Kiwanis News

More than a boxed lunch

Scott Smith — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:08:00 GMT

KHAS-TV, Hastings, Nebraska
http://new.khastv.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=15169&storytopic=4

Members of the Hastings Kiwanis club spent much of the day recently with representatives from Kids Against Hunger, packing boxes of food to be sent to kids all over the world. In less than two hours, the volunteers put together enough boxes of food for nearly 2,500 meals.

“If you come in here and make food for starving kids, you are saving people’s lives,” said Tim Stromer, of Kids Against Hunger.

And knowing they are helping save someone's life makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“It just gives you a great pleasure to be able to help out and know these nutritious meals will help the hungry around the world,” said Kiwanian Patrick Crawford.

The Hastings Kiwanians made a big difference. Saturday alone they filled 11 boxes with 216 high-protein, easily digestible meals in each box for the Food Pantries in Hastings and Clay Center. The boxed meals also will be sent to other countries throughout the world.

Kids Against Hunger helps feed families in 38 counties.

This auction’s a good deal

Scott Smith — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:07:00 GMT

The Orillia Packet and Times, Orillia, Ontario
www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1288718

Orillia’s community spirit was on display Saturday at the 29th annual Kiwanis Mammoth Auction.

“I come from Toronto; you lose that community feeling in places like that,” said Mark Sadowski. “You come here and everybody seems to be more interested in helping the community out.”

Rob Town, president of the Orillia Kiwanis club, showed off his acting skills, encouraging people to bid on items such as golf clubs, jerseys and leather recliners—all to raise money for Orillia youth.

Francois Tisi, auction chair, said she was thrilled with the generosity of the donors and those bidding on items during the auction at ODAS Park.

“For the size of Orillia, I am amazed at the support the community gives," he said. "This is a very generous community.”

All of the funds earned during the auction go back to local children, one of the reasons why Carolyn Seehaver felt compelled to attend.

“Kiwanis is an important part (of the community) because it helps all the little people who sometimes get forgotten,” she said.

Seehaver had her eye on a spa facial for herself, and many other items she planned to give as holiday gifts.

“There are so many things and everybody is having a good time and getting lots of deals,” she said.

Tisi said the club hoped to raise US$50,000 this year, $7,000 more than last year’s auction. About 65 volunteers, including Kiwanis members, their families and friends, as well as high school students, helped during the five-hour silent and live auction.

“This couldn’t happen without the volunteers,” Tisi said.

Andover Kiwanis event a clean sweep

Scott Smith — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:06:00 GMT

The Eagle Tribune, Andover, Massachusetts
www.eagletribune.com/punews/local_story_315002155.html

Members of the Greater Lawrence Kiwanis club gathered recently to clean up the George L. Street Memorial Bridge, named for the town’s most decorated naval officer.

Kiwanians organized the cleanup to coincide with Veterans Day as a way to honor Street, a longtime Kiwanian, said club president Al DeLuca.

Street, who served in the Navy for 29 years, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor, while commanding the submarine USS Tirante during World War II. He was the recipient of the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation recognizing the entire crew of the Tirante.

His Pacific exploits inspired the 1958 movie, “Run Silent, Run Deep,” which starred Clark Gable. The movie was based on a novel by Edmund “Ned” Beach, Street's executive officer on the Tirante.

Street lived in Andover for 30 years, until his death in 2000 at the age of 86.

“We were lucky to have him,” DeLuca said. “He was a great guy.”

The bridge, which crosses over Interstate 495 on Greenwood Road, was named in Street’s honor after his death, but the area hadn’t been cleaned up since. About 17 Kiwanians and their children cut grass, pulled weeds and swept the sidewalks.

This was the first year the Kiwanis club members conducted the cleanup. DeLuca said he’d like to make it an annual Veterans Day event.

Project has kids flying high

Scott Smith — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:03:00 GMT

www.lacanadaoutlook.com, LaCanada, Flintridge, California
www.lacanadaoutlook.com/stories/081106/CommunityMain.shtml
More than 100 special needs children, joined by families and friends, recently got the ride of their lives—and they even got to take the controls.

Twenty two volunteer pilots flew 116 special needs children from the Los Angeles area, joined by 123 adults, 29 friends and siblings, out of Whiteman Airport for 30-minute flights over Magic Mountain and Newhall pass as part of the “Challenge Air for Kids and Friends” project. The children found great joy in being able to hold the controls and fly the plane themselves.

The event was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada, Southwest Airlines, Starbucks, Washington Mutual and Hollywood aviators. Kiwanis club members and Flintridge Preparatory School Key Club members served as coordinators and assisted the pilots when the planes were on the ground.

After receiving a lecture on safety, each team was assigned to a single plane and pilot for the day. The children were awarded wings, pinned on by the pilot, and a signed certificate that certifies that they had flown an airplane.

In addition to the flying, there were activities for the kids to enjoy from static aircraft, a bounce house, canine companions, face painting and crafts. Hot dogs were provided by Hot Diggity Dog and hamburgers by In-N-Out Burgers.

Challenge Air for Kids and Friends, an all-volunteer organization, conducts 16 events a year across the country. It was started by Rick Amber, a sports enthusiast and Navy fighter pilot, who lost the use of his legs after crashing a plane in a combat mission while serving in Vietnam.

Amber, who died in 1997, launched the nonprofit group 15 years ago so that disabled people could see the world from a different point of view.

The definition of giving

Scott Smith — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:57:00 GMT

Le Mars, Iowa, U.S., Daily Sentinel
http://www.lemarssentinel.com/story/1475255.html

Every third grader in the county can tell you what “philanthropy” means. All they have to do is flip open their new dictionary to find it.

The Le Mars Kiwanis club handed out dictionaries to all third graders—more than 400—at Plymouth County schools this year. The Kiwanis club handed them out at Le Mars Community, Gehlen Catholic, Remsen Union, Remsen St. Mary's, Kingsley-Pierson, Hinton, and Akron-Westfield.

The Dictionary Project started in 2007 when the club gave dictionaries to all Le Mars Community and Gehlen Catholic School third graders.

“After it went so well, we decided to spread it out, so we contacted all the schools in the county,” said Kiwanian Jay King.

The project started as part of a larger effort sponsored by the regional Kiwanis group. In 2007, the Nebraska-Iowa District of Kiwanis made handing out dictionaries its project for the year.

The local Kiwanis club raises money for projects like this by running the donut shop at the Plymouth County Fair and holding pancake suppers. All money it makes and any donation it receives goes back to the community.

The Le Mars chapter gives out thousands of dollars every year, contributing to groups like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, the local ambulance services, the Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, and 4-H.

The Kiwanis club is always looking for new members. It meets at 7a.m. every Tuesday in the Floyd Valley Hospital conference room.

King said he was glad the club decided to carry on the Dictionary Project this year. Will it continue? King hopes so.

“This is something no one else is doing,” he said. “And our motto is to serve the children of the world, so this helps.”

Traverse Kiwanis honors students

Scott Smith — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:54:00 GMT

Traverse City, Michigan, U.S., Record-Eagle
http://www.record-eagle.com/archivesearch/local_story_309081539.html

•    Brandon Welch, a senior at Grand Traverse Academy, is the son of Rodnie and Sherry Welch of Traverse City. Welch is treasurer of the student council, class officers, and National Honor Society. He has played percussion in band for seven years and has earned three years of band achievement recognition. He participates in his church youth group and is dually enrolled at Northwestern Michigan College. He plans to attend Northwestern Michigan College before transferring to a four-year university.

•    Kate Hertler, daughter of Timothy and Lynne Hertler, is a senior at Traverse City Central High School. Hertler is governor of the student senate and co-president of the National Honor Society. She has participated in cross-country for four years and is captain of the team. She has been a member of the Nordic ski team for three years. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar and plans to attend the University of Michigan or Northwestern University to pursue a degree in a math or science field.

•    Aaron Burns, a senior at Traverse City Central High School, is the son of Paul and Alison Burns. Burns is a member of the National Honor Society and is on the board of members for Oryana Natural Food Market. He is a member of the debate team and serves as co-captain. He is also a member of the cross-country team. Burns plans to attend the Air Force Academy, Michigan State University, or the University of Illinois.

•    Sarah Szwed, a senior at Interlochen Arts Academy, is the daughter of Mitchel and Mary Szwed of Beulah. Szwed is a dance major and has attended Interlochen for four years. She is a member of the freshman mentor team and welcoming committee. She has participated in more than 13 dance performances including the Martha Graham Dance Company residence. She is a math and writing tutor. She has received academic awards in biology, chemistry, physics, French and math and the Hildegard Lewis Dance Recognition Award and Interlochen Artistic Achievement Award in Dance. She plans to double major in dance and pre-medicine at a four-year university.

•    Kenji Sugano, a senior studying cello at the Interlochen Arts Academy, is the son of Yukio and Mina Sugano of Kyoto, Japan. He is a member of the orchestra and chamber music groups and the indoor soccer team. He participated in a “From the Top” television broadcast from Carnegie Hall. After graduation, Sugano plans to attend a music conservatory and pursue a career as a professional cellist.

•    Danielle White, a student at the TBA Career Tech Center and Forest Area High School studying business law, is the daughter of Jeff and Terri White. White is a member of the National Honor Society, a student advisor for the accounting advisory committee, and secretary of her student government. She participates in Business Professionals of America competitions and enjoys Irish step dance and is involved in local elections. After graduation, White plans to attend Baker College of Muskegon to pursue a career as a paralegal and eventually as a lawyer.

•    Kevin Kane, son of Joseph and Rita Kane, is a senior at Traverse City St. Francis High School. Kane is captain of the cross-country team and participates in track. He is a member of the National Honor Society and is president of the student council. He has been named to Who’s Who of American High School Students and National Society of High School Scholars. Kane plans to study biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan or Northwestern University.

•    Steven Johnson, a senior at Interlochen Arts Academy studying theatre, is the son of Darrell and Candace Johnson of Rockford, Ill. Johnson is a student ambassador, a member of the student senate and hall representative. He has been involved in concert and chamber choirs and a variety of theater productions. Johnson plans to study theater at a conservatory or liberal arts college and hopes to be a working actor.

•    Lindsay Fox, senior visual arts major at Interlochen Arts Academy, is the daughter of Larry Fox and Martha Eldredge of Omena. Fox participates in the mentor/mentee program, is on the yearbook staff, and is a writing fellow. She has been named to the dean’s honor list and earned a fine arts award in visual arts drawing, Scholastic Art Award of the Alliance for Young Artist and Writers, and a gold key for sculpture. Fox plans to attend a liberal arts school to pursue further studies in art, primary fibers, and an academic concentration in environmental studies.

Bossier City Kiwanis donation can be shocking

Scott Smith — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:46:00 GMT

KTAL-TV, Bossier City, Louisiana, U.S
http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=46231

The Kiwanis Club of Bossier City has raised funds to donate portable defibrillators to all middle and high schools in Bossier Parish.

In addition to the cost of the devices, Kiwanians are also providing funds for the necessary training to operate the devices, said Bossier Schools Superintendent Ken Kruithof.

“We are particularly grateful to the Kiwanis club for their fundraising efforts and their generosity to our school community,” he said.

Kruithof explained that having the defibrillators at each school not only benefits the students, but also the parents and grandparents who visit the schools for sporting events and other occasions.

“The devices can be used to resuscitate a person until medical people can arrive on the scene,” he said.

Park gives skaters a place to Ollie

Scott Smith — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:31:00 GMT

KNDO/KNDU-TV, Yakima, Washington, U.S.
http://www.kndo.com/Global/story.asp?S=9281005&nav=menu484_2_10

Yakima skateboarders are celebrating the opening of the Kiwanis Skate Park at the corner of South Fair Avenue and Maple Street.

The US$325,000 park was built thanks to a $50,000 donation from the Apple Valley Kiwanis club, and $25,000 from the foundation of legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk. Yakima leaders expect the park to bring money into the community.

“This is going to be a regional draw,” Yakima Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson said. “People are going to come in from all around the area to come and skate, so it will bring economic development to this community.”

The park—the second in Yakima—has a street course and a 40,000 square foot bowl.

Kiwanis Club helps kids get down and dirty on water conservation

Scott Smith — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:12:00 GMT

Sierra Vista, Arizona, Herald
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2008/10/26/news/doc49042de043ade799497388.txt

SIERRA VISTA — The children at William Carmichael Elementary School are getting a firsthand look at water conservation thanks to the San Pedro Kiwanis Club.

As part of Make a Difference Day, an annual event started by USA Weekend magazine, the San Pedro Kiwanis Club and its student organizations helped fund and install a water-harvesting unit for the school’s student-run garden.

The Kiwanis Club helps out every year at the school, said Stephen Kurtz, a San Pedro Kiwanis member. “We wanted to do something different,” he said. “The majority of years we’ve painted playground equipment.”

With that in mind, Kurtz set out to do something for the school’s garden club. The water-harvesting unit will collect rain water and store it in two large, 550-gallon barrels. “We’re putting up gutters, just like you would at your house, and then down spouts that bring the water down from the gutters,” he said.

After collecting in the barrels, students will be able to use spigots to fill up their watering pots and water the garden without wasting as much as they would with a garden hose, said Yvonne Vick.

Vick, who teaches kindergarten at Carmichael, is also the faculty sponsor for the garden club. “We’ve had (the garden) almost 10 years,” Vick said.

The garden began as a project of preschool teachers who wanted a garden for their students, but now the entire school, preschool through fifth grade, enjoys the small plot of land between two halls of the school building.

“We have kids in the garden club that started in preschool that are in second grade now,” she said. “They keep coming back. They want to learn.”

A large portion of the garden is sponsored by donations from the public that qualify as a tax credit. “So people can donate to the garden clubs at schools, and the money comes right back to them when they file their return,” Vick said.

While the adult Kiwanis members and their high school organization, the Key Club from Buena High School assembled the water harvester, and children of the garden club and the Carmichael K Kids Club, also a Kiwanis organization, got their hands dirty pulling weeds and helping Vick dig up a section of garden so they could add compost.

“They’re so willing to get into the soil and get dirty,” she said. “They don’t mind to get their hands into it.”

Getting students outside and working in the garden is a great way to spark an interest in natural science, Vick said.

“This gives them a connection to nature. They start by planting that little seed and watching it grow and caring for it,” she said. “They take it from day one up until being able to eat what they’re grown.”

Two weeks ago, students were harvesting carrots and tomatoes that will later be made into a pizza sauce, she said. Though Vick said students enjoy their garden’s vegetables over anything from the grocery store, they aren’t exactly vegetarians.

“Anything that we grow, the kids would rather feed to the turtles than eat themselves,” she said, “so we’re trying to teach them about a variety of foods.”

In addition to the water harvesting set up, which Kurtz estimated costing up to $1,400, the San Pedro Kiwanis donated $1,000 to the Carmichael K Kids Club, which was used to buy food, half of which was donated to the Salvation Army Food Bank, with the other half going to the Carmichael Resource Center.

“This is our fifth year of doing something for Make a Difference Day,” Kurtz said.

Students who use the garden have the chance to observe firsthand how they can make a difference in the world around them, Vick said.

“Kids have to have something that they’re motivated by,” she said. “Some are motivated by sports, some are motivated by just reading, and some children are naturalists. They need to get their hands in the dirt. They need to learn how things happen and why they happen and how they have an impact, how they can change what happens.”

Kiwanis celebrates 50 years

Scott Smith — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:09:00 GMT

Welland, Canada, Tribune
http://www.wellandtribune.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1266078

Fifty years of proud community service was commemorated at Casa Dante last night. Current and past members caught up on old times as the Kiwanis Club of Welland honored its 50th anniversary with a celebratory dinner.

President Deanna Villella said the evening was "about fellowship" and "all the hard work people have done in the community."

With more than 50 people filling the hall, Villella said she saw more past members than current, but that was to be expected with the small-scale size of the current club. Although the Kiwanis Club's mandate is children are priority No. 1, Villella said she feels the club does so much more than help children.

"I say its people are priority No. 1." She said she thinks of how the club has diversified over the years, helping the community in various ways. "The Kiwanis Club does so many good things in the community. Without Kiwanis we would have a gap."

Vice-president Heather Horton said it was "wonderful to be able to celebrate" with past and present members, including some founding members. She said the evening was "a reminder of what we have done, and where we are going."

Horton encouraged members of the public to donate their time to volunteering, because Welland is "a community that really needs it right now." Villella said the club is interested in members of all ages, but is particularly interested in "getting the younger generation involved."

She said if people are looking to get involved and volunteer, Kiwanis Club is a good way to start without having to commit a lot of time. The club, which is currently only 13 members strong, is always taking on new members. For more information, contact Villella at 905-732-7655.

One of the charter members of the club, Douglas Rapelje, said a lot of credit is owed to Bob Redman, who "got Kiwanis started in Welland." He said Redman, who passed away two years ago, was the one who recruited members of the original club. It began with 15 to 20 members in its first year, said Rapelje, and grew so quickly they capped membership at 60 only two years later.

Rapelje said the original group was "like a band of brothers."

"We couldn't wait to go to meetings." One of the first major projects the club took on was bringing the ballet to the city, he said.

The club has since gone on to raise funds in support of organizations like Big Brothers and Big Sister of South Niagara, YMCA of South Niagara, Sunset Haven, Rapelje Lodge and the Salvation Army.

Kiwanis Club, Community Foundation create endowment fund

Scott Smith — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:07:00 GMT

Utica, Michigan, Source
http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/stories/102608/loc_story20001.shtml

The Shelby-Utica Daybreakers Kiwanis recently announced the formation of an endowment fund through the Shelby Community Foundation that will assist children in the community for years to come.

On Oct. 20, at a joint meeting of the Shelby Community Foundation and the Daybreakers, the newly created fund received $9,000 in donations from HealthQuest Physical Therapy, which has offices in Shelby Township, and throughout Macomb and Oakland counties.

“HealthQuest Physical Therapy in Shelby Township is excited to be working with both the Shelby-Macomb Daybreakers and the Shelby Community Foundation to establish this endowment fund. We are glad that you are establishing the endowment and that we can contribute the proceeds from our charity golf outing from July 19 to help in establishing the endowment,” said Doug Schultz, owner and manager of the HealthQuest’s Shelby Township clinic.

“It is great to know that this endowment will be an ongoing fund within the Shelby Community Foundation to help children in our community. We really wanted the funds from the outing to directly benefit children in Shelby Township. It is great to know there are organizations out there like the Daybreakers and the Community Foundation, to make our community a better place.”
The money was part of $12,000 in donations raised by HealthQuest at its annual summer golf outing. The company donated $3,000 of the proceeds to a school within the Macomb Intermediate School District and the remainder to the Daybreakers to keep the money in the community.

“(HealthQuest officials) came to us in the spring and they wanted to have a program to help out through their golf outing,” said Kiwanian Lisa Manzella. “We sat down with them and decided that starting the endowment fund would actually be more help in the long run than just donating money for a project. This way the fund will be there for years, to grow and be a legacy.”
The $10,000 in the endowment fund will stay there throughout the years; projects and gifts will be spent using interest created on the monies and donations to the fund. Manzella said the Daybreakers will use the money for several projects and scholarships, keeping in mind the Kiwanis pledge to help children in local communities.

“Right now we’re looking at scholarships and different projects, such as maybe library programs or similar things. There’s a lot we can do with this,” said Manzella. “But the important thing is that it is staying within the community, in Shelby Township.”

Manzella said the Daybreakers decided to create the fund through the Shelby Community Foundation for donors to take advantage of tax credits they would not be able to receive if they simply donated to Kiwanis. SCF Treasurer Linda Stout said the partnership is beneficial because it frees both organizations to work to their strengths and create the best possible outcome for the community’s children.
“We proudly welcome Daybreakers Kiwanis to the foundation family. Compliance issues and paperwork details will be handled by the foundation, while the Daybreakers Kiwanis Club will have the rewarding task of deciding which projects to fund,” said Stout in a press release. “It is a win-win-win situation – good for donor, good for the foundation, but most of all good for our community.”

The Shelby Community Foundation was started in 1996 as a way to use private monies to assist in projects throughout the township. In its 12 years of existence, the foundation has participated in several scholarship programs, endowment funds and beautification projects throughout Shelby Township. The Shelby-Macomb Daybreakers Kiwanis is part of Kiwanis International and exists to help children in local communities and throughout the world. To contribute to the endowment fund, call the SCF at 909-5305.

Key Leader hits Cayman

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:28:00 GMT

Cayman Net News
www.caymannetnews.com/news-10786--1-1---.html

About 100 teens participated in this year’s Kiwanis Key Leader program at the St. Ignatius School in George Town. The 40-hour leadership and teamwork training was hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman this past September.

Key Leader facilitator Wendy Fraser presented the course with assistance from Peterson, Key Leader manager at Kiwanis International. Participants were split into neighborhoods of eight teens, and one student facilitator who acted as a guide during group activities.

“Key Leader is here to stay and will be held again in 2009,” said Kiwanian Wiekert Weber, local Key Leader chair. “It is an important part of the tool set, which Cayman’s youth need in order to compete and excel both at university and in their chosen careers. The timing of September is difficult for all concerned and it is likely that the 2009 event will be held earlier in the year.”

The Key Leader participants took part in team building events in which physical challenges had to be conquered—such as the movement of an entire team over a pit using minimal materials.

Many proud parents attended the final day’s ceremonies to watch their children “graduate” from Key Leader. The average age of participants was 15.

“A local facilitator is soon being trained in the United States, and Past President Paul de Freitas will attend training on event support and management, to ensure the highest quality and standards at the event,” said president Karen Barnett. “This will enable us to hold the event at any time which is most convenient for Cayman.”

“If demand continues,” Barnett said, “ it will enable us to schedule the event twice a year to ensure that every qualifying teen gets a chance to attend during their high school years. We appeal to all companies to reserve a sponsored place in Key Leader within their annual community service budget. It is such a small amount and yet does so much good.”

Key Leader happens, the Kiwanis Club said, because businesses care enough to sponsor the teens who attend, either through directly sponsoring the child of an employee or by making a donation to sponsor one or more teens who apply to attend.

Cooper City Kiwanis honors fallen friend

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:27:00 GMT

Miami Herald
www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/cooper-davie-southwest/story/729684.html

When Cooper City Kiwanis members gather Saturday for their first fundraising pancake breakfast, they will do it in memory of a charter member whose life was tragically cut short.

Glenn “G.T.” Taubman died in a motorcycle accident on July 23 at age 37. He is survived by his wife, Debrah, and four children: Alec, 8, Aden, 6, Ella, 3, and Ajay, 1.

Cooper City Kiwanis Club founder Steve Cummings said Taubman was an enthusiastic and generous member of the group, which formed in June 2007.

“'He was the very first member to sign up,” Cummings said. “He was very gregarious and very giving and enthusiastic about the work we did with children because he had four small children of his own.”

The pancake breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to noon October 25 at the Cooper City Community Center, 9000 SW 50th Place. Tickets cost $5, and can be bought from Kiwanis members or at the door. The event is sponsored by Memorial Healthcare System.

A portion of the proceeds will go to Taubman’s family. Money raised also will help the Cooper City High School Key Club, the high school affiliate of Kiwanis, and go to other Kiwanis community service projects.

Recent Kiwanis projects include two spearheaded by member Bruce Blitman. Kicks for Nicks raised money to buy soccer balls for Iraqi children, the dream of a U.S. soldier who was killed before the project came to fruition. Kiwanis also helped Lidz for Kids by raising money to buy hats for pediatric cancer patients.

The Kiwanis club team also raised the most money, US$12,000, for the Cooper City/Davie Relay for Life this year. The event helps the American Cancer Society.

The club has 25 members and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Landlubbers, 10006 Griffin Rd., Cooper City.

For information about the Cooper City club, call 954-907-2392.

Key Club fundraiser a walk for the park

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:26:00 GMT

Talladega, Pell City, Sylacauga, Alabama, Daily Home
www.dailyhome.com/news/2008/dh-childersburg-1017-0-8j16v2907.htm

CHILDERSBURG, Al.—Members of the high school’s Key Club and the Childersburg Kiwanis club are lacing up their walking shoes and encouraging others to join them on Oct. 25 for a “Walk for the Park” event to raise funds for the Childersburg Kiwanis Park.

Key Club sponsor Noemi Blair said the club chose to do a walk since a lot of fundraisers cost money to try to make money.

“It doesn’t cost anything to go on a walk,” she said, adding that the cooler weather at this time of year will make the walk a nice treat for participants.

The Key Club is inviting the entire community to participate, and Blair said the club is asking for donations of $5 to walk, or $3 for children. She is also encouraging people to drum up sponsorship for their walks to get more citizens involved in the effort that will benefit the entire city.

The walk will begin around 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 25 at Childersburg First Baptist Church, and will go past the high school, down Bon Air Road and down Sixth Avenue Southwest to end at the park site. Key Club members will hand out water and crackers before the walk. Childersburg Police will be following behind to keep everyone safe.

About 20 members of the 75-member club will participate, Blair said, and they have already begun talking to local businesses and handing out fliers for the event. Blair and two of the club’s officers also attended the City Council meeting on Tuesday night to get the word out about their fundraiser.
“A lot of these kids are really excited about the park coming,” Blair said, because even though they may be off at college before it is completed, they might get to come back someday and enjoy it.

K-Kid wins poster contest

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:24:00 GMT

Fort Myers, Florida, News-Press
www.news-press.com/article/20081019/NEWS0101/810190358/1003/ACC

When Cape Elementary Kiwanis K-Kids adviser Sharon Barone entered student Lindsey Meyer’s poster in the K-Kids Young Leadership Poster Contest, she knew she’d do well.

But when she found out just how well the 11-year-old did, she screamed.

Meyer’s poster, an image of people from multiple nations all holding hands across the globe, placed first in the state of Florida. But what is even more impressive, her work placed second in the world.

“I’m surprised. I’m excited,” Meyer said at a Kiwanis Club of Harney Point banquet Wednesday at the Italian-American Club where she was honored with a medal and a certificate.

“It’s amazing,” said Angela Meyer, Lindsey’s mother. “I’m just thankful her creative gift is being recognized.”

Barone said the poster deadline was April 1. She learned of Lindsey’s placing in August.

“I went to check the Kiwanis Web site and I started screaming,” she said. “I knew it was really good. I sent it in, but didn’t even know it would be entered into (the international competition.)”