Accomplishments for 2011: -Opened our first-ever See's Candy Holiday Store -Met with stakeholders to devel- op new Strategic Plan and focus for next 3-5 years

Goals for Next Year: -Revitalize Friends of the Kiwanis Family House Program. Add to the membership and provide on- going recognition to contributors. -Source additional sources of ongoing funding/grant opportuni- ties

House Talk Kiwanis in Action at our Kiwanis Family House

Volume XIV Issue 2 August 2013

Inside this issue: What do you see? Course of dreams!

Important dates 2 Our Kiwanis Family day, in which to excel by about 12 years ago when I House recently completed serving our community, in a worked in the training depart- Not in my backyard! 3 a fun fund raiser, entitled day of service.” ment at a bank. Impressions 5 Course of Dreams. Take a look at this pic- “My boss and I had an office Let’s see how this all ture: What do you see? on the second floor of the Wish list 5 began. Howe Avenue Branch (in Sac- Ways to support KFH 7 Take a look at this pic- ramento), which was pretty ture: What do you see? empty except for us, some UCDavis MIND 8 Institute training rooms, and one other department. The floors had a Contact Editor 10 weird slope, and we joked that we should try to play From our house, golf. to your house: “Then we got to thinking Empty office space? Va- that it would be fun to have cancy? Lost rentals? branches and departments When Kiwanis Family build holes and have a The optimist would say, House Board Member Rita golf tournament, and the idea Happy Birthday “A sunrise”. The pessimist Beall saw a similar view was born. would probably say, “A some years ago, she saw: “Late last year, in one of State of Hawai’i sunset”. A Kiwanian would “Opportunity!”. She reports: our KFH Fundraising Commit- August 21, 1959 probably say, “It is the “The idea (of a course of (Continued on page 6) It is one third of beginning of a marvelous dreams) was actually born Cal-Nev-Ha District President’s Message “...We need to stop, celebrate and say Sponsor a thank you for your ongoing support more by Bill Hooper often, and we will….” Family for a Night The Evening all who attended. their wonderful facility for with the Stars was We need to stop, celebrate our Celebration, and to Robert Tamblyn, Past a huge success and say thank you for your and Chairperson ongoing support more often, Chairman of the Board of Rita Beall and and we will. Contact Rita (see Governors of the Shriners her committee did page 10) and share your ideas Hospital for Children®, Donations pay for those an outstanding job and/or resources for an even Northern , for families who cannot af- organizing this bigger celebration for our 30th attending the event. ford it, or supplement event. anniversary next July. His comments provided families who can only Thank you to all who Thank you to the Shriners insight into how important make partial payments. worked so hard to make it Hospital for Children®, North- the bedrooms at KFH are We never turn away such a special evening and to ern California, for the use of to the hospitals, allowing deserving families for them to provide outpatient lack of payment. care to recovering patients Send in your donation. freeing up hospital beds for It is $50@ night. Send new patients to receive check or your credit card care much sooner. This number with expiration illustrates how many more date (Visa, MasterCard, seriously injured/sick pa- and American Express tients are able to be cared only). (Continued on page 6) Mail to Kiwanis Family House, Inc. 2875 50th Street Sacramento, CA 95817-2308 or call us.

www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org

Important Dates Kiwanis Family House Would you donate 3% Mission Statement of your supermarket Kiwanis Family House “The mission of the Kiwanis Family Board meetings House is dedicated to providing shopping to our 2875 50th Street housing and support to families of Kiwanis Family House? Sacramento, CA 95817 seriously ill children and adults being It is simple as 1-2-3 Second Thursdays 7:00 pm treated at University of California, Davis, Sacramento.” 1. Do you shop at Save Mart, 2013 2014 Smart, Food Maxx or Lucky

Aug 8 Feb 13 Supermarkets?

Subscription 2. If so scan your S.H.A.R.E.S Sep 12 Mar 13 information about card and the house gets a

Oct 10 Apr 10 House Talk percentage. You still get the great sale prices and the Nov 14 May 8  House Talk is the official publica- rest. Dec 12 June 14 (Sat) tion of our KFH. 11:00 a.m.  Each Sponsor Club is emailed a KIWANIS FAMILY HOUSE 2014 2875 50TH ST Annual copy to the designated Kiwanian. Jan 9 Meeting  If you are interested in receiving the House Talk via email visit our website at: www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org and Free money enter your email address on the

There are still areas with Albertsons lower left-hand corner where it Supermarkets. Keep using your Albert- says "Sign Up For Our Email son’s Preferred Savings Card. Newsletter". 3. If you do not have a card Register your card by calling  If you wish to receive it by US contact editor (page 10) (800) 353-9002. Postal Service contact Editor on and send your name and page 10. USPS mailing address. Editor House Talk is a monthly newsletter pub- will send you a S.H.A.R.E.S. lished by the Kiwanis Family House, Inc. card by return mail! 2875 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817- Donate a brick! Scan the S.H.A.R.E.S. 2308. (916) 736-0116. card each time you shop! website: www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org The Kiwanis Family House is a 501 (c) 3 organization incorporated by in the State of California and recognized by the IRS. See us at: Board of Kiwanis Family House  August 15-17, 2013 President:. William (Bill) Hooper (2014) Cal-Nev-Ha Dist. Convention V.P. ………….George MacMurphey (2016) Silver Legacy Resort & Secretary….………….……Rita Beall (2016) Casino, Reno, Treasurer…...Matthew J. Wehner (2014) Director…………...……….Emily Chirk (2014) Director………………Karen Borman (2014) Director……..…Bernard Bowes Jr. (2015) Director…. William (Rick) Dwyer (2015) Director...... Bob Isaacs (2016) Director……………………………..Vacant (2014) The memorial bricks cost $100 Director…………Daniel Saulisberry (2015)

each. The lettering grid is 15 spaces ------across and three rows deep. Past President………William (Rick) Dwyer UCDMC Liaison…………………..… J.P. Eres III Donate them for birthdays, anni- Editor………………………...... John W. Seigal versaries, memorials, sponsored organizations, past presidents, hon- House Talk is published monthly and orary members, and more. sent to supporters and owners of the Kiwa- nis Family House Inc. The editor is solely They are memorials and last responsible for the content. It is the intent to longer than plaques and seen by be 100% accurate. Articles labeled as more people. Editorial represent the opinion of the editor The bricks are installed in the and may not represent the opinion of the Ki- courtyard of our Kiwanis Family wanis Family House, the board, or Kiwanis International. The address of the editor is P.O, House. Box 1131 Sloughhouse, CA 95683-1131 or For more information or a brick email: [email protected] order contact editor. See page 10.

2 www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org

Div. Lt. Gov. Families % Kiwanis Family House, Neighborhoods… not in my backyard! 39 Thompson 3,557 27.87% not numbers! 14 Ghag 1,352 10.59% Report #134 Since October 1, 2001 to June 30, Out of District 976 7.65% 2013, (the effective dates of this 45 Baran 936 7.33% report), 12,764 families have stayed one or more nights at our 27 Goad 890 6.97% Kiwanis Family House while being 46 McGrath 754 5.91% treated at UCDMC and Shriners 44 Kocher 736 5.77% Hospital for Children®. This report covers over 11 years. 20 Hauser 499 3.91% Previous to October 1, 2001 the 23 Andrews 486 3.81% reports were tabulated in a different format. 8 Preston 377 2.95% Our KFH has hosted 976 families The column to the left mentions num- 32 Braik 350 2.74% from outside Cal-Nev-Ha District bers, where our guests are from, codified (California, Nevada, and Hawaii). 5 Fedrico 241 1.89% by Kiwanis Divisions. These 976 families come from: This article defines our guests from 7 McIntire 231 1.81% their neighborhoods during the month of Alabama Missouri Alaska Montana 26 Gilliam 183 1.43% June 2013. The number in parentheses is the number of families. Arizona Nebraska 18 Farris 151 1.18% Arkansas New Hampshire Arizona Colorado New Jersey 12 verBurg 130 1.02%  Tucson  Yuma Connecticut New Mexico 34 Dahlquist 128 1.00% Delaware New York California District of Columbia North Carolina 36 Orosco 119 0.93%  Alturas (4) Florida Ohio 2 Bliss 111 0.87%  Anderson (3) Georgia Oklahoma  Angels Camp Idaho Oregon 38 Williams 70 0.55% Pennsylvania  Arcata 43 Bowen 42 0.33% Indiana South Carolina  Atwater Iowa South Dakota 28 Petrick 40 0.31%  Auburn Kansas Tennessee 33 Kinsey 36 0.28%  Biggs Kentucky Texas  Bishop Louisiana 47 Dopf 34 0.27%  Chico (4) Maine Vermont 29 Cordero 33 0.26% Maryland Virginia  Clear Lake Massachusetts Washington 42 Talley 29 0.23%  Clio West Virginia  Coarse Gold 11 Frost 26 0.20% Minnesota Wisconsin  Coleville Mississippi Wyoming 41 Uramga 26 0.20%  Corcoran Also, there have been families 6 Castleman 23 0.18%  Corning from:  Belgium 22 Field 23 0.18%  Cottonwood  Brazil  Dublin  Canada 24 Grimm 22 0.17%  Dunsmuir (2)  England  Federated States of Micronesia 31 Bloemen 20 0.16%  Eureka  Guatemala 15 Cridland 19 0.15%  Forest Ranch  Haiti  Fort Bragg  Israel 16 Ross 19 0.15%  Italy  Fortuna (2)  Mexico 1 Lim 17 0.13%  Galt  Netherlands  New Zealand 30 Fields 14 0.11%  Grass Valley (4)  Pakistan 4 Brooks 13 0.10%  Gridley  People’s Republic of China  Kings Beach  Republic of Palau 37 Cunning 13 0.10%  Serbia  Leggett  Taiwan 10 Lagunas, Jr. 12 0.09%  Live Oak (2)  Uruguay  Venezuela 25 Montaño 10 0.08%  Los Molinos  Wales  Marysville 35 Manning 8 0.06% Division 7 and Division 44 are con-  Milpitas sidered the “host” divisions. Families 13 Wait 6 0.05%  Modesto (3) living within 35 miles of UCDMC are 19 Waronek 2 0.02%  Montague (2) not eligible to stay at our KFH.  Nevada City Aren’t you glad that there is Totals 12,764 100.0% your Kiwanis Family House in (Continued on page 4) Sacramento, California? 3 www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org

Neighborhoods… Charles Bussey not numbers! (Cont’d) Named Operations Manager

(Continued from page 3)  North Fork  Olivehurst YouTube is a video-sharing web-  Orland (5) site. It was created in 2005 by three  Oroville (4) former PayPal employees: Chad  Pacific Palisades Hurley, Jawed Karim, and Steve Chen in February 2005.  Paradise (3) It has been owned by Google  Petaluma since late 2006.  Quincy (3) With YouTube users can upload,  Red Bluff (4) view and share videos. Take time to view the videos that  Redding (18) explain our Kiwanis Family House,  Rialto its mission, and the lives we touch.  Richvale  Kiwanis Family House Story  Roseville www.youtube.com/watch?v=696 J-cbTcbI  (3)  Jennifer and Erica’s Story  San Ramon (2) www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_J  Shasta Lake (3) eK9-skRM William “Bill” Hooper, President of our  Buddy’s Story  Soulsbyville Kiwanis Family House Board of Directors, www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ps  South Lake Tahoe (2) announced that Charles “Charlie” Bussey, has been hired to fill the newly-created po- 5m8gbD34 Stockton (4)  sition of Operations Manager of our KFH ef-  The History of our Kiwanis  Tracy fective July 22nd, 2013. Family House-Leona Bright www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHt  Tuolumne Currently Charlie is the president of the Kiwanis Club of East Sacramento Midtown. iHoQW53M  Vina (3) An alumnus of the University of the Pacific,  Visalia (2) is a 30-year member of Kiwanis. An Evening with the  Willows He spent 28 years in the title insurance Stars of our KFH industry, where he gained management,  Yreka supervisory, staff training, customer service,  Yuba City and operations auditing experience. More Florida recently, he worked as an account manager and government relations liaison for FDI  North Fort Myers Computer Consulting, advocating for state Minnesota motor vehicle agencies across the country to  Brook Park adopt electronic title programs. New Mexico Charlie previously served a brief tempo-  Peralta rary assignment with our KFH pay- Nevada roll. During that assignment, he supported the House Director by performing a variety  Carson City of administrative support tasks and address-  Dayton Township ing several strategic plan action items.  Fallon Executive Director Dan Germain has ex-  Fernley (2) pressed his gratitude by saying: “With Char- A full report on this event will be  Incline Village lie’s hire in advance of our 30th anniversary in the September issue of House  Las Vegas in 2014, I am even more excited about our Talk.  Minden prospects for achievement. His focused at- Thanks to all who made this a  Reno (2) tention on daily operations and supervision great success.  Sparks (5) will free me to build relationships in the re-  Winnemucca gional non-profit community, partner hospi- Oregon tals, and across Kiwanis International. School is open!  Klamath Falls “We aspire to increase our profile and se-  Lakeview (2) cure additional financial support for the Drive safely. Washington great work that we do. Now that Charlie is Cars can’t think...  Sedro Wooley on board, I will invest considerable time and Kids don’t think! effort in this networking campaign.”

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program. Impressions Kiwanis Family House Action items include: August 2013 Wish List The monthly column  Conduct volunteer training and ori- Our Kiwanis Family House always by Dan Germain entation. has a ready Wish List of items that KFH Executive Director  Develop a system of specialized vol- are needed. Perhaps you might unteers, i.e., handyman, gardener, want to add an item for our KFH I hope all who volun- front desk, translator, etc. when you are shopping. You might teer their time and  Develop a succession planning pro- find it more convenient to mail us energy here at our Ki- tocol for certain staff and volun- Sam’s Club or Costco gift cards and wanis Family House teers. let us do the shopping. (The cards know how much we  Develop a white board of activities fit into mailing envelopes easily). value them. and projects that need to be accom- Mail to: So many tasks would plished by volunteers. Kiwanis Family House simply never get done  Periodically conduct recognition re- 2875 50th Street, without their passionate support. ceptions for volunteers, Friends, Sacramento, CA 95817 Take, for instance, distinguished Ki- Club Sponsors. wanians Jim Legler and Carol Frost.  Consider giving certain KFH volun- teers titles that describe their du- ties. According to the Volunteer Manage- ment Resource Center, “Volunteer man- agement is, at its core, selecting and supervising volunteers. Yet it is also much more than that. Volunteer man- agement is a key position in the leverag- ing of an organization's resources, on par with fundraising/development and human resources.” That certainly makes it sound very If you would rather deliver them important. On the other hand, how hard to our KFH or give us a call give us can it be? After all: (1) volunteers are a call at (916) 736-0116 to arrange

free; (2) anyone can manage volun- a pick up.

These two special volunteers have teers; (3) you don't need much time to taken on the weekly chore of mowing, manage volunteers; (4) you don't need August Priorities trimming, and edging. staff to manage volunteers - volunteers We would greatly appreci-

Consider also the Kiwanis Club of ate help in rebuilding our just show up and manage themselves. stock of shop tools, including: Sonora, which commutes to Sacramen- Do these suggestions reflect reality or to on the fifth Sunday of any month myth? If you say myth, I tend to agree  Hammers that has one and has done so for years. with you.  Power drill Greater Sacramento Kiwanis provides As small and as thinly staffed as we Power screwdriver ongoing attention to our food and are, can we afford the luxury of a struc-  clothes closets. tured and prioritized volunteer  Screwdrivers The Reverend Ronald Beams, a Ki- ‘Volunteer Manager’ that actually be ef-  Stud finder wanian, schedules hours every week to fective?  Tape measures be available to guests who need his We may find out over the course of Tool cabinet special care. the next year. Emily Chirk, a member  of our KFH Board of Directors and a re-  Wrenches cent graduate of Sacramento State Uni- Plus these items used for versity, is stepping up to lead a renewed guest services: effort to address our strategic plan ac-  Clorox (or Lysol) tion items. If you know anything about disinfecting wipes Emily, you know that she achieves.  Comet (or similar scour- My optimism for this program, and for ing powder)

all of our developmental concerns, is  Glass or plastic drinking

also fed by the addition of an Operations cups Manager to our staff. I am pleased to  Liquid dish soap announce that Charles Bussey joins us I have no doubt that all of this work as a new member of the management  Lysol toilet bowl cleaner is a labor of love for these dedicated team. I will write about our objectives  Silverware (the metal supporters of our KFH. in adding this position to the paid staff kind), primarily spoons Sincerely appreciating volunteers is in next month’s column. Until then, I and forks) one thing. Managing them effectively look forward to seeing all of you at the  Unscented Kleenex or is another. As we proclaim in our cur- District Convention in Reno. comparable tissues rent strategic plan, we envision a day “Dan Germain (916) 736-0116  Windex (or similar win- soon when we will proudly tell audienc- [email protected] dow cleaning solution) es about improvements in this critical

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3. John Deering (KFH and Tower Bridge) Voted Best Hole Design, President’s Message 4. Greater Sacramento Kiwanis by Bill Hooper (Contd.) Club (Pebble Beach theme), 5. Placerville Kiwanis Club (Continued from page 1) (wheelbarrow) Voted Best for quickly because we are providing Theme Hole, housing for the recovering patients 6. John and Lorie Deering and their families that need ongoing (ELIMINATE theme) care. (Continued from page 1) 7. Pleasant Grove Key Club, The cooperation/partnership be- tee meetings, we were talking about 8. Marv Hale for KFH Club (KFH tween UCD Medical Center and coming up with some new fundraisers, House), and Shriners allows the talented doctors and the idea that we could do this 9. East Sacramento-Midtown Kiwa- the hospitals share to serve the in- popped into my mind.” nis Club (big K). jured/ill children at Shriners and the The fundraising committee consists There were 15 Tee sponsors: injured/ill children and adults at UCD of: Chris Creelman from Sacramento Adolphus McGee, In Memory of Med Center while Kiwanis Family Suburban; Ronnie Escorpiso from John Scudder Bailey; Div. 7 Lt. House accepts the families and outpa- Sacramento State Circle K; Robert Gov. Steve McIntire; Div. 44 Lt. tients from both institutions. Tabares, faculty advisor at Pleasant Gov. Rich Kocher; Past Lt. Gov. Div It inspires Kiwanians to double our Grove Key Club, Lorie and John Deer- 44 Jim Legler; Edwin Markham effort at the House as we realize we ing from Greater Sacramento, Martin Builders Club (Placerville, CA); are not only helping heal families but Stevenson from Greater Sacramento, Placerville Aktion Club; Kiwanis Club we are making it possible for our hos- Rita Beall from Greater Sacramento, of Sacramento West; Kiwanis Club of pital partners to serve many more pa- and Dan Germain. Citrus Heights, Kiwanis Club of Lin- tients in need because we are there. “At first, we were thinking of having coln; Wright Welding; Mesa Verde Our Kiwanis Family House serves a it setup in an empty building, but when High School Key Club (Citrus partner resource, enabling more pa- we couldn't find one, we decided that Heights, CA); Bella Vista High School tients requiring extended care time KFH would work as well.” Key Club (Fair Oaks, CA); Rae required for complicated organ surger- The name Course of Dreams was Whitby-Bummer, Governor-Elect ies, serious burns, or cancer to be Dan Germain's brainchild, and yes, Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha District 2013- treated. it's play on words from the Field of 2014;, and Chris Creelman/MSI The quality of the care provided by Dreams - we even used the line, "If Marketing, Rancho Cordova. these highly skilled doctors at the hos- you build it, they will come" in the orig- The Kiwanis Club of Placerville also pitals is obvious when you realize we inal flyer distributed to the clubs. We manned the 19th hole both have housed patients from all over the wanted a catchy name that would days, cooking, serving, and donating USA and several foreign countries. It brand the event, and Dan's was the the ingredients for the root beer is nice to have world class partners. winner. floats. Thank you to all of you who support Field of Dreams is a 1989 American There were approximately 120 us and especially those of you who fantasy-drama film directed by Phil players, including adults, kids and renewed, upgraded, or became “A Alden Robinson, who also wrote the KFH guests. Low score was carded Friend of Kiwanis Family House”. screenplay, adapting W. P. Kinsella's by Charlie Bussey, one under par novel Shoeless Joe. The film stars Kev- at 51. We will continue our efforts to im- in Costner, Amy Madigan, James prove our recognition of all of the Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Burt clubs and individuals whose generosity Lancaster in his final motion picture. helps allow us to provide a room for a Field of Dreams was nominated for family in need. Thanks for being a part three Academy Awards including Best of the team! Original Score, Best Adapted Screen- Congratulations to Charlie Bussey play and Best Picture. on his selection as the new Operations Our Course of Dreams played out on Manager at KFH. Saturday and Sunday June 22nd and Next we hope you will all join us at June 23rd Noon to 5:00 p.m. both days. Kiwanians attending the Cal-Nev- the Cal-Nev-Ha District Convention in Participation was about equal for both Ha District in Reno, will have the Reno for a round of miniature golf and days, Saturday was slightly busier golf- opportunity to play. The course will in Roseville on August 26 for the Sixth ing, but more food per person on Sun- be schlepped there by Dan Ger- Annual “Swing “FORE” KIDS Golf Tour- day. main, John and Lorie Deering, nament” at beautiful Sierra View The success of this event, will make and Rita Beall. Look for us in the Country Club. it an annual event. Exhibition Hall. We will be there Till next time. based on Governor Gary Jander’s There were nine holes built for this Yours in Kiwanis Service, Bill event: invitation. [email protected] 1. Chris Creelman and Sacramento Suburban Kiwanis Club (clown hole), 2. Dan Germain (SLP theme),

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Ways to support our Kiwanis Family House...

Gifts of Appreciated Securities TV for KFH If you have Vehicle marketable se- curities that donations have grown substantially in needed! value, the tax laws make it Our Kiwanis Family House (KFH) possible for you to make an im- guests watch TV in their rooms. But If you have an old car, boat, or the TV’s in their rooms are wearing portant gift at a remarkably low after- Recreational Vehicle (R/V) you can out. tax cost. transform it into cash for our Kiwanis Donate $300 so our KFH may pur- A gift of appreciated securities gener- ally qualifies you for an income tax char- Family House. chase replacements. We are target- itable deduction equal to the value of Our KFH has partnered with Car ing Best Buy Store’s Insignia model the gifted securities, and it may also Program Inc. to provide an easy-to- which has a DVD player. avoid the long-term capital gain tax on use tax deductible process to donate Families need diversions while your unrealized capital gain. your car, boat, of R/V. worrying about family members. You are able to donate your vehi- You can deduct up to 30% of your Televisions allow them to catch up adjusted gross income in the year of cle, running or not, and it does not on the news. your gift. Any amount given in excess of have to be registered. 30% can be carried over and deducted Questions: Call Executive Director for up to five subsequent years. Dan Germain at (916) 736-0116 or Recycling makes cents! Usually a sale of appreciated securities Car Program Inc. (800) 240- Donate ink cartridges, LASER car- results in a tax on your full gain – in 0160. This agency can accept dona- tridges, toner cartridges etc. to our other words, you keep only part of the tions from most of our 50 states to KFH. profit. But if you donate those same ap- benefit our KFH! preciated securities to our Kiwanis Fami- ly House, there is no tax on your gain, even though your “profit” is counted as part of your charitable deduction. Check with your Tax Advisor or IRS.

We even have a container for used plastic bags to be recycled. It helps the environment, lessens the impact on land fills, and makes cents. If you work for a company, ask it if it will cooperate in giv- KFH… visit us! ing you the items to take and If you are in the neighborhood and donate. want to stop by for a visit, please do. Our KFH gets money when we Become a friend! If you want to arrange a special turn them in for recycling. tour in advance, call us at (916) Recycling money is “green” and Want to feel good about yourself? 736-0116. spends the same way with a lessen- The become a Friend of our Kiwa- Hold a club meeting here! ing on the KFH budget. nis Family House. It takes an annual donation of $100 (or more). Infor- mation about memberships and ways Get your SHARES Card (on page2) so we get our “share”. to pay, is available at our website: www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org Want to feel better about yourself? Consider giving your friends and rela- tives the “gift” of becoming a Friend of our Kiwanis Family House. These donations keep our KFH in operation and keeping our commit- ment of never having to turn any one away for lack of payment.

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UC Davis MIND Institute researchers seek participants =

cognitive control and reward processing Researchers at the UC Davis MIND “Over the years” in laboratory tasks, and what brain re- Institute are seeking adolescents to The current series of House Talk gions are involved in these deficits,” participate in a groundbreaking brain (Volume I Issue 1) is dated May 1, said Jonathan Beck, the study’s coor- imaging study aimed at understanding 2001. one of the most critical aspects of au- dinator. “We will use this information to tism spectrum disorders: how people understand the many strengths teens Eleven years ago with autism generalize things they with ASD use to compensate in tasks Volume III Issue 2 learn to new contexts. that are difficult for them.” August 2002 “One of the areas affected in many To better understand the learning The winner of kids and adults with styles of people with autism, MIND In- “House for the autism is their abil- stitute researchers will use computer- House” was Charles Cole- ity to learn in con- based behavioral testing. They then man, of San Die- ventional settings. will use functional magnetic resonance go. We believe this is imaging (fMRI) to pinpoint the are- The house was because they have as activated in the brain while the par- a play house unique strengths ticipant completes a learning task. constructed by and motivation pat- Participation in the study involves two the Kiwanis Club terns, which they visits to the UC Davis Health System of Gold Country campus, one to the MIND Institute and use to tackle challenges,” said Marjo- Nevada City. one to the UC Davis Imaging Research rie Solomon, associate professor of It was donated to our KFH to be clinical psychiatry and principal inves- Center. raffled off as a fund raiser. tigator for the research. During the visits, participants will fill “We are trying to better isolate the out questionnaires, complete comput- Nine years ago kinds of strengths and challenges that er-based brainteasers and puzzles, and Volume V Issue 2 people with autism spectrum disorders have their brains scanned using fMRI August 2004 (ASDs) have with respect to learn- while completing a learning task. The ing,” she said. “We want to under- fMRIs show researchers which parts of stand better the neurobiology of those the brain are involved during the tasks. strengths and challenges so that we More than 100 children and adults can help them maximize their full po- with autism already are enrolled in the tential in life.” study. Additional enrollees are needed Solomon said that many of the be- to reach the goal of recruiting 300 par- havioral treatments used with children ticipants. with ASDs, such as applied behavioral The researchers are seeking partici- analysis, depend upon learning. How- pants between the ages of 12 and 17 ever, no one really knows how the who are typically developing or who Newly elected Kiwanis International brains of children with autism spec- have been diagnosed with ASD. VP Nelson Tucker, visited our KFH, and met with KFH co-founder Leona trum disorders function during learn- Study participants will be compen- Bright. ing tasks. sated for their time, receive free as- “It's ironic that one of our major sessments and will be given a digital therapies never has been examined in file of their own brain scan. Two years ago this way,” Solomon said. Solomon said typically developing Volume XII Issue 2 Solomon and her colleagues will use individuals, as well as those with ASD, August 2011 behavioral evaluations and brain scans have something to gain from participat- to study what neuroscientists call ing in the study. 'cognitive control' and 'reward pro- “Some get the pleasure of knowing cessing' to examine how people with they are helping people with autism, autism learn. and those with autism get free test- Cognitive control refers to a per- ing that may help us to better under- son’s ability to flexibly process infor- stand their unique gifts," she said. "We mation and change actions depending take the time to discuss their results on internal goals. It allows a person to and answer their questions. They also read the word 'green' out loud even if become associated with a system of the word is printed in red. Cognitive care that specializes in helping people control is important in a variety of with autism. A lot of families like that.” Kiwanis Governor Tom Millham presented the Bright Award to Ki- aspects of learning, including plan- Individuals who are interested in par- wanian Marv Hale. Rick Dwyer ning, problem solving and multitask- ticipating in the study may contact (right) is looking on. ing. Jonathan Beck at 916-500-4674 or Marv Hale is a 37 year veteran of “We’re investigating why adoles- [email protected]. Kiwanis. cents with ASD often show deficits in

8 www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org

“Letters, we get “I’m here to be with a young letters, we get stacks man who was almost killed in a and stacks car accident– he has survived. of letters…” but is waiting for his foot to heal. “An infection has been threat- These letters are left at our KFH ening to cause amputations. It addressed to you. They are pub- has been a great blessing to be lished to show our readers of the im- able to stay here. Thank you, very pact made by the staff and services of our Kiwanis Family House and UC Da- much!” vis Medical Center. The letters are “My uncle is dying of liver cancer published as originally written and at UC Davis Hospital. I visited and punctuated. This is to preserve the was desperately looking for shelter. sincerity and spontaneity of the writer. Kiwanis was the best place next to Editor’s Note: I found out home. Thanks.” “I am so thankful that you guys that there are “Day Passes” to let us stay at this wonderful place. our Kiwanis Family House. Here “Dear staff: Thank you all so “Thank you, the Kiwanis Fami- is how the system works. much for all your time. A person would be referred to “God Bless you!” ly House!!!” our Kiwanis Family House from

“Your house saved me and my the medical center. It would be a short term stay such as to cook Become a KFH daughter’s lives. a special meal for a patient in “Got us away from a mean the hospital, to clean up and Team Member! man. take a shower for having been  We need more volunteers. “Thank You” up all night, to take a quick nap,  Training is provided. to seek a quiet place for an hour “We just want to thank everyone  Like to work by yourself? We or two to rest or to make a very have such chores. for their kindness and wonderful difficult decision. services you offer. These “Day Passes” is another  Like to take some fellow club “For many families this would way that our Kiwanis House members along, we can han- have been a lot more difficult, with- serves in ways generally not dle that. out your love and support. considered.  If you are a Sponsor Club “Staff is wonderful. consider having your mem- “Thank you all.” “My (family member) bers adopt one day each was running late for an “Thank you– the people month and cover all of the appointment at the were friendly, the room shifts. clinic. My first expe- neat, and the courtyard  Adopt an odd day to work, rience with ’Kiwanis serene! such as the 5th Saturday or House’. I was uncertain week day. “Thank you from Flori- what to find, when I da.”  Work for a shift or two each arrived here. Very month. “Our stay @ Kiwanis House was pleasantly surprised to  Flexible hours. awesome. what you provide here.  You can “work the desk and “During our little (name) heart Looking at the various telephones” to free up the surgery, we all felt very comfortable writing in this book– I staff to do other chores. and well taken care of. agree– Thank God your “The kids has a blast and felt like  You can do “handyman it was their own special place. are here! chores” if that is what you “(Name) sailed through the sur- “You should be very would like to do. gery and began recovery right here. proud for what you do!!  If you have a green thumb, “Thank you to all who work and God Bless!” there are projects to assist. volunteer for you.  “Hands-on” community ser- “Kindness and love made a scary “It has been an absolute vice hours. and difficult time much more beara- pleasure to stay here.  Wonderful atmosphere. ble. “Thank you from our family.” Thank you all for all the help  Volunteer your time. and support you provided us “Thanks again. Contact Executive Director within this difficult time. “I couldn’t have gotten thru the Dan Germain at: accident without all your wonderful “Much love” (916) 736-0116. folks for being there.” 9 www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org

KFH Ambassadors

Now you can help support the Kiwanis Family House by using Facebook. If you are on Facebook (or are plan- ning on joining) you should “Like” the Kiwanis Family House page. Our goal is 1,000 Likes. You can also click “Share” on any posting and this Rita Beall Bernard Bowes, Jr. will share our stories with your Friends. It appears on (916) 549-1354 Karen Borman (916) 354-0224 their wall and news feed for Friends to see and spreads rbeall@kiwanis (916) 489-4476 bbowesjr@ the message of Kiwanis Family House! familyhouse.org [email protected] ranchomurieta.com You can also “Suggest” a page to all your friends via a message. Just click on “Suggest to Friends” (the

fourth link down from the logo) and choose the friends

to whom you want to send an invitation to the Page. You can post any comments, stories, or suggestions

for other Fans to see, and it will also appear on your

walls for your Friends to see. William (Rick) Gary Christensen Dwyer If you want to reference something that is on the Emily Chirk (916) 215-1460 (916) 987-7633 website, you should include a link to the Kiwanis Family (714) 213-0716 gjcsmc@ rick@ House page along with your posting. [email protected] aol.com prop-con.com House Talk: Contact the Editor

Quick Facts about House Talk

1. House Talk is a monthly newslet- ter published by the Kiwanis Family House, Inc. Bill Hooper Bob Isaacs 2. The editor is solely responsible for (916) 988-6880 (916) 737-2831 the content of House Talk. bhoopklg56@ kiwanisb@ 3. Deadline 5:00 pm on the second comcast.net surewest.net Thursday of the month. 4. Items are solicited. Items submitted will not be re- turned unless noted by the sender. 5. Errors in the House Talk are to be brought to the attention of the editor. Egregious errors will be cor- rected in a future edition. George 6. Responses to the articles and authors unless indicat- MacMurphey Daniel Saulisberry Matthew Wehner ed otherwise can be sent to the editor for forward- (916) 483-9883 (209) 745-6838 (530) 758-8111 ing.

georgemac1@ dsaulisberry@ mwehner@ 7. Editor is John W. Seigal. comcast.net thebrickyard.com carbahalcpa.com 8. Email address is: [email protected] 9. US Postal Service address is: P.O. Box 1131  Our KFH Ambassador Program has been launched. The Sloughhouse, CA 95683-1131 dictionary defines “ambassador as an official envoy; an authorized representative or messenger.”  To be a Sponsor Club is one thing, but communication is a two way street.  Because Ambassadors serve several clubs, they know the latest, and perhaps the best in fund-raising pro- With The Eliminate Project, Kiwanis International and grams. UNICEF have joined forces to eliminate maternal and neo-  Because Ambassadors meet with other Ambassadors, natal tetanus. This deadly disease steals the lives of near- they can find solutions and best ways to solve prob- ly 60,000 innocent babies and a significant number of lems. women each year. The effects of the disease are excruci- ating — tiny newborns suffer repeated, painful convul-  Ambassadors are here to inform. sions and extreme sensitivity to light and touch.  Ambassadors are here to listen. To eliminate MNT from the Earth, more than 100 million  Ambassadors are here to remind. mothers and their future babies must be immunized. This  Ambassadors are here to answer any questions. requires vaccines, syringes, safe storage, transportation,  Ambassadors are here to offer suggestions. thousands of skilled staff and more. It will take US$110  To confirm your KFH Ambassador, email Rita Beall, million — and the dedicated work of UNICEF and every see above. member of the Kiwanis family.

10 www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org