Kenya,” said Heppner. “Close by is a nursery school, operated by the Kiwanis of Kisumu, which educates and feeds children whose families have been afflicted by malaria and HIV/AIDS.” The grant will be given, he said, to the Kiwanis Nursery School in Kisumu, Kenya.

“Col. Heppner’s work isn’t just about saving people, especially children, today. It’s about saving people, period. His work will someday give people, children the opportunity to be healthy and happy, to give them hope to live the best life they can,” said Canaday. “Col. Heppner’s work is a living demonstration of Kiwanis mission to provide life-changing service.”

Kiwanis International elects officers for 2009-2010

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:12:00 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kiwanis International members from around the world today elected Paul Palazzolo, of Springfield, Ill., to be the service leadership organization’s 2009-2010 president during their 94th annual convention in Nashville, Tenn. Also elected was Sylvester Neal, Auburn, Wash., president-elect, and Alan Penn, Medina, Ohio, vice president. Palazzolo, Neal and Penn take office Oct. 1, 2009.

Kiwanis International is an international organization of member-volunteers who give more than six million hours and more than US$100 million each year to help change the world one child and one community at a time. More than 5,500 international Kiwanis club delegates and guests attended the meeting

Palazzolo, auditor of Sangamon County, Ill., and a licensed real estate broker, is past-distinguished president of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield-Downtown, Ill., served as governor of the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District in 1994-95, as district secretary and district treasurer and as president of the district foundation board. He is a life member of Kiwanis International and a Diamond-level George F. Hixson Fellow, Tablet of Honor recipient and Heritage Society member of the Kiwanis International Foundation. He served as a Key Club distinguished governor in 1983-84 and was recognized with Circle K’s Opal Award by the 1999-00 president of Circle K International. He holds a degree in finance from the University of Illinois.

Neal, a retired Alaska state fire marshal, has belonged to the Kiwanis Club of the Valley, Auburn, since 2003. He is a former member of the Kiwanis clubs of Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, and was Kiwanian of the Year four times. He served as governor of the Pacific Northwest District in 2002-03, and is a life member of Kiwanis International.

Penn, a faculty member in the education department of the University of Akron, is a member and past-distinguished president of the Kiwanis Club of Medina Breakfast in Medina, Ohio, and a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Lakewood, Ohio. He served with honors as governor of the Ohio District and was the district’s Key Club administrator for four years. He also serves as executive director of the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation. He is a George F. Hixson Fellow, Tablet of Honor recipient and Heritage Society member of the Kiwanis International Foundation.

Globally, Kiwanis International addresses children’s issues through worldwide initiatives. Kiwanis is a family of more than 600,000 adult and youth members in 70 nations and geographic areas that serve children and communities. Any community need can become a Kiwanis service project, especially if the need involves children, who Kiwanians believe should have the help and the right to lead healthy, successful lives.

Boswell honored by City of Bonifay, Kiwanis

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:10:00 GMT

Bonifay, Florida, Washington County News
http://www.chipleypaper.com/news/bonifay-3703-boswell-city.html

BONIFAY – Bonifay Kiwanis Club and the City of Bonifay honored one of the city’s most distinguished citizens Wednesday, June 24 with Al Boswell Day. The event took place before a large crowd at Simbo’s Restaurant in Bonifay.

“He has been great for his community and his club,” said City Councilman Roger Brooks as he and others presented Boswell with awards of appreciation for his service.

Boswell was born June 18, 1926 and is a lifelong resident of Holmes County. He served three years in the Navy in the Pacific theater during World War II and after the war went to the College of William and Mary to study business and communications.

Boswell was reactivated in the Navy Reserve in 1950 and served for three years on the USS Missouri during the Korean Conflict.

In 1955, Boswell hired by the Tri-County Telephone Co. and served a secretary, equipment engineer, local manager and district manager.

The company merged with Continental Corp in 1966 and Boswell retired in 1977.

“Retired” turned out to be a relative term, as Boswell subsequently served as hospital administrator, city clerk and as city grants writer. He was instrumental in securing funds for the new prison, the firehouse and the police station among other accomplishments.

Boswell joined the Kiwanis Club in 1959 and has been a member ever since. He has served as director, program chairman, vice president and president, and nowadays serves as song leader every meeting.

Al and his wife, Iris, live at Boswell Crossroads. They have four children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

“The Bonifay Kiwanis Club and the City of Bonifay recognize Al Boswell on Al Boswell Day, and thank you for your service to our club and to our community,” said Kiwanis President Don Hersman, Jr.

Portage Lakes Kiwanis: Serving the community for 50 years

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:08:00 GMT

Akron, Ohio, Suburbanite.com
http://www.thesuburbanite.com/communities/x135728315/Portage-Lakes-Kiwanis-Serving-the-community-for-50-years

The Portage Lakes Kiwanis are best known for their Rose Day sale and Christmas Eve Santa delivery while many of their services to the community pass without much fanfare. I’d like to share with you just some of their other community service projects.

As you may know, Kiwanis is an international service organization, the Portage Lakes Kiwanis received their charter in 1951 with an objective to provide community service primarily to the Portage Lakes area.

The Kiwanis Senior Tower on Portage Lakes Drive came about through the efforts of the Portage Lakes Kiwanis. They saw the need for a senior citizens building with affordable rent would be welcome in the community. They supported the idea by contributing start up money and helped secure federal funding to bring the vision to reality. The Senior Towers is self-sufficient and is run by a management company.

Some of the community activities and services they provide are the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Tudor house in New Franklin; they offer boat rides for handicapped children through their youth services program; support Camp Y-Noah through manual labor by building picnic tables, bunk beds, docks, painting and roof repair. Coventry and Manchester high school students can participate in their Key Club and a Builders Club offered to middle school students.

Their Kiwanis Civic Center offers free meeting space to non-profit organizations in the Portage Lakes. Some groups that have taken advantage of the offer are the Astronomy club, AARP, Orchid Society , both Boy and Girl scout groups; baseball, football and soccer sign-ups. In the fall, the Civic Center is a flu shot site.

The cost to maintain the Civic Center is approximately $13 thousand dollars a year and is supported through private donations, Rose Day sales and an army of volunteers who through the Civic Center Board of Directors maintain the grounds and building upkeep. It’s a huge task.

Every year since the 1950s Kiwanis has offered four $1500 scholarships to college bound graduating seniors in the Coventry and Manchester schools. One each to a male and female at the respective schools.

Scholarship recipients this year were: Madeline Conley of Coventry; Jordin Shannon, Manchester; Nick Deberte, Coventry and Dustin Ivey of Manchester.
Interested in joining and getting involved to serve your community?

Kiwanis has membership openings for males and females, married or single. They have an array of business owners and service companies listed among their membership. Visit their Web site, www.plkiwanis.org, or drop in at their meetings every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. at the Kiwanis Civic Center, 725 Portage Lakes Drive.

Just remember when you purchase your Roses for Rose Day the first Saturday in October, you are helping support the many services Kiwanis provides to the Portage Lakes community.

Kiwanis International pursuing second worldwide service project

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:05:00 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kiwanis International, in 1994, made a pledge to help protect children from the scourges of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in its first Worldwide Service Project. Now, with the majority of the world’s children protected against IDD, Kiwanis is inviting organizations, institutions and individuals to propose a project to become the global service organization’s second worldwide service initiative.

“We live today in a world of need,” said Kiwanis International President Don Canaday, of Fishers, Ind. “People suffer debilitating and deadly diseases that need treatment or cure. Children live in poverty and go hungry, absent access to education, help and hope.

“Today more than ever Kiwanis is needed to help ensure that families and children have food, clean water, a safe and secure shelter,” said Canady.

Solutions, Canaday added, will require many hands, many nations, many years, but small differences can set in motion a cascade of significant change.
“One hand outstretched becomes two becomes four, becomes eight. Borders, boundaries and cultures are crossed and change becomes a cause, a commitment and, eventually, a cure,” said Canaday.
In 1994, Kiwanis committed to help protect children against IDD, the leading preventable cause of lifelong mental and physical disabilities. Today, the organization, with its 8,000 clubs in 70 nations and geographic areas, is taking the next step in its journey to change the world for children and communities—Kiwanis is asking its members and others to propose its next Worldwide Service Project.
“Kiwanis has achieved its goal to virtually eradicate Iodine Deficiency Disorders,” said Rob Parker, CEO of Kiwanis International. “Today, our partner in that effort, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) estimates the number of households consuming iodized salt has jumped from 20 percent in 1990 to more than 70 percent today.
“There remain a few pockets of need and we will remain vigilant to keep moving that needle upward, but it’s time now to begin to identify the next Worldwide Service Project where the helping hands of Kiwanis can help improve the life of children and communities,” said Parker.
Kiwanis’ Worldwide Service Project is a directed program that engages all of its youth and adult members to make a positive difference in the world by helping children in need.

Proposals, due by Oct. 1, 2009, are invited from members, organizations, agencies and institutions. Project criteria include:

Involve a child-focused issue or problem
Be compelling and relevant
Involve both a global and a local level of participation and impact
Include hands-on service and fundraising
Address a virtually solvable problem or issue
Support Kiwanis membership growth
Lead to life-changing experiences

Make recommendations via the Kiwanis International Web site at: www.kiwanis.org/wsp. Please provide the following in your proposal:

Describe your project and how it matches the criteria (500 words or less)
How does the project align with Kiwanis’ mission? (200 words or less)
How can youth participate in the project? (200 words or less)
What percentage of the project involves hands-on service? (100 words or less)
What percentage of the project involves fundraising? (100 words or less)

Kiwanis will accept nominations until Oct. 1, 2009, and will announce its second Worldwide Service Project in June 2010 at the organization’s 95th annual convention in Las Vegas.

Kiwanis celebrates service, fosters leadership at annual convention

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:49:00 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than 5,500 member-volunteers, families and guests from around the world will gather this week in Nashville, Tenn., for Kiwanis International’s 94th annual convention. Members will elect new international officers, celebrate their compassionate commitment to help children and communities, and enhance leadership skills.

Kiwanis International comprises 600,000 adult and youth members in 70 nations who annually give more than six million hours and US$100 million to help change the world one child and one community at a time.

During the June 25-28 convention, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will welcome members who then will hone their skills working with volunteers, share best practices to go from good to great and discuss recruiting and retaining members. Members also will learn about succession planning and working with youth through Kiwanis programs such as Key Club and Circle K, Kiwanis initiatives on high school and university and college campuses.

“Kiwanis is planning a dynamic program this year, with targeted educational tracks and specialized sessions on topics such as member retention and growth, but we aren’t forgetting the important elements of fun and fellowship,” said Rob Parker, Kiwanis International CEO.

“We kick off the celebration of service with a members’ event in the Nashville Convention Center Thursday, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Grand Ole Opry Friday during Kiwanis Night at the Opry, and then join in the Saturday Night Stampede at the Wildhorse Saloon, where we expect to see a lot of boot-scootin’ Kiwanians on the dance floor.”

Held at the Nashville Convention and Sommet centers, the event will reflect key Kiwanis themes of service and leadership through educational forums and guest speakers such as Judson Laipply, an American motivational speaker and comedian from Bucyrus, Ohio, whose “Evolution of Dance” is among the most viewed videos of all time on YouTube. Jeff Wolf, one of America’s top executive business coaches and author of, Roadmap to Success, with Ken Blanchard and Stephen Covey, will also present at the convention, as will Kent Keith, chief executive of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership and author of The Paradoxical Commandments and The Case for Servant Leadership.

Denver & the Mile High Orchestra, a horn-driven band from Nashville, will also perform for the convention. The group, formed by friends at Nashville’s Belmont University, has performed at churches, conferences, festivals—even the Olympics.

Other highlights of the 94th annual convention include:

Presentation of the Kiwanis International World Service Medal
- The Kiwanis World Service Medal, established in 1985, recognizes individuals who devote a significant part of their lives to meeting the needs of others. One medal is awarded each year and the Kiwanis International Foundation adds a US $10,000 grant to assist the honoree in furthering his or her service work. Winners have included Mother Teresa, Audrey Hepburn and First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Rosalynn Carter.

Election of international officers
- Delegates to the convention from Kiwanis clubs worldwide will elect the new president, president-elect and vice president of the organization. The current president is Don Canaday, of Fishers, Ind.

Presentation of the Robert P. Connelly Medal of Heroism
- The medal honors Robert P. Connelly, 34, a Kiwanis club member from Illinois, who died in 1966 while trying to save a disabled woman who had fallen into the path of an oncoming train. Sadly, both died, but Connelly’s selfless act inspired the Kiwanis International board to establish an award in his honor, marking service “above and beyond the call of duty.”

Surprise announcement
- Kiwanis International will make an announcement during convention of a special project plan. Further information will be available at and after convention.

“This is an exciting time for Kiwanis,” said Parker. “We are proud of the help provided by so many member-volunteers over so many years, but we are excited, too, by the energy, enthusiasm and innovative ideas we are seeing and what it holds for the future – of Kiwanis and for the children we are committed to help everywhere around the world.”

Evolution of Dance’ creator to inspire, entertain Kiwanians

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:48:00 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Judson Laipply, an “inspirational comedian” whose Evolution of Dance has been viewed more than 116 million times on YouTube, is a featured speaker at the Kiwanis International Convention, taking place this week at the Sommet and Nashville Convention centers.

Laipply, who strives to make people laugh and think, will share his humor and wisdom on topics from change to teams to setting goals Wednesday afternoon, and top off his session with a performance of The Evolution of Dance.

In the original video, Laipply dances to a soundtrack that features songs from a range of artists, including Elvis Presley, MC Hammer and Michael Jackson. An updated version also includes songs from artists including James Brown and Soulja Boy.

“We are delighted to have Judson participate in the Kiwanis convention,” said Don Canaday, of Fishers, Ind., Kiwanis International president. “Judson has that rare ability to motivate and to inspire, and at the same time to entertain.

“I believe Kiwanis members who are in Nashville to explore and experience new opportunities for friendship, fellowship and service, and to celebrate the service of the past year, will get a lot from his appearance, especially about issues such as change, making choices, team building, goal setting and leadership.”

For his performance, Laipply draws on his experiences from working on a cruise ship and at a camp in Colorado, being a certified Aerobics instructor, teaching college courses, being a published poet, part- time auctioneer and a weekly columnist.

Kiwanis donates computers to students

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:47:00 GMT

Livonia, Michigan, Hometown Life
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090618/NEWS10/906180582

Briann Minter hopes to accelerate her learning even more.

The Riley School fifth-grader, who is in an accelerated reading and writing program, received a laptop computer Monday from the Livonia Kiwanis Club.

The Kiwanis donated four computers to students in four families in Livonia who have come under difficult times. Briann's mother, Jennie Minter, recently lost her job as an assistant manager at a credit union.

Ryan Wagner, vice president of the Kiwanis and one of the coordinators of the computer donations, said the service club contacted city hall's Sharon Sabat, site coordinator for the city's emergency food assistance program, and asked for the names of families that could use some help.

Will Alford, Kiwanis president, said the club also provides dictionaries to students in the Livonia and Clarenceville districts. “We're also giving away four scholarships to high school seniors,” Alford said.

The Kiwanis purchased the computers from Canton Computer on Plymouth Road in Livonia. Wagner appreciated the efforts of store manager Jason Lewkut for his work on pricing. “They gave us far and away the best price on that,” Wagner said.

“That was just the best news to hear,” said Jennie, the single mother of six children ages 3-17. Briann said she was happy to get the computer “It was really cool,” Briann said. “Now I won't have to go to anyone else for computer projects. Now I can just stay at home.”

Mom added: “She called all of her friends as soon as I told her.”

Jennie said the family had purchased a used computer from Thurston High School when they lived in Redford a few years ago.

Briann hopes it will help her with her classes, such as social studies, science and math.
Her reading and writing skills are at a seventh-grade level.

The computer will help her “explore new worlds and new books,” Briann said. “And you can write anything, imaginary or real life.”

Of course, she'll use the computer for fun, too. She likes Webkinz, a Web site that interacts with children about the care for a plush toy pet. She hopes to someday be a pediatrician.

Jennie expects to use the Dell laptop computer, too.

“I may be using it for jobs, for sending out resumes,” she said. “It truly is a blessing what they (the Kiwanis) do for Livonia.”

Kiwanis presents two education grants

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:46:00 GMT

Chipley, Florida, Foster Folly News
http://www.fosterfollynews.com/news/2009June17Kiwanis.php

At its weekly club luncheon on Tuesday, the Kiwanis Club presented two donations to trusts for general scholarship funding to Washington County students.

Both donations represent support to scholarship programs by Kiwanis over many years, and are funded by the citizens of Washington County through their support of Kiwanis fund raising projects.

The first presentation was made to the Washington-Holmes Technical Center Foundation, Inc. for use in its general scholarship programs. Bill Howell, Chairman of the Kiwanis Scholarship Committee, presented the check to Tommy Smith, Director of the Washington-Holmes Technical Center and a Foundation Trustee.

The second presentation was to the Washington County Scholarship Trust, which is also well known throughout the county for its “Pulling for Education” farm tractor based fund raising event each October. The check was presented by Bill Howell to Dr. Sandra Cook, one of the founders of the trust and a Trustee.

For the school year just ended for 2009, Kiwanis Club of Chipley directly presented 4 scholarships to high school graduates in the last few weeks, renewed 5 scholarships for students at Chipola, and a further 18 high school graduates received Take Stock In Children scholarships from the Washington County Scholarship Foundation, Inc., that receives significant support from Kiwanis. While the club does not track the use of donations for scholarships by the WHTC Foundation or the Washington County Scholarship Trust, it is apparent that at least 10% of the high school graduates in the county in 2009 received some support from Kiwanis. All the funds for these scholarship programs are based upon the donations by Washington County residents.
The Kiwanis Club of Chipley has been providing support to youth oriented events and programs for 68 years and last year supported 36 organizations throughout the county.

Next on the fund raising schedule will be the ever-popular Kiwanis Dinner Theatre on Thursday evening, August 27, at the Ag Center. The program this year will feature the Chipley High School Drama Club that will prepare a special presentation for Kiwanis as part of their Summer Program. Final scheduling for the Kiwanis Golf Tournament is being coordinated with other tournaments in the area, and will occur in September or early October.

The club meets Tuesdays at Pattillo’s Restaurant in the middle of the Washington-Holmes County Technical Center (WHTC) at Noon. For an invitation to lunch, contact any Kiwanian or call Elaine Chadwell, Membership Chairperson, at 258-3142.

Celebrate Fourth of July with Kiwanis Club of Dothan

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:45:00 GMT

Dothan, Alabama, Eagle
http://www.dothaneagle.com/dea/dothan_progress/news/article/celebrate_fourth_of_july_with_kiwanis_club_of_dothan/78431/

The Kiwanis Club of Dothan has an invitation for the Wiregrass community - come and celebrate the Fourth of July with them at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds.

“It’s a great time for us to celebrate our nation’s birth,” said Dr. Adair Gilbert, club president, during a press conference held last week to announce this year’s event schedule. “The Kiwanis Club of Dothan has sponsored this event for three years. It just gets better every year.”

Dr. Gilbert noted, during these uncertain economic times, people are looking for ways to have a good time without a tremendous expense. She believes the Family Fourth Celebration will provide family entertainment that will not hurt the family budget.

“We’re going through a tough time as a nation,” Dr. Gilbert said. “And it has filtered down, locally. But we can still celebrate our nation’s birth on the local level. One way we are helping to make that happen is by offering advanced tickets for $5 per person. At the gate, they will be $10 per person.”

All proceeds go toward projects that help children.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., and organizers promise that it will be a day filled with activities. Many of those activities will be geared toward children.

“As a Kiwanis Club, we’re all about children,” Dr. Gilbert continued. “That’s what the Fourth of July is all about. We encourage parents to bring their children.”

The Kids Play Zone, sponsored by American Classifieds, will open at 10 a.m. and run until dusk. This area will feature four water slides. Visitors are encouraged to pack a swimsuit, sunscreen and a towel to take part.

“We will have four of biggest water slides in the area,” said Patrick Liester of American Classifieds. “We will also have several bouncy inflatables for the children.”

Buffalo Rock Pepsi is providing two stages for entertainment. The set-up will be a dual-stage amphitheater that will allow visitors to easily navigate between the two venues. Some of the artists scheduled to perform include Heaven’s Island (steel drum band), Franklin Washington (an R&B singer from Atlanta), Seth and Willie Fred (Southern humorists and entertainers), Righteous Sin (rock and roll), Big and Loud (country and patriotic), PBM (a reggae band from Montgomery), Cold September (classic rock), Aerias (contemporary) and Tigertown Band (classic country, do-wop rock and more).

With the focus of the event on families, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative will provide the Family Fun Pavilion. Free train rides will be provided from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. At 4 p.m., family games, including a sack race and a watermelon seed-pinching contest will take place).

“The Family Fun Pavilion will provide a cooling station, train rides and much more,” said Janet Henderson of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative. “We also have a special event planned at 6 p.m. We will have a watermelon eating contest featuring many of our local politicians.”

With summer temperatures upon us, event organizers have made arrangements to help visitors beat the heat. Knology will provide a Kool Tent that will feature cool mist to refresh the participants.

Another highlight of the day is the New South Cruisers Car Show. Registration to participate will be from 8-11 a.m. The fee is $15 per car. The cars will be on display until 3 p.m. Awards will be handed out in 25 divisions and categories.

“In our first year, we had 60-plus cars entered,” David Plunkett said. “Last year, we had 140-plus cars. This year, we are anticipating 200 cars. And we will have the gamut when it comes to cars.”

For those into arts and crafts, vendors from throughout the area will be set up indoors and outdoors for visitors to peruse. A large food court, including the Kiwanis Dining Tent, will be available to tackle the need for food.

What would a Fourth of July be without a fireworks show? Never fear. Once the sun goes down and darkness settles over the area, Pyrotecnico Inc. will once again put the “Red, White and Boom” into the Family Fourth Celebration.

“They are bringing in a $12,000 show for this event,” said Kerry Farrell of The Main Event. “They put on a very good show last year.”

The fireworks show will bring to a close a day filled with family activities.

KIWANIS SUPPORTS PRESIDENT’S NATIONAL SERVICE INITIATIVE

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:49:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (June 17, 2009) – Kiwanis International is adding its 600,000-member voice to President Obama’s call for a nationwide service initiative, a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to meet community needs and to make service a way of life for Americans.

“For nearly 100 years, Kiwanis members and clubs have volunteered to help children in their communities and around the world,” said Don Canaday, Kiwanis International president. “We are proud today to join in this national service initiative, which in this economic downturn, makes service and volunteering more important than ever.”

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis and its family of programs—Circle K International, Key Club International, Builders Club, K Kids, Kiwanis Junior and Aktion Club— annually volunteer millions of hours and collect and donate US$100 million to strengthen communities and serve children.

The service initiative, United We Serve, which kicks off June 22 at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, will span 81 days, or just under 12 weeks, culminating with a National Day of Service and Remembrance on Sept. 11, 2009. The day will serve to recognize the summer’s accomplishments, but also to honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, by serving in their memory and encouraging other Americans to make an ongoing commitment to service.

“As busy as they are, across the country, people are looking for ways to help their neighbors and communities,” said Canaday, of Fishers, Ind. “This program provides the opportunity to put their passion and commitment into action in a way that regular jobs don’t allow.”

In announcing the service initiative, Obama said it would empower Americans to take part in the economic recovery by:

Promoting clean energy, energy efficiency and restoring public lands.
Supporting education and literacy for all Americans.
Increasing access to health care, public health awareness and prevention.
Providing community renewal to areas hard hit by the economic turndown.

In his call, Obama urges helping put volunteers on a path to service; asking volunteers to become organizers to help identify needs in their communities, and to develop their own service projects; providing easy to use tools to help volunteers develop service projects, then to set goals and rack outcomes; and developing partnerships with broad-based groups to increase participation and benefit.

“We have 600,000 youth and adult members ready to respond to the president’s service initiative,” said Canaday, “to provide support, service and leadership, to help when and where we can.”

Kiwanis clubs and organizations are already engaged in service in their communities, but the international organization is issuing a call to increase service and projects where possible. Among planned projects is a fund and awareness raiser to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network, provided by members of Key Club International, Kiwanis’ high school organization, as part of their annual convention in Dallas in July.

In Florida, Kiwanis Clubs are planning a Christmas in July event to address the needs of children who are homeless and in need. Additionally, members of Circle K International (CKI), Kiwanis’ college and university-aged club, are planning a Large Scale Service Project as part of their annual convention in Birmingham in August. Projects include helping build wheelchair ramps to ensure access for disabled children and families.

“Many of Kiwanis’ programs mirror the president’s call to action, including our Read Around the World project, where members read to and provide books to children,” said Canaday. “We also have clubs that spearhead heath fairs and teach about child health and safety.

“But we happily join this initiative to identify even more ways Kiwanis can help. We have 600,000 members who daily share their time, talent and treasure to help others, especially children, and we look forward to doing what we can to support this initiative.”

For more information about Kiwanis, or how to get involved with a Kiwanis club or organization in your community, please call 800-549-2647, ext. 411, or visit www.kiwanis.org.

Iraqis sport Kiwanis T-shirts

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:58:00 GMT

Niagara,, New York, Gazette
http://www.niagara-gazette.com/columns/local_story_164230904.html

Nearly everyone in Western New York has heard about the splendid efforts of the community-minded Lewiston Kiwanis Club.

The club’s countless contributions to local organizations, to needy families at holiday times and various projects are well known.

Now that message has been spread, even to the streets of Baghdad in war-torn Iraq.

It all came about because Lt. Col. Patrick Roemer, a commander of the Air National Guard based at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, decided that members of his 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron would want to help make an orphanage school in Baghdad safe and more comfortable for its young students.

Roemer, however, is not the type to take any personal credit for a project. Instead, he is prone to always use “We did it,” according to Amy Wiser, whose feature article on helping the orphans, is in the current issue of the Kiwanis magazine.

Roemer told the writer, “The electrical system at the school was in terrible repair and unsafe. We simply didn’t want the kids to get hurt. We tried to make their lives better.”

The commander noted that idle time in the troops’ area of operations could adversely affect morale. Obviously, the project gave something worthwhile for the aviators to accomplish during their day off. The kids became fast friends as well.

When Chuck Stojak, a longtime Lewiston Kiwanian, heard about the work to assist the children in Iraq, he suggested sending some 200 white T-shirts emblazoned with the “Kiwanis of Lewiston” logo, along with a bundle of donated clothes.

Stojak also knew the precise procedures to make certain the shirts and other clothing items reached the right destination. He included a note to Roemer: “Pat, These are for the kids. Distribute as you see fit.”

Roemer said the youths loved the shirts. “Everyone likes to wear white in the hot weather,” the commander added.

One member of Roemer’s squadron, a New York State trooper, was so impressed with the kindness of the Kiwanians that he hinted he might join a chapter when he returned home.

Roemer, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, has received numerous awards and decorations during his career. He tells a story how his brother, Mike, first suggested that they both join the Lewiston Kiwanis six years ago.

They viewed that commitment as a tribute to their late uncle, a past president of the club.

Stojak also is a member of the regional state parks commission, an advisory group for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Butte Kiwanis help purchase SWAT vests

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:56:00 GMT

KXLF-TV, Butte, Montana
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10505977

Members of the Butte Kiwanis Club and other organizations did their part Tuesday to keep Butte-Silver Bow and its police officers safe.

During a special lunch, the Kiwanis Club handed over a check for $2,800 to Officer John O'Brien who is part of Butte-Silver Bow's SWAT team. O'Brien approached the Kiwanis Club in March, asking for assistance in getting new bulletproof vests for his 10-man team.

According to the club, O'Brien told Kiwanians that the department could only properly equip five SWAT officers, prompting a fundraising effort that O'Brien says may have saved his life or the live of other SWAT team members.

“They mean everything to us. It protects us. These vests will have rifle plates that will stop up to a .30-06 round, so not only does it save us, but it saves anybody we're trying to go in and help,” O'Brien said.

“The purpose of Kiwanis is to improve communities and make life better for our children. Well how can you improve your community with a police force that's not adequately equipped? And if they're running out there in a five- or six-year-old vest that's not going to stop a rifle bullet, it's only good for pistols, they're not safe and that's not helping our community,” Tim Rogers, president-elect of the Butte-Silver Bow Kiwanis, said.

The SWAT team is still in need of more helmets and future fundraisers may be in order, O'Brien said.

Special Olympics to honor Kiwanis

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:54:00 GMT

Lasalle, Illinois, News Tribune
http://www.newstrib.com/articles/news/local/default.asp?article=A80ED8BA5AC0B057D45049B4AB47148611F3FEFEAF65BCFD

For at least 32 years, members of La Salle-Peru Kiwanis Club have volunteered at every Starved Rock Area Special Olympics competition, taking Polaroid photos of every competitor, “so that no athlete is ever without a picture of winning an award.”

Patricia Walters, club president, said that adds up to 2,000 to 3,000 photos each year, at a cost of about $2,500 each year. But it’s worth it to the club.

“At the end of the day, when everyone leaves the field, there’s always a little bit of litter left behind. And in 32 years, there’s never been a photo left on the ground,” Walters said.

For that effort, the club was set to receive the Special Olympics Illinois Award for Outstanding Organization of 2009 today during a ceremony at Illinois State University.

Special Olympics hosts 14 competitions each year and Kiwanis Club members also volunteer in other capacities, helping at awards presentations and serving as time recorders, or helping athletes line up to begin a race.

They’ve built stands for the awards and donate “thousands upon thousands of man hours,” Walters said. Cheryl DePaepe, area director of Starved Rock Area 16 Special Olympics, said the award is given to only one organization in the state each year.

The photo tradition will change next year, Walters said, because this is the last year Polaroid will support the film they use. The organization is contemplating taking the project digital and evaluating what new technology will allow them to continue their service for Special Olympics.

Kiwanis Club provides dignified retirement for flags

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:52:00 GMT

Naples, Florida, Daily News
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/jun/13/flag-day-ceremony-kiwanis-club-provides-dignified-/

GOLDEN GATE — Naples is known as a retirement community. Typically, that means people retiring, not flags.

But for flags, a dignified retirement involves being ceremonially burned, with the proper ritual.
One day before the national Flag Day holiday on Sunday, June 14, the Kiwanis Club of Naples on the Gulf held a flag retirement ceremony outside Messiah Lutheran Church to provide this service.

“You be the holder, you be the folder,” said Kiwanian Klein, as he instructed the youths from AMI Kids Big Cypress who were assisting him. “Don’t let it touch the ground.

“Some of these flags are in pretty sorry shape,” he observed as the boys folded the 20 flags being retired. “That’s why we have this ceremony.”

The Stars and Stripes being retired ranged from small indoor cotton banners yellowed with age to nylon flags more than 10 feet long, with the stripes torn into strips from too many windstorms, which took several people to handle.

AMI Kids Big Cypress is a second chance residential alternative school for at-risk youths, headquartered in Ochopee. The organization brought 11 of their charges to help with Saturday’s ceremony, under the supervision of Executive Director Daniel Washington.

“For most of these kids, this is the first time they’ve ever seen anything like this,” Washington said. “We want to teach them reverence for the flag, and that ties into appreciation for the country we live in.”

Klein, on the other hand, has been used to ceremonial handling of our nation’s flag most of his life. He is, he said, a 56-year veteran of the Boy Scouts, as well as a veteran of two years of Army service in Korea.

The flag motif was apparent even before you reached the ceremony, as the youngsters waved flags (in good condition) to entice passersby on Golden Gate Parkway to come and join the event.

In addition to the flag retirement ceremony, the Kiwanis hosted the community Bloodmobile, a display on the Collier County Freedom Memorial being built in the new Freedom Park in Naples, and a barbecue, with 240 chicken halves roasting over the coals.

Kiwanis past-president Tom McDonald was the pitmaster, supervising the crew turning the racks of chicken, and the “slatherers” basting them with a secret concoction developed at Cornell University by the professor who also invented the chicken nugget.

Thunder rumbled, and the sky in the east turned black, but the rain held off as the group of about 60 attendees gathered and the flag retirement ceremony commenced.

Bagpipe music provided by Rich Schwenning, a firefighter visiting from Ohio, created a solemn air as Klein led the pledge of allegiance. He then had the youths consign the first flag to the flames, inside a 55-gallon drum, stripe by stripe.

Klein assigned a meaning to each stripe, from the first stripe, for the original 13 states, to purity for the second stripe, a white one, and bravery for the third. Then, as each stripe was incinerated, he quoted from the words which have inspired Americans, from Patrick Henry’s “give me liberty or give me death,” to Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and John Kennedy’s “Ask not what your country can do for you,” ending with Neil Armstrong’s “one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

The bagpipes played a medley of patriotic tunes, as the remaining flags were dropped one-by-one into the flames by the AMI Kids and anyone who cared to participate.

“That felt real good. I liked it,” said a 16-year-old named Scott.