Kiwanis News

Kiwanis selects three finalists for Worldwide Service Project

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:40:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS-Kiwanis International is searching for its next global cause, and its International Board of Trustees has selected three Worldwide Service Project finalists: Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases for their Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) proposal; Malaria No More and the Canadian Red Cross for their joint malaria proposal; and UNICEF for its proposal on maternal and neonatal tetanus.

"The three remaining proposals are extremely impressive," said Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo. "Any one of them would make a great Worldwide Service Project, and each would significantly improve the lives of millions of children around the world."

Last fall, Kiwanis received nearly 200 Worldwide Service Project proposals. Earlier this month, the board heard presentations on four potential projects.

"Today, we begin engaging our members in the discussion on Kiwanis' next Worldwide Service Project," Palazzolo said. "By visiting www.kiwanis.org/wsp, our 600,000 adult and youth members have the opportunity to view each proposal and participate in an online discussion forum."

The website and discussion forum will be available in eight languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese and Chinese.

The Kiwanis International Board will announce the next Worldwide Service Project at the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas, NV, in June.

Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases: NTDs

The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases proposal's goal is to ensure that the more than 1 billion children born between 2003 and 2020 journey into adulthood as the first generation to grow and thrive without the burden of NTDs.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of 13 parasitic and bacterial infections that are the most common infections of the 1.4 billion people-including 600 million school-aged children-who live on less than $1.25 per day. They include intestinal worms, elephantiasis, and trachoma, the world's leading cause of preventable blindness. Together, NTDs blind, disfigure, stigmatize and kill, keeping those infected trapped in a cycle of poverty and disease.

There are highly cost-effective, proven interventions for the seven most common NTDs that account for 90 percent of the global NTD disease burden. For approximately 50 cents per person per year, the diseases can be prevented and treated. The Global Network proposes that a 10-year, $150 million investment will leverage $1 billion globally.

Malaria No More and the Canadian Red Cross: Malaria

The Malaria No More (MNM) and the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) project proposes to end malaria deaths in Africa by 2015-a goal endorsed by the global community.

Malaria kills 3,000 children in Africa every day. But thanks to a new generation of tools, on-the-ground successes and increased political and public support, the world is better prepared to defeat malaria now than at any other time in history. Investments in malaria are reaping huge rewards, and have helped reduce malaria deaths and illnesses by more than 50 percent in several African countries, including Rwanda, Eritrea, Zambia, Botswana and the Islands of Zanzibar between 2000 and 2008.

The project would raise US$60 million over six years for mosquito net distribution, training and technical assistance and awareness.

UNICEF: Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus

Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) kills one baby every four minutes. MNT can abruptly turn the joy of new life into wrenching tragedy. Its effects are excruciating-tiny newborns suffer repeated, painful convulsions and become hypersensitive to light, sound and touch. Even a mother's soothing voice and comforting caress are unbearable for the infant. Few babies survive. Tetanus may claim the mother's life as well.

In impoverished countries, where women have little access to health care, many are forced to give birth in an unsanitary environment. Tetanus spores are found everywhere-in the air, soil and contaminated objects. Bacteria can enter the mother's body through open wounds and pass through a newly cut umbilical cord. Once the baby is infected, a lethal toxin attacks his or her nervous system.

Tetanus is highly preventable. Three doses of a vaccine can protect mothers and babies.

The project would raise $110 million to eliminate a deadly disease and save 129 million mothers and their future babies.

What is a Worldwide Service Project?

Children and communities worldwide have diverse needs-access to healthcare, clean water, safe shelter, safety from slavery, access to education and so many others. A Worldwide Service Project is a directed program that engages all 600,000 youth and adult Kiwanis family members to make a positive difference in the world by helping children in need.

Kiwanis successfully completed its first Worldwide Service Project, virtually eliminating iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Kiwanis raised more than US$100 million, which helped change lives in more than 89 nations. The number of households estimated to be consuming iodized salt has jumped from 20 percent in 1990 to more than 70 percent, and the effort has been heralded as one of the most successful health initiatives in the world.

About Kiwanis International

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis International and its service leadership programs for young people, including Circle K International, Key Club International, Key Leader, Builders Club, Kiwanis Kids, Kiwanis Junior and Aktion Club dedicate more than 19 million volunteer hours and invest US$100 million to strengthen communities and serve children annually. The Kiwanis International family comprises 600,000 adult and youth members in 70 countries and geographic areas. For more information about Kiwanis International, please visit www.kiwanis.org.

Kiwanis matching gifts dollar for dollar in foundation campaign

Chris Hayworth — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:54:00 GMT

Make an unrestricted contribution to the Kiwanis International Foundation between now and April 30, 2010, and Kiwanis International will match it, doubling the impact of your gift.

It's all part of the Kiwanis International Foundation's New Beginning Campaign Challenge, the first-ever philanthropic partnership between the foundation and Kiwanis International. For the first time, Kiwanis International will match all unrestricted contributions to the foundation on a $1-for-$1 basis, up to $750,000. The match will apply on contributions made now through April 30, 2010 as the foundation hopes to raise $1.5 million to support its grants and programs.

"The match offers an opportunity to double the impact of your gift and will enable the foundation to invest more generously to help disadvantaged children and communities across the globe," says Linda Brimmer, the foundation's chief operating officer." The foundation helps Kiwanis fulfill its mission of serving the world's children by distributing grants to districts and clubs."

Recent foundation grants reflect the shared values of Kiwanians across the globe, and have:

Enabled a West African school to be moved out of a flood plain.
Provided tuition funds to economically stressed families in California.
Funded job trade instruction for orphaned Romanian children.

You can give gifts through check, credit card or stock transfer, and do so securely online. For more information, call Matt Morris, the foundation's chief fundraising officer, at 317-217-6234, or send him an e-mail.

Kiwanis clubs worldwide celebrate 95th birthday

Chris Hayworth — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:03:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.-Members of Kiwanis International are celebrating the organization's 95^th birthday today, Jan. 21, 2010. In 2009, Kiwanis clubs worldwide donated more than six million volunteer hours and raised more than US$100 million for community service, with a special emphasis on helping young children.

The first Kiwanis club was chartered January 21, 1915, in Detroit, Mich. Today, Kiwanis has grown to more than 8,000 clubs and 240,000 members in 70 countries.

"People are struggling during these troubled times," said Paul Palazzolo, Kiwanis International President. "Now, more than ever, Kiwanis and its members are needed to help children and families meet challenges, and to offer people an opportunity to help others."

Kiwanis, headquartered in Indianapolis, provides numerous opportunities for people to get involved, and numerous benefits to members-friendship, fellowship, business networking-in addition to the service Kiwanis provides to children and communities.

In addition to adult members of Kiwanis, the international program also includes Circle K International, for college and university students; Key Club International, for high school students; Builders Club, for junior high and middle school students, K-Kids, for elementary schools students; and Aktion Club, for adults living with disabilities.

Kiwanis International is searching for its next Worldwide Service Project, and its International Board of Trustees recently heard proposals from issue experts and advocates on four potential projects: malaria; maternal and neonatal tetanus; tropical diseases; and education and literacy.

"This is an exciting time to be a Kiwanian," said Palazzolo. "Even as we celebrate the past, new things are happening in this organization every day and our future is unlimited."

Other Kiwanis programs include Kiwanis One Day, the first Saturday in April, when Kiwanis and its family of clubs join forces with their communities for a day of hands-on service, and Read Around the World, which encourages members to share with children the joy of books-from reading with them to getting them books of their very own.

ABOUT KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL:
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis International and its Service Leadership Programs for young people, including Circle K, Key Club, Key Leader, Builders Club, K-Kids, Kiwanis Junior, and Aktion Club, dedicate more than 19 million volunteer hours and invest US$100 million to strengthen communities and serve children annually. The Kiwanis International family is composed of 600,000 adult and youth members in 15,000 clubs in more than 70 countries and geographic areas. Kiwanis members make their mark by responding to the needs of their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Globally, Kiwanis International has focused humanitarian efforts on eliminating iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) through the Worldwide Service Project, a US$75 million campaign in partnership with UNICEF, which began in 1994. For more information about Kiwanis International, please visit www.kiwanis.org or call 800-KIWANIS.

Kiwanis board members volunteer at Ronald McDonald House

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:06:00 GMT

The Kiwanis International Board of Trustees recently spent a few hours cooking and serving breakfast to several families at the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana.

The project brought the global leaders together for a rare chance to do service as a group. The trustees were in Indianapolis for the January board meeting.

Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo said he was delighted the board members had the opportunity to step out of the board room and into the city to make a difference.

"To be an example of service, the Kiwanis International Board came together to help the families of the Ronald McDonald House," Palazzolo said. "And we had a lot of fun doing it."

The Kiwanis International Board of Trustees also heard proposals for the next Worldwide Service Project during the January meeting in Indianapolis. Finalists will be featured on a special Web site set to launch later this month.

Kiwanis in the running to win $1 million to help underprivileged teens

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:57:00 GMT

Organization seeks Hoosiers support as the only Indiana charity in competition

INDIANAPOLIS - Kiwanis International Foundation is competing with 99 other charities to win $1 million from Chase Community Giving and Facebook through an online competition. The charity with the most votes wins, and voting ends on Friday, January 22.

"This week, we are mobilizing our members and stakeholders to vote for Kiwanis," said Kiwanis International Executive Director Stan Soderstrom. "Although we are currently behind in the vote count, we know there are many people who have not yet voted, and we expect to see a large surge by the end of the week."

Kiwanis would use the $1 million grant to enable 11,500 underprivileged teens to attend Key Leader, a leadership weekend for high school students. The Key Leader program helps teens worldwide believe they can make a difference in their lives and their communities. Key Leader provides a life changing experience, inspiring young people to achieve their personal best through service leadership. The program focuses on integrity, growth, respect, building community and pursuit of excellence. By sending more kids to Key Leader, Kiwanis would create worldwide Key Leaders to impact their communities and create change.

"We'd like to encourage the Indiana Facebook community to change the lives of thousands of teens by voting for the only Indiana charity in the competition: Kiwanis," Soderstrom said.

To vote for Kiwanis, visit www.facebook.com/kiwanis. Voting occurs through Facebook only and participants must have a Facebook account and become a fan of Chase Community Giving to vote.

During the first-round of voting in December, Kiwanis beat out 500,000 charities and was voted into the top 100 to qualify for the final round. Kiwanis also received $25,000 for making it into the final round.

About Kiwanis International
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis International and its service leadership programs for young people, including Circle K, Key Club, Key Leader, Builders Club, K-Kids, Kiwanis Junior and Aktion Club dedicate more than 19 million volunteer hours and invest US$100 million to strengthen communities and serve children annually. The Kiwanis International family comprises 600,000 adult and youth members in 70 countries and geographic areas. For more information about Kiwanis International, please visit www.kiwanis.org

Kiwanis International searches for next global cause

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Kiwanis International is searching for its next Worldwide Service Project, and its International Board of Trustees heard proposals this week from issue experts and advocates on four potential projects: malaria, maternal and neonatal tetanus, tropical diseases, and education and literacy.

Advocates for each cause delivered 30-minute presentations to the International Board of Trustees, Kiwanis International Past-Presidents, the Kiwanis International Foundation Board and Kiwanis staff members. Advocates included Malaria No More, UNICEF and the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Kiwanis International is scheduled to announce the official finalists later this month. The next Worldwide Service Project will be announced in June at the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas, NV.

What is a Worldwide Service Project?
Children and communities worldwide have diverse needs-access to healthcare, clean water, safe shelter, safety from slavery, access to education and so many others. A Worldwide Service Project is a directed program that engages all 600,000 youth and adult Kiwanis family members to make a positive difference in the world by helping children in need.

Kiwanis successfully completed its first Worldwide Service Project, virtually eliminating iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Kiwanis raised more than $100 million, which today is at work in more than 89 nations. The number of households estimated to be consuming iodized salt has jumped from 20 percent in 1990 to more than 70 percent, and the effort has been heralded as one of the most successful health initiatives in the world.

Kiwanis International names Stan Soderstrom Executive Director

Scott Smith — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:54:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS – January 15, 2010 – The Kiwanis International Board of Trustees today named Stan D. Soderstrom Executive Director of Kiwanis and the Kiwanis International Foundation effective immediately. Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization in more than 70 nations. As Kiwanis’ chief executive, Soderstrom is responsible for supporting the international board, and providing leadership and direction to staff and volunteers for the global organization of both adult and youth members totaling more than 600,000. He will also work alongside Kiwanis Foundation executive leadership to provide grants to thousands of organizations worldwide aimed at making better the lives of children.

Soderstrom joined the Kiwanis staff in 1997, and recently held the positions of Interim Executive Director and Chief Impact Officer. In his previous role, he focused on the successful growth and development of the Kiwanis’ youth and adult leadership development programs around the world, as well as strategic planning and board governance for Kiwanis International and its two youth organizations, Key Club International and Circle K International.

Stan also led the introduction and development of new membership-based service clubs for elementary school children and adults with disabilities. During that time, Kiwanis enjoyed a 75% increase in total paid membership of its youth and young adult clubs’ membership.
He completed undergraduate studies at Texas Tech University and graduate coursework at the University of Texas at Austin.

Stan leads Kiwanis as it searches for its next Worldwide Service Project. The International Board of Trustees this week heard proposals from issue experts and advocates on four potential projects: malaria; maternal and neonatal tetanus; tropical diseases; and education and literacy.

Active in the Kiwanis family since 1974, he was a district officer in both Key Club and Circle K, and would later serve as both a Circle K and Key Club district administrator for the Texas-Oklahoma District.

ABOUT KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL:
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis International and its Service Leadership Programs for young people, including Circle K, Key Club, Key Leader, Builders Club, K-Kids, Kiwanis Junior, and Aktion Club, dedicate more than 19 million volunteer hours and invest US$100 million to strengthen communities and serve children annually. The Kiwanis International family is composed of 600,000 adult and youth members in 15,000 clubs in more than 70 countries and geographic areas. Kiwanis members make their mark by responding to the needs of their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Globally, Kiwanis International has focused humanitarian efforts on eliminating iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) through the Worldwide Service Project, a US$75 million campaign in partnership with UNICEF, which began in 1994. For more information about Kiwanis International, please visit www.kiwanis.org or call 800-KIWANIS.

Join Kiwanis Haiti relief effort

Scott Smith — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:30:00 GMT

The Kiwanis International Foundation has provided a grant from its disaster relief fund to UNICEF to help in its effort to provide relief aid to Haiti. Contributions currently are being accepted by the foundation for its disaster relief fund, or you can send your contributions directly to UNICEF.

To contribute to the foundation, go to www.kiwanis.org/foundation and click on the "Give Now" button.

To contribute directly to UNICEF, go to www.unicef.org.

PHOTO CAPTION: January 2010: Wounded people lie in a make-shift shelter in the parking lot of the general hospital after an earthquake measuring 7 plus on the Richter scale rocked Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Tuesday, January 12. Credit: ©UN Photo/Logan Abassi

Valley Kiwanis Club volunteers help with Rose Parade

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:04:00 GMT

http://www.kmph.com/global/story.asp?s=11746097

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA (KMPH News by Norma Yuriar) - With just days to go preparations are in overdrive for 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade. Volunteers have until New Year's Eve to finish floats for the granddaddy of all parades.

In Fresno, Kiwanis Club volunteers are getting on a Charter Bus at 3:45am Wednesday to put final touches on eight different floats.

"As Division 5, we have the privilege of putting the flowers on to the floats," Rose Float Volunteer Stephanie Ma said.

It's a lot of fun, but things can get a little messy.

"Hopefully not getting as much glue on my hands as last year, that was probably the hardest part - getting all the glue off," Rose Float Volunteer Kristen Berg said.

Berg and the rest will join hundreds of other Key Club and Circle K members from across the state.

"Without us and the other volunteers, you wouldn't see those floats going down the Boulevard on New Year's," Kiwanis Club Supervisor Michael Berdinella said. "We have 300 people going, from Merced to Visalia in my group."

Division 5 Kiwanis Club Advisor Michael Berdinella says students will attach thousands of roses and other flower petals to the Kiwanis International Rose Float.

"The float will be a forest theme," he said. "A tree house, looking into backyards."

This year's theme is; 2010 A Cut Above the Rest.

"It should be really pretty," Berg said. "We should be able to add a lot of natural colors."

They use more than just flowers.

"We use anything that was once alive, sea weed, saw dust, bark, leaves, everything," Rose Float Volunteer Azlynn Taylor and Stephanie Ma both say one of the best parts is watching the finished product on TV.

"Yeah, I actually saw it a couple of years ago, the float that we worked on, it felt really good to know we actually helped make that," Ma said.

The volunteers leave first thing in the morning from Manchester Center in Fresno to Pasadena.

"It's great experience, a life time memory, being able to see everyone in the community of California getting involved," Rose Float Volunteer Gary Kong said.

For more information on the Kiwanis Club go to, www.division5trojans.webs.com

Kiwanis to provide 7,000 volunteers to create Rose Parade floats

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:04:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS - The Kiwanis International Rose Float Committee is providing 7,000 volunteers - the largest pool of volunteers from any organization - to create 10 floats for the 2010 Rose Parade.

The volunteers come from all over North America and represent nearly all of Kiwanis International's clubs: Builders Club, for middle school students; Key Club for high school students; Circle K International for college students; Aktion Club for adults with disabilities and Kiwanis for adults.

"Service is at the heart of every Kiwanis club," said Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo, who will ride on the Kiwanis International float with his family. "Our 7,000 volunteers will help make this year's Rose Parade an artistic success."

Kiwanis volunteers have already worked the first three Saturdays in December. Beginning December 26, Kiwanis volunteers will work one of two decorating shifts each day through December 31. Five hundred volunteers will work each shift, and Kiwanis clubs will feed the volunteers lunch and dinner. Kiwanis volunteers will work a total of 56,000 volunteer hours to complete the floats.

Kiwanis International opens nominations for prestigious World Service Medal

Chris Hayworth — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:47:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS - Kiwanis International is accepting nominations for the 2010 World Service Medal. Kiwanis clubs, past medal recipients and organizations with the endorsement of a Kiwanis club may nominate an individual, organization, or agency that enhances the quality of life for many people in a significant way.

"We are looking for inspiring people who are changing the world," said International President Paul Palazzolo. "We recognize that one person can make a difference, and this is our way of honoring those who serve."

Colonel Gray Heppner Jr., M.D., was named Kiwanis International's 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.

Dr. Heppner 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.

Other honorees include Mother Teresa, who ministered to the sick, the orphaned and dying children of the world; Nancy Reagan, who battled drug abuse; and Rosalynn Carter, for her work with Every Child by Two.

Past International Presidents of Kiwanis International will select the recipient and present the medal during the Kiwanis International Convention in June 2010 in Las Vegas, NV.

Nominations are due on February 1, 2010. More information and the nomination form can be found at www.kiwanis.org/wsm.

Kiwanis provides warm clothing

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:31:00 GMT

http://www.shoshonenewspress.com/articles/2009/11/18/breaking_news/doc4b04193411b26395392102.txt

SILVER VALLEY, ID

KELLOGG - The Silver Valley Kiwanis Club will be bringing caps, gloves and socks to children who need them for winter at the local schools this week.

Chairman Bill Scudder said the schools - John Mullan Elementary, Silver Hills Elementary, Sunnyside Elementary, Pinehurst Elementary, Canyon Elementary, Silver Valley Christian Academy and Kellogg Head Start - were contacted in mid-October for an estimated number of students who would benefit from the warm clothing.

The Silver Valley Kiwanis Club then worked to raise funds, he continued, to purchase the caps, gloves and socks.

While most of the items were bought from Lavigne Drug Group, homemade donations were also accepted for the clothing drive.

The Silver Valley Kiwanis Club was able to collect a total of 150 pairs of socks, 120 gloves and 80 caps for distribution this year.

Members wished to express thanks for those who assisted in the project, where the main purpose is to assist the youth of the Silver Valley.

The Silver Valley Kiwanis Club - which meets on Tuesdays at noon at the Broken Wheel Restaurant in Kellogg - has nearly 30 members and always welcomes new ones.

Kiwanis presents awards to the area’s top public servants

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:29:00 GMT

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/26145/

GAINESVILLE, GA - Their titles may vary, but they still have a few things in common: a strong work ethic, a love for service and the drive to go above the call of duty.

During its regular meeting, the Gainesville Kiwanis Club recognized these individuals and presented them with the John W. Jacobs Sr. Memorial Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. The presentation has become an annual tradition.

"(It) started about 13 years ago as a way for the Gainesville Kiwanis to recognize our local law enforcement," said Ricky Rich, Governor's Office of Highway Safety division director of special operations.

Gainesville Police Department Investigator Daniel Schrader, Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Anna Marisa Smith, Georgia State Patrol Trooper First Class Brodie Forrester and Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division Sgt. Mike Burgamy each received the award.

Each of the recipients were introduced by a representative from their respective departments. Among other things, Forrester was nominated because he currently holds the department record in felony and misdemeanor drug arrests.

Smith was nominated for the heroics she displayed in the line of duty while responding to an emergency call. During a recent call to a house fire, Smith was credited with being a lifesaver by entering a smoke-filled mobile home and carrying out a mother of two.

During the ceremony, Burgamy became the first two-time award recipient.

"I feel doubly blessed to receive this award twice," Burgamy said. "I love my job. How many people get a truck, a 4-wheeler, all the clothes they need to wear and get to go out and enjoy God's green earth? And do you know that in the summertime they pay me to round around beautiful Lake Lanier in a boat?"

According to Gainesville Police Chief Frank Hooper, Schrader was nominated for the award because of the large impact he has had on the lives of so many city residents. As a crime scene technician, Schrader helped to track down tips that lead to the recovery of a safe that was stolen in from Maranatha Christian Academy containing $12,000 in cash and checks.

"I love my job, you don't know what to expect because every day is different," said Schrader. "If you love your job you never work a day in your life. I firmly believe that."

Kiwanis variety show returns for 26th year

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:27:00 GMT

http://www.ogemawherald.com/detail/83697.html?content_source=&category_id=1&search_filter=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id=7

WEST BRANCH, MI - Members of the Kiwanis club will once again present their annual variety show this Friday and Saturday at Ogemaw Heights High School.

The program begins at 7 p.m., both nights.

According to Kiwanis Club secretary Ellen Pugh, the theme for this year's show is Broadway.

"All of the songs will be from Broadway shows," Pugh said. "We have lots of acts. Our area has so many talented people."

Kiwanis Member John Lockhart, along with his wife Carol, will direct this year's show. There will be 13 shows represented with 26 different songs.

"It includes all kinds of stuff form the 30s to the 40s, to the 50s, to more contemporary stuff," Lockhart said. He said some of the shows represented during the evening will be "Annie Get Your Gun," and "Showboat," as well as music from "Peanuts" for the kids.

"It's all local, very, very good talent," Lockhart said. "There's probably more variety than we've had in the last two or three years."

Local artist Jan Hasty designed the backdrop for the show. The chorus will be directed by Mary Lynch, and Denny Kiroff will be this year's master of ceremonies.

Lockhart said there is a mix of song and dance numbers planned throughout the evening. He said approximately 75 people assist in the production, from planning to performances, and the club has been working since January to prepare this year's show.

"Carol and I think it's going to be an outstanding production," Lockhart said. "We've put a lot of effort into it. There are 75 or more involved in the production. If everything works the way it's planned, it should be a great show. We're going to have a lot of fun."

Pugh said tickets would be $6 per person, with children under 13 free.

"So a family with a couple of kids under 13 can come for $12," she said.

Pugh said all of the money goes to the Kiwanis club for projects for the community. She said the biggest project right now is the Boys and Girls Club. The Kiwanis Club also supports the library program. She said the Kiwanis Club also works with Angel Food Ministries to provide meals for the needy.

This year's program is dedicated to Ray King, who has been the master of ceremonies for many years. He retired after last year's show.

Pugh said she estimates that over the two nights, approximately 800 people usually attend the show each year.

"It's very family friendly," she said. "People come from all over to watch it. It's phenomenal that a town our size has the talent that it has. We have some phenomenal talent."

She said with the intermission break, the show should last approximately two hours.

For more information on the event, call Mike or Ellen Pugh at 989-345-0978.

Kiwanis International names Stan Soderstrom Interim Chief Executive Officer

Chris Hayworth — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:37:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS – October 29, 2009 - Stan D. Soderstrom recently was named Interim Chief Executive Officer for Kiwanis International, a worldwide service organization in more than 70 nations. As Kiwanis chief executive, Soderstrom is responsible for providing leadership and direction to the board, staff and volunteers for the global organization of both adult and youth members totaling more than 600,000.

Soderstrom joined the International staff in 1997, and recently held the position of Chief Impact Officer. In that role he focused on the successful growth and development of the Kiwanis’ youth and adult leadership development programs around the world, as well as strategic planning and board governance for Kiwanis International and its two youth organizations, Key Club International and Circle K International.

Stan also led the introduction and development of new membership-based service clubs for elementary school children and adults with disabilities. During that time, Kiwanis enjoyed a 75% increase in total paid membership of its youth and young adult clubs’ membership.
He completed undergraduate studies at Texas Tech University and graduate coursework at the University of Texas at Austin.

Active in the Kiwanis family since 1974, he was a district officer in both Key Club and Circle K, and would later serve as both a Circle K and Key Club district administrator for the Texas-Oklahoma District.

ABOUT KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL:
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis International and its Service Leadership Programs for young people, including Circle K, Key Club, Key Leader, Builders Club, K-Kids, Kiwanis Junior, and Aktion Club, dedicate more than 19 million volunteer hours and invest US$100 million to strengthen communities and serve children annually. The Kiwanis International family is composed of 600,000 adult and youth members in 15,000 clubs in more than 70 countries and geographic areas. Kiwanis members make their mark by responding to the needs of their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Globally, Kiwanis International has focused humanitarian efforts on eliminating iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) through the Worldwide Service Project, a US$75 million campaign in partnership with UNICEF, which began in 1994. For more information about Kiwanis International, please visit www.kiwanis.org or call 800-KIWANIS.