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Kansas

Kiwanian

Kansas District of Kiwanis International Newsletter

Volume 59 Issue 5

September 2011

Kansas Kiwanis Stays on Track

at District Convention in Hays

John and Brad
Gov. John Martel (right) passes the reins... er the 'engineer's cap' to Gov. Designate Brad Schields at the Kansas District Convention in Hays in early August. Below left, International Trustee Dr. Su Wen-Pin congratulates Mary Hammond after installing her as Governor-Elect. Below right, newly elected Vice Governor Robert Maxwell addresses the Convention.

Mary HammondRobert Maxwell

Kansas Kiwanians gathered on the campus of Fort Hays State University in early August for the Kansas District's 61st Annual Convention. From the opening German dinner on Friday night to the installation of the new District officers in the closing session on Sunday, it was a fun, entertaining, informative and inspirational weekend.

 

Thanks to Dan Soeken for his great photos of the convention that you see in this edition of the Kiwanian. You really need to check out his photo recap show posted under the Conferences and Conventions tab on the District website. Thanks Dan for another great job!

 

Convention highlights and happenings are spread throughout this issue of the Kiwanian, so read on.

Convention YCPO Project is 'Fantastic' Success 
YCPO Project

YCPO Chair Virginia Higgins (center) is surrounded by the many items donated to the District Convention YCPO Project

From the beginning, the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home was going to be an interesting and challenging project. Considering the size, quite small in comparison to other YCPO projects in the past, how to meet their needs without overwhelming them with a storage issue was my primary concern. Well, leave it to Kiwanians to come up with a myriad of answers.

The display at the District Convention was a sight to behold. Of course 16 car seats do take up a lot of room (that's five more than I asked for); but there were also "going home" baskets along with sacks full of lotions, diapers, Onesies and many additional items that were on the home's wish list. I haven't forgotten about the money; $870 in fact. How good is that? Fantastic! I say.

On Friday afternoon I took a tour of the home. A well-tended, old Victorian house with a big fenced in yard that tells you it is a safe haven. At the present time four girls live there in various stages of pregnancy. 

I met Christin Nunnery, the director, for the first time on Saturday. Because of her name and the history of how the home started, I thought perhaps she was a nun. Not so, she's married with four children and has been associated with the facility in different capacities for five years. The home is no longer associated with the Catholic Church, but it is still Christian based, and the girls are required to attend a church of their choice. As I had mentioned in earlier communications to the Lt. Governors, Christin did not know much more about Kiwanis than the name - she is now in the process of joining the Hays club!

For those of you who were new at the Convention, let me assure you that I do exist. I like to keep a low profile, but generally not that low. Miscommunication on my part was the main factor for not being where I should have been and on that score, I batted a thousand. Let me assure you that Christin (and I) were most appreciative of your generosity. Please continue to support the district's YCPO projects in the future. 

                                                                           Virginia Higgins, 2010-11District Chair
                                                                           Young Children: Priority One Committee

 

Elaine Haun Named 'Kiwanian of the Year'
Kiwanian of Year

Elaine Haun receives 'Kiwanian of the Year' plaque from Jerry Blank, President of the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation.

Elaine Haun was named Kiwanian of the Year during Honors Presentation ceremonies at the Kansas District Convention. Elaine is a member of the Manhattan Club, which nominated her for the award, presented annually by the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation. Her nomination form listed numerous community, church and Kiwanis activities including serving as president during which time she led an ambitious program to recruit new members which completely failed.

 

"She refused to let this set-back discourage her and within two months planned a guest night where 15 guests were introduced to our members and our club's activities," according to the nomination. "Five outstanding new members joined last year and four so far this year after our second guest night. Elaine does not let negative thoughts rule her actions and is always very positive and her great attitude is contagious!"

 

Colby Radio Personality Receives Achievement Award  
Achievement Recipient
Joe Vyzourek brought smiles to Kiwanians including KKF President Jerry Blank with his acceptance speech.

Joe Vyzourek of Colby was presented the Annual Peter Loux Achievement Award by the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation at the Kansas District Convention. Blind since he was three years old, Joe led a very active life on his parents' farm and in high school where he took ag classes, played trumpet in the band, wrestled and was a member of the student council He started a mobile DJ service which he continues with his wife, Becca, today.

 

While attending college - Joe went though college without books since Braille books were scarce - Joe was student program director of the college-owned radio station, the start of his professional broadcasting career. Joe has been named the Kansas small market DJ of the year three times over the last seven years. In 1998, Joe was the youngest program director employed by Goodstar Broadcasting. He became operations manager of KXXX KQLS radio in 2001, a position he held until 2008. Joe now teaches broadcasting at Colby Community College and still does the morning show at KXXX in Colby. Joe and Becca have been married for six years and have two children.

Dr. Su Wen-Pin Is New Trustee for Kansas District 
Dr Su Wen-Pin

International Trustee Dr. Su Win-Pen Admires Gift from the Kansas District

Kansas Kiwanians attending the District Convention in Hays had the opportunity to meet the District's new International Trustee, Dr. Su Wen-Pin of Tainan, Taiwan.

Wen-Pin was elected to a three-year term as a trustee of Kiwanis International in March, 2010, at the Kiwanis Asia-Pacific convention.

Wen-Pin has belonged to the Kiwanis Club of Tainan for 15 years and served as its president in 1997-98, and chairman of its Caring for Mentally Impaired Children and Hixson Committees. He was governor of the Taiwan District in 2006-07 and served as the district's policy advisor. He's also served as president of the Taiwan Kiwanis Children Foundation and the Past President's Fellowship Association.

In the Taiwan District, Wen-Pin has garnered awards for being outstanding member, club president, lieutenant governor, distinguished district governor and for providing special services and contributions. He is a life member and a Diamond-level Hixson Fellow of the Kiwanis International Foundation.

As a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology, Wen-Pin has delivered more than 30,000 babies. He's served three terms on the board of directors of the Taiwan Obstetrics and Gynecology Association and has served on the boards of the Tainan Doctors' Association, the Tainan City Coalition of Women and Children and the Tainan First High School Parent-Teacher Association.

Wen-Pin and his wife, Hui-Chen Yang, have one son and one daughter.  

In This Issue
Kansas Stays on Track
Convention YCPO Project
Kiwanian of the Year
Achievement Award
New International Trustee
Message from the Governor
Gov.-Desginate Notes
District Secretary Notes
Membership Growth
Distinguished Mermbers
We Can Learn from SLPs
Key Club Governor's Message
Circle K Governor's Message
Kansas Foundation
Victory Junction Update
Kansas Stands Up for MNT
Seven Zellers Awarded
KI Foundation Honors
IDD Efforts Continue
Use Your District Website
Kansas Kiwanis Kernels

In Memoriam

Larry D. Berg

Edwardsville Kiwanis Club

Larry died June 4, 2011. He joined the club in 1998 and was a very active member.

Barbara Blaufuss

Emporia Kiwanis Club 

Barbara died June 17. She joined the club in 2002 and was serving as president in 2008 when she became ill. She was very active in the club.

Roy A. Johnson

Emporia Kiwanis Club 

Roy died Aug. 17. He joined the club in 1972, was a past board member and president. He was the leading Pancake Day ticker seller for years. 

  Joe Larkin

  Great Bend Kiwanis Club

Joe Larkin died July 9. He moved to Great Bend four years ago and was very active in the community.    

Peggy Kolb

Hiawatha Kiwanis Club

Peggy Kolb died Aug. 25. She served the club as treasurer for three years. She was a very dedicated Kiwanian.

Gail Stauffer

McPherson Kiwanis Club

Gail Stauffer died July 8 at The Cedars.

William Matthew

Overland Park Kiwanis Club

William Matthew died July 10. He was a long-time member of the club and had served as treasurer for a number of years. He was active in the club and very active in Scouting.

Howard Hobrock

Topeka Kiwanis Club

Howard Hobrock died Aug. 15. He was a past president of the Topeka Southwest Club. 

 Quick Links

  
  
  

District Officers

John C Martel

[email protected]


Immediate Past Governor:

Patricia M. Wiechman

[email protected]


Governor-Designate:

Brad L Schields

[email protected]om


Vice Governor:

Mary Hammond

[email protected]


District
Secretary:

Rusty Thomas

[email protected]


Treasurer
:

Robert Maxwell

[email protected]

 

Circle K Governor:

Leah Corn

[email protected]

 

Key Club Governor

Nicole Yau

[email protected]

 

 

Message from the Governor:

'Stay on Track' - A Look Back and Ahead

Gov. Martel(Excerpts from Gov. John Martel's Address at the 2011 Kansas Distict Convention. To read the entire speech on the District Website, click here)

In the month of November 2009, after the Governor training in Indy, President-Elect Sylvester Neal called all of the 2010-11 Governor-Elect throughout the world and asked for each of us to give an overview of how we will lead our District as Governor.

In brief, I told him that the underlying need on how to build a strong District could be summed up in one word -COMMUNICATION. I then wrote an article explaining what was meant by this simple word. This article was published in the first newsletter of President Sylvester which also included statements about the need for restructuring the responsibilities for the elected and appointed positions of the District. It was recommended that a third position be established at the "top" in order to have consistency and continuity in our mission to grow Kiwanis in the District of Kansas. An organizational chart was developed to place the responsibilities of the District under three Officers - the Governor, the Governor-Elect, and the SLP administrator (this position has since been approved by KI and is called the Vice-Governor). 

The continuity of this approach is that at this time of year, the election process will accept the Governor-Elect moving into the Governor office, the Vice-Governor moving into the Governor-Elect office thereby accepting the established respective responsibilities of those offices. The newly elected Vice-Governor would then accept the responsibilities of the SLP programs. Thus, we have a training structure and a continuity structure to guide the District into the future.

I referred to this structure in my article for "Coach" President Neal as "we are on the same track". And guess what, the theme of this year's Convention is "STAY ON TRACK." Two years after this article, we are showing the continuity of our effort to "stay on track."

The "track" was laid in the Kansas District from August 2010 to December 2010 by my wife and I when we traveled over 12,000 miles visiting 86 clubs. We at the District level are the engineers and conductors. The clubs are the travel cars - there are 88 cars. This is one looonng train that connects all four corners of the District of Kansas doing fantastic service to communities and to the children of our great State of Kansas.

The Kansas District has these bragging rights:

- Kansas is currently NO. 2 in North America for percentage membership gain.

- The Kansas District has two of the first three internationally announced Distinguished Members for the 2010-11 year.

- Four SLP programs have been chartered this year. There are at least six additional SLP programs that I know of which will probably be started this fall.

- The Victory Junction project sponsored by the Kansas District has started out successfully. To date, $50,000 has been raised across the District.

- The groundwork for the Eliminate (MNT) program was allegedly started last year in the Kansas District after the International Convention in Las Vegas. We were told later in the year by KI that the project would not officially start until this year. However, you're not going to keep Kansas down. We started last year to put this program into motion. With the wheels of progress starting early, there has been over $15,000 donated to this cause.

- The criteria to become Distinguished was changed this year. Each club must now earn 20 additional points this year resulting in a total of 100 points. I am happy to report that there are 10 clubs that have gained the Distinguished honor at this time by being at or over 100 points.

This year has been a great "train ride" across Kansas. There are still many opportunities that were not fulfilled. It is difficult to do everything within a one year period.

I look down the "track" and see no other District in our way. Kansas Kiwanians are leading the way down the track.  Being NO.2 is not good enough. We will be # 1 because the Kansas District is the center of activity. Kansas Kiwanians make things happen!!!

We will not look behind us! The track is straight ahead and our focus is to "STAY ON TRACK".

This is the last time year that I will address convention. Bea and I thank you for all of your cooperation, support and hospitality throughout the year. I want to again thank all of the Board, committee chairs, and the present choir and the choir to be, for your participation in growing as Kiwanisans and serving as Kiwanians. It has been a very satisfying ride. It has been an honor to humbly serve you as your Governor. 

 

Your reputation is recognized by the world.
 
Gov. John

President Penn

 Save the Dates - March 9-10, 2012

 Mid-Year Conference

 International President

 Alan Penn's Visit

 Garden City

Governor-Designate Notes:

Every Day Is Kiwanis Day - Don't Let Up!

Brad HeadshotTime flies when you are having fun. What better fun than being involved in Kiwanis. As we enter September we sometimes think that it is the end of the year. Well I think Kiwanis is like life, we never want it to end; so why should we think that about Kiwanis. Every day is a Kiwanis Day and there is no end to it so that is the way it should be.       

Promote, promote, promote should be our thought process. Our club, Victory Junction, Eliminate Project - it all goes hand in hand. We then help out children in your community, your state and the world. Lets all work together.

Don't let up and let's stay on track and continue the growth in clubs and SLP's across the state. Good times in Kansas!

Start planning your time to be at Mid Year in Garden City with International President Alan Penn and his wife Jeri. Also set aside time to go to the International Convention in New Orleans; we will all have a great time and children across the world will benefit. Thanks to all of you for donating your time to Kiwanis!
 

                                                                                 Brad L. Schields - Governor-Designate 

District Secretary Notes:
Kansas Kiwanians Have Exciting, Fun Summer

Back in June I mentioned in my article how busy the Kiwanis Summer would be. From Club Leadership Education to Kiwanis International Convention in Geneva to the District Convention in Hays, it was an exciting, fun journey.

The Club Leadership training is nearing completion and the new format has been well-received by the members. The District applied for and received Matching Grant dollars from Kiwanis International. This money went towards the purchase of much-needed projectors for trainers' use.

Twenty-three Kansans traveled to Geneva in early July to vote on by-laws, to elect new international officers, and to get in-depth education on the Eliminate Project. It was exciting to hear Jane Goodall and Jamie Lee Curtis as key-note speakers and to hear the plans for the future of Kiwanis.

Back home, it was a busy month completing preparations for the Hays District Convention. The planning had been on-going for almost a year and the committee was fabulous. If you did not make it to Hays, you really missed out. The weather was beautiful, the education opportunities were extensive, and of course the attendees were all about Kiwanis! New officers were elected and by-laws were updated. The new by-laws will be posted on the District's web site kskiwanis.org once they receive final approval from Kiwanis International.

Since the convention I have been busy completing three sets of minutes, an official Kiwanis International report on the convention, and approving vendors' payment requests.

In about a month, we will begin a new year under new leadership. I look forward to the endless possibilities for our district under Governor-Designate Brad Schields. However, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to share my gratitude for the wonderful experience of working with Governor John and the very gracious, Bea Martel. I loved every minute of their year and look forward to their continued friendship.

As a reminder: If you have to delete a member, please be sure to do so by September 30th. If they are on your roster on October 1, your club will be responsible for payment of their dues.

Yours in Continued Kiwanis Service,

Rusty

 

New Members Bring New Ideas, More Hands & Smiles 

Things are happening in Kansas! Some great growth in clubs and in those clubs I am sure they will tell you that the new faces help in not only bringing new ideas, more hands and more smiles on kids faces in there communities.

Growth happens when you sell yourself in Kiwanis. And I know some of us are saying I am not a salesman! Well everyone whether you think you are or not is a salesman! You sell yourself every day to get up and do the things you like to do. So why not take the initiative yourself and talk to everyone you meet about Kiwanis.

You are a member because you like to help children and who doesn't like children. So walk the walk and talk the talk and invite someone to your next meeting, service project or fundraiser so they can have a taste of the best service organization out there.  Kiwanis needs to be sold 24-7-365.

Clubs can be at charter strength when they decide that Kiwanis fills a need in their community! Find the need in your community, figure out how to fill that need and your club will grow! I know that sounds too easy but I have watched clubs that do that very exact thing and they grow. Try it!  

If you have any questions feel free to call me at 785-821-2121 or email me at
[email protected]
. Our committee want's to help out.

Also stay in touch with the information highway for the Kansas District on the web at kskiwanis.org. Submit your stories from your club or upcoming events to the web site. Kiwanians like to hear from you.

  Brad L Schields - District Growth Initiative & Strategic Planning Chair

Do You Recognize Distinguished Members?

Do you know any Distinguished Members of Kiwanis?

Well, here are four in the Kansas District you might know:

John Martel of the Pittsburg Sunflower Club;

Mary Hammond of the Hays Club;

Waltrud Mitchell of the Junction City Club;

James Heasley of the Emporia Hi-Noon Club.
 
 
What did these Kiwanians do to become Distinguished Members? They spread the Kiwanis spirit by:

1. Sponsoring two or more new members during current year;

2. Attending either a mid-year or regional conference, or registering to attend the International or District Conventions;

3. Participated in two or more service projects during the year.

Every club needs Distinguished Members who "light the fire" for membership and help grow their club! To register your members, the club president and secretary can fill out the 2010-11 Distinguished Member online form. You can also access the form from the home page of the District Website.

Distinguished Members will be awarded a lapel pin and will receive a special thank-you from President Sylvester Neal, which includes a "Light the Fire" lapel pin. This pin is awarded to members who are continuing to grow the Kiwanis organization by sponsoring new members.

Special recognition will be bestowed upon these leaders at the 2012 international convention in New Orleans. Check your club rosters to see if they include any members who have met the Distinguished Member criteria. Let's get the pins ordered and worn by these members now to inspire others to strive for Distinguished status.

And congratulations to the District's four newest Distinguished Members.

(Note: the lapel pins and letter are being sent directly to the member, on a weekly basis.) 
We Can Learn Alot Working with Our SLPs

Mary HammondAs we enter the final month of Kiwanis year 2010-2011, I can report that the Service Leadership Programs (SLPs) in the Kansas District are amazing programs, doing incredible projects. The youth, young adults and adults involved in these programs are excited about giving back to their communities, schools and the world by being engaged in service work.

Although we are ending our Kiwanis year in a month and starting a new year, our new leaders in Circle K and Key Club hit the ground running back in March when they were elected as Governors. Hopefully you have had a chance to meet and visit with Governor Leah Corn and Governor Nicole Yau representing Circle K and Key Club in Kansas. These ladies are passionate about their organizations and understand the need to have Kiwanis members involved. We must not let them down!

Contact information for both Governors is listed in our Kiwanian newsletter and on our District website. These ladies want to hear from you and your club if there is interest in starting a new Key Club or Circle K in your community or they can offer ideas and suggestions if your club sponsors one of these SLPs that might be struggling.  Working with these two ladies who are "like-minded" as the SLP members they represent, is a priceless resource we should be tapping into on a regular basis.

In previous articles this year I have reported on the growth of SLPs. We were fortunate to add two Key Clubs, an Aktion Club and a BUG program. On-going work continues on three Circle K clubs, another BUG program and possibly a Key Club too. Two of the Circle K Clubs, Colby Community College and Fort Hays State, will be chartered before Christmas of this year. Yes, Circle K clubs can thrive and grow at two-year institutions just as they can at four-year colleges and universities. So keep that in mind as we look across our state at new possibilities.

SLPSLP conferences should be on everyone's social calendar next year! State conferences for Circle K, Key Club, Builders Club and Aktion Club are experiences you won't soon forget. As Kiwanis members we are invited and encouraged to attend these conferences and give support to these organizations that we sponsor. If after attending these conferences, a Kiwanis member does not leave with a new enthusiasm and pride for Kansas youth and young adults or a pride in what Kiwanis in Kansas is actually accomplishing by sponsoring our SLPs, then check that members pulse because I think they might be dead.

We in Kiwanis can learn so much by engaging and involving ourselves more with our SLPs. We can make Kiwanis in Kansas better by implementing some of their conference techniques and fun activities into our own conferences and in our club rituals. Believe it or not folks, we can learn a lot from the youth, the young adults and adults in our SLPs.

In January of this year, every SLP from Kansas was represented at advisor training in Indianapolis. We will continue this tradition for next year and beyond because this "hands-on" training and learning atmosphere is beneficial to the advisors and to our SLP programs in Kansas.

Kudos goes out to the volunteers serving in the role as SLP Advisors. Not only giving up a weekend to attend training in Indy but the additional travel involved when working with various clubs in Kansas. These volunteers have the resources and knowledge to answer questions about starting a new SLP or helping those existing clubs. Contact information for each advisor can be found in our district directory and on our District website.

As our new Kiwanis year begins on October 1, our SLP programs will be under the district leadership of Robert Maxwell from Topeka. In addition to serving as our Vice Governor, Robert will also be Chair of the SLP programs and in that role he will act as another resource to Kiwanis clubs for all SLP programs.  Do not hesitate to contact Robert with questions or comments concerning SLP programs.

 

Mary Hammond - Governor-Elect 

Key Club Governor's Message:
Kansas Key Clubs Start New School Year 

August kicked off the start of the new school year for Kansas Key Clubs. Many clubs are working hard to recruit new members and are meeting to plan events for the year.

A few of the Key Clubbers that attended the 68th Annual Key Club International Convention in Phoenix, AZ have been sharing with their local Kiwanis Clubs about their experiences.

The Kansas District Key Club Board met during the Kiwanis District Convention in Hays. International Trustee Rebecca Riley, from the Alabama District, made an official visit!  We had the opportunity to meet with our Kiwanis counterparts during the weekend.  Lt. Governors updated us on their Divisions and we met with our committees. All committees made progress in their committee directives, and a new set of directives will be sent to them to work on before our next board meeting in October/November.

Key Club Gov Nicole YauBoard members have been working hard on their newsletters, and they are posted on our District Website (http://kskeyclub.tumblr.com/) as they are completed.

Curious as to what Key Club International is up to? You can read the latest issue of the Key Club magazine online (http://goo.gl/UlnQ9).

Nicole Yau - Kansas District Key Club                                       [email protected]

Circle K Governor's Message:
Circle K Clubs Begin Year with Recruiting Drive 

The Kansas District of Circle K International is currently hitting our recruiting phase with full strength! Each club has planned a welcome back event for students designed to try to increase membership and get a little fellowship going.

Circle K Gov CornWe made a goal at the beginning of our year to increase membership by 25 percent, so this is the first step of many to get to that point with Circle K.

Thanks for all the enthusiasm Kiwanis members showed for CKI at the District Kiwanis Convention and for the support you continue to give every day!
 

Leah Corn - Governor - Kansas District Circle K
[email protected]
Circle K District Website

Great Convention Closes Out Great Year for KKF 

Jerry Blank

KKF Foundation President

Jerry Blank.

Thanks for a great year as President of the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation.

The 61st Annual Kansas District Kiwanis Convention at "Hays America" was great. The convention started with a great German dinner (lots of fun) on Friday night. The next morning, an outstanding keynote speaker, Coach Roger Barta of the Smith Center Redmen, gave an outstanding motivational address for Kiwanis.


The Kansas Kiwanis Foundation Achievement Award was presented to Joe Vyzourek and the Kiwanian of the Year Award went to Elaine O. Haun, examples of great inspirational individuals. And the memorial service was held on Sunday morning so we could honor great Kiwanians such as Leo Tuxhorn, who was a member of the Smith County Kiwanis Club.

Thanks to those who brought their items for the Silent Auction which raised $1,568; so $784 will go to the Eliminate Project, and $784 will go to the Victory Junction Project. The football signed by Coach Barta brought in $105 and the signed race car brought in $160.

Don't forget to order your Dog Tag or Key Tag from your Kansas Foundation Division Board member or Lt. Governor today. Click here to download the order form.

Kansas Foundation LogoThe Kansas Foundation Officers elected for 2011-12 are: President, Gary Dickinson of the Downtown Hutchinson Club; President Elect, Harold Wolgast of the Topeka Club; Vice President, Carolyn Dwire of the El Dorado Club; Treasure, Kenton Krehbiel of the Thomas County-Colby Club; and Past President Jerry Blank of the Smith County Club. Division Representatives for 2011-12 will be John Fajen of Division 4; Hank Byars of Division 7; Rich Gehlbach of Division 9; Richard Lamon of Division 10. Representatives filling unexpired terms will be Lynn Heath of Division 6 and Richard Dickman of Division 12.

 

In addition to the scholarships and monetary awards to the District SLP programs, the Kansas Foundation awarded nine grants to clubs across the Division totaling $2,500. For a complete list click here. Thank you to Kenton Krehbiel for all he does for the Foundation and thanks to the 2010-11 Board Members for their work and efforts.

 

Jerry A. Blank, President, Kansas Kiwanis Foundation 

 

Victory Junction Fundraising Reaches $52,000

Victory Junction LogoDonations for the Kansas District Victory Junction Project continued to mount up during the District Convention in Hays. Currently $52,000 in cash donations have been received toward the goal of $250,000 to build a cabin at the soon to be built camp in Kansas City, Kansas. 

What has become the "traveling quilt" was auctioned off again at the District Convention and this time it was purchased by John McLoughlin of the Dodge City Club. This is the third time the quilt has been "sold," bringing in a total of $950 to date. The quilt will be auctioned every six months at District conferences until the fundraising is complete. Once the cabin is built, the quilt  will be hung in the cabin along with a plaque with the names of the purchasers and the total amount the quilt raised.

Clubs are encouraged to continue their fund raising efforts through club events and personal donations. Checks should be made out to the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation with "Victory Junction" in the notation, and mailed to Marc Potter, 401 N. 134th Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012.
 

Victory Junction Sewing Project Launched
SewingPat Hurrelbrink of the Kansas City West Club is heading up a new sewing project for Victory Junction Camp Midwest. Volunteers are needed to make afghans and Teddy Bears or Vic the Horse mascots. Each camper at Victory Junction will take home a hand-made afghan and a hand-made Teddy Bear or Vic the Horse mascot. Finished quilts, afghans, horses and Teddy Beas will be collected and stored if the maker does not have a place to store sthem until needed.

Directions on making the afghans and the bears and horses can be found by opening this flyer. For more information or questions contact Pat Hurrelbrink at 913-721-9766 or [email protected].

Submitted by Bill Snyder - Chairman 

 

Kansas District Stands Up for ELIMINATE Project

Once again, Kansas Kiwanians are pushing forward to make history in changing the world for millions of women and children. At the recent Annual District Kiwanis Convention in Hays, Kansas Kiwanians stood up and made an extremely strong successful effort to raise support for the new Kiwanis Eliminate Project. The goal is to save and protect the lives of millions of mothers and newborns by eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus. Kiwanis is working again in partnership with UNICEF to pave the way for other interventions that will boost maternal health and child survival.

MNT PhotoObviously, we know from our past that it is a major endeavor to do this kind of project. In our first global campaign for children, the Kiwanis family raised awareness for iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the leading preventable cause of mental disability. Nearly $100 million was donated for salt iodization, testing and monitoring, and community outreach and education in developing nations. These funds are now at work in more than 103 nations and about 80 million children in the developing world will be born free of IDD this year. This project has been hailed as one of the greatest public health triumphs of the 20th century.

Now we have another opportunity to change the world. Each year, thousands of mothers and newborns are needlessly dying from maternal and neonatal tetanus. This horrifying but easily preventable disease kills one baby every nine minutes. It targets the poorest, most underserved women and children on earth. But it can be eliminated.

The Eliminate Project's fundraising campaign was inaugurated this year at the 96th Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Geneva and followed up with intensive fundraising at the Annual Kansas District Convention in Hays.  At the District Convention Kansas Kiwanians stepped forward and donated $8,804.82. The vaccination syringes on the Eliminate Project luncheon tables alone raised $319.

As a District, we have raised a total of over $20,000 in donations this past year. Clubs have been very generous in sending in their donations as they raise money for the project. Everyone needs to be applauded for their early support and donations. Please remember donations are to be sent to Dot Leakey, Eliminate Campaign Kansas Chair, at 6518 SE Berryton Rd., Berryton, Kansas 66409. Checks should be made out to the Kiwanis International Foundation with Eliminate Project in the memo line. It also helps to put the Club Key # on the check so funds can be logged into the right club account totals.

If anyone has any questions please let Dot Leakey know at [email protected]. LET'S HELP IN MOVING KIWANIS FORWARD TO ANOTHER GREAT PUBLIC HEALTH TRIUMPH.

Clubs Support Serving the Children Campaign

MNT LogoThe clubs listed below have helped the District take a leading role in the launching of the new Eliminate Project. Many clubs are increasing their fundraising efforts to contribute to the MNT cause and still boost service locally. All of these clubs listed have helped mothers and their babies in 38 countries that are being threatened from tetanus. We can not thank these clubs enough for all their support. All together they have donated over $16,000 or saved 9,000 lives.

DIVISION 2 - Hiawatha;

DIVISION 3 - Baxter Springs, Chanute, Coffeyville, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Pioneers, Iola, Parsons, Pittsburg, Pittsburg Sunflower;

DIVISION 4 - Manhattan Solar, Marysville;

DIVISION 5 - McPherson;

DIVISION 6 - Newton;

DIVISION 7 - Anthony, Arkansas City, Derby (+Key Club), West Wichita;

DIVISION 8 - Hutchinson (+Aktion Club), Pratt;

DIVISION 9 - Kansas City, Overland Park;

DIVISION 10 - Dodge City, Ulysses;

DIVISION 11 - Berryton, Topeka;

DIVISION 12 - Goodland, Hays, Russell Sunrise.

Some of the District's Divisions are already planning fundraising projects to support the Eliminate Project. This is a simple way for all clubs to be involved and do their part. Hopefully, all Lt. Governors and their Divisions will be getting involved in planning and holding these special events. Together, we will make this project a total success for all involved.

                                                                                         Dot Leakey, MNT District Chair 

Seven Kiwanians Receive Zellers at Convention

Zeller MedallionThe Walter Zeller Fellowship is a new, special recognition for the Eliminate Project. The Zeller Fellowship honors those who have had $1,250 donated in their name to support the Eliminate Project. To receive a special Charter Zeller Fellowship the monies must be received by this September 30, 2011. Regular Zellers Fellowships to honor Kiwanians or others can make their gift or pledge over the next two consecutive years. Please remember donations for Zeller Awards are to be sent to Dot Leakey, Eliminate Campaign Kansas Chair, at 6518 SE Berryton Rd., Berryton, Kansas 66409. Checks should be made out to the Kiwanis International Foundation with Eliminate Project in the memo line.

The name of the seven Kiwanians who received a Charter Zellers at the District Convention in Hays were Francis Reichart from the Overland Park Club; Jan Maxwell from the Topeka Downtown Club; Mary Hammond from the Hays Club; Shirley McLoughlin from the Dodge City Club; Brad Schields from the Goodland Club; Ed Miller from the Berryton Club; and Chad Lehman from the Newton Club. 

With these donations, it will help Kiwanis save 8,750 mothers and babies lives.

KI Foundation Honors Presented at District Convention 
Dick and Janette 

Kiwanis International Foundation District Chair Dick Bills receives a hug from Lt. Gov. Janette Mauk of the Pittsburg Club during honors presentation ceremonies at the District Convention in Hays. Janette was presented a George F. Hixson Fellowship Award by her division. Gov. Designate Brad Schields also received a Hixson from his club, the Goodland Club, and presented by Club Secretary Jeffrey Mason.

 

Mr. Bills made several other presentations on behalf of the International Foundation including plaques to each of the Lt. Governors of the District, recognizing them for achieving 100% participation in their Divisions in the Annual Club Gift Campaign. This marked the sixth consecutive year the clubs of the Kansas District have reached the 100% participation level in the campaign, the most of any District in Kiwanis International.

 

Outgoing Governor John Martel was presented a Tablet of Honor from the District. Mr. Bills presented a 9th Diamond Hixson to Past Gov. Larry Nokes, and an Honors Club Banner to the Junction City Club.
Efforts Started by Kiwanis Continue to Meet IDD Needs 

IDD LogoIn a letter to Kiwanis International Board members, Executive Director Stan Soderstrom attached an updated report showing the annual U.S. government appropriation to UNICEF in Kiwanis' name that continues to fund the IDD efforts in the world. Since the Kiwanis campaign and project officially ceased in 2005, this appropriation has continued, with funds distributed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Kiwanis IDD world service project officially stopped counting at $105 million in 2005, but an additional $12.7 million has since been distributed through the U.S. government annual appropriations process.

Soderstrom also noted that in addition to the Kiwanis IDD project, the Iodine Network, which Kiwanis helped create as the organization tasked with overseeing sustainability of Kiwanis' IDD investment, has caused another $100-plus million to be raised and expended on ongoing IDD needs in the world (mainly through Micronutrient Initiative, a Canadian-based organization, and CIDA, the Canadian government counterpart to USAID).

"The work we started continues, and we continue to support it by continuing to fund salt iodization projects and our participation in the Iodine Network through a dedicated fund in our Foundation," Soderstrom wrote.

It's Your District Website and You Need to Use it NOW!

 

Chad LehmanGreetings from the Kansas Kiwanis District Website Coordinator! Another convention season is now over and a new administrative year is just around the corner. There are many resources available on the Kiwanis International website as well as the Kansas Kiwanis District website for incoming and outgoing officers, as well as general members. This will be the first in a series of articles in the Kiwanian to inform you about these resources.

There are many great things going on around the state which should be shared but usually are not because the club chooses not to publicize their great works. This can easily be remedied by simply going to kskiwanis.org and clicking on the news tab, news story submission button, filling out the form and submitting the information.

Another under utilized section of the website is the calendar and newsletter section. With 88 clubs in the District I have only received eight newsletters this year and less than 20 events.

Our last topic for this issue of the Kiwanian is website usage. With over 2,500 members District-wide, usage is only about 10% and average viewing time is less than two minutes per visit.

As you can see we have some work to do in order to keep the information flowing. Until my next article I urge you to send me some updates on what your club is up to or check out the website and send me suggestions of what you would like to see. Send information, suggestions and any questions about the website to [email protected].

                                                                    Chad Lehman - District Website Coordinator

      Kernel Kansas Kiwanis KernelsKernel

NEW MEMBERS

The following have joined Kansas Kiwanis Clubs since the last edition of the Kiwanian. If we have missed anyone or whenever you have a new member join send their name to Steve Russell ([email protected]) so we can include them in the next issue:

Division 2 - Edwardsville - Steven Henry, Jose Garcia; Lawrence - Bruce Flanders; McLouth - Kathlin A. Walbridge, Tyler K. Ottensmeier.
Division 3 - Fort Scott Pioneers - Sue Hothem, Janet Flancher; Iola - Michael Ford; Pittsburg - Paula Shaw, Lori Woods, Devin Gorman.
Division 4 - Junction City South - Sandra Marshbanks, Cortez McKinnis, Gary Townsend, Donna M. Heintze; Manhattan - Kevin M. McCann, Connie J. Rutlin, Donald J. McMaster, Susan Schoneweis.
Division 5 - McPherson Light Capitol - Eddie Sumners.
Divisiion 6 - Augusta - Brad Watts; Newton - Marc Kessinger.
Division 8 - Ellsworth - Eric Reid; Great Bend - Toni Rice; Hutchinson - Michael Musick; Larned - William A. Nusser, Amanda L. Wehrman; Pratt - Andrea Polf.
Division 9 - Kansas City West - Eric V. Mctye, Riley Brodrick; Olathe Sunrise - Elnora Nokes; Ottawa - Lucia Freund; Overland Park - Julie W. Mwangi; Shawnee - Wayne Dothage, Laura Dixon.
Division 10 - Elkhart - Kirk Walls.
Division 11 - Osage City - Rebecca Brewer; Topeka - Don L. Cameron.
Division 12 - Hays - Bryan Feauto, Shawn Schwarz, Donald Scheibler, Anne Erbert, Todd Sandoval; Thomas County Colby - John Dixon, Steven Vacik, Nicole BDrocklehurst.  

2010-2011 Newsletter & Bulletin Award Winners Named
The 2010-11 Club Newsletter & Bulletin Awards were presented by District Treasurer Rusty Thomas during the District Convention in Hays. The winners were as follows:

Best Presentation 1-50 Members

Downtown Hutchinson

Best Informational 1-50 Members

Marysville

Best Presentation 51-99 Members

Pittsburg Noon

Best Informational 51-99 Members

Lawrence

Best Weekly

Pittsburg Sunflower

Congratulations to the winners!
 

Happy Anniversary!

To the Winfield Sunrisers Club on their 25th Anniversary which they will be celebrating on September 25.

More Club News

KC West Club Hosts Barbeque for Reading Residents - Read More

Goodland Club Donates Playground Equipment to Park - Read More 

Liberal Clubs Get Publicity for BUG Program - See Clipping

Russell Club Joined by Builders Club in Planting Flowers Downtown - Read More

Kansas City Clubs Donate Food in Service Club Challenge - Read More

Marysville Club Holds BUG Ceremonies - Read More

Lawrence Club Thanked for Volunteering for Library - Read More

If you would like to see news and photos about your club's projects and events in the Kiwanian, please email them to Steve Russell at [email protected]. Also, if you distribute your club newsletter via email, please send a copy to me.

You can also have your club news and photos posted to the District website by submitting them using the News Submission Form under the News tab. In addition to the what's under the News tab, more club news and club newsletters can be found by going to the Club Event Listing under the Club Listing Tab.

We encourage you to visit the Kansas District website regularly to see what's new. Chad Lehman, the District Website Manager, is working hard to keep it current and continuously improve the content and usablity

Kiwanian Delivered Via Email Or On the Kansas District Website 

The District is no longer printing and mailing hard copies of the Kansas Kiwanian. The District newsletter is being emailed to all members for whom we have email addresses. If your club has members with email addresses who are not receiving the Kiwanian, please have them or the club secretary send their email address to [email protected].  

The newsletter is also posted to the Kansas District website under the News tab. We are asking club secretaries (and members) who have access to email or the internet to print out hard copies for members who do not have electronic access.

If you have any questions about the content or functionality of the newsletter, please contact me at the email address below.

                                      Steve Russell, Editor, Kansas Kiwanian - [email protected]

  

 

Dates to Remember

March 9-10 - 2012 Mid-Year Conference
                       & International President's Visit, Garden City
June 28-July 1 - 2012 Kiwanis International Convention, New Orleans, LA
July 27-29 - 2012 Kansas District Convention, Lawrence