December 25 -- NO MEETING.
December 18 -- Spiritual Aims. Randy Quinn's speaker, Phil Duncan has been a Midwest Transplant Network Ambassador since early 2008 -- not long after his heart transplant at Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City in June 2007. His volunteer work with MTN and Gift of Life Foundation has made a real difference in getting the word out about the importance of organ and tissue donation. 2 guests present -- Eric Gustafson and Gretchen Randall.
December 11 -- Beckham Smith introduced George "Ty" Tyler as his speaker today. Ty gave a brief history of his road to becoming a jeweler and invited anyone that have needs to contact him. Ty also works as a reserve police officer for the City of Hiawatha. Janice and Peggy read thank you notes from Melster Family and First Baptist Church Mission Board for our donation to the 2009 Community Thanksgiving Dinner and from Brown County 4-H Council for the club's donation. Eric Gustafson and Gretchen were visitors again today.
December 4 -- Guests introduced today were Eric Gustafson and Gretchen Randall. John Severin presented today's program on the woes of the the local school district. Janice Smith, club secretary, gave a board meeting update. A reminder was made to drop off items to the Rainbow office for items to be sent to the 425 area soldiers from the 2nd-130th FA now serving in Egypt.
December 2 Board Meeting -- 9 members were present as we met at Laurie Beth's today. 165.5 volunteer hours were turned in for the month of November by 25 Kiwanians impacting 273 children. November attendance was 76% -- an all-time high for the past three years. Those with 100% attendance for the month: Chad Bachman, Jere Bruning, Brad Edwards, Hallee Edwards, Joe Koechner, Fonda LaFrenz, Del Larson, Carl Nelson, Eric Oldham, Jennifer Ploeger, Lana Reigle, Mike Schmitt, John Severin, Beckham Smith, Janice Smith, Terry Smith and Bee Strobel. Pancake was a success with $1380 being cleared -- but several Kiwanians still owe for their tickets. Night At the Cabin winner was Gretchen Oldham. Youth Services committee will be shopping, wrapping and delivering gifts to our two 'adopted families in the next two weeks -- 5 children will be impacted. Featured Kiwanian for December is Eric Oldham. Plans continue for our upcoming Membership Day on January 8th. Be sure to bring a guest to this meeting. Coourtney Brennan is the Hiawatha High School's HOBY representative. Club will sponsor a Youth Bowling Team with the Tuesday After School League effective immediatly. Club will donate 2 "Lucky Bears" in honor of Phoenix Entriken to the Hiawatha Hospital. Next meeting will be January 6, 2010.
Eric Oldham -- December's Featured Kiwanian.
Eric works for the Brown County Historical Society as the Director / Curator. He and his wife, Gretchen, moved to Hiawatha in 2007. They have two children. When Eric isn't spending time with his family, he enjoys golfing. Eric enjoys the camaraderie we have as well as the ability to help many children through our efforts as Kiwanis members.
