Kiwanis News

Kiwanis bike tour held in county

Scott Smith — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:02:00 GMT

By Rorye O'Connor
Published August 23, 2010, in the Mt. Vernon Register News
http://register-news.com/homepage/x2137443571/Kiwanis-bike-tour-held-in-county

MT. VERNON, ILLINOIS—Early Saturday morning, cycling enthusiasts strapped on their helmets and hit the streets of Jefferson County for the 11th annual Kiwanis Fun Day Bike Tour.

The tour, hosted by Kiwanis Division 33, is made up of 12-mile, 30-mile, 60-mile and 108-mile routes for riders across Jefferson County, with 11 stops along the routes hosted by 10 different Kiwanis clubs.

“It looks like it’s going to be wonderful, perfect riding weather,” Jim Henson, the Fun Day Bike Tour chairman, said shortly before about 100 riders rolled out of the Walgreens Distribution Center parking lot.

The event raises funds for two Kiwanis events held for people with special needs in all of Southern Illinois. Henson said this year’s goal was to raise $4,000 with the Bike Tour.

“We bring 500 to 700 (disabled) people to Rend Lake to do some fun activities,” he said. “We also have a Christmas party, so we have two events for special people, and this helps fund them.”

Nine Kiwanis Clubs from across District 33, including Mt. Vernon’s club, help put on the cycling event, Henson said.

“It’s a neat thing,” he said. “I’ve been riding since 1982. It’s good exercise, with the circular movement, and a lot of retired people can do it.”

Riders snug in bright riding outfits from Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri took part in the all-day riding tour.

Steve Gerbig of Evansville, Ind., attended the Kiwanis Fun Day Bike Tour for the first time Saturday, riding in the 108-mile course to help himself train, he said.

“I’m part of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association, and I need more centuries,” said Gerbig, in a bright orange Evansville Bicycle Club jersey. “I’m way behind — I’m supposed to ride one a month, so I’m going to have to scramble.”

While there were serious riders at the event, some participants looked at the event as an opportunity to socialize and have some light exercise.

Gene Tucker of Mt. Vernon also took part in the Fun Day Bike Tour for the first time, riding the 12-mile course to Woodlawn Grade School and back to the Walgreens Distribution Center.

“Most of the bike riding I do is commuting,” Tucker said. “I went to the beach last month with my family and there were lots of people riding bikes; it’s wonderful.”

Robert Bopp of Decatur and formerly of Mt. Vernon also took his 108-mile ride as an opportunity to catch up with the King City and the people who live here.

“I love it,” he said. “I come to this mostly because I grew up in the area and I get to see a lot of places I don’t usually get to see anymore.”

Kiwanis volunteers who took part in the event, hosting sag stops, also had the chance to socialize among themselves and with the other riders.

Dorothy Bruce, president of the Salem Kiwanis club, said she has helped host the courtesy stop at Woodlawn Grade School since 2002.

“Our specialty is homemade breads,” she said. “We have banana, strawberry, zucchini, cranberry orange and cinnamon swirl.”

The Salem club also provided fruit and drinks to the riders.

Bruce said she always enjoys meeting the new people who attend the event.

“It’s interesting to talk to the different riders and see the different kinds of bikes,” she said.

Taste at the Beach benefits school libraries

Scott Smith — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:58:00 GMT

By Jacqueline Howard
Published August 23, 2010, in Hermosa Beach Patch
http://hermosabeach.patch.com/articles/taste-at-the-beach-benefits-school-libraries

HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA—The sound of champagne bottles popping open, jazz band tunes and friendly chatter mixed well with the sweet aroma of dishes from some of Hermosa's best restaurants at the fifth annual Taste at the Beach on Sunday.

Residents and visitors flocked to the Community Center on the corner of PCH and Pier Avenue to sample the fine food, and participate in a silent auction at the event hosted by the Kiwanis Club.

Proceeds from the social affair will benefit the libraries at Hermosa Valley School and Hermosa View School. The libraries' hours of operation for the upcoming academic year were cut back due to the school district's financial budget.

"This money will help the library to stay open before, during, and after school," said Bob McEachen, Taste at the Beach committee chairman, who added that access to the libraries benefits a child's education.

The Kiwanis Club has used the Taste to support community needs annually. When the first Taste at the Beach was organized five years ago, it was originally planned to benefit the Hermosa Beach Historical Society.

During that time, the historical society was given its space at the Community Center, and needed some money for the historical museum, McEachen said.

After seeing that the event was a social and civic success, it was held again the following year to benefit the Hermosa Beach Art Walk.

"After that it took a life of its own," McEachen said.

More than 200 tickets were pre-sold for this year's Taste, and some sold at the door, according to Adrienne Slaughter, Kiwanis Club's president-elect and Taste at the Beach committee member. She said that each year more people are in attendance.

"I like seeing a lot of new faces and, in addition to that, we have several new restaurants," Slaughter said.

The Taste allows residents and visitors to get acquainted with local cuisine, said Amber Caudle, executive chef at Mediterraneo.

"It's fun to meet new people and introduce people to new flavors," she said while standing next to a platter of eggplant antipasti, hummus with pita and fresh mozzarella.

Along with Mediterraneo, 20 other local eateries had booths at the event, dishing out samples of their menu. Whole Foods was a more mainstream vendor, offering wine and cheese samples exclusive to the store. The platter of hors d'oeuvres resembled something that could easily be assembled at a backyard gathering.

"We put together party platters that you can serve at home," said vendor Lisa Gevov while offering a visitor flatbread and seaside cheddar cheese.

Brian and Teresa Rooker of Berardo winery allowed visitors to wash down the cheese with wine from the company's villa in Paso Robles, Calif. The villa, which opened just two years ago, also doubles as a bed and breakfast.

As more food-lovers and restaurateurs stopped by the Community Center for the festivities, Slaughter looked around at the tables of smiling faces.

"You know, even when this started, it's always been beautiful," she said.

Kiwanis spreads generosity around

Scott Smith — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:53:00 GMT

By Matt Williams, RRStar.com
Published August 19, 2010, in the Rockford Register Star
http://www.rrstar.com/carousel/x1695112210/Kiwanis-spreads-generosity-around

ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS—Alpine Kiwanis decided it was too difficult to pick just one recipient for the charitable group’s capital fund grant.

Instead, it picked multiple youth-oriented groups to share $10,000 each year for the next three years.

The Boys & Girls Club of Rockford received $6,000 this year, and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will get $4,000, said Andy Krauss, chairman of the charities committee. Checks were handed out Thursday morning.

“Normally we will find just one project, but we had a hard time narrowing it down,” Krauss said.

The Boys & Girls Club has been in fundraising mode for the past two years for separate renovation projects at its Flodin and Carlson sites. A little more than half of the $2.4 million goal for those projects has already been reached, President and CEO Chip Stoner said.

Stoner said both facilities will be expanded to allow for more children and programming.

“We currently have waiting lists at Flodin, and we have to stagger our programming at Carlson,” he said.

Stoner said the Carlson building was built in the late 1960s and is in dire need of improvements.

“The Carlson club is in a greater need because of the age of the building,” he said. “It is showing its wear and tear of having 100-plus kids there a night.”

He hopes to have the fundraising campaign completed within the next year.

“Obviously it has gone slow because of the economy, but we continue to get pledges and commitments,” he said.

The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will use the money to help build a shared operations facility on donated land just south of Harrison Avenue in Cherry Valley. It will serve about 45,000 youth and 10,000 volunteers a year.

All money donated by Alpine Kiwanis is raised during its annual Brat Days fundraiser, which was held in July.

“We have two days in July to make it count, rain or shine,” Krauss said.

He said the group raised about $70,000 last year, which also helps pay for smaller charity projects throughout the year. Kiwanis officials didn’t have a final figure on the amount raised this year.

Donate school supplies for Staples back-to-school campaign

Scott Smith — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:03:00 GMT

Published August 17, 2010, in InsideToronto.com
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/862243--donate-school-supplies-for-staples-back-to-school-campaign

TORONTO, ONTARIO—As summer winds to an end, some parents are faced with the challenge of scraping together money to buy school supplies for their children.

With the return of its Back to School Supply Drive, the midtown Staples Business Depot is doing its part to ensure all kids start the school year with a leg up.

Working with the Casa Loma branch of the Kiwanis Club of Toronto, Staples is looking to fill backpacks and pencil cases with educational essentials for children whose families are otherwise struggling to make ends meet.

Those looking to donate can drop school supplies off or make a cash donation at the Staples Midtown at 1140 Yonge St. until Saturday, Sept. 11.

Kids celebrate reading with BBQ, music Thursday

Scott Smith — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:54:00 GMT

PARTY BEHIND THE LIBRARY OF THE CHATHAMS MARKS THE CULMINATION OF SUMMER READING

By Zach Subar
Published August 18, 2010, in ChathamPatch
http://chatham.patch.com/articles/the-big-reading-party

CHATHAM, NEW JERSEY—There's going to be a very special party behind The Library of the Chathams Thursday afternoon.

The gathering is intended to honor the 547 children who participated in the library's summer reading club. The children read about 7,000 books in total throughout the summer.

The Chatham Kiwanis certainly feel the club is important. They are sponsoring the hot dog picnic that is intended to honor its participants. It will take place on the fields behind the library from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Thursday. The Women's Club also pays for musical entertainment.

The Kiwanis have been sponsoring the program for about the past 25 years, according to library Director Diane O'Brien.

Kiwanis member Ron Whalin said the tradition began after several of the club's members became involved with the Friends of the Library, the all-volunteer group that raises funds and orchestrates library activities.

"It's consistent with the mission Kiwanis has—to serve children and youth—and we've had a close supportive relationship with the library," Whalin said.

O'Brien said the library does not have to pay anything for event, since it is totally sponsored by the community groups.

Only program participants who have completed all of the required reading receive invitations to the event.

She said children can come into the library at any time after they've finished a book to talk about the books with volunteers on hand. They also answer questions volunteers ask them about the books.

After all that work, O'Brien said, the program is a welcome diversion.

"They have a wonderful time," she said. "They just come and celebrate."

The books the children read vary based on their grade level, and the library keeps a log of the books read.

O'Brien said the program has shown its effectiveness over the years.

"The kids are reading better at the end of the summer than they were at the beginning, because they're reading what they want to read, and they're talking to somebody," she said. "It's not a school assignment. They're not being graded."

Some of the children, she said, come into the summer not necessarily convinced they will enjoy the program, or not sure how to describe the books they read.

But that quickly changes.

"At the end," O'Brien said, "you can't shut them up."

Kiwanis donation makes wheeling easy

Scott Smith — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:49:00 GMT

By ecardone@vicnews.com
Published August 13, 2010, in bclocalnews.com
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/victorianews/community/100657264.html

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA—Esquimalt Kiwanis is touching lives.

The club recently donated $5,000 to the Township of Esquimalt's parks and recreation department to buy two specialized wheelchairs.

The wheelchairs make it easier for people with disabilities to get into the pool and get exercise.

This year alone the Kiwanis Club of Esquimalt donated $25,000 and volunteered 900 hours to various community project. The local club has 20 members. Members raise money through their annual Christmas tree sales, three chipping service and garage sales.

Beulah Addicott said service is key to the club.

"Our mandate is to serve children of the world and that means all ages," Addicott said.

The Kiwanis club and Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins presented the new wheelchairs at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre on Friday.

Kiwanis Club of Cincinnati and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati team up for an amazing race

Scott Smith — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:24:00 GMT

SCAVENGER HUNT FUNDRAISER WILL HELP LOCAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS AND KIWANIS SPONSORED YOUTH PROGRAMS

By Sopheap Sok, Cincinnati Kiwanis
Published August 2, 2010, in Cincinnati.com
http://local.cincinnati.com/share/news/story.aspx?sid=169481&cid=100152

CINCINNATI, OHIO—On Saturday, October 2, the Kiwanis Club of Cincinnati will offer a fun way to raise money for children in the local community with its first annual scavenger hunt fundraiser. Using your car, a bag of clues, a cell phone to call in hints and the Greater Cincinnati White Pages, teams will solve puzzles and race to the next location. A total of six locations are planned for the scavenger hunt, all in close proximity to downtown Cincinnati. The race will start and end at the USB Boys & Girls Club in Avondale.

All participants are invited to join the Kiwanis Club of Cincinnati for an after scavenger hunt party, where the first teams who successfully solve all puzzles, find the clues and return to the USB Boys and Girls Club will receive first prize, as well as second and third place winners. There will also be a silent auction as well as food and fun!

All proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati and Kiwanis sponsored youth programs. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati has eleven clubs where 12,000 disadvantaged youths in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are provided a safe and positive place to learn and grow. Children ages 6-18 spend their non-school hours surrounded by caring adults and engaged in enriching, age appropriate youth development activities.

Kiwanis Club of Cincinnati is a chapter of Kiwanis International, volunteers changing the world one child, one community at a time. Some of our sponsored youth programs include mentoring students at Rockdale Elementary School through the Adopt a Class program, supporting service leadership at the University of Cincinnati, and building confidence in kids at Horizon Science Academy through Bring up Grades, Terrific Kids and K-Kids’ Cooking Club programs.

Local children ecstatic over shopping spree

Scott Smith — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:17:00 GMT

KIWANIS, DEPARTMENT STORE TEAM UP TO GET KIDS SCHOOL CLOTHES

By Chantal M. Lovell, Staff Writer
Published August 8, 2010, in Redlands Daily Facts
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/news/ci_15705022

REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA—For 9-year-old Audrey Lee and her sister Elizabeth, 7, the excitement of back-to-school shopping Friday morning was almost too much to contain.

"I'm getting my clothes!" Audrey yelled as she bounced up and down waiting for Kohl's department store in Redlands to open.

Elizabeth, with her big sister's arm over her shoulders, was all smiles as she imagined what she would buy.

"I want to buy shirts and pants and shoes and socks," Elizabeth said.

"And skirts and dresses," Audrey added.

"It's like I'm rich, it's like I'm a queen," Elizabeth said as she walked off with her shopping partner, a member of the Redlands Noon Kiwanis Club.

Audrey and Elizabeth were two of 50 kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Redlands chosen to take part in the annual Kohl's ChildSpree, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. The club donated $5,000 so 50 kids could each have a $100 shopping spree, said Kiwanian George Barich, chairman of the Youth Service Committee.

"The main point is to get clothes and they get a backpack," said Boys & Girls Club Site Director Diego Contreras. "They team up with a volunteer (from Kiwanis Club)- they're not allowed to shop with their parents because this is all about kids. They get to get whatever it is they want, because the main purpose of this is to do something for the kids."

Each kid paired up with a Kiwanian and hit the store before 7 a.m. Kohl's opened early and let the shoppers have the run of the floor, where some looked for bargains and others mere style.
"These clothes are very beautiful, especially this one," 6-year-old Erin Silva said while holding up a denim skirt decorated with a ribbon belt and rhinestones. "I'm excited to go back to school now - I want everybody to see my new clothes."

Giving kids confidence to go back to school is one reason for the shopping spree, said Boys & Girls Clubs CEO P.T. McEwen

"We serve a lot of kids and about 75 percent of them are low income," McEwen said. "These are probably the neediest of the neediest. They get hand-me-downs and to have something that's new and their own is really fun. To have something that's new and their own is exciting and builds their self esteem when they get back to school."

The other reason for the spree: The 50 kids chosen need the new clothes and shoes.

"This way they get brand new clothes that they pick out," said noon Kiwanis Club President Jean Showalter. "We just think this is a good way to spend money in the community for kids who are not able to go back-to-school shopping."

Thirteen-year-old Juan Carlos Zaragosa said it is nice to begin the school year with clothes that fit well.

"The clothes that I have fit me kind of small," Juan said. "I need some new clothes I can grow into. I got some shoes, some shirts, pants, a belt."

Levi Soto, 11, got a whole outfit during his shopping spree.

"My first priority is shoes. I need at least one good pair of shoes," he said. "After that, I'll look at belts, then hats, then whatever else is left over is just for me."

Levi got all those things and a little more, thanks in part to store coupons and promotions.

"We try to time (the shopping spree) so the shopping is very valuable and they're able to get as much products as they can for their back to school shopping," said store manager Vanessa O'Donnell-Bernardo, who added that the kids each received 15 percent off, then an additional 10 percent off thanks to promotions. "We are really community-oriented and we believe this gives back to the community."

In addition to getting $100 worth of whatever they wanted from Kohl's, each kid received a new backpack, book, stuffed animal and breakfast.

Medina Kiwanis Club celebrates matrimonial milestone for area couples

Scott Smith — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:13:00 GMT

By Jennifer Carpus, Sun News
Published August 6, 2010, in Cleveland.com
http://blog.cleveland.com/medinasun/2010/08/medina_kiwanis_club_celebrates.html

MEDINA, OHIO—The Kiwanis Club of Medina helped local couples celebrate their 50th anniversary last Thursday by hosting its annual golden wedding anniversary luncheon.

The Kiwanis Club has for years invited couples reaching that golden milestone to the luncheon in recognition of the faithful commitment the locals have given to each other. The club gathers clippings from church bulletins, newspapers, etc., of couples celebrating their 50th anniversary. Sometimes, couples themselves will help identify others share friends who are celebrating their golden anniversaries.

From that collection, invitations are sent out in May for the annual event.

Couples gathered into the Medina Eagles Club to enjoy a meal together to be recognized. Tables were accented with yellow and blue with a single white rose sitting in a vase as a centerpiece.

Kiwanis President Dave Sterrett led the couples and Kiwanis members in singing “America the Beautiful,” reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Kiwanis Defining Statement. Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell attended the luncheon to help show his appreciation for the couples commitment to each other, expressing his admiration for those who have been together for so long.

“People who will stick with the vows they took 50 years ago,” Hanwell said . . . I respect and thank you for the example you set,” Hanwell said.

Kiwanis members put on some presentations for the guests, including Darine Prok singing, “Can I Have This Dance?”

In addition, honored couples received free lifetime passes to the Medina County Fair. Kiwanis members introduced each couple, telling stories about the pair’s past, including how they met, the car they owned, when they got married and their lives leading up to the 50th anniversary.

Couples attending the luncheon included: Philip and Patricia Bernhard, Buddy and Rene Cooper, Bill and Deanna Driscoll, Frank and Barbara Dull, Robert and Beverly Elder, Jim and Mary Jane Erne, Richard and Lee Kay Farnsworth, Lowell and Carol Greene, Ken and Thelma Grove, Tom and Grace Harvey, Bill and Betty Kohl, Ed and Carol Kosman, James and JoAnn Love, Glenn and Darlene Meek, Donald and Eva Rice, Bill and Mary Saunders, Donald and Linda Sexton, Ernst and Barbara Ulich and Bill and Pat Von Duyke.

Relief offered from the IRS to U.S. clubs who missed filing deadlines

Scott Smith — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:00:00 GMT

U.S. DISTRICTS ONLY - The IRS Filing Relief Voluntary Compliance Program could save your club from having to reapply for not-for-profit status, even if your club missed the Form 990 filing deadlines.

Has your club or district filed your annual Form 990?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a one-time special relief program for small charities that have not filed a return for 2007, 2008 or 2009. These charities have until October 15, 2010 to file the necessary return in order to maintain their not-for-profit status. After October 15, 2010, the IRS will revoke the not-for-profit status of small charities that did not take advantage of the relief program. “Charities,” in this case, includes Kiwanis clubs.

The first type of relief is for organizations with less than $25,000 in average annual receipts. These organizations can visit the IRS website (www.IRS.gov) and complete Form 990-N. The second type of relief is a voluntary compliance program for organizations that file Form 990-EZ. These organizations must file the delinquent returns and pay a compliance fee. Relief is not available to organizations that file Form 990 or Form 990-PF. Additional information regarding this relief program is available on the IRS website, such as a listing, by state, of organizations that have not filed a return.

The IRS issued the guidance on July 26, 2010,noting, “This one-time relief benefits Form 990-N (e-Postcard) and Form 990-EZ filers only. Organizations required to file Form 990 or Form 990-PF are not eligible and are automatically revoked if they fail to file for three consecutive years.” The guidance also specifies that this one-time relief is available to organizations whose returns were due on or after May 17 and before October 15, 2010, and reiterates that nonprofits that do lose tax-exempt status must reapply if they want their exemptions restored.

What should you do if your club missed a 2010 filing deadline?

Start by checking the IRS list of organizations at risk of revocation.
If you find your club on the list and its gross receipts are less than $25,000, an officer from your club should file Form 990-N.
If your organization’s revenues are $25,000 or greater, determine whether your club qualifies to file a Form 990-EZ.
If it does, follow the instructions to participate in the Filing Relief Voluntary Compliance Program.
You will be required to pay a fee of $100, $200 or $500, depending on the amount of your 2009 gross annual revenues.
If your organization is required to file Form 990 or Form 990-PF and has missed the deadline for filing your 2009 return, you cannot participate in the Filing Relief Voluntary Compliance Program. You must reapply to the IRS if you wish to regain your exemption.

Watch for more information about this program on www.KiwanisOne.org and in future issues of KIWANIS magazine.

Reversal of roles: A Key Club builds a Kiwanis club

Scott Smith — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:57:00 GMT

The Winston County High School Key Club has made Kiwanis-family history. In what is a reversal of the usual roles, this Key Club chartered and sponsored the Winston County Kiwanis Club.
“Normally, this process is reversed,” says Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo, who was in town for the chartering ceremony. “Normally, a Kiwanis club builds a Key Club at a local high school. We should hold up the Winston County Kiwanis and Key Club as examples for what we should do around the world. Kiwanis has been around for 96 years, and this is the first time this has happened. “

Alabama District Governor George Aiken commended the young people of the Winston County High School Key Club, a group whose roster includes 98 of the 280 students at the high school, for their efforts in forming the new Kiwanis club and hopes their energy will continue to positively affect the community through the new club. “This has been a wild ride for me,” Aiken said. “Winston
County didn’t have even the slightest thought of a Kiwanis Club when they were having their Key Club conventions. Now, six weeks later, we have a Kiwanis Club, all with the good efforts of these young people with the Key Club here.

“I have never felt as much electricity with any group of Kiwanians than here. I challenge you: keep this electricity crackin’!”

Read what the “Northern Alabamian” newspaper had to say about his event.

Key Club is going ape over mountain gorillas

Scott Smith — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:55:00 GMT

The mountain gorilla is a critically endangered species, with all 719 remaining gorillas living in the jungle of Uganda. But Key Club is working to save them from extinction. Partnering with the Friend a Gorilla program, Key Clubbers will educate elementary school students about the mountain gorilla as well as raise funds to provide for the protection of these creatures. At last month’s Key Club international convention, the charity walk donated more than $13,000 toward this cause. Read more about the mountain gorilla’s future and Key Club’s fundraising incentives at www.kcgorillas.com.

Five vie to Kiss the Pig

Scott Smith — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:36:00 GMT

Published July 28, 2010, in the Lake County News-Sun
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/2540526,5_1_WA28_GRAYPIG_S1-100728.article

WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS—Contestants in the fourth annual Kiss the Pig fund-raising contest were announced Tuesday.

Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Grayslake, winners will be announced at the main stage at Grayslake Summer Days at 5 p.m. Aug. 21. The "winner" will kiss a live pig.

Candidates this year include Mayor Rhett Taylor; police Cmdr. Matthew McCutcheon; local business owner and president of the Grayslake Youth Center Joyce Campbell; Grayslake Central High School Principal Sydney Klocke; and local business owner Laura Mitchell of Mitch's Chicago Style Grill.

At restaurants and businesses throughout Grayslake, people will find coin cans with the pictures of the five contestants. Contestants whose cans collect the most money will be named the Kiss the Pig winner.

Money raised by the Kiwanis Club supports scholarships awarded to Grayslake High School students, student leadership conferences and Spinoza Talking Bears for local toddlers with chronic health conditions.

Some of the locations where donation cans will be located include:

Piggly Wiggly of Grayslake, Village Hall, State Bank of the Lakes, Hillside Restaurant, Mitch's Chicago Style Grill. Also, Emil's Tavern on Center, State Farm Joyce Campbell, Culver's, The Vine and The Oasis -- Grayslake Youth Center.

Every hand on deck

Scott Smith — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:16:00 GMT

By Bernd Franke, QMI Agency
Published July 19, 2010, in The Standard
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2674904

ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO—Kiwanis Club members and the Notre Dame Rowing Club are in the same boat when it comes to wanting to introduce the sport to people with special needs.

A $5,000 donation from the service organization will be used by the region's newest rowing club to fund adaptive rowing programs for people with physical or intellectual disabilities or limitations. Support from the Kiwanis Club of Welland comes on the heels of $5,000 the club received to promote adaptive rowing from Rowing Canada, the sport's government body.

"Kiwanis of Welland is proud to make this donation of $5,000 to the Notre Dame Rowing Club to support local youth and others with disabilities," Kiwanis Club president Heather Horton said.

Opening rowing to more than the able-bodied in the community is among the goals of a club that received its charter last fall and this year is involved in its first season on the water, promoting both competitive and recreational programs. Head coach Richard TenDen said that within recreational rowing, people with a wide range of disabilities can be accommodated. In time, he added, this can allow for integration among disabilities and ultimately, into the club's regular programs.

"The mission of the Notre Dame Rowing Club is to give everyone in Welland the opportunity to participate in flat-water sports. Kiwanis of Welland, stepping up as it is has, gives us the ability to take the additional adaptive athletes of the sport of rowing."

One adaptive athlete is already participating in the new club's program, and he's glad he decided to test the waters.

"It has been a blast and very different from anything I have done before," said Jonathon Morrison, an accomplished wheelchair basketball player who graduated from Notre Dame in June.

Joining him on the water as a coach -- and as a potential crew-mate in doubles -- Jeff Hagar, who rowed competitively at the high school level and with the St. Catharines Rowing Club before losing his left leg in an accident a few years ago.

Notre Dame Rowing Club director Dave Pelette said landing a coach with Hagar's experience and insight into the challenges that adaptive rowers can face is a boon for the new club.

"In Jeff, we're fortunate in that he lives it because he's an amputee. Coaching adaptive athletes is very much crafted to the individual needs of the rowers and what they're capable of doing," said Pelette, who also is a coach at the Notre Dame club.

Eager in making rowing more accessible in the community, the club is inviting people with special needs to give the sport a try. Pelette said applicants will be assessed on their capabilities with a coaching plan tailor-made to their needs.

"We want to know how far they're willing to go as far as training goes, but we don't want to push them too far," he said.

Other than age -- the club isn't likely to accept an adaptive athlete who is too young -- Pelette doesn't see any barriers to becoming involved in the club's adaptive rowing program. Anyone interested is asked to e-mail TenDen at coacht@ndrowing.ca or club registrar Diane Chivers at admin@ndrowing.ca.

Focusing on participants' abilities, not their physical or intellectual limitations, is the goal of a program that wants to open rowing to "everyone in the community."

"For individuals newly facing the reality of a disability, many experience depression, a loss of confidence and a belief that their lives are limited," Pelette said in a release.

"Sports and recreation offer the opportunity to develop new skills, build self-confidence and a positive attitude that focuses on possibilities. Adaptive athletes can row at any level; for recreation, for competition, and for rehabilitation therapy."

Local donors ship Beanie Babies to Afghan children

Scott Smith — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:11:00 GMT

Published July 14, 2010, in East County Magazine
http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3800

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA—Over 1,000 Beanie Babies will be distributed through Spirit of America projects to bring smiles to children in war-torn Afghanistan, thanks to the efforts of Parkway Middle School children, Fletcher Hills Kiwanis Club, and local author Diana Lindsay. Lindsay, author of guide books on the Anza Borrego desert, is also the mother of Lt. Commander Jon Lindsay, a former Spirit of America volunteer.

The beanie babies were collected by the Parkway Middle School’s Kiwanis Builder's Club in La Mesa under the guidance of teacher Bruce Chase. Members of the Fletcher Hills Kiwanis Club, including retired Lt .Commander Jack Stangle, packed the beanies in 25 boxes so they can easily be sent overseas.

Beanies babies are extremely popular with children in the countries where Spirit of America works, since many of these children have very limited access to toys of any kind. “We are so grateful for this donation and look forward to getting these "loveys" to the children,” a post at Spirit of America’s blog site reads.

The organization also posted a note received from 1st Sergeant Michael Perez with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in Afghanistan.

“Chief Petty Officer Ebiya recently provided some much needed medical care for the local Afghan children of Koshtay, Afghanistan,” he wrote. After providing medical care for the children, Ebiya gave the youngsters Beanie Babies provided by Spirit of America. The chidren were “delighted and grateful for the support,” Perez reported.