June Featured Kiwanian-Justin Fluke

Justin Fluke is June's Featured Kiwanian. Justin and his wife, Erin, live near Holton with their 4 children. Justin is the Sports Director and Sales Consultant for KNZA Radio in Hiawatha.
Justin is big into sports including fantasy sports online. He also enjoys reading magazines and spending time with his family.
Justin enjoys the socializing that Kiwanis offers as well as the informative meetings each week.
Justin was named Kansas Sportscaster of the year in 2006!
Congrats Justin on being June's Featured Kiwanian.

June Club News ----

June 4th -- Hiawatha Kiwanis Foundation presented a check to the Little Hands Inc. for $20,ooo. This is the first installment of the $30,000 that HKF has pledged to this project. Those present to receive the check were: Little Hands Board President Becky Rafferty, Secretary Lynne Ladner, Treasurer Fonda LaFrenz, and Board Members Leslie Grimm and John Moore. Today's speaker was Josh Nelson, son of Kiwanian Carl Nelson, describing the African Safari he had been on.

June 11th -- A Sabetha Interclub (Kelly Girton, Steve Cumpo, Al Roberts and Matt Bachtold) were our guests today. Eric Oldham's program was on the "K is for Kansas" traveling exhibit that has been on display at the Frances Sewell Plaman History Center.

June 12th -- Kiwanis Kids Fun Day at the Park

June 18th -- Membership Chairman presented our annual Membership Training to 14 members present. Chad Bachman's father in law was a guest.

June 29 -- Round Table with 9 members present. No program.

MAY -- Happy Golfing!!!

May 28:

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May 21: 17 members were present today for fellow Kiwanian David Nachtigal's presentation on Your Healthy Heart and demonstrate a heart defibulator machine. Secretary gave a report of Wednesday's Board of Director's Meeting and the President LaFrenz passed around the volunteer sign-up sheet for our June 12th Fun Day and also a sign-up sheet for the upcoming 2010-2011 club year's standing committees. Eric Gustafson was elected as 2010-2011 club treasurer and serve as 'treasurer trainee' for the remaining of this club year

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May 19: The June Board Meeting was scheduled early this time as several members would not be available at our regular time in June. Members present were: Fonda LaFrenz, Jennifer Ploeger, Peggy Kolb, Chad Bachman, Justin Fluke, Bee Strobel, Janice Smith and incoming board member Brad Edwards. Officer Leadership Training for the 2010-11 club year was led by the incoming Lt. Governor - Doug Clark on May 17th at Laurie Beth's as Hiawatha membership was unable to attend the training in McLouth the day before with Chad Bachman, Jennifer Ploeger, Fonda LaFrenz and Janice Smith attending. Volunteer Hours for May 1st thru May 15th: 261.25 hours by 24 Kiwanians impacting 624 children. June's 'featured Kiwanian' will be Justin Fluke. Thank you notes received from USD #430 (speaker systems), City of Hiawatha (Rance Hixson Memorial money), and Brown Co. American Cancer Society Relay for Life Committee. Reviewd the plans for the upcoming June 12th Kids Fun Day in the Park. The Kiwanis High School Scholarship amount is being increased to $300 each beginning this year thanks in part to the success of the Kiwanis Golf Tournament earlier this month. Peggy Kolb has asked that we consider someone else for her position of Treasurer for the new club year. Possible candidates will be contacted and a vote of approval to follow at our May 21st club meeting. Peggy will begin training this individual once they have been approved. Sign-up for the 2010-2011 Club Committees will also begin at this Friday's meeting.

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May 14: Today was College Scholarship Day with 2 of the 4 seniors present -- Chelsea Thompson and Andrew Buser along with their guests Vickie Simon, Greg & Becky Buser. Hallee Edwards introduced her guest, Mike Twombly. Today's speaker was Seth Euler, Kanza District Executive for Boy Scouts of America with Pony Express Council in St. Joseph, MO.

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May 7: President LaFrenz announced our "Distinguished Club", "Outstanding Club Secretary" and "Distinguished Secretary" awards today. Secretary gave a report from Wednesday's Board Meeting. Bee Strobel read a 'funny'. Pat Loyd introduced her speaker, fellow Kiwanian Ted Starr. Ted gave a report on the current financial atmosphere.

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May 5 Board Meeting -- President Fonda LaFrenz called the 8 members to order at noon.

---Carl Nelson, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, gave his final report for the Kiwanis-sponsored Golf Tournament held May 1st. 10 teams participated with a total net of $2,106 for the day. Secretary Janice Smith will write thank you letters to all sponsors (see May 1 entry for list of sponsors). Chad Bachman will talk to Boy Scout Troop 313 Leaders to set a date for the scouts to attend a meeting to receive their $1000 check for the Wilderness Trip in exchange for the troop keeping the Noble Park Kiddie Korral playground clean. He will also ask for their assistance at Fun Day. APRIL Volunteer Hours: 214 hrs. by 20 Kiwanians impacting 285 children. APRIL Attendance was down 1% from previous month. Those Kiwanians with 100% attendance are: Jere Bruning, Brad Edwards, Justin Fluke, Peggy Kolb, Fonda LaFrenz, Del Larson, Carl Nelson, Eric Oldham, Randy Quinn, Gretchen Randall, Beckham & Janice Smith, and Bee Strobel. We will be giving Terry Smith the money to be used for the Rance Hixson Memorial Shelter Park so that he can proceed with the plans. May featured Kiwanian is Ted Starr. Members donated $116 for the Kiwanis Skip-A-Meal Program that Kiwanis International will match to help feed the hungry children of the world. Thank you notes received from Chamber of Commerce and Hiawatha Youth Bowling League. We will continue to sponsor a bowling team next year as well. Kiwanis "Walk Kansas" Team logged 874 miles for the 8-week program, placing 13th of 33 teams. We will be donating $25 to the Hiawatha Fire Department FirePup Program to assist in providing fire safety materials for 11 children. Kiwanis Club Scholarship winners are invited to attend the May 14th club meeting to receive their certificate. This year's winners are: Chelsea Thompson, Drew Clary, Marcellis (Marc) Washington and Andrew Buser. Committee reports / assignments for our 3rd Annual Kiwanis "Kids Fun Day at the Park", June 12th, were discussed. Plans are progressing nicely and hope we have a great turnout and wonderful weather. The club officers for the upcoming 2010-11 club year are: President: Jennifer Ploeger; VP: Chad Bachman; Secretary: Janice Smith; Treasurer: Peggy Kolb; Past President: Fonda LaFrenz; Board Members: Jere Bruning, Brad Edwards, Justin Fluke, Joe Koechner and Randy Quinn. 2010-11 Officer Leadership Training was rescheduled to May 17th; noon at Laurie Beth's. Secretary announced she had received "important info in the mail today...." our Distinguished Club certificate and banner, as well as the "Outstanding Club Secretary" patch and "Distinguished Secretary" pin all for the 2008-09 club year. Secretary also asked for permission to hold the June Board Meeting early -- May 19th -- due to her being unavailable for the month of June.

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May 1 -- Our Kiwanis Golf Tournament was held on a beautiful sunny day with 10 teams competing in the 3-person scramble at the Hiawatha Country Club. The proceeds for this tournament will be used to help fund the Boy Scouts' upcoming Wilderness Trip, Kiwanis Scholarships and Adopt-A-Family program.

---We wish to thank the following sponsors for the day: Hole Sponsors -- KNZA Radio, Ag Partners, Kex Rx, Sac & Fox Nation; Tee Sponsors -- Citizen's State Bank, Wal-Mart, Rainbow Communications, Marianne Schmitt CPA, Tice Health Mart, Farm Bureau Insurance, Shelter Insurance, Farmers Insurance, Stan Boos Auto Sales, Country Cabin, Golden Eagle Casino, Bruna Bros Implement, Maximum Insurance, Morrill & Janes Bank, Heartland Realty, SBS Insurance, Hiawatha Community Hospital, HCH Family Practice and Cashman, Finley, Miller, Schmitt & Boye LLP.

May Featured Kiwanian--Ted Starr

Ted Starr, President of Citizens' State Bank in Hiawatha. Ted has been a member of Kiwanis for several years and enjoys the opportunities it provides for the youth of the community.

Ted is a graduate of Hiawatha High and received his Eagle Scout Award in 1964.

Ted and his wife, Paula, have 3 grown daughters.

April -- WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS ....

Jennifer Ploeger presented Dustin Williams with his Kiwanis pin and weekly name badge as his sponsor during his induction by President Fonda LaFrenz. Jennifer received her bronze key.

Peggy Kolb is Sheila Schwalm's sponsor and presented her with her "K" pin and badge. Peggy also received her silver key for her second new member.

President LaFrenz welcomes our newest member, Ike Larson, during induction. Justin Fluke presented him with the "K" pin and badge as his sponsor. Justin received his bronze key.

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April 30: Fellow Kiwanian, Dr. Delbert Larson, reported on his recent trip to Haiti with the "Heart to Heart Earthquake Response" team with a slide show. His wife, Nancy, was our guest. Election of officers for the upcoming year was held and the slate was approved unanimously. Updates on the golf tournament scheduled for tomorrow, Hiawatha Kiwanis Foundation and June Kiwanis Fun Day at the Park were given by Carl Nelson, Troy Boswell and President LaFrenz. Club scholarship winners were announced.

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April 23: Incoming Lt. Governor Doug Clark of Sabetha Kiwanis shared with us about Victory Junction and Kiwanis involvement. Also present for our meeting were guests from Sabetha: Jim Bredahl, Meridel Wittmer and Roy Frey as well as resident Ken McCauley and Congressman Jerry Moran. Moran gave a brief update. The contents of today's happy jar were designated for the Kiwanis Skip A Meal program to help feed the hungry children of the world.

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April 16: Micah Bicker shared with us his new adventures with the Hiawatha Beverage Company to be known as Crazy Eye Brewery. Micah continues to work on his business plan, but homes to have an opening of his building this fall and possibly even product at that time. Ike Larson was a guest. Carl Nelson, fundraising chairman, passed the work sign-up sheet for the May 1st Kiwanis Golf Tournament. The Board of Directors had a short impromptu meeting to approve the membership of Ike Larson.

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April 9: Bee Strobel and Janice Smith filled in for absent program by reading several articles of interest. Smith also gave a Board of Director's report to the members. 16 members + 1 guest, Ike Larson, were in attendance.

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April 7th Board of Director Meeting Report: 227.5 volunteer hours reported by 34 Kiwanians during the month of March impacting 631 children. March attendance - 59%, with 12 members having perfect attendance for the month.

---Board moved to donate $100 to Pam Smith's Relay for Life Team in the memory of her father and long-time Kiwanian Rance Hixson.

---President LaFrenz has received the scholarship applications and will meet with the committee following the April 16th club meeting to choose the 4 winners.

---Carl Nelson reported on our May 1st Golf Tournament -- proceeds to be used to sponsor the Boy Scout Wilderness trip in return for their 'policing' the Kiddie Korral on a regular basis, and any additional funds to be used towards high school scholarships and Christmas Adopt-A-Family. He also reported Kiwanis Foundation Officers for 2010-11: President, Troy Boswell; VP, Eric Oldham; Secretary, Joe Koechner; and Treasurer, Beckham Smith.

---Happy jar proceeds will be designated one meeting to the Kiwanis Skip A Meal program to help feed the children of the world.

---Plans are being made for our June 12th Kiwanis "Kids Fun Day at the Park" -- 1o A.M. thru 1:00 P.M. Committees for the event:

..........Food procurement, Set-up and Cooking: John Severin & Scholarship Committee, LaFrenz and Chad Bachman.
..........Games & Prizes: Joe Koechner & Youth Services Committee

(Contact FFA for Mini Golf; Biology Club for face painting; Boy Scouts help with games and cleanup; Mini Horse Club; Clowns)

..........Publicity: Justin Fluke

..........Tear Down / Clean-up: Membership Committee + those present (Assist Severin in getting everything back to the school; tents down)

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April 2: There was no formal meeting held today as this is Good Friday. However, 7 members did attend a "Round Table" to enjoy visiting in a more relaxed atmosphere. Happy Easter!!!

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Yola Bee Strobel is April's Featured Kiwanian!
Bee enjoys the many projects that the Hiawatha Kiwanis Club does for the children of the community as well as the fellowship it provides. She and her husband, Dale, live in Hiawatha and have six grown children. In her spare time she enjoys being on the computer, playing games such as Scrabble and also reading.

March -- SPRING CAN'T COME SOON ENOUGH...

March 26 -- District Governor Patricia Wiechman along with her fellow Topeka Downtown Kiwanians - Elliot Potter, Dale Jarik, Harold & Crystal Wolgast - were our guests today. Pat gave us additional information on the 'April new membership campaign'. Justin Fluke presented his program on "Sportscasting Secrets". President LaFrenz reported that our Kiwanis-sponsored blood bank netted 41 units of blood for our local hospital. Fundraising committee met after the meeting to discuss the upcoming golf tournament.

March 19 -- Kevin Hill and his speaker, Sheriff John Merchant, explained the "Finding Words" program now being used when interviewing children and preparing for court cases regarding crimes against children. This program helps build a rapport with the child and asking questions that do not 'lead' the child's answers thus reducing the traumatic stresses on the child. 20 members were in attendance at today's meeting. Following the meeting, a Kiwanis-sponsored Community Blood Bank was held at Fisher Center; 1 to 6 P.M. today with 6 Kiwanians serving refreshments to community participants. Earlier in the month Kiwanians were also responsible for calling individuals on the blood bank's list of previous donors to remind them to come give blood.

March 12 -- Joe Koechner introduced Nancy Prawl as today's speaker. Nancy is the president of the Brown County Genealogical Society in Hiawatha. Be sure to check out their library if you are needing help in putting together your family tree. Janice Smith announced that Leavenworth Kiwanis are having a Pancake Feed on March 20th.

March 5 --Carl Nelson and Beckham Smith presented foundation checks to Justin Fluke representing Big Brothers / Big Sisters and to Eric Oldham representing Brown County Historical Society. Brad Edwards had Economic Trivia for his program today. 17 members were present.

March 3 Board Meeting -- 205 Volunteer Hours were turned in by 27 Kiwanians impacting 328 children for the month of February. The February attendance was up 7% over the previous month. Those with 100% attendance for the month were: Jere Bruning, Brad & Hallee Edwards, Laurie Neeman, Carl Nelson, Eric Oldham, Randy Quinn, Gretchen Randall, Beckham & Janice Smith, and Bee Strobel. March Featured Kiwanian is Jason Smith. Plans for the March 19th Kiwanis-sponsored Community Blood Bank were reviewed. A thank you note was received from Fern Wolney for her being an honored guest at the Valentine Party. Discussions regarding the designation of proceeds from the upcoming May 1st Hiawatha Kiwanis Golf Tournament and new club member fees / dues followed -- to be tabled till next month. Dustin Williams was approved as a new member and will be serving on the Youth Services committee. Ks. Dist. Mid-Year Conference in Wichita information handed out. We will be donating Kiwanis pencils to be placed in the children's bags at the annual Chamber Easter Egg Hunt.

Jason Smith--March's Featured Kiwanian

Jason Smith is this month's Featured Kiwanian. Jason and his wife Ronda have 4 children and live in rural Hiawatha. Jason recently earned his master's degree and is the assistant general manager for Rainbow Communications. He enjoys participating in his kids' activities and especially coaching youth sports and working in his yard.

Jason enjoys a lot about Kiwanis, but especially the opportunities it has provided him within his community.

Brrrrr ..... It's February!!!

February 26: Denise Elffner, USD #415 Board of Education, presented Janice Smith with a Friend of Education Certificate of Merit Award from the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force for "outstanding contributions to public education in Kansas". Jere Bruning presented Jim Bush as the speaker today. His topic was the completion of the Frances Sewell Plamann History Center. After his presentation, he invited all present to move to the Center for a tour of the facilities. 6 Sabetha Kiwanians were our guests today (Hicks, Grimm, Girton, Cook, Lukert and Lippert).

February 19: Today's program by Troy Boswell dealt with 'money trivia'. 18 members were present on this wintry day. The secretary read correspondence from Lt. Gov. Dan Gaumer asking for our club's official vote for 2010-2011 Division 2 Lt. Governor -- Beckham Smith moved that we cast a unanimous vote for Sabetha Kiwanian Doug Clark, seconded & carried.

February 12: Plans were continued on our club sponsoring the March 19th Community Blood Bank -- John Moore, John Severin, Jere Bruning, Lana Reigle, Beckham Smith and Gretchen Randall will call past donors; Justin Fluke will be responsible for posting posters and putting information on the radio. In addition, Jere, John, Beckham, Janice Smith and Eric Gustafson will be at the refreshment table that day. Sean Binkley gave the program today on "Partners in The Perfect Crime!" touching on the 4 Deadly Food Additives, The Dangers of Sugar, Whole Food Nutrients vs. Synthetic Nutrients and much more. Topeka Kiwanian Harold Wohlgast and his guest Layman Pierce were present along with 19 Hiawatha Kiwanians today.

February 11 - Club Valentine Party: 26 Members and guests welcomed our 2 honored guests -- Mrs. Fern Wolney and Mrs. Nancy Klontz, wives of former Kiwanians no longer with us. Randy Quinn led the group in reading the official Kiwanis prayer from 1955. Vice President, Jennifer Ploeger presented Gretchen Oldham with the "Night At The Cabin" certificate she had won in November.

Secretary, Janice Smith, delivered the "First 50 Years of Hiawatha Kiwanis Club" in a trivia format. Door prizes were won by Jere Bruning, Nancy Klontz, Kathy Nelson, Gretchen Randall and Beckham Smith. All present enjoyed the delicious meal and fellowship.

February 5: Chad Bachman introduced Payton Trosclair, member of Boy Scout Troop 313, who gave the history of scouting as well as personal information of the troop. His mother Dawn Newman and Jay Boyles were guests. Janice Smith presented more trivia that she has gleaned from the club's archival files. 19 members were present.

February 3 - Board Meeting: Pancake Feed's net now stands at $1460 -- this money is used to support our 4 scholarships given to Hiawatha High seniors that will be attending a Kansas Community College or Kansas Vo-Tech School the following year. January Volunteer hours totaled 132 hours by 16 Kiwanians impacting 128 children. January attendance was up 3% from the previous month; 9 members had perfect attendance -- Chad Bachman, Jere Bruning, Joe Koechner, Peggy Kolb, Del Larson, Laurie Neeman, Beckham Smith, Janice Smith and Terry Smith. Thank you notes were received from a Christmas Adopted Family and for "Fighting 4-Phoenix" Lucky Bears donated to Hiawatha Community Hospital. The club will be sponsoring the March 19th Community Blood Drive. Voted to invite 3 widows of former Kiwanians to be our honored guests at the February 11th Valentine Party. Carl Nelson, Eric Oldham, Pat Loyd and Troy Boswell were reappointed to the Hiawatha Foundation Board for an additional 3 years. Carl Nelson was a guest today and explained their plans for a Spring Golf Tournament to be held May 1st and asked that our board designate how proceeds be used. Board gave the secretary permission to donate the original 1930-1934 Kiwanis Scrapbook to the Brown County Historical Society once she has made copies of the information contained therein to be retained with club archival records.