Kiwanis Helping the School

From the Hiawatha World Online:
Kiwanis Gives $47K for School Sound System

Kevin Hill, with the Hiawatha Kiwanis Foundation, gives Hiawatha band instructor Damian Johnson a check for $47,000 from the foundation for the purpose of replacing the sound system at the high school. Also pictured, in back are Kiwanis Foundation members Carl Nelson, left and Troy Boswell. (photo by Joey May)

Grade School Playground Equipment

My job was to ask the realtors what they thought Hiawatha needed. Evidently the playground equipment at the elementary school had been vandalized. We might try to help the young group that is working on this. Peggy

Why join Hiawatha Kiwanis?

Hiawatha Kiwanis is a great group. A group of caring individuals who want to give the youth of our community an opportunity to excel. The organization gives Hiawatha newcomers a way to become involved and meet people.

Preserve the future of Hiawatha by joining to help support our young people to grow into quality citizens.

Fonda Lafrenz, Vice President Hiawatha Kiwanis

I am so glad for the speakers each week for our meetings. I am also happy our attendance is up, and our committees are getting more active. I have been Kiwanis since 1991 and was the Secretary for 14 years. I am not sure what the members want for this blog so gave a bit of history of me. I am very appreciative of being in Kiwanis, a great organization. Bee Strobel

Youth Services Committee Report --

The Hiawatha Kiwanis Club actively works to benefiting the youth of our community. Some of the projects we have completed in the last year include Adopt a Family and Terrific Kids. Through the Adopt a Family service project the club “adopts” a family that has been recommended by the staff at the elementary school that could benefit from extra help during the Holiday season in providing their family members a Merry Christmas. This is a project the club has undertaken for years and is happy to continue. Another project that just kicked off this year is the Terrific Kids program. Currently the program distinguishes one student per quarter in the fourth grade class. The student is recognized for displaying good character, self-esteem, and perseverance. They may have also showed improved behavior, peer relationships, attendance and schoolwork.

Thanks to .....

I want to thank Chad & Becky Bachman for all their work in getting our new blog up and running. Our board members had discussed doing this at our last board meeting as a method of keeping our members and the community posted on what we are doing. This was also one of our weak "points" when we conducted a survey several weeks ago -- so....one more item to check off our list.

Also, thank you to Peggy and Jennifer for putting together our homemade 'goodie' baskets that we used as door prizes at the Valentine Party last night. Winners included: Mike Neeman, Becky Bachman and Fonda LaFrenz. In addition, Peggy made candy that was given to each of the couples present. Fonda and I decorated the tables. Laurie Beth had great food and everyone enjoyed themselves. 20 members and guests were present. Sorry the rest of you were not able to make it. Chad has included pictures from last night's event.

---Janice Smith, Kiwanis Secretary

Congratulations to our first 2008-09 Terrific Kid winners!

1st quarter Terrific Kid - Raven Zimmers

2nd quarter Terrific Kid - Aaron Laverentz