February Featured Kiwanian--Beckham Smith

Beckham has been a longtime resident of the Hiawatha area and has been a very active Kiwanis member. He and his wife, Janice, have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Beck is self-employed working for Rainbow Communications. He enjoys spending time in the yard when he is not working on computers.

FUTURE KIWANIANS ????

We have two births to announce --

Kirsten Luci -- daughter of Jason & Ronda Smith, born December 18, 2009. 7 lbs. 11 oz.; 20 inches long.

Carla Ann -- daughter of Eric and Cara Gustafson, born January 10, 2010. 7 lbs. 4 oz.; 18 inches long.

Congratulations fellow Kiwanians -- Jason and Eric!

January 2010 ........ HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

January 29 -- Doug Weinberg introduced his speaker following a few comical remarks -- Eric Oldham. Eric took us back in time to "Grand Prairie: A One Room School House" with many visual aids such as slate boards and pencils, pinafore smocks, McGuffey's Readers, and old game boards. For this blogger, it hit very close to home as I attended Grand Prairie School from first thru 6th grade. 19 members present.

January 22 -- Janice Smith provided information regarding the upcoming Valentine Party. Bee Strobel presented trivia and Janice Smith gave "a new way to look at a deck of cards" for todays program. Eric Gustafson was inducted as a new member by President Fonda LaFrenz and his co-sponsors, Jere Bruning and Beckham Smith. 23 members and 2 guests -- Dustin Williams and Jackilynn Randall -- present.

January 15 -- Bee Strobel introduced today's speaker: Drew Bauerle, son of Daron and Elizabeth Bauerle. Drew, a Senior at Hiawatha High School, was our 2008 representative to HOBY - Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference. He related how the experience has encouraged him to become more confident in his everyday experience to become a leader rather than always being a follower. Thank you for confirming our stance to continue sponsoring the HOBY program. 19 members were present.

January 8 -- Despite the cold and snowy weather, 17 Kiwanians welcomed 5 guests (Dave Grimm, Malcolm Grier, Randy Phillips, Sheila Schwalm and Dr. Willie Geisendorf) to our Membership Day. Each member described what induced them to become a Kiwanian with "helping children of the community" being the top reason. Gretchen Randall was inducted as a new member by President Fonda LaFrenz and her sponsor, Peggy Kolb. Secretary, Janice Smith gave a board report and a brief history of the Hiawatha Kiwanis Club that began in 1930. Much laughter and comraderie was enjoyed by all.

January 6 Board Meeting -- Treasurer Peggy Kolb reported a net of $1459.94 for the Pancake Feed to date. Jennifer Ploeger purchased toys, clothing and food for the two families our club 'adopted' for Christmas 2009 with 8 children impacted. 18 Kiwanians volunteered 130 hours in December, which impacted 346 children in the community. December attendance was DOWN 24% from last month: 100% attendance = Jere Bruning, Peggy Kolb, Laurie Neemann, Mike Schmitt, Beckham Smith, Janice Smith, Terry Smith; 75% = 5 members; 50% = 9; 25% = 3; 0% = 12 members. Dr. Delbert Larson is the 'Featured Kiwanian' for January. Community Blood Drive sponsorship was once again tabled till next month for additional information. Membership applications for Eric Gustafson and Gretchen Randall were approved. Final review for Friday's Membership Day was completed. 6 members were present.

Membership Meeting -- Would you like to learn more about Kiwanis? We would like to invite you to our Membership Meeting on Friday, January 8th at 12:00 noon at Laurie Beth's in Hiawatha. Come learn about our organization and see if it might be a way for you to get involved in our community!

January's Featured Kiwanian

Dr. Delbert Larson Dr. Larson enjoys the fellowship and community involvement that being a Kiwanis Member provides. Delbert and his wife, Nancy, enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. They have 4 children and 9 grandchildren.

DECEMBER 2009 -- MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!!!

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.

NOVEMBER, 2009 -- Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

November 27th -- No Meeting - Round Table for those of you that wish to come.

November 20th Meeting -- Spiritual Aims day with Randy Quinn's speaker - Janice McCue. She gave us an update on their TAG organization (Totally Awesome Group) for mentally / physically handicapped persons. We would like to see a group similar to that under the auspices of our local Kiwanis be formed in Brown County at some point in the future. Rhonda Quinn was a guest today. Following discussion it was the consensus of the members present that next year's Pancake Day time be changed to 6 a.m. to Noon. HKF announced that a $1500 Rance Hixson Scholarship will be set up for a graduate of Hiawatha High School that is in their 3rd year of college studies and is renewable for one year.

November 14th Pancake Feed -- 265 people attended our annual pancake day held at Hiawatha Middle School. 6 Lawrence Kiwanis Club were visitors. Congratulations to the winning ticket holder in the "Night At The Cabin" raffle - Gretchen Oldham. The 20 Kiwanians working that day were tired, but happy to have such a nice turn out. Thank you to the community for supporting our efforts in "serving the children".

November 13 Meeting -- Following board update by secretary, Mike Schmitt introduced Horton City Administrator, Jim Whisenant to speak on the City of Horton's Mission Lake Restoration Project. 18 members & 1 guest - Del Larson's daughter, Teresa - were present.

November 11 Board Meeting -- October attendance was 67% -- up 3 % from previous month and also the highest member involvement over the past year. 100% attendance: Boswell, Bruning, Koechner, LaFrenz, Nelson, Ploeger, B. Smith, J.E. Smith, T. Smith, Strobel. Drawing for "Night at Cabin" ticket will be 12:30 at Pancake Feed. 8 children and 6 Kiwanians rode / walked in the Halloween Parade. Club was invited to participate in the Jingle Bell Ride on Nov. 15th. Featured Kiwanian for October - Peggy Kolb; for November - Terry Smith. Membership drive plans reviewed for our January 8, 2010 meeting. Reviewed the committee workday findings. Donated $25 to Community Thanksgiving Dinner to be held at First Baptist Church. December board meeting will be December 2nd at Pizza Hut Meeting Room, noon.

November 6 Meeting -- Jennifer Ploeger introduced her speaker, David Key, Meadowlark District Extension Agent. David shared his role in Community Development not only in the Meadowlark District, but also in Brown County. David serves on several boards that work with potential and current business owners. Lana Reigle invited members to attend the Skate Park Opening tomorrow. 16 members present.

Happy New 'Club' Year!!! -- October 2009

October 31 Halloween Parade Entry

October 30 Meeting -- Our prayers were with Peggy Kolb as she underwent surgery today. 17 members & 4 Sabetha Kiwanians (Roberts, Girton, Feek & Ulrich) were present. Following the induction of Hallee Edwards, Carl Nelson introduced his speaker - Becky Rafferty - president of Little Hands, Inc.

October 23 Meeting -- Dave Nachtigal and his guest, DeeAnn Hinkle, described and illustrated the many changes being made to the exterior of the fitness center on the corner of 7th & Oregon in Hiawatha. 22 members and 1 guest -- 6 yr. old Jocelyn Erbert (Libby Troxell) were present.

October 16 Meeting -- Laurie Beth Neeman introduced her speaker, Janet Miller to the 19 members present. Miller is the Enterprise Facilitator for 5 Northeast Kansas counties. Working as a business coach, she has helped 550+ entrepreneurs representing an increase of 200+ jobs to 5 county area in the past 6 years.

October 9 Meeting -- Today's program was "Planning for a New Club Year" coordinated by Fonda LaFrenz and Janice Smith. 20 members, forming 3 groups -- Youth Services, Fundraising and Miscellaneous -- plotted out objectives for the 2009-2010 year and then reported their findings back to the coordinators. Among items discussed were our annual pancake feed, publicity, increasing membership, Terrific Kids, upcoming Halloween Parade Float riders, etc.

October 2 Meeting -- 18 members welcomed Kiwanis Lt. Governor Dan Gaumer today. Guests were Hallie Edwards and Anne Arnesen. Anne accepted a $1,000 check presented by Hiawatha Kiwanis Foundation members to the Morrill Public Library to be used to purchase 130 autographed copies of Doreen Cronin's book "Wiggle" to be given to each family that attends her presentation in November. Pancake Day tickets were handed out by Chairman John Severin. Carl Nelson asked for volunteers to work at our "Night at the Cabin" booth at Maple Leaf Festival tomorrow. Lt. Gov. Gaumer presented 2008-2009 Perfect Attendance Awards to: Chad Bachman, Jere Bruning, Peggy Kolb, Carl Nelson, Beckham Smith, Bee Strobel and Janice Smith. Jason Smith was announced as the 2008-09 Hiawatha Kiwanis Volunteer of the Year with 203 hours impacting 775 children. Gaumer then installed the new officers for the 2009-2010 Club Year: President, Fonda LaFrenz; Vice President - Jennifer Ploeger, Secretary - Janice Smith, Treasurer - Peggy Kolb, and Board Members -- Chad Bachman, Jere Bruning, Joe Koechner, and Bee Strobel. Board Member Justin Fluke was not present. Jennifer Ploeger introduced today's speaker - Paul Bridenstine of Dillon's Construction.

NOTE: 100% Perfect Attendance is calculated by attendance at 50 or more meetings during the 2008-2009 club year (weekly meetings, club board meetings, foundation board meetings, interclub meetings, officer training, conventions, plus participation in Pancake Feed, Fun Day at the Park, Halloween Parade, Valentine Party, or club member funeral, etc.).