Clarion
Publication Date: August 2, 2005
Volume 56, Issue 11
Convention Impressions
At the July 19 meeting Ken Kleva and Al Lee gave reports on the Honolulu International Convention, which both attended as delegates for the club.
Ken, attending his ninth International Convention, said he thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from his experience. He liked having all of the business sessions on Monday only, and he hailed the decisions to create a new CFO position on the International staff, the change of the motto from “We Build” to “Serving the Children of the World”, and the election of the Carolinas’ candidate for the International Board–PDGovernor Webster James of Goldsboro.
Al, who has also attended a number of International Conventions, said the morning business session was entirely too long–stretching to 2:20 pm. He also thought there was just “too much” to absorb and too expensive. But he enthusiastically endorsed the election of the new, energetic International President–Steve Siemens.
Thanks to both men and their family members for representing us at the Convention.
Meal-Serving Times Emphasized
Pres. Tom has asked that all members observe the contract-designated window for serving hot meals–5:15 pm to 6:00 pm. If you are late, please enter the rear (east) kitchen door for service.
Recent Programs
July 12–Mary Collier, a certified counselor and program coordinator with Palliative Care and Hospice of Catawba County, explained to the club her organization’s community service program known as Grief in Schools. This program provides specialized support and counseling to school-aged children who are affected by divorce, terminal illness or death among their family members or peers. In addition to providing trained counselors for individual and group therapy sessions, the organization also sponsors a Grief Day Camp each spring where affected kids participate in special programs and gain support from each other. Palliative Care and Hospice is a recipient of the club’s financial support, Helen Devlin having introduced the program and made the presentation.
July 19–Meals-0n-Wheels Volunteers Coordinator Guy Tran described this essential community service. Under the auspices of Catawba County Social Services, Tran said the program is currently supplying 232 nutritious hot meals and daily contacts to elderly or disabled home-bound citizens. The meals are delivered by 24 volunteers per day who devote one hour per month in time and vehicle expense. The club is pleased to commend two of its members–J. C. Epting and Al Lee–for their long-time service to the project. Additional volunteers are desperately needed. Contact Tran at 695-4435 to become a volunteer.
July 26–Patsy A. Wells, local Mortgage Loan Specialist with RCB Centura Bank, described a relatively new bank product being offered by her firm. This product is known as a Reverse Mortgage. It enables seniors to convert the equity they have in their homes into cash, a line of credit or extended monthly payments, often permitting them to continue living in their own homes provided they continue using them as their primary residences. For those who may be interested in further details, please contact Ms. Wells at 261-272. David Kozak, a fellow associate at RCB Centura, introduced the speaker.
August 2–Several members of the HHS Key Club presented the program highlighting their activities at the recently concluded International Key Club Convention in Atlanta. Among the commentators who described the convention and their incredible free-time activities were: Aryn Hicks, Nickki Lynn, Andy Terrell and Pagra Yang. Each one expressed their enthusiasm for the worth of the convention and their appreciation for the club’s financial support as well as for the support and guidance of Faculty Advisor Danny Seaver and Kiwanis Coordinator Helen Devlin.
We congratulate the Key Club for their having placed third in the International Major Emphasis Project Award.
Club Joins Dillard’s in Co-Sponsoring School Supplies Project
In keeping with International’s new motto Serving the Children of the World, President-Designate Helen Devlin pitched the joint sponsorship of a project to provide back-to-school supplies for the under-privileged kids at Longview Elementary School.
Beginning next Tuesday, August 9 and continuing through August 16, Dillard’s will permit customers to purchase school supplies to be donated to needy kids. Those doing so will have the opportunity to participate in a drawing for a $150 wardrobe to be provided by Dillard’s.
Kiwanis’ contribution will be to solicit gifts among their members for new or serviceable school supplies, including items such as backpacks, or monetary donations for the purchase of such items; we will also assume responsibility for the distribution of all donated and/or purchased supplies.
Won’t you join Helen in volunteering your services and/or in donating supplies or cash?
A Special Thank You to Corki Jones
A special “Thank You” goes to Corki Jones for her behind the scenes role in administering the Club’s website and posting the latest Clarion Editions each month. This is also a reminder that you can access the site anytime at www.hickorykiwanis.org to view our membership role, back issues of the Clarion and a wealth of other facts about Kiwanis.
Announcements
Linda Baker, Faculty Advisor for CVCC’s Circle K Club, announced the club’s continuing landscape improvement project for four county schools
Dr. Grimes Byerly, Division 4 Lt Gov-Designate, is commended for his having completed his required visit to each division club
Wendell Cramer reported a great trip with several other Kiwanians to the Oshkosh WI Air Show and Museum
We rejoice to learn that Harrison Jahn’s health problems turned out to be a relatively minor thyroid condition
Commendations to Helen Devlin for arranging the Club’s Crawdads game in lieu of our regular meeting on July 5
Congratulations to the following couples on recent wedding anniversaries: Tom and Annis Shields, 38th; David and Nikki Kozak, 19th; Marvin and Elaine Zerden, 57th; and Rick and Teresa Foster, 30th.
As of press time, the club has two delegates–Wendell Cramer and Al Lee–going to the August 19/21 Carolinas District Convention in Charlotte. Remember, commuting to Charlotte on a daily basis is an option if you were unable to commit for the entire three-day convention.
Ron Simmons reportedly had a successful interclub visit with the Newton club after several tries
Frank Willis and Dr. Grimes Byerly reported great trips, separately, to the golf courses of Scotland. Frank was accompanied by his son, a recent college graduate
Upcoming Programs and Other Events
August 9–Jeffrey Triplett, NFL Referee
August 16–Dr. Tom Warren on obesity (to be confirmed)
August 19/21–Carolinas Kiwanis District Convention, Charlotte, NC
August 23–Robert Ford on Clowns for Hospital Patients
August 30–John Schading and Julie Eckard with kids demonstrating La Crosse
September 13–Joint Kiwanis Picnic at Kiwanis Park, meal begins at 6:00 pm
September 20–Annual Clergy Night
October 5 (Wednesday)–Annual Officers and Directors Installation Banquet, LHCC
"Much learning does not teach understanding." -- Heraclitus