| Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. |
NEWSLETTER Cedar Rapids Downtown Kiwanis Club Wednesday, April 4th, 2007 The meeting was called to order by President Chuck Wehage. Guests: Mike Poggenklass (membership application approved); Pat Sherman, a visiting Kiwanian from North Dakota, and his guest Mike Donaldson; and Steve Walrath (membership application approved) Birthdays: April 7: Jim Platt; April 8: Richard Boardman (he's eagerly anticipating Dan treating him to a steak and lobster dinner) Anniversaries: April 5: Janet Blackledge ('94); April 4: Deb Fisher ('06) Announcements: There will be a brief board meeting at the podium after the meeting. Another big round of applause for Dan Breitbach, John Anderson, Gain Darrow, and the pancake team for a great contribution of time and treasure! Happy Bucks: Chuck Wehage is over the flu (or did he flu over?); David Graeff is happy that the $55 million pitcher for the Royals led them to a 7-1 win over the Red Sox on opening day, meaning the Royals are undefeated for the season with a 1-0 record and in first place; Ron Sunderman is happy snow is in the air; Dan Breitbach was doubly happy that his father had another year and that he was approaching, had approached, or will be approaching at some point the anniversary of the discovery of his real parents, although he's wondering where the allowance is (and Dick and Charlene are wondering about the steak and lobster); Keith Sutherland was happy to be back, although when he leaves the weather improves, and when he returns it gets worse; and John Schweitzer made a pun about the snow that broke my pen when I groaned, so I was unable to record it accurately. Next week’s program: Former Kiwanian Ellen Skripsky, Master Gardener--bring your questions about spring work in the garden, flower bed, and yard! Speaker: Kiwanian Bob Dye and Randy Herold presented about Youth for Christ. Bob noted the many contributions Kiwanis has made to YFC over the years, including a 15-passenger van in 1977, six canoes (still in use!) in 1979, a big grill for the chuckwagon (still in use!) in 1984, and scholarships over the years for camping trips. YFC was founded in 1945 and is in 85 countries. It came to eastern Iowa in 1962; Bob Dye has been with the organization since 1970. The organization provides guidance to high school and middle school students. Camping is an important part, with two camping programs. The first is the Caravan, which started in 1972 and includes river rafting, hiking, climbing, food, etc., and service. The Caravan serves mostly high school students, and the students pay their own way. Randy Herold provided information on Kids Across America (KAA) Kamps, which provides guidance to at-risk children, mostly middle school-aged. This summer, 37 middle school and 7 high school students will attend the camp, which is 60 miles southwest of Branson, MO. Eleven of the students are in the juvenile court system. Of the 45, 15 can pay their way, 7 are paid through a federal grant, and 22 come on scholarship. Both events are life-changing experiences for the kids, and the mentoring continues throughout the year. Word for the day: "Enconium"--a formal or high-flown expression of praise; a eulogy, panegyric (Keith Sutherland knew this word, for which he received many enconia!) Submitted: Joe Nolte | |||||||||||
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