Clarion
Publication Date: November 1, 2005
Volume 57, Issue 2
Club Hosts Carolinas District Governor’s Official Visit
On November 1, the Kiwanis Club of Hickory hosted the official visit of Carolinas District Governor Harold Garner.
Introduced by our own Lt. Gov. Dr. Grimes Byerly, Gov. Garner focused on Kiwanis-sponsored youth programs, membership and district-wide Kiwanis marketing programs as his themes for the year. Our sponsored youth programs, he said, are the underlying reasons for all Kiwanis activities, and we can not deny our youth the opportunities to participate in these wonderful leadership and service organizations. No excuses are acceptable in failing to rebuild our Kiwanis clubs to the membership levels that existed just five years ago. Every club needs a five-plan for growth and the will to make it happen.
Turning to district issues, Gov. Garner announced that he expects the divisions will be re-structured next year to reflect the changing demographics within the Carolinas. He also suggested that the term for Lt. Governors may be increased to two years as a trial to take advantage of their hard-earned experience for a longer period.
In conclusion, the Governor expressed his full confidence in the roll and mission of Kiwanis in “Serving the Children of the World”.
Distinguished guests in attendance included District Gov.-Elect Bill Yarborough of Clinton, SC, and Past Distinguished Gov. Bill Wiggs of the Western Catawba County Club.
Approximately 60 attendees were present for the joint meeting representing six Division 4 clubs, as follows: Catawba Valley Golden K, East Burke, Hickory, North Wilkesboro and Statesville.
Our President Helen Devlin presided.
Recent Programs
October 11–Tim Diekie, manager Hickory Regional Airport for 2 1/2 years, appeared before the club to tout efforts of the City of Hickory and Delta Air Lines to improve ridership on Sky West commuter flights to and from Atlanta.
The service began in May with a load factor of 32%, gradually increasing to 50% in September; at this point Delta announced that it must have substantial improvement in order to maintain service.
Diekie confidently predicted that the regional service would soon catch on, citing numerous advantages for flying Sky West from Hickory. Unfortunately, the improvements were inadequate or too late, and Delta subsequently announced that it was pulling its service effective November 30. More recently the air line has announced it will extend service to January 22.
October 18–The evening’s program was a report on the first summer session of Victory Junction Gang Camp near Randleman. Bob Connelly of Winston-Salem was the camp’s volunteer spokesman. Through his video slides we saw the fabulous camp which has been especially designed and staffed for the special needs of kids with life-threatening disabilities and diseases. The first stage is complete, and will accommodate 125 campers and staff each week.
You will recall that the camp is sponsored by Kyle Petty and NASCAR with support from a number of organizations, including various Kiwanis clubs (ours being one of the supporters).
October 25–Pres. Helen Devlin and Vice Pres. David Kozak collaborated to provide a speakers’ forum for all Hickory municipal public office candidates. We were honored to have all candidates present who will be up for election on Nov. 8. Each focused on the issues they felt were important and on their individual qualifications.
The candidates and the offices they seek are listed as follows: Sally Fox, Councilwoman, Ward 5; Ann Hoyle, Councilwoman, Ward 4; Jill Patton, Councilwoman, Ward 6; Larry Pope, Councilman, Ward 4; John Watts, Councilman, Ward 6; and Jay Adams and Rudy Wright for Mayor.
Mrs. Charles Cecil Passes
Kiwanians were saddened to learn of the passing of Desola Cecil, 90, on October 7 in Greensboro. She was the widow of Charles Cecil, the club’s long-time member, past president and Clarion editor (for several decades back when the publication was a semi-weekly and typed on a manual typewriter).
Mrs. Cecil is survived by her son Richard, also of Greensboro.
Announcements
J. C. Epting was the recipient of Dr. Tom Warren’s reverse birthday gift.
Margaret Sorrell expressed appreciation to those she called in an effort to make bail and be released from jail (it was a good cause).
Scott Gorman has been visiting for the past few weeks and is slated to be installed as a new member at our November 8 meeting. More on Scott next month.
Marvin Petersen announced on November 1 that it is time for his and Carolyn’s annual trip to Sun City, FL. Only this year, sadly, this was his last meeting as a Hickory Kiwanian. He hopes to transfer to another club rather than request his usual leave of absence. We’ll miss you, but hope you’ll visit us when you’re next in Hickory.
Dr. Harrison Jahn announced on November 1 that he has reached his 17th anniversary of his having joined Kiwanis. We know it was a great day for our club (and for Lacrosse), and we thank you for your contributions to our club.
Lt. Gov. Dr. Grimes Byerly announced on October 18 that he has completed his visits with all nine of his Division 4 clubs. Congratulations, Grimes.
Called Board Meeting
President Helen has called a special board meeting immediately following next Tuesday’s meeting on November 8. She has an urgent item that needs attention and urges all officers and board members to make a special effort to attend.
Announcements
Immediate Past Secretary Al Lee has been granted a six-month leave of absence, during which time he and his wife Susan will be commuting on a weekly basis to Hillsborough. They will be baby sitting with their granddaughter, permitting their daughter to immediately return to work.
Of greater concern, however, is Al’s continuing health problem, which involves significant back pain. Best wishes, Al; we continue to miss you.
The Clarion takes this opportunity to note the stepping down of our sister-club’s long-serving Secretary and Newsletter Editor, Bernie Oyaas. We commend you for your dedicated service to your Western Catawba County Club as well as for your service to the Division and District. Best wishes always from your friends at the Hickory Club.
Upcoming Programs and Other Events
November 8–Donna Mull, 4-H Campers Report
November 15–Dr. Herbert Stoutenburg, friend of Marvin Zerden
November 22–Debra Johnson, Children’s Advocacy Center
November 29–Catawba River Keepers Foundation–Kristi Miller, spokesperson
December 6–Conflict Resolution Program
December 13–”Reverse” Christmas Party– details to follow
February 3-4–Mid-Year District Conference, Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach SC
Fill your mind with positive images. And soon your life will be filled with positive results.
-- Ralph Marston