Jean Dean RIF to End in 2020

Kourier

Spring 2019 Published by Alabama Kiwanis Foundation 27 pages Jean Dean RIF to end in 2020 By Patrice Stewart Alabama District Midwinter Con each school year when Kiwanians, Kiwanis Kourier editor ference luncheon in Prattville. spouses and sponsored youth club After providing books to 650,000 Ala The RIF program will continue for members went to Head Starts and bama children over nearly three dec the three readings planned during the other preschool programs to read to ades, the Jean Dean Reading Is Funda 2019-20 school year. the children. They wrote each child’s mental program will end in 2020. “Let’s make the coming year the name in a book and sent three books The announcement that the Ala best yet for Jean Dean RIF,” he said. home with each child every year. bama Kiwanis Foundation will close For this project serving children, “The Jean Dean Reading Is Funda down its signature project next year Kiwanis clubs around the Alabama mental program has been a source of was made by Foundation President District sent funds to help buy books Ernest Hulsey on Feb. 23 during the and then scheduled three reading days (See RIF, Page 6) Montgomery fair makes top 10 Signature Projects The Alabama District’s Signature Project entry has made the top 10 in the Kiwanis International contest, with gold, silver and bronze winners to be announced during a June 27 luncheon at the Orlando KI convention. Alabama’s entry is the Alabama National Fair in Mont gomery, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery, the third largest Kiwanis club in the world. The announce ment was made at the Midwinter Conference in Prattville by Governor Ben Taylor, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery. Since 1954, the Alabama National Fair has provided fun for all with events, exhibits, vendors and rides. The Kiwanis Club of Montgomery organizes the fair every year and has contributed more than $7.4 million to children in need during its 65-year run. The Kiwanis-sponsored Alabama National Fair has (See TOP 10, Page 6) raised millions of dollars to help children. (Story, Page 22.) Rocket up to Huntsville for convention Aug. 2-4 All Alabama Kiwanians and their ville will be the convention site. the interclub luncheon on Saturday, guests are invited to Huntsville Aug. “Huntsville is growing, and we Aug. 3. 2-4, 2019, for the 101st Alabama want to show off our city,” Byers said, While details of the convention pro District Kiwanis Convention. while also paying tribute to their gram still are being worked out, a reg Marc Byers, who is president of the Kiwanis club and others around the istration form for the convention, Kiwanis Club of Huntsville and chair state that turn 100 this year. including hotel information, can be man of the convention, said the Stan Soderstrom, executive director found on Page 9 of this Kiwanis Embassy Suites in downtown Hunts of Kiwanis International, will speak at (See HUNTSVILLE, Page 6)

Attend Kiwanis International Convention June 27-30 at Disney World in Orlando, Florida Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 2 See you in the Magic Kingdom Alabama project vies for a top honor at International Convention Spring is here! April 1 was the mid If you are there to represent your point of our Kiwanis year. I hope club as a delegate, this will be the everything is going well for your fam most important thing you do at the ily and your local clubs. convention. The sessions will con If you are like me, it is a countdown clude daily at 4 p.m. to allow you to until school is out for the summer. It is catch up with your family and friends also a countdown to convention season. at poolside or one of the theme parks. This year, the Please register as soon as possible at Kiwanis Interna the Kiwanis International website. I tional Convention hope to see you there. will be held in Walt Disney World Pancake days Resort, Florida. The I finally attended my first pancake dates are June 26-29. day! Can you believe that, the Gover Two words stick nor? So, to make a grand entrance, I out about this con attended two in one day. vention location: The Millbrook-Coosada club held its Mickey Mouse. annual pancake day on March 9, and I What better place to was able to sneak in as it was getting celebrate our service From the Hannah Taylor and Kiwanis started. Got two boxes to go for to the children than daughters Helen and Zanie. the Magic Kingdom? Governor Ben Taylor make time for Governor The Alabama Dis children in their busy schedule — Then it was pedal to the metal to trict will be show starting with their son and two make it to the Homewood-Mountain By Ben cased at the conven daughters and then reaching out Brook Kiwanis pancake event as well. Taylor tion. The Public Rela through work, Kiwanis and chil- I learned something that day. If you tions and Imaging dren’s activities. She is a family sup- want to have fun with Kiwanians and Commit tee of the port worker at Children’s Aid Society your community, serve pancakes! If your Kiwanis International Board of Trustees of Alabama and set up an informa- club does not do a pancake breakfast or reviewed 34 projects, and the Alabama tion booth at the Kiwanis Midwinter similar event, you are missing out. Conference. National Fair of Montgomery is a final Volunteering matters ist in the 2019 Signature Project Contest. The business session on Friday Nine other signature projects from National Volunteer Week was April all over the world are in the running. includes the election of six trustees 7-13, 2019. What did you do? In the end we hope to see the Kiwanis and one KI vice president. There will According to the Bureau of Labor Club of Montgomery on the podium. be six amendments to vote on as well. Statistics, more than 60 million Americans volunteered in 2015, giving an estimated $184 billion in service. Every year, Kiwanis club members Alabama Kiwanis Kourier donate a combined 18.5 million hours of volunteer service. The Independent Published by Alabama District Kiwanis Foundation Sector (a national association) esti Address news, photos and other correspondence to: mates $23.07 as the hourly volunteer rate, making the total Kiwanis impact Patrice W. Stewart, Editor $426,795,000. n 256-303-1668 [email protected] I’m sorry I cannot break it down for Design and technical assistance by Steve Stewart, assistant professor, Troy University Alabama, but we know we make a Ben Taylor, Montgomery ([email protected]) �� Governor difference. As Kiwanians, we learn Bob Brown, Hoover-Metro ([email protected]) ��Governor-elect about the volunteer opportunities in Mark Kellerman, Fairhope ([email protected]) �� Vice Governor our communities and join people who Armand St. Raymond, Birmingham want to make a difference on the ([email protected]) �� Past Governor national and international stage. Tammy Driskill, Gadsden ([email protected]) �� District Secretary It’s a great time to be in Kiwanis. You DISTRICT OFFICE: P.O. Box 8505, Gadsden, AL 35902, Phone (205) 945-1334 are at the right place at the right time District website: alabama.kiwanis.org to make a difference in a child’s life. So let’s do it together.

Have Kiwanis questions? Call Alabama District Secretary Tammy Driskill at 205-945-1334 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 3 Did You Join your fellow Alabama Know? St. Raymond will join Kiwanians at worldwide Children’s Fund board convention in Orlando Immediate Past Governor Armand St. Raymond has been asked to serve By Patrice Stewart on the Kiwanis International Kiwanis Kourier editor Children’s Fund Board of Trustees Are you registered to attend the beginning Oct. 1. Kiwanis International Convention in He will attend training sessions and Orlando June 27-30? observe a board meeting during the It’s not too late to sign up. If you Kiwanis International Convention in haven’t registered online by May 17, Orlando in June. you can register at the convention site St. Raymond, a member of the — the Coronado Springs Resort inside Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, is the Disney World — when you arrive in district’s Children’s Fund chair for June. 2018-19, along with advising Circle K Everybody will be there: Mickey clubs and other duties. Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Alisha Linam Past Governor Bob McCurley was a of the Monroeville Kiwanis Club, who Kiwanis International Foundation won a ticket to the District Dinner at board member and served as its presi Paddlefish restaurant, and 36-plus dent several years ago. Past other Alabama Kiwanians. Governors Joel Williams and Ed The convention registration desk at Humphries also served on that board. the Coronado Springs Resort and con The name has since been changed to vention center, where all events will the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. Duties be held, will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. include solicitation of financial gifts, June 25 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 26. developing and implementing a stra Dozens of educational sessions cover tegic plan, and monitoring and dis ing everything from improving officer Alisha Linam, winner of a ticket to tributing funds from fundraising and and youth sponsorship skills to plan the Alabama District Dinner at accrued interest for grants worldwide. ning and publicizing club service proj Disney World, is one of the ects will take place Thursday through Monroeville Kiwanis officers expect- Saturday mornings. The Kiwanis 9 clubs will soon ing to learn a lot at the Disney World Showcase will open Wednesday after convention June 27-30, while also noon from 4 to 6. celebrate 100 years having some fun with Minnie The main sessions are scheduled for Mouse. Alabama District Secretary District Secretary Tammy Driskill, 2 to 4 p.m. each day: the convention who is also the president of the Tammy Driskill gave away stuffed opening Thursday; the business/dele characters, Disney magnets and pens Kiwanis Club of Gadsden this year, gate assembly with voting on candi checked on the dates. Her club is plan and other items to promote the dates and amendments Friday; and Disney Resort convention at ning its 100-year celebration for July the closing assembly featuring new 10, and she knew the Kiwanis Club of Alabama’s Midwinter Conference in Huntsville was right behind Gadsden. (See ORLANDO, Page 5) Prattville. Here are the official birthday dates: n Mobile: June 4, 1919 Alabama events during Disney convention n Gadsden: July 14, 1919 During the KI Disney Resort con- a.m. on Friday, June 28. n Huntsville: July 14, 1919 n vention, a Friday night district din- If you are planning to attend the Montgomery: Oct. 31, 1919 ner at Paddlefish, a restaurant Orlando convention and need infor- They will be recognized at the anchored on Lake Buena Vista at mation on ordering district red polo Alabama District Convention in Disney Springs, will be shared with shirts by May 14, tickets for the Huntsville Aug. 2-4, 2019. Then five two other districts: Illinois-Eastern district dinner at Paddlefish, the more clubs will reach 100 in 2020: n Iowa (handling dinner sign-up) and Alabama District Caucus, delegate Decatur: April 8, 1920 Missouri-Arkansas. forms or other topics, contact n Bessemer: April 7, 1920 n The Alabama District Caucus will District Secretary Tammy Driskill, Anniston: July 12, 1920 be held in the Monterrey 3 Room at (205)-945-1334 or email Dist_Sec@ n Opelika: May 6, 1920 the Coronado Springs Resort at 8 alkiwanis.org. n Dothan: Sept. 23, 1920.

Email news and photos of club projects to the Kiwanis Kourier, [email protected] Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 4 About Jean Dean RIF and its future ... Fellow Alabama Kiwanians, want to let you know, as always, I As chair of the Reading Is have plans to help all of you be able Fundamental committee for the to continue your reading programs. Alabama Kiwanis Foundation, I want There has not been an opportunity to ed to give you more information con share these plans until now. I decided cerning the Jean Dean Reading Is another email was in order. You are Fundamental program. welcome to continue your questions/ While composing my message to suggestions by calling (334-750-9974) you, I received an email JDRIF or emailing me (jeandeanrif@gmail. Executive Director Cathy Gafford sent com). I always enjoy input from my out to her RIF community. I think it “RIF Buddies.” explains things better than I can, so I 1) Our third RIF Distribution in have included it to provide informa 2018-19 is coming up soon. We have tion for all of you. been shipping books around the state, I urge all of you to support Jean and distributions are scheduled. Dean RIF through 2020 with your Please be sure to go read to “the time and your pocketbook so its 30th babies” and enjoy. If you haven’t sent year will be the best year ever. your funding help yet this year, please — Russ Grimes do. (And send your check for next Dear “RIF Buddies,” Nolita Williams, a member of the year as early as possible during 2019- Many of our Jean Dean RIF pro Kiwanis Club of Gardendale, reads 2020.) grams, funders and reading groups to children in December at Fairmont 2) Jean Dean RIF/ Kiwanis will (Kiwanis Clubs and others) are con Head Start. Her club was chartered operate throughout the entire 2019- fused about what is happening with Aug. 7, 2018, and this was her first 2020 year. The last book distributions Jean Dean RIF. I am sorry. I was time to attend a Jean Dean RIF event. will occur NEXT YEAR during school year 2019-2020. Our very last book aware the Alabama Kiwanis beyond. Foundation Board would be voting on distributions will happen in April of As Kiwanians, we have put a spot whether to continue the program after 2020. Final events will be as follows: light on the needs of young children next year, 2019-2020, but I was not at Ride to Read, June 1, 2019; Tri-K liberty to diffuse information about for close to 30 years and now the pub Service Day, Oct. 5, 2019; Birdies for what that would mean until the board lic sector and other civic groups have Books, summer 2019 (TBA), Run to actually voted. Since the board voted joined in helping children during this Read, fall 2019 (TBA); and Breakfast and announced its decision at a important time in their lives. We need for Books, Feb. 1, 2020. There will be February Kiwanis conference in to be glad that Kiwanis has led the three book distributions in every Prattville, many of the stakeholders of charge and continue to help young county funded by our Kiwanis Clubs Jean Dean RIF were not present to children in every way we can locally. and other funders in 2019-2020. hear the initial announcement. The Today I want to take a moment to Please continue to help every way you email I sent out on the following also tell each of you how much I have can. Kiwanis year 2019-2020 will be Monday was intended to make all enjoyed working with you over the the 30th and last year of Jean Dean stakeholders aware of this important last 29 years and that I expect the RIF/Kiwanis book distributions. I decision. 30th to also be a successful effort by look forward to working with all of you to make it our best year for the In the interest of getting everyone all of us to help children in need get a children in need of books in Alabama! AWARE in a hurry of what had trans hand up in the world — to gain the pired, the email on Monday after the tools to do well in school and over 3) The future of Kiwanis participa announcement was very brief. Our their lifetime: books and the desire to tion in reading to children in need and goal was to let you know what was read. the provision of books to them will be happening and ask for your help in Jean Dean RIF will continue to be different but still very beneficial to making the 30th year of this program the signature service project of the these children and families needing — our last year of operation as Jean Alabama Kiwanis Foundation through books and encouragement to learn to Dean RIF/Kiwanis — be our best year September 30, 2020. It has been my read. I have been working on ways for yet and conclude a highly successful pleasure to be a part of this statewide programs/funders to get better-than- effort by Kiwanians on a very high partnership between Kiwanians, retail buys on books without the struc note! friends of Kiwanis and the programs ture through Jean Dean RIF which has allowed this effort to continue very To do that, we must all continue to who have worked with us to provide economically for decades. One way is work together to fund the program yet another service to the children and by registering program-by-program and provide volunteers across the families in need in Alabama. I expect with Reading Is Fundamental Inc, state to serve approximately 20,000 at- to continue to be a Kiwanian and con First Book and others. I have been risk young children who need books tinue to help children in need. communicating with these organiza in their homes in 2019-2020 to be Now, since I receive emails and ready to do well in kindergarten and phone calls daily for clarification, I (See LETTER, Page 5)

Deadline for the next edition of the online Kiwanis Kourier is June 20, 2019 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 5

Orlando (From Page 3)

officers and entertainment on Saturday. Don’t forget to file online or Kiwanis recognitions bring your signed club delegate form so you can be seated with at Key Club convention the Alabama group in the con vention hall during Friday vot During the Alabama Key Club District Conven tion held in Birmingham April 5-7, several Kiwan ing. ians took home honors. Cathy Gafford received Some tickets can still be pur the George Price Service to Youth medal, while Lt. chased online to convention Governor Scott Sims was the winner of the Hoyt luncheons, Saturday night gala Lee Outstanding Kiwanian Award; both are and other special events. shown with Key Club Governor Mikaila Oglesby. An insiders’ guide to Disney The Robert Palys Heart of the District medal (top World and everything you need right) was awarded to Key Club Lt. Governor to know about the convention is Emma Katherine Dykes, who is shown with covered on the KI website: Melba Palys and Andy Palys. kiwanis.org/convention/2019. Truel Watts Ride to Read planned June 1 in Opelika The final Truel Watts Ride to Read Grimes, 59, who was one of 23 who state are needed for this fundraiser, benefiting Jean Dean Reading Is died in the Auburn area tornadoes in which is held rain or shine. Fundamental is scheduled June 1. March. Register at pokerrun.jeandeanrif.org, The event has been held annually in The event, based at Big Swamp or contact RIF executive director memory of late Kiwanis Governor Harley Davidson near I-85 Exit 62 in Cathy Gafford at jeandeanrif@gmail. Opelika, will include prizes, bike Truel Watts, who was a motorcycle show, breakfast bake sale, music, com or 334-750-9974 with questions or enthusiast. silent auction and lunch provided by to sign up to help out. This year’s motorcycle poker run Outback Steakhouse. Save $10 by registering by the May also will honor the memory of long Volunteers, participants, sponsors 23 earlybird deadline, or register on time ride captain Marshall Lynn and auction items from across the event day beginning at 8:30 a.m. CDT.

2020, I will set up and run meetings in That should allow time for you to pre Letter four geographic areas across the state pare for 2020-2021. (From Page 4) where key players in the programs 5) We are also working on some which have been served by Jean Dean special activities which will happen tions to find something workable for RIF will have face-to-face meetings during 2019-2020, our 30th year. Stay all of you. If you want to do this, I with Kiwanis reading teams/clubs tuned for further announcements! will guide those who decide to and those run by “friends of As always, I appreciate what you do through this process. Kiwanis.” I will publish those dates in for Kiwanis, RIF and “the babies” we 4) To help Kiwanis Clubs and other the fall, and anyone interested in serve. Jean Dean RIF teams move into the attending can sign up and attend over — Cathy Dean Gafford, future giving books to at-risk young the last school year during which Jean executive director, children during Kiwanis year 2019- Dean RIF/Kiwanis will be operating. Jean Dean Reading Is Fundamental

Attend Kiwanis International Convention June 27-30 at Disney World in Orlando, Florida Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 6 “Another $200,000 a year has to be are typical reading sites for JDRIF. RIF raised (to support RIF) outside (From Page 1) Gafford looks back with pride at the Kiwanis already, and Cathy Gafford program her dad, the late Joe Dean, does all that,” Hulsey said. She turned pride for all of us,” said Hulsey. started to help children when he was 66 on April 19. Alabama Kiwanis governor in 1990- “Cathy Gafford has been supportive, Raising funding from sources out 91. Her mother Jean died early in his energetic, protective and tenacious, side Kiwanis clubs has become more term as governor, and when they were and we thank Cathy for the outstand critical in recent years, with runs, ing job she’s done.” submitting the paperwork and needed motorcycle rallies, auction items and a name for the project, he suggested He said when she had a health prob shoe collections all utilized by the Jean Dean name. They figured the lem a couple of years ago, board Gafford. And in addition to buying program would just last one year. members began thinking about what and shipping books, Jean Dean they would do if she had to be Reading Is Fundamental has the “This has been a delightful part of replaced as executive director. expenses of its office and warehouse my life for 29 years, looking to 30,” She has coordinated everything space in Opelika. Gafford said. “We have worked from fundraising and warehouse vol “We don’t want to see the program together across the state and across unteers to ordering books and ship decline,” said Hulsey, so they decided Kiwanis club lines, with various part ping them out. to discontinue the RIF program. ners in Head Starts and daycares, to “We started looking at that,” Hulsey The foundation board took into con improve the lives of at-risk children said, and concluded they couldn’t sideration that in the next three or we didn’t even know. afford for her to walk away or retire four years, new state pre-kindergarten “It has been a true pleasure for me because it might take three people to units may have an impact on the to work with people who gave their handle everything she does, and that numbers of children attending time and money to give children hope would cost a lot more. Alabama Head Start centers, which in their lives.”

n Australia District, Kiwanis Club of Bendigo, Top 10 Children’s Book Box Libraries (From Page 1) n Japan District, Kiwanis Club of Tokyo, Free Restaurant for Latchkey Kids Project Only one other Kiwanis district from the United States, n Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee District, Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee, made the top 10. Kiwanis Club of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 69th Annual Those 10 clubs and districts will be recognized at the lun Pancake Festival cheon; tickets are available online through the convention n Malaysia District, Kiwanis Club of Sentosa, Johor, registration system. Kiwanis Careheart Centre Each district selected its top signature project for judging, n Netherlands District, Kiwanis Club of Woerden ‘T and then the Public Relations and Imaging Committee of Groene Hart, Speelgoedbank Woerden, Woerden Toy Bank the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees reviewed 34 n New Zealand-South Pacific District, Kiwanis Club of projects before selecting 10 finalists. Oceanside, Threads Across the Pacific Signature projects show the impact a Kiwanis club can n Philippine South District, Kiwanis Club of Gensan have on a community. From playgrounds and parks to fes Dynamic Movers, Silip-Linis Tenga, Ear Check and tivals and fundraisers, signature projects are the hallmarks Hygiene of what Kiwanis clubs are known for in their communities. n Taiwan District, Kiwanis Club of Dah Dah, Blood Here are the 10 finalists, in alphabetical order: Donation Event n Alabama District, Kiwanis Club of Montgomery, n Western Canada District, Kiwanis Club of Calgary, Alabama National Fair Alberta, Apple Festival.

such as educational sessions. tors offering a mind-boggling 8K reso Huntsville lution (the only one of its kind in the (From Page 1) “We are looking forward to hosting the whole district,” Byers said. “We United States). It has to be seen to be believed,” Roddy said. Kourier and on the Kiwanis Club of asked to host this year because of our “Our Huntsville Botanical Garden is Huntsville website at tinyurl.com/ club’s 100th anniversary.” one of the best in the state. It is home Division 1 Lt. Governor Mike Rod register-hsv. Also watch for a link on to the Purdy Butterfly House, the dy, a member of the Kiwanis Club of the Alabama District website at nation’s largest open-air butterfly alabama.kiwanis.org. Huntsville, mentioned that there is no house, with 1,500 butterflies, as well June 19 is the early registration shortage of things for Kiwanians and as turtles, button quail, frogs and deadline. families to enjoy in the Rocket City. other critters. All meals and programs will be at “Our state’s No. 1 tourist attraction, “Our beautiful Huntsville Museum Embassy Suites. A “pop-up service the Space and Rocket Center, now of Art is within walking distance from project” is being planned for Saturday houses the Intuitive Planetarium, the the hotel. And if you are into craft afternoon, and they are working on first in the world to have the Evans & beer, Huntsville offers a wide variety entertainment. Governor-elect Bob Sutherland ESX cinema featuring five of craft breweries and entertainment Brown is handling program details Christe D4K40-RGB RealLaser projec venues.”

Stay in contact with Key Clubs, Circle K and other K-Family clubs Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 7

Children wave bicentennial flags at the Alabama Capitol complex in Montgomery. The book at left will be part of a special Reading Is Fundamental distribution. Your help is needed with a parade and other events Dec. 14. How you can help in bicentennial Alabama Bicentennial Commission Anniversary Partner, Kiwanis can Happy birthday, Alabama! help alert and inform its communities ALABAMA 200 is proud to partner about the celebration. If your club with the Alabama District of Kiwanis would like printed information, but International to celebrate Alabama’s tons, window clings or other items to bicentennial of statehood. Lots is in share with your membership and store for the year! community, please let us know. At the top of the list is a special If you would like a speaker who can book distribution led by Jean Dean talk about projects and events of the Reading Is Fundamental Executive bicentennial, we can help find one. Director Cathy Gafford. Through the Please contact us at the Alabama generous support of Vulcan Materials, ods of Alabama’s history and people Bicentennial Commission office at 334- 2,500 copies of the bicentennial chil and interactive computer tablets that 242-4537. dren’s book, “Alabama, My Home offer viewers a chance to delve deep Be sure to visit www.ALABAMA200 Sweet Home,” will be delivered to er. For a sneak preview and to learn .org to learn more about events and Head Starts and early learning cen more, visit https://www.makingala projects. Click on the County ters. bama.org/. Calendar link to find out what is hap When the time for Fourth of July The year ahead is filled with events, pening in your area. More events are fireworks arrives, the official Alabama and many offer volunteer opportuni added every week, so be sure to check Bicentennial Fourth of July Celebra ties. We’d like to solicit your help for back often. tion will take place at Vulcan Park in one in particular: the Alabama As we move into Alabama’s Birmingham. The Kiwanis Club of Bicentennial Finale Parade on Dec. 14 Bicentennial year, communities and Birmingham funded a new pavilion, in Montgomery. With approximately organizations around the state are Vulcan statue lighting display and 70 entries and representation from making plans to get involved and cel other updates at Vulcan Park as a gift every county, it will be a great kickoff ebrate. There will be festivals, re- to the city in honor of the club’s 100th for the bicentennial Alabama Day. enactments, art shows, barbecues and birthday in 2017. There are positions for parade pac more. We hope everyone finds a way This fall, the Alabama National Fair, ers, people to man the check-in tables and place to commemorate the 200th sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of for parade participants, parade orga birthday of our state. Montgomery (turning 100 in October), nizers and more. If you are interested Thank you, Alabama District of will feature “Making Alabama: A in being a part of this once-in-a-life Kiwanis International, for helping Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit.” time event, please contact your make that happen. We look forward to Developed by the Alabama Kiwanis Club president or lieutenant a year of fun and excitement as we Humanities Foundation, the exhibit governor. work together to celebrate all includes artistic panels depicting peri As an Alabama Bicentennial Alabama has to offer!

Clubs, budget this year to send students to Key Leader weekend in 2020 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 8 CCOPS is gaining momentum By Jack Galassini Kiwanis Club of Montgomery member and CCOPS president The Concerned Citizens Organized for Police Support (CCOPS) program is rolling along well in the communities where Kiwanis clubs have aligned with the program. What is most refreshing is the fact that the honorees are able to share the honor that they receive with their fami lies. On the day the law enforcement officer is honored, the club invites the members of the family to attend the meet ing, along with representatives from their police depart ment. We are preparing to honor law enforcement officers from the first quarter of 2019. CKOPS: Concerned Kids We also are getting ready to roll out the Concerned Kids Organized for Police Support (CKOPS) program with the start of the new school year in the fall of 2019. CCOPS President Jack Galassini gives the Good Morn This is a project entitled “Adopt a Cop,” which will have ing Kiwanis Club of Montgomery an update on the schoolchildren from K-5 writing notes to members of law CCOPS program. The program now has real estate signs enforcement whom the kids have “adopted.” This will take available for “Thumbs up Thursday” (displayed in photo). place once a month on “Blue Monday,” which is the first Monday of each month. We are trying to get Kiwanis club presidents in each divi sion together for a meeting to explain CCOPS. One pur pose is to be sure that clubs that are in the same media market can all benefit from the publicity for such things as “Blue Monday” and “Thumbs up Thursdays.” Spread around the state Also, since there may be multiple clubs in a county, the clubs can see how they can honor members of law enforce ment in their area. Our goal is to have the CCOPS program spread through the state and eventually the country. If you need informa tion on the CCOPS and CKOPS programs presented to your club, simply contact me, Jack Galassini, at 334-277- 5000, or email me at [email protected].

Deputy Chase Center’s family was on hand at the Kiwanis club meeting when he received his award.

Division 9 Lt. Governor and Good Morning Kiwanis President Mike Winstead presents CCOPS award to Deputy Chase Center of the Montgomery Sheriff’s Montgomery Police Department Corporal James Bogard Department receives his award from John McFarlin, pres- as his wife looks on. ident of the Capital City Kiwanis Club.

K-Family Service Day at RIF’s book warehouse in Opelika will be Oct. 5, 2019 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 9

101st Alabama District Convention August 2-4, 2019 Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville Embassy Suites of Huntsville Name: Last: First: Street Address: City, State Zip code: Phone: E-mail: Club: Division: Club Office if officer: Name(s) of Guest(s):

Cost per Cost per

Events Number(s) Person on/or Person after

before June 19 June 19 TOTAL COST Registration (Please register by July 19, 2019) $ 175.00 $ 225.00 Friday Dinner (August 2) Included* Included* Guest(s) for Friday Dinner $ 50.00 $ 60.00 Interclub Luncheon on Saturday, August 3 Included* Included* Guest(s) for Interclub Luncheon $ 40.00 $ 45.00 Saturday Dinner (Must purchase separately) $ 50.00 $ 60.00 Total included* means that cost is included in the Per Person Registration

Breakfast and Social Hour are included for Embassy Suites Guests Checks can be made payable to the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville and mailed to PO Box 19022, Huntsville, AL 35804. Online registration will be available by April 1, 2019. Hotel Group Rate

Reserve your room by contacting Susan McDougal, (256) 203-4116 or [email protected] Room Single Rate Double Rate Triple Rate Quad Rate Run of the House $144.00 $144.00 $154.00 $164.00 PLUS: Taxes at 15% plus $2 surcharge and $10 for parking and building access.

Questions: Contact [email protected]

Support Jean Dean Reading Is Fundamental by volunteering and donating Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 10

Key Leader participants gather in front of camp lake at Jackson’s Gap. Shown at center left are Kiwanis Governor Ben Taylor with two future participants — his daughters Zanie and Helen. At center right are Kiwanis Lt. Governor and site coordinator Mike Winstead and Alabama Key Leader Coordinator Jamie Brabston. Students learn servant leadership during 2019 Key Leader weekend By Jamie Brabston Alabama District Key Leader Coordinator Key Leader 2019 was once again an amazingly fun and educational leadership weekend for our youth from all over the state. Over 40 students from Huntsville to Mobile with a diverse range of backgrounds joined us at beautiful Camp ASCCA in Jackson’s Gap, Alabama, for another remarkable Key Leader weekend. The Key Leader experience is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students from around the state to learn and grow as servant leaders while having an amazing time and forming new friendships. But don’t take my word for it; these comments from our own Key Leader participants exhibit how special and rewarding this event is: n It pushed me out of my comfort zone and provided new expe- During Key Leader weekend, students learn to rely on each riences and lessons I can apply to my future. other during exercises designed to build leadership skills. n I enjoyed the positivity and encouragement to be a good leader. n I liked getting to know myself and the message about person- n I liked bonding with the other kids and taking time to grow. al values. n Everything was amazing. I learned a lot and made new Our Key Leader Adult Team was outstanding again this friends. year. Kiwanian Mike Winstead returned as site coordinator, n I liked how everyone was working together and the community activities. and Karla Moons returned for her third year as a chaperone. n My ability to meet new friends and bond with others. (See KEY LEADER, Page 11)

Support your Alabama District Foundation and Kiwanis Children’s Fund with donations Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 11

Key Leader participants from around Alabama divide into groups for team-building games. Both outdoor and indoor exercises are part of the weekend, which was led by a professional facilitator, Scott Johnson, assisted by student facilitators who participated in previous years. you all for your support! Key Leader We are currently looking at dates for (From Page 10) Key Leader 2020, which will again be held at Camp ASCCA. As soon as we The continued devotion to Key Leader have confirmed next year’s dates, we by these Kiwanians is so appreciated. will spread the word. Kiwanian Pam Schisler returned for Please consider joining the Key the second year and graciously agreed Leader team now to help us market to take on the duties of our photogra and recruit emerging leaders in your pher again. community to make plans to attend These awesome Kiwanians went Key Leader next spring. above and beyond in giving their We must continue this program as it time, passion and generous spirit to offers so many benefits to our youth, our youth. All of these adult leaders and we need the support of the entire agree that they received great bless Kiwanis family to provide this fabu ings from their service at Key Leader. lous opportunity to our kids. We also appreciate the time and In case you’re still asking yourself enthusiasm of our amazing student “What is Key Leader?” ... facilitators, all of whom were either cur Key Leader is Kiwanis rent, former or prospective Key Club International’s service leadership pro lieutenant governors: Blake Busby, gram for students (eighth-12th grad Elizabeth Schisler, Jhordan Stephens, ers) and is a fun-filled weekend event Stephon Ward and Ethan Moons. comprising small and large group These students exhibited true ser activities, interactive events, and pre vant leadership, which often means sentations from a professional facilita letting others learn to lead as well. tor that focus on servant leadership. It The students in their “neighborhoods” is an incredible opportunity for enjoyed learning team-building and Koulogeorge and Chris Ly, who were “emerging leaders” who need that other leadership skills as they were so helpful to us all weekend. extra push to become true leaders in guided by these outstanding young Key Leader would not have been their schools and communities. people. successful without the dedication of Please “follow” Alabama Key Our lead facilitator, Scott Johnson, the entire Alabama District leadership Leader on Instagram to see more pho was also fantastic and kept our stu team and all Alabama Kiwanis clubs tos of our event. dents engaged all weekend as he led that spread the word, recruited stu For more information, or to find out them through the Key Leader pro dents to attend and also provided how you can help, please visit www. gram. Scott addressed all of the char financial support for students. key-leader.org or contact me at acteristics of a Key Leader while keep We also appreciate the support of [email protected] or 256- ing the students entertained. We the Key Club and the Alabama 679-6341. You may also contact our appreciate his leadership and time Kiwanis Foundation for their gener Key Club Key Leader liaisons, Blake spent with us. ous scholarships that helped several Busby ([email protected]) We are also thankful to have hosted students attend who otherwise may and Elizabeth Schisler (Ltg16 two other leaders from Kiwanis, Nik not have been able to do so. Thank @alabamakeyclub.org).

Head to Huntsville for the next Alabama District Kiwanis Convention Aug. 2-4, 2019 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 12 Individuals, clubs, divisions earn title of ‘Distinguished’ During the awards night dinner at the Midwinter Conference in Prattville, Immediate Past Governor Armand St. Raymond recognized individuals and clubs with awards earned during his 2017-18 term. The Distinguished Kiwanians were those who brought in five or more new Kiwanians during the year. Distinguished Clubs brought in at least one new member net of what they started the year with. The Distinguished Divisions brought in one new club during the year. Kiwanians picking up the first group of Distinguished 2017-18 Distinguished Kiwanians Club awards are, from left, Lesa Osborn for Gadsden, Armand B. St. Raymond, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham Taylor Means for Gulf Shores, Terry Nobles for Fairhope- Tammy Driskill, Kiwanis Club of Gadsden Eastern Shore, Phil Allen for Monroeville and Randy William G. Foster, Kiwanis Club of Tuscumbia Posey for Fort Payne. Don F. Cotton, Kiwanis Club of Andalusia Russell C. Morrison Jr., Kiwanis Club of Foley Scott Sims, Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook Robert K. Brown, Kiwanis Club of Hoover-Metro Dr. Clyde D. Elliott, Kiwanis Club of Indian Springs Village 2017-18 Distinguished Clubs Huntsville Birmingham-East Cullman Vulcan, Birmingham Fayette Gardendale Also receiving Distinguished Club honors are Keith Tuscumbia Gadsden McKendall for Indian Springs Village, David Bradley for Rogersville Fort Payne Hoover-Metro, Sue Ritter for Homewood-Mountain Greater Tuscaloosa Sylacauga Brook, William Foster for Tuscumbia and Marc Byers for Homewood-Mountain Clanton Huntsville. Brook Millbrook-Coosada Hoover-Metro Lee County, Auburn Chelsea Luverne Armand St. Raymond, Helena Monroeville left, 2017-18 District Indian Springs Village Andalusia Governor, received the Montevallo Fairhope and Eastern Birmingham club’s Calera Shore Distinguished Club Birmingham Gulf Shores award, while Governor- Bessemer Citronelle elect Bob Brown holds a similar honor for his 2017-18 Distinguished Divisions Hoover-Metro club. Division 5, Lt. Governor Elise Hearn Division 6, Lt. Governor Dr. Carl Johnson

The divisions headed by 2017-18 lieutenant governors Elise Hearn, left, Division 5, and Dr. Carl Johnson, right, Division 6, were named Distin Among those receiving Distinguished Kiwanian guished Divisions awards for bringing in at least five new members in for helping organize 2017-18 are, from left, Armand St. Raymond, Kiwanis new Kiwanis clubs Club of Birmingham; Tammy Driskill, Gadsden; William during that year. Foster, Tuscumbia; Scott Sims, Homewood-Mountain Brook; and Bob Brown, Hoover-Metro.

Email news and photos of club projects to the Kiwanis Kourier, [email protected] Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 13 Foundation thanks Watson Future Fund $1,000 RIF donors The Alabama Kiwanis Foundation recognized those who made $1,000 donations to the Harvey Watson Future Fund benefiting Jean Dean Reading Is Funda mental during 2016 and 2017. Etched crystal recognitions were presented by Foundation President Ernest Hulsey during the awards night dinner at the Midwinter Conference in Prattville. Here is the full list of donors to the Harvey Watson Future Fund during 2016 and 2017: Mike Winstead Richard Geiger Sidney Lanier Steve Cragon Those donating to the Harvey Lanier, Armand St. Raymond, Critt Russ and Carol Grimes Watson Future Fund benefiting Jean Snellgrove, Carol and Russ Grimes, Ray Burrow Dean Reading Is Fundamental dur- Cathy Gafford (Cathy and Doug Paul England ing 2016 and 2017 were recognized Gafford made a donation in honor of Critt Snellgrove with etched crystal recognitions dur- Carol and Russ Grimes), Paul Thomas Lott ing the Midwinter Conference. England, David Bradley; front row: Mike Roddy Accepting were, back row, from left: Patrice Stewart, Mike Roddy and Robert K. Brown Robert Brown, Mike Winstead, Sid Steve Cragon. Armand St. Raymond Kathy Graham Helen R. Collum Karla and Larry Moon Patrice and Steve Stewart Cathy and Doug Gafford Graham, Brown and Dutton, PC Huntsville West Kiwanis Club in honor of Doug Driskill Huntsville West Kiwanis Club for Kitty Watson In memory of Donnie Feagin Melba Palys in memory of Matt Palys Melba Palys in memory of Bob Palys

Joe Dean Legacy? Harvey Watson Midwinter Conference recognitions Future Fund? J. Mercer Barnett In addition to his recognition as the Division 6 showed membership lieutenant governor of one of only growth for the year,” St. Raymond Fellowship? two Distinguished Divisions for 2017- said. As new clubs were chartered, 18, Dr. Carl Johnson, left in left photo, Johnson also took on more member Annual gift campaign? also received a second plaque from duties, serving in multiple clubs. In All these and more are ways you Past Governor Armand St. Raymond the right photo, St. Raymond present- can give to your Alabama Kiwanis during the Midwinter Conference. ed a crystal bowl with engraved base Foundation. Choose your favorite, “I’m naming Carl the Outstanding to District Secretary Tammy Driskill then donate. See Lieutenant Governor for 2017-18 in appreciation of her help during his alabama.kiwanis.org/foundation because all of his five clubs in term as governor.

Deadline for the next edition of the online Kiwanis Kourier is June 20, 2019 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 14 Lanier is first contributor to Joe Dean Legacy Sid Lanier, a past gover Young Child Priority One. nor of the Alabama District After his wife, Jean of Kiwanis, was honored at Torbert Dean, died during the Midwinter Conference his year as governor, he as the first to donate to the started the Jean Dean Joe Dean Legacy, a new Reading Is Fundamental emphasis of the Alabama program and devoted his Kiwanis Foundation. energy and resources to The Joe Dean Legacy helping Alabama children offers the opportunity to develop a love of reading make a charitable contribution of by having Kiwanians go into pre $5,000 or more to the Alabama school classrooms to read to children Kiwanis Foundation Inc. through a and give them books to take home. bequest, direct donation, estate plan or pledge to be completed within five The Alabama Kiwanis Foundation’s years. Joe Dean Legacy recognizes his life time of service and gives others an This is an unrestricted gift to be Past Governor Sid Lanier with used by the foundation in accomplish opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Alabama children. Cathy Gafford, daughter of Joe Dean, ing its mission and helping the chil at the Midwinter Conference. Lanier dren of Alabama. For online information on Joe Dean is a longtime supporter of Kiwanis The late Joe Dean from the Opelika Legacy donations or other contribu Young Child Priority One and area served as governor of the Alabama tions to the Alabama Kiwanis Foun Reading Is Fundamental as well as District of Kiwanis in 1990-91. He had a dation, see alabama.kiwanis.org/ an Alabama Kiwanis Foundation vision about what adults working foundation. Contact Foundation board member. He received a pair of together could do for at-risk children President Ernest Hulsey at (256) 512- etched tumblers, a lapel pin and a and served Kiwanis in various leader 0029 or (256) 924-5420, or email him at banner patch as recognitions for his ship roles for 40-plus years, focusing on [email protected]. contribution to the Joe Dean Legacy.

J. Mercer Barnett Fellowship Several J. Mercer Barnett Fellowship plaques were pre- foundation themselves. They are named for J. Mercer sented at the Midwinter Conference luncheon by Barnett, a Birmingham businessman who played a prom- Alabama Kiwanis Foundation President Ernest Hulsey. inent role in establishing Kiwanis International as a ser- With Hulsey in the left photo is recipient Mike Roddy, vice organization and served as first governor of the diamond level; center photo, Wayne Sisk, whose Barnett Alabama-Florida District (1918-19) and the first Alabama was given by Cathy and Doug Gafford; and right photo, Kiwanian to serve as president of Kiwanis International Tammy Driskill, diamond level. The initial Barnett con- (1920-21). Photos of Circle K and Key Club governors tribution is $500; the diamond level indicates a total of receiving J. Mercer Barnett plaques are on a page featur- $1,000. These can be given by clubs or others to honor ing youth leadership. specific Kiwanis leaders, or Kiwanians can donate to the

Clubs, budget this year to send students to Key Leader weekend in 2020 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 15

Service dogs are here to help

Tory, a Labradoodle, drew attention while helping at the Service Dogs Alabama booth at the Midwinter Conference. The dog often goes along with Frances McGowin, founder and executive director of Service Dogs Alabama, while she speaks to groups. A member of the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery, she was the featured speaker at the Saturday luncheon. McGowin said these dogs are trained to accompany adults and children with medical or psychological disorders. For example, they can smell blood sugar changes and then bark to wake the person, or go get help. Service dogs that stay with children all day in school help teachers, and some can be found with probation officers and in courtrooms. They help encourage a child to open up and talk. The dogs often assist veterans. McGowin said the dogs are trained in prison by females. It costs about $30,000 to train a dog. At left, Jamie Brabston pets Tory; McGowin is at right in both photos.

Exhibitors feature children’s aid, bicentennial, support for police Exhibits at the Midwinter Conference included, left, for Alabama’s 200th birthday in December, and represen- Hannah Taylor, wife of Governor Ben Taylor, who set up tatives set up a booth with Bicentennial giveaways. At a booth to provide information on the Children’s Aid right, Jack Galassini of the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Society of Alabama, where she is a family support work- offers information about Concerned Citizens Organized er. The Alabama Bicentennial Commission is gearing up for Police Support (CCOPS).

K-Family Service Day at RIF’s book warehouse in Opelika will be Oct. 5, 2019 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 16

The Alabama Circle K board held a meeting and helped with Kiwanis registration and more during the Midwinter Conference. From left are Kyle Pierce, Jessica Bloom, Lt. Governor Tana Early, Governor Racheal Fairley, secretary-treasurer Zarien Morris, Lt. Governor August Guemmer and Peck Fox, who is replacing Pierce as Circle K administrator. Fox succeeds Pierce as Circle K administrator Kyle Pierce of Gadsden is stepping “I’m proud of the infrastructure that down from his role as Alabama we built to prepare CKI in Alabama to District Circle K administrator, and go further, and I know the students Peck Fox of Montgomery will take are in good hands, ready to continue over the duties. the growth, with my friend, their new Pierce was an assistant administra administrator, Peck Fox,” he said. tor for the late David Womack for sev “I should also mention the tremen eral years and has accompanied stu dous amount of gratitude I have for dents to many CKI meetings around the entire Kiwanis Committee on CKI the state and country. He is a former for helping me make sure the students Circle K governor. had a tremendous experience: Jessica The changes were to take place after Bloom, Forrest Ford, Critt Snellgrove, the spring District CKI convention. Jarrod White and Joshua Edgar,” he “I can’t thank Kiwanis Governor added. Ben Taylor enough for trusting me with the appointment and, before that, Outgoing Alabama District Circle “I’m ready to take advantage of past Alabama District Circle K Admin K Administrator Kyle Pierce, right, some new professional opportunities istrator David Womack for asking me receives appreciation plaque from that have popped up as I grow my to be his assistant administrator. I’ll Kiwanis Governor Ben Taylor during law practice, work to serve Alabama, miss interacting with the students, but the Midwinter Conference, with and take a little bit of time to relax. maybe not the weekly 9 p.m. Slack committee member Critt Snellgrove “Don’t worry, though — I’m not meetings,” Pierce said in a post. at left. leaving Kiwanis,” Pierce said.

Key Club, Kiwanis Circle K places, dates Disney Resort, governors Orlando Kiwanis recognized International Kiwanis Governor Convention Ben Taylor presented June 27-30, 2019 J. Mercer Barnett Huntsville Fellow honors dur- Alabama District ing the Midwinter Convention Conference to the Aug. 2-4, 2019 outgoing district Opelika governors: Key K-Family Club’s Mikaila Service Day Oglesby and Circle Oct. 5, 2019 K’s Racheal Fairley.

Support your Alabama District Foundation and Kiwanis Children’s Fund with donations Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 17

A Kiwanis whodunit Did Mr. Plum kill Miss Scarlet? Did Governor Ben Taylor Midwinter Conference got under way in Prattville. kill someone? Who else had a motive and a murder weapon? Also in the cast were Lt. Governor Taylor Means as Mr. A murder mystery scripted by District Governor Ben Green; Governor-elect Bob Brown as Detective Bob Bogart; Taylor was the entertainment on Friday night of the Lt. Governor Glenda Selman as Mrs. White; and Lt. Gov Midwinter Conference in Prattville. ernor Mike Roddy as Agent Orange. A cast of officers and board members read the script, Crime scene tape, weapons, trench coats and handcuffs which included many odd references to Key Leader, also were part of the show, along with mentions of gam Eliminate project and DCON 2020 in Gulf Shores. bling debts, pyramid schemes and Bama football. Along with Taylor, who was the director, other cast mem bers included Lt. Governor Scott Sims as Mr. Plum; Lt. Miss Scarlet was killed, apparently by Plum, and then Governor Mike Winstead as Col. Mustard; and District the Governor was found dead in this murder mystery. Secretary Tammy Driskill as Thelma Friday. Miss Scarlet In the end, the governor-elect ended up in handcuffs after was played by Circle K Lt. Governor Tana Early after admitting to killing the governor “because this is such an Kiwanis Lt. Governor Mary Hoerlein got sick as the awful script he wrote, and you know, I write books …” Have Kiwanis questions? Call Alabama District Secretary Tammy Driskill at 205-945-1334 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 18

Midwinter Conference Prattville, Feb. 22-23

Photos by Patrice Stewart

Stay in contact with Key Clubs, Circle K and other K-Family clubs Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 19

Midwinter Conference

Photos by Patrice Stewart

Head to Huntsville for the next Alabama District Kiwanis Convention Aug. 2-4, 2019 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 20

Midwinter Conference

Photos by Patrice Stewart

Email news and photos of club projects to the Kiwanis Kourier, [email protected] Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 21 Clubs in Action Burgers and franks for Chromebooks Indian Springs club’s goal is to ensure every student has access to a computer The Kiwanis Club of Indian Springs Village recently grilled burgers and wieners one weekend and flipped pan cakes the next. Those projects and others are all part of their fundraising plan to be sure no student lacks access to a computer. The club is closing in on its goal of donating at least 325 Chromebook laptop computers that cost about $300 each to Oak Mountain Schools. They made a first donation of $11,000 to the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation last fall, and the first 100 Chromebooks were delivered Jan. 31. Past President Dale Elliott, M.D., has led this club project, which involved appealing to businesses, organizations and the public to give money, as well as holding fundraisers. “We now have an additional 40 computers on order,” he Raising money to buy computers for schools has kept said in late April. “We have cash in hand and pledges of Indian Springs Village Kiwanians busy. They edged clos- approximately $16,000 which will be sufficient to purchase er to their goal by grilling hamburgers and hotdogs April approximately 85 computers. This will allow us to complete 20 and flipping pancakes April 27. our 200 computer goal for Oak Mountain High School and schools this summer so that when school starts in August, leave 40 computers for the Oak Mountain Middle and every student will have an equal opportunity for a good Elementary schools, which have requested 125.” education,” Elliott said. For donation information, see Nearing goal https://shelbyedfoundation.org/chromebooks-for-eagles/. He expects that they will purchase and deliver all of the Mentoring program computers requested by the high school in May. Knowing they would need to raise about $14,000 to Elliott also mentioned the club’s mentoring program, complete the project for the middle and elementary another way Kiwanians are working with the schools. schools, the Kiwanis Club cooked hamburgers and hot “We developed a panel of our members which included dogs for the Indian Springs Village annual Easter egg hunt physicians, lawyers, engineers, politicians, entrepreneurs, April 20. The club’s first annual Pancake Breakfast April 27 cyber security experts, and firefighters/paramedics,” he helped raise more money. said. Packets of information with each member’s back Elliott said the club will start a computer repurchase pro ground and experience were provided to the high school gram with the high school. Many of the graduating seniors principal, Dr. Kristi Sayers, and guidance counselors. own their Chromebook computers privately, so the club “We all agreed to be available to speak to groups of stu will purchase any of those still in good condition for $50. dents interested in our particular area of expertise, or to “We are optimistic that we will meet our goal for all three advise individual students,” Elliott said. Monroeville sponsors another Key Club The Kiwanis Club of Monroeville welcomed representatives of the new J. F. Shields High School Key Club to a recent meeting. From left are assistant principal Derek Pugh, Kiwanis president Sam Schjott, Jaleah Jones, Mahari Stallworth, Ja’Qaylin Harri son, Kiwanis president-elect Pete Black, and Jalarian McCrary. The Monroeville club sponsors several Key Clubs plus a Circle K.

Deadline for the next edition of the online Kiwanis Kourier is June 20, 2019 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 22 Clubs in Action

The Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Foundation handed out $339,000 in grants to these representatives of 24 nonprofits on March 12. President Douglas McElvy is in the middle of the group photo, with Shawn Cole, 2018 Alabama National Fair president, nearby. Representatives of some agencies are shown in smaller photographs. Montgomery grants exceed $339,000 Each October, the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery sponsors the Alabama National Fair at Garrett Coliseum. While this generates great fun and entertainment for well over 100,000 visitors to the fair, it also generates charitable income for many area non profit agencies which support children in the area. The Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Foundation awarded more than $339,000 in grants on March 12. These grants are a direct result of the Alabama National Fair, The Pete Peterson Trust and the Kiwanis Club of the River Region, Children’s Center Center, Second Chance Foundation, of Montgomery Foundation. of Montgomery, Children’s Harbor, That’s My Child Youth Organization, This year 24 nonprofit recipients Inc., City of Montgomery Parks & Valiant Cross Academy. serving youth causes in the River Recreation, Faulkner University, First Since 1955, the Kiwanis Club of Region will benefit from the grants: Choice Women’s Medical Center, Gift Montgomery and its foundation have AGAPE, Alabama Dance Theatre, of Life Foundation, Life on Wheels, donated over $7 million to charity. Alabama High School Athletic Montgomery Baptist Association The Kiwanis Club of Montgomery is Directors & Coaches Association, Community Ministries, Montgomery the third largest Kiwanis Club in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Christian School, Nellie Burge world, and the Alabama National Fair Alabama Wildlife Federation, Bear Community Center, New Beginnings Exploration Center PTA, Black Seeds Educational Center, River Region is the organization’s annual fundrais Arts Academy, Boys and Girls Clubs United Way, Samaritan Counseling er. (See $339,000, Page 27)

Head to Huntsville for the next Alabama District Kiwanis Convention Aug. 2-4, 2019 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 23 Clubs in Action Anniston Pancake Day grabs attention, raises $55,000 to benefit local children By Diana Michaels Public relations, Anniston Kiwanis Club If you watched local TV, listened to the radio, read the newspaper, or checked out social media in northeast Alabama in March, chances are you read something, saw something or learned something about Pancake Day and the Anniston Kiwanis Club. The pancake promotions, leading up to the club’s largest fundraiser and coordinated by Public Relations and Mar keting Committee members Bill Hagler and Dianna Michaels, gave some club members their 15 minutes of fame. The Anniston Kiwanis Pancake Day was held March 23 at the Anniston City Meeting Center. Bill Hagler, who has served as a past district governor, club president and pancake chair, joined current pancake chair Steve Taylor in kicking off the promotions with an interview on WVOK - K98 where they provided free pan cake tickets to listeners. Free tickets were also given out on the air and the event promoted on Jacksonville’s AM 810 and Anniston’s WDNG Radio. Steve Taylor then joined former club presidents Alyson Mims and Brandon Freeman in a television interview on WEAC-TV 24’s “Local Matters” show hosted by Dottie Rimpsey. The trio taped the show in the Oxford studios where they sat down with Dottie to discuss their annual Pancake Day event and the programs which benefit from it. Bill Hagler joined member Valerie Shannon in a separate television interview on “Calhoun County’s Most Wanted,” hosted by Sheriff Matthew Wade and also broadcast on WEAC-TV24. The duo sat down with Sheriff Wade to promote the Pancake Day event to a different audience. Both taped broadcasts aired repeatedly on the station the week leading up to Pancake Day and can be viewed on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/5Hc7DHfA5L4 and (See ANNISTON, Page 24) From batter to sausage to syrup, the Anniston Kiwanis Pancake Day is a labor of love for many. Immediate Past Governor Armand St. Raymond of Birmingham is a regular visitor; he is shown with Anniston Kiwanis President Andrea Miller, left, and Dianna Michaels, club communications officer.

Attend Kiwanis International Convention June 27-30 at Disney World in Orlando, Florida Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 24 Clubs in Action

ing Anniston and the surrounding Anniston communities, will receive some of (From Page 23) these monies through the club’s Young Child Priority One Program. These https://youtu.be/ywrkNQQSnT4. organizations are invited to a summer The Calhoun County Chamber of club meeting where they tell Kiwanis Commerce placed Pancake Day on its members how the monies will be spe calendar of events, and the event was cifically spent on the children they repeatedly featured in “News You Can serve. Checks based on need will be Use” and in several articles in The distributed at that meeting. Anniston Star. An advance piece, a Additional pancake proceeds are column by George Smith, a front page distributed in the form of scholarships spread the day after Pancake Day, and presented to local Key Club members a myriad of colorful social media posts to use in higher education. along the way helped to round out the publicity for the club, the Kiwanis In late summer, the Anniston organization, Pancake Day, and the Kiwanis Club holds its Back to School Shopping Spree. More than 125 chil programs funded by the event. Members of Kiwanis sponsored Heat the griddles, grab the spatulas, dren identified by the Department of youth clubs work beside Kiwanians Human Resources are invited to shop mix the batter, and get busy flippin’ and other volunteers to be sure the pancakes — the kids need us! for clothing with Anniston Kiwanians. pancakes are perfect at the Kiwanis The children and their parents gather Those were the basic instructions Club of Anniston’s Pancake Day. on a Sunday in late July or early given to more than 200 volunteers August at Martin’s Clothing Store in who served 3,000 pancake-lovin’ peo cadets with Coosa Valley Youth Oxford to enjoy pizza. Then the chil ple their annual Anniston Kiwanis Services helped fill myriad roles. dren, accompanied by a Kiwanis vol Club flapjacks and sausages. The As a result, Burleson says that 12,000 results of this 35th annual Pancake pancakes were flipped, 8,000 sausage unteer, begin picking out clothing, Day Breakfast were overwhelming. patties were cooked, and 50 squeeze shoes and accessories. The club also bottles of butter and 150 bottles of presents each child with a backpack “The statistics are amazing, the effort filled with school supplies. is huge, and the results are impactful,” Aunt Jemima syrup were used. said Steve Taylor, the club’s pancake An accountant by trade, Burleson In late fall, the club uses the rest of chair for the past seven years. calculated and continued the statistics the pancake proceeds to complete its holiday bike project. Hundreds of What did it take for the Anniston with 48 gallons of orange juice, 48 gal new and donated bicycles are assem Kiwanis Club to pull off its biggest lons of chocolate milk, 24 gallons of bled by club members and presented, fundraiser this year? According to regular milk, and 1,500 cups of coffee along with a helmet, as Christmas club treasurer Scott Burleson, more served to nearly 3,000 people who than 100 Kiwanis club members with attended or ordered take out. gifts to local children in need. their families and friends, 138 youth Heralded as one of Anniston’s most Burleson says donations to Pancake volunteers from the Anniston D.D. anticipated and biggest social events Day are still being accepted via PayPal Club, Alexandria, Donoho, Jackson of the year, this year’s Pancake Day by going to the pancake page at www. ville and Wellborn Key Clubs, several raised $55,000 for local children. annistonkiwanis.com. members of JSU’s Circle K, 25 mem Club President Andrea Miller says Mark your calendars to attend next bers of the Anniston High School that more than 20 agencies geared year, when the 2020 event will be just Legacy Club, and the muscle of 12 toward helping children and represent as epic on Saturday, March 7! MORE NEWS FROM ALABAMA KIWANIS DIVISION 7 Fort Payne Kiwanis Club Other customers really enjoyed parking and walking to the event, since no one had to walk uphill this year. Fort Payne has been busy with Pancake Day and other Circle K members helped in the kitchen, and Aktion Club projects with the community and the local school system. and Key Clubs helped people eating pancakes and cleaned Gadsden Kiwanis Club tables. It was a successful day. A new location, The Venue, was the site of the Kiwanis Oxford Kiwanis Club Club of Gadsden’s Pancake Day this year, and everyone It’s been a great start to 2019 for the Oxford Kiwanis loved it. Club, which has added three new members, according to The take-out line was a drive-through, with Club Christopher Fuller, club president. President Tammy Driskill and Episcopal Builders Club He said members have been preparing for the club’s members, along with Past Governor Armand St. Raymond, annual car show, scheduled for May 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 helping get the food to customers in their cars. p.m. at the Oxford Civic Center.

Support Jean Dean Reading Is Fundamental by volunteering and donating Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 25 Clubs in Action Montevallo event gets Kiwanis Kids Corner A new Kiwanis club has provided an established community festival with a new area for children. The Kiwanis Club of Montevallo, just 1 year old, set up and ran the Kiwanis Kids Corner at the annual Montevallo Arts Festival April 20. The all-day event in Orr Park fea tures almost a hundred local artists and craftsmen, as well as music, food vendors and exhibits. This year’s new addition was set up under a large tent featuring the Montevallo Kiwanis Club banner, according to Kiwanis Governor-elect Bob Brown, who is a dual member of the Montevallo and Hoover-Metro Kiwanis clubs. The Kiwanis Kids Corner included games, crafts, face painting, egg deco rating and lots of Easter candy in a bunny basket. It provided a fun, educational, supervised experience for kids, free ing up parents to see the arts and craft Clockwise from top right: Alabama Kiwanis Governor-elect Bob Brown exhibits. and Montevallo Kiwanis Club President Bill Lawson, right, with the Kiwanis Club members and helpers enjoyed Kids Corner sign; children have fun with art projects; Mikaila Oglesby, seeing the children of their communi immediate past Key Club Governor, teaches a game to kids. ty have so much fun. also an excellent recruitment opportu our new club to gain more visibility Kiwanians said this event was the nity. Kiwanis brochures and club con … to let the people of Montevallo see most visible community service proj tact information were distributed to that Kiwanis is here and actively serv ect so far for the club, providing posi interested parents. ing our community,” said Kiwanis tive exposure in the community and “This was a great opportunity for President Bill Lawson. Tuscaloosa top speller Gadsden Judd Sanford, a fifth- drive- grader at Walker Elementary School, won through the 2019 Tuscaloosa County Spelling Bee, pancake which is sponsored by the Tuscaloosa Kiwanis service Club. He is shown receiving a trophy and check from Kiwanian Betty District Secretary and Gadsden Kiwanis President Whisenant, Spelling Bee Tammy Driskill gets help with take-out plates from coordinator. He repre- the Episcopal Day School Builders Club. Circle K, sented Tuscaloosa Aktion Club and Key Club also assisted at the County at the District Spelling Bee in March. Gadsden Kiwanis Pancake Day. A drive-through pickup for takeouts was tried for the first time.

Clubs, budget this year to send students to Key Leader weekend in 2020 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Spring 2019 26 Clubs in Action Gardendale serves all ages, children to seniors

The Gardendale Kiwanis Club is only a year old, but members have figured out how to take on all types of projects, from enter- ing the Christmas parade to pass- ing out Moon Pies for Mardi Gras. Club members are closely involved with residents of Mag nolia Retirement Community, where they passed out goodie bags for Valentine’s Day and provided Moon Pies with notes for Mardi Gras. Five members gath- ered at a Head Start to read to children through the Jean Dean Reading Is Fundamental program.

Oxford Club adds 3 members The Kiwanis Club of Oxford in Division 7 has added three new members this year. They expected to learn a lot by helping at the club’s annual car show May 11 at the Oxford Civic Center.

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Kiwanis-sponsored ‘Aktion’

Metro Huntsville Aktion Club Tuscaloosa Aktion Club Left photo: This February dance with a Valentine’s Day Right photo: The Tuscaloosa Aktion Club is the newest theme is a regular social event and service project of the in the Alabama District, and its members work hard at Aktion Club of Metro Huntsville. Huntsville area adults serving their community. Activities include delivering with disabilities are invited to the dance, and everyone is “secret meals” to elementary schools, packing food boxes asked to bring items for donation. This time they collect- at the West Alabama Food Bank, filling bird feeders at ed 144 items ranging from cans of food to socks, hats, Hospice of West Alabama, and collecting canned goods for toothpaste, soap and other clothing and toiletries. veterans. This group meets at Eagles’ Wings, a nonprofit According to Ted Buckner, Kiwanis adviser for the day center for adults with special needs. “Our community Aktion Club, the donations were given to groups that has been so giving and loving to Eagles’ Wings; it is a joy work with the homeless, such as First Stop, which got to see people at Eagles’ Wings give back to their communi- half the items, and the Downtown Rescue Mission. ty,” said Becci Hauser, Aktion Club adviser. Children’s Fund representative Aaron Ketzenberger, associate director for development at the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, came to Alabama for the Midwinter Conference. He spoke at sessions and got to know Alabama Kiwanians.

n Gift of Life Foundation will pur place of refuge for many underprivi $339,000 chase Pack ‘n Plays for new mothers leged children, will use their money to (From Page 22) who cannot afford cribs. They will also update their playground. buy onesies that say “This Side Up” on n New Beginnings Educational “The fair had an amazing year, with the front to remind mothers to place Center plans to use the grant for its 11 days of sunshine, which is wonder their babies on their backs to sleep. Camp Adventure, a summer camp ful because it allows us to help even n Montgomery Christian School, that serves underprivileged children more children in the River Region,” which is located in midtown and helps them maintain their read said Katie Main, executive director of Montgomery and serves primarily ing/school skills during the summer the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery. underprivileged children, will use the time. She gave some examples of how funds to purchase new audiovisual n Valiant Cross Academy will use some of the nonprofits plan to use equipment and an intercom system. the funds to purchase classroom furni their funds to help children: n Nellie Burge Community Center, a ture for their new high school.

Deadline for the next edition of the online Kiwanis Kourier is June 20, 2019