Magazine Telling the Kiwanis Story June/July 2020

Kiwanis MAGAZINE TELLING THE KIWANIS STORY JUNE/JULY 2020

GOODKIWANIANS IN NEVADA SPORTSKEEP THE FUN ROLLING WITH A BIKE CAMP FOR KIDS

PLAYER ASSIST FLORIDA FUN RUN BED GAMES BUILDERS CLUB BEACH BODIES IN NO TIME FOR NAPS + BASEBALL MOTION IN THIS RACE p001_KIM_0620_Cover-new.indd 1 5/1/20 9:52 AM When the time is right, Landscape Structures will be there to bring play to your community. In the meantime, take a virtual ﬁ eld trip at youtube.com/PlayLSI. Landscape Structures continues to be a Proud Vision Partner of Kiwanis International since 2013.

p002-003_KIM_0620_TOC.indd 2 5/1/20 9:56 AM Contents On the cover JUNE/JULY 2020 • VOLUME 105, NUMBER 4 Downtown Sparks (Nevada) Kiwanis Club member Roger Jacobson remembers Features 34 MIRACLE WORKERS when his club inherited a A St. Petersburg, Florida, Builders bike program, then added 12 FAMILY CYCLE Club pitches in to help special- repairs, rodeos and more. Sparks, Nevada, Kiwanians help needs kids, seniors and veterans. kids and their families maintain, Cover photo by David repair and enjoy their bicycles at a 40 ON THE FRONT LINES Calvert special bike clinic. Writer tells his personal tale of covering the COVID-19 pandemic — 20 FUN RUN IN THE SUN and the illness that followed. Florida Kiwanians transform canceled; Kiwanis Signature Project Honeymoon Island into an Departments contest finalists; Back to school adventure run that winds through 4 VOICES forests and beaches. Letter from the Editor; President’s 44 CLUBS IN ACTION Message; Executive Perspective; Body-slamming negativity; Hope in 28 BED GAMES Letters full supply; Winning equation Braving the Canadian winter, Ottawa Kiwanians bundle up to 10 NEWS 50 BACK PAGE battle bed-to-bed in a race for COVID-19 updates; Calendar; Youth Don’t sleep on this ... charity. protection hotline; Conventions

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p002-003_KIM_0620_TOC.indd 3 5/1/20 9:56 AM KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL KIWANIS MAGAZINE STAFF PUBLISHER Stan D. Soderstrom CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS Ben Hendricks OFFICER EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kasey Jackson MANAGING EDITOR Tony Knoderer ART DIRECTOR Andy Austin ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie Saetre From the executive editor MULTIMEDIA PROJECTS Curtis Billue EDITOR 2019–20 KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS PRESIDENT Daniel Vigneron hen I joined the staff of That’s the best thing about Kiwan- Howald, Luxembourg PRESIDENT-ELECT Arthur N. Riley Kiwanis International as the is, isn’t it? The connections we make. Westminster, Maryland, USA IMMEDIATE James M. Rochford W CKI magazine editor in 2005, Not only with the people we help PAST PRESIDENT Peoria, Illinois, USA one of my first tasks was to attend and serve, but the people we serve VICE PRESIDENT Peter J. Mancuso North Bellmore, New York, USA the CKI convention in Greensboro, with and the new friends we make EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stan D. Soderstrom Indianapolis, Indiana, USA North Carolina. I was only weeks along the way. TRUSTEES Katrina J. Baranko, Albany, Georgia, USA; Greg into my job, and here I was hanging I’ve told you about so many Beard, Alexandria, Louisiana, USA; Gunnsteinn Björnsson, Sauðárkróki, Iceland; Chian Chu-Ching, Taichung City, Taiwan; out with hundreds of college-aged amazing people I’ve met through Gary Cooper, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA; George R. Delisle, Westfield, Massachusetts, USA; Elio Garozzo, Catania, (and Kiwanis) leaders who wanted Kiwanis. The women learning to Italy; Charles R. Gugliuzza, Homestead, Florida, USA; Tony Gunn, Mordialloc, Victoria, Australia; David W. Hurrelbrink, to change the world. I met so many sew in Vanuatu. The Kiwanians Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Richard G. Olmstead Jr., Lancaster, California, USA; Ernest Schmid, Einöde, Austria; Sam Sekhon, great people that week. I knew in Belgium who take kids sailing. Sandy Hook, Manitoba, Canada; Ronald E. Smith, Fountain Hills, Arizona; USA; Cathy Szymanski, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA right then and there that Kiwanis The children (see below) we met in 2019–20 KIWANIS CHILDREN’S FUND OFFICERS was special. Madagascar whose mothers were PRESIDENT Ann Wilkins Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA And here we are now. 2020. As I immunized against maternal and PRESIDENT-ELECT Norman A. Velnes Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada write this, we are in the middle of a neonatal tetanus. IMMEDIATE George E.H. Cadman PAST PRESIDENT Q.C., North Vancouver, British global pandemic that is keeping most In my new role as executive editor, Columbia, Canada of us stuck indoors. But that hasn’t I hope to introduce you to a lot more TREASURER Robert M. Garretson Fort Collins, Colorado, USA stopped us from staying in touch. people through the pages of Kiwanis EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stan D. Soderstrom Indianapolis, Indiana, USA We use technology to reach out to magazine. Kiwanis family members. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Ann Updegraff Spleth Indianapolis, Indiana, USA friends and family — possibly more Experts. Thought leaders. People you TRUSTEES Patricia Barsotti, Concord, California, USA; Matthew Cantrall, Lakeland, Florida, USA; Filip Delanote, now than before the crisis hit. And can learn from and share ideas with. Koksijde, Belgium; Peter J. Mancuso, North Bellmore, New York, USA; Robert S. Maxwell, Topeka, Kansas, USA; Benjamin R. you know what? One of the people That’s the point of this magazine. Osterhout, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, USA; Serena Quek, Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia; Armand B. St. Raymond, Vestavia Hills, who has reached out to me during We share stories that will hopefully Alabama, USA; James M. Rochford, Peoria, Illinois, USA; John Tyner II, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Chien-Kung Yang, Hsinchu this is someone I met at that CKI inspire you to say to your fellow club City, Taiwan; Amy Zimmerman, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

convention in 2005. He wanted to tell members: We can do this! KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE me about a Kiwanian who is helping We’ve added tips to some of our 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196 1-800-KIWANIS (in U.S./Canada), +1-317-875-8755 Fax: 317-879-0204 with testing during this crisis. stories to help you do just that. Steal Email: [email protected] Website: kiwanis.org these ideas. Try a new proj- Magazine website: kiwanismagazine.org ect or fundraiser. Read a ADVERTISING SALES Fox Associates Inc. feature about vaccinations 116 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654-4655 1-800-440-0231 (U.S./Canada), +1-312-644-3888 or homelessness or hunger Fax: 312-644-8718 Email: [email protected] and think: How can we FUTURE CONVENTIONS Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, June 17-20, 2020 CANCELED tackle that in our commu- Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, June 23–26, 2021 Manila, Philippines, June 22-24, 2022 nity? How can we help? Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, June 21-24, 2023 Enjoy the stories. And KIWANIS (ISSN 0162-5276) is published monthly except February, May, July and November by Kiwanis International. don’t forget to tell us Postmaster: Send address changes to Kiwanis, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196. Periodicals postage paid yours at shareyourstory@ at Indianapolis, IN and additional mailing offices. (CPC Pub Agreement #40030511) kiwanis.org. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Kiwanis, 2835 Kew Drive, Windsor, ON N8T 3B7. Thank you for reading. Member’s annual subscription is US$8. Nonmembers may subscribe for US$12 per year. And thank you for your The information in this magazine is for illustrative and discussion purposes only. It is intended to provide general information service. about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that Kiwanis is not rendering legal, accounting or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other KASEY JACKSON advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax or accounting obligations and requirements. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Copyright ©2020 Kiwanis International This Office Depot business savings program is administered by Excelerate America.

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p004-005_KIM_0620_Mast-Column.indd 5 5/1/20 9:58 AM DANIEL VIGNERON President’s message KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

arlier this year, life as we knew it technology has allowed clubs to stay in there to respond with a fierce resolve was disrupted in a powerful and touch and to be active. to have a positive impact. painful way. Choices taken for Our organization has responded to Together, we are stronger than we granted were no longer available. health concerns by following guide- are alone. We have learned to be more Gatherings were postponed or can- lines to be safe and prepared to handle flexible and adjust as we navigate new celed in order to slow the spread of a whatever comes next. The way we territory. My message of friendship virus and save lives. We have had to have carried on shows the bond that and collaboration includes using our make many adjustments. It has been Kiwanis creates. We remain true to our differences as assets to strengthen our difficult for everyone, and heartbreak- core values. organization and our communities. ing for many families. The spirit of friendship and collab- Our global society may be reshaped, Now more than ever, I am proud to oration is one of my key messages for but I am certain we will rebound be a member of Kiwanis. My faith in 2019-20. By cooperating, we can help with a new sense of gratitude and our mission and purpose is reinforced kids and communities by solving a determination. by seeing our reaction to a global problem, lending a helping hand and Kiwanians will health crisis. It has been distressing to creating opportunities. always use our watch the effects of COVID-19 without Recent events have challenged ev- good hearts, knowing exactly what to say or how eryone to think and behave differently. teamwork and to help. We have not been able to meet There will be needs that we haven’t resources to face to face, but we are grateful that even thought of yet. Kiwanians will be help and serve.

STAN SODERSTROM Executive perspective KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

hings seemed to change overnight. to be prevented from providing the The food banks that have had more de- Everything that once meant securi- kind of comfort our friends deserve. mand but less support. The kids who ty and routine took on the weight Then there’s the disruption of rou- have been deprived of Kiwanis literacy of anxiety. What we do — and how we tines. I’ve seen and felt it myself. In In- programs — or the club-sponsored do it — suddenly required thoughtful dianapolis, a favorite Italian restaurant programs that gave them safe places precautions. that hosted the Kiwanis club closest to to play. There are so many problems In the weeks and months since the the Kiwanis International Office closed that have only grown with less of our pandemic began, nothing has gone un- its doors permanently. I’m hearing that service and fundraising. affected. Not even the Kiwanis family. kind of story from around the world — But difficult times are calls to action. We have lost members to COVID-19. about clubs that already know they’ll When this is over, kids will need Ki- Those losses have been sudden and need to find a new meeting location. wanis more than ever — and clubs will difficult for clubs, as they are for close- Of course, business closings aren’t need more members. Take heart. Stay knit groups everywhere. Members just a club inconvenience. Lost jobs safe. Envision who were active in January and result in the kinds of problems for the days when February were gone by April and May. families and communities that Kiwanis our hands and And restrictions on public gatherings has often addressed. hearts will prevented people from mourning to- We will address them again. Imagine be critical to gether. For an organization that thrives the importance of Kiwanis clubs when rebuilding all on fellowship, it has been a cruel irony we emerge into a transformed world. we’ve lost.

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p006-007_KIM_0620_Columns.indd 6 5/1/20 9:58 AM © UNICEF

NOW IT MATTERS MORE THAN EVER.

We’ve saved so many lives already. Now, the crucial part: reaching mothers and babies in some of the world’s most dangerous areas. Don’t rest — this is the critical moment. Help eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus from the face of the Earth.

kiwanis.org/TheEliminateProject

p006-007_KIM_0620_Columns.indd 7 5/1/20 9:59 AM COMMENTS

In your words READERS OF KIWANIS MAGAZINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA RESPOND TO RECENT STORIES AND POSTS. JOIN THE CONVERSATIONS AT KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG OR EMAIL [email protected].

such useful information, appropriate does not lift us up. I am ashamed of this quotes and practical ideas for addressing magazine and leadership which allowed climate change. this to be a part of such a vital magazine. APRIL/MAY 2020 APRIL/MAY

® I am just asking you to think in a deeper Louis Logan The future is theirs way. Very disappointed. My opinion. PROTECTING THE PLANET FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Kiwanis Club of Moses Lake, WA Valerie Taylor All in the family Kiwanis Club of South Shore, Sun City SERVING THE CHILDREN OF WORLD Your article on diversity under Member- Center, Florida ship was good (Kiwanis magazine, March 2020). Page 50 - Is your club inclusive? Valuable translation is awful and insulting. Think again and be more discerning in the future about Thanks to Kiwanis for the Spanish what you place in this magazine that translation of the magazine story (on presents the wonderful group of Kiwan- kiwanismagazine.org). While reading ians. What I have seen is welcome arms the activities that Kiwanis carries out in HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: EARTH DAY AT 50 PLANET ACTION: 6 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW the world, makes us proud to belong, we CLIMATE CREW: MEET THE ACTIVISTS LEADING THE FIGHT and hearts within Kiwanis, embracing JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 1 all those who are interested. Are we are encouraged to carry out our service p001_KIM_0420_Cover.indd 1 + 2/24/20 12:40 PM projects in the community and we com- perfect? No. But definitely going in the mit ourselves to supporting responsible The future is theirs right direction. Your article listed reasons why diversity is good. Page 50 just about volunteering so that the Kiwanis brand is Never have I found an issue of Kiwanis erased that article. It is smug and talks strengthened and more members join. magazine more valuable than the April/ down. Awful. I do not want to be a mem- Martha Andrade Posso May 2020 issue. Thanks for publishing ber of an organization that insults and Kiwanis Club of Atuntaqui, Ecuador

On social media

Miss getting together with my local Thank you once again Kiwanis! This LTG Kiwanians, but so many are actively is headed out this morning to perform a showing acts of kindness from helping few random acts of kindness, for those to sew masks to shopping for those who in need. All while keeping myself and can’t venture out. We are Kiwanis strong! their safety and health number one! Stephanie Cox Natali Tatiana Facebook Facebook

Every Kiwanian misses his/her club So grateful! Summerville @Kiwanis meeting and Kiwanian friends. Let us Club just donated a $100 @Publix gift be patient with the lockdown for the card to help us continue our weekly health and benefit of all of us. God meal distribution (right) at the @ bless you all. SFYMCA. #WeAreAllInThisTogether Michel Fongue @KatiesKrops Facebook Twitter

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p008-009_KIM_0620_Letters.indd 8 5/1/20 10:00 AM Club Resources ad.indd 1 THE MORE CLUBS SAVE, THE MORE CLUBS SERVE.

For Kiwanis clubs, time and money are precious assets. Save some of each through Club Resources. Get goods at great prices through Kiwanis Warehouse. Enjoy preferred pricing and more at Office Depot/Office Max. Save time, save money. Then serve more kids.

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p008-009_KIM_0620_Letters.inddClub Resources ad.indd 1 9 4/14/205/1/20 10:0011:21 AM KIWANIS NEWS

What’s happening COVID-19 updates TRENDS, TIPS, FACTS AND FIGURES FROM KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL Kiwanis clubs around the world are performing service and helping those Important dates in June and July impacted by the global pandemic. Father’s Day: June dates in several countries

At the time of publication, World Chocolate Day: July 7 news was just beginning to Nelson Mandela International Day: July 18 come in about how clubs Miracle Treat Day with Children’s Miracle are helping during this time. Network (U.S. only): July 23 To read about club International Friendship Day: July 30 responses, visit kiwanis.org.

Downtown Indianapolis, IN Youth protection hotline As part of our commitment to meeting the highest standards of youth protection, Kiwanis International has established 1-866-607-SAFE (7233), a confidential helpline to receive reports of incidents, situations or behaviors that might put a youth at risk. This is available in the U.S. only. The helpline is available to Kiwanis members, advisors, members of our Service Leadership Programs, faculty advisors, parents or anyone who thinks a youth involved in Kiwanis is at risk. It will be staffed 24 hours a day through our partnership with Praesid- ium, one of the leading safety experts in the United States. Conventions canceled Learn more at kiwanis.org/ The 2020 Kiwanis International Con- of the health threat to Kiwanis family youthprotection. vention, 2020 Key Club International members, their families and all individu- Convention and CKIx 20 are canceled. als traveling to and from the convention. The Kiwanis International Board of Those who have registered for Trustees declared a condition of emer- the Kiwanis convention received an gency exists because of the COVID-19 email with details about their refund. global pandemic. The board concluded Additional questions can be sent to that conducting a convention for the [email protected]. 2019-20 administrative year would be The 2021 convention in Salt Lake inadvisable and impracticable because City is scheduled for June 23-26.

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p010-011_KIM_0620_News.indd 10 5/1/20 10:01 AM Back to school It’s time to take advantage of back- to-school resources. And Kiwanis has you covered. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher or a caring Ki- wanian, there are many ways you can support the children in your family, classroom and community. Check out these resources today: • Kiwanis Warehouse. Operated by Kiwanis partner Dollar Days, you can get backpacks, school supplies, 2019 Signature Project winner: The Alabama National Fair hygiene products and more at wholesale and bulk prices. Stock up Signature project contest finalists in time for school donations. Congratulations to the finalists in Tiers I and II of the Kiwanis Signature Project Contest. • Scholastic. Kiwanis clubs can Tier I finalists (27 or fewer members) Tier II finalists (28 or more members) receive resources to help children Kiwanis Club of Adelaide Hills, Australia Kiwanis Club of Lucena Kalilayan, get access to books and reading Kiwanis Book Shop Philippine Luzon, Philippines, K-Jipney, opportunities, regardless of socio- Kiwanis Club of Dyngja Reykjavík, Kalilayan’s Partner in Service economic status. Iceland, Faroes Weekend Retreat Center Kiwanis Club of Geo-Ormoc, Philippine • Reading is Fundamental. Kiwanis for Children South, Philippines, Protect Children’s club members can volunteer to Rights Kiwanis Club of Christchurch, New be a guest reader at schools and Zealand, South Pacific The Women and Kiwanis Club of Tellico Village, Ken- community events, host a book Children’s Emergency Housing Shelter tucky-Tennessee, United States Robot- drive, access RIF literacy resources ics/STEM in the School Kiwanis Club of New Lucena Central, for mentoring, order RIF books or Philippine Luzon, Philippines, Eat and Kiwanis Club of Metairie Dawn Busters, stage a RIF fundraiser. Learn Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee, For more information on how you can Kiwanis Club of North Ridgeville, Ohio, United States Rewards for Reading United States Trykes for Tikes Kiwanis Club of Ames-Town and Coun- work with any of these Kiwanis partners for back-to-school needs, visit Kiwanis Club of Conyers, Georgia, Unit- try, Nebraska-Iowa, United States Teen ed States Helping Kids Read and Lead Maze kiwanis.org/partners. Kiwanis Club of Oak Lawn Area, Illinois, Kiwanis Club of Mansfield, Ohio, United Eastern Iowa, United States Feed 6 Mega States Friendly House Event Kiwanis Club of Prescott, Southwest, Kiwanis Club of Edinburg, Texas-Okla- United States Live Annual Auction homa, United States Wish Upon a Cure Kiwanis Club of Paris, Texas-Oklahoma, Kiwanis Club of Ormond Beach, Florida, United States Paris Kiwanis Pancake Days United States Kiwanis READS! Summer Kiwanis Club of Western Kenosha, Wis- Reading Challenge consin-Upper Michigan, United States Kiwanis Club of New Orleans, Louisi- Taste of Wisconsin ana-Mississippi-West Tennessee, United Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor, Pacific States Painting with Purpose: Ceiling Tiles Northwest, United States Kiwanis Cares for Children’s Hospital for Kids Learn more at kiwanis.org/signatureproject

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FAMILY CYCLE SPARKS, NEVADA, KIWANIANS HELP KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES MAINTAIN, REPAIR AND ENJOY THEIR BICYCLES AT A SPECIAL BIKE CLINIC. Story by Jack Brockley | Photos by David Calvert

erailleur. It’s hard enough to spell. Try for repair classes, she consulted with club fixing one. A derailleur is a gear-chang- member Shane Kapala (at right). Der on a bicycle — and a young cyclist “Let’s get it up on the stand and take a needed hers repaired as she struggled look,” Kapala said. through an obstacle course at a Downtown He showed her how to index a derailleur, Sparks, Nevada, Kiwanis Club bike camp. lining it up at its lowest setting and then When the campers later moved inside setting the cable tension so it worked. “From there, we just moved up through each of the gears and lined it up so they all functioned as they should,” Kapala said.

wenty years ago, the Downtown Sparks Kiwanis Club inherited a T bike program from another Ki- wanis club. Roger Jacobson, a club member, recalls the days of donat- ing reconditioned bikes to schools and children-focused agencies in the Reno-Sparks community. Back then, the club budgeted US$5,000 for its Kiwanis Bike Program; today, it’s just under $200,000. And it’s much more than giving away bikes.

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“Why weren’t we teaching kids responsible bike ownership, which means keeping your bike in good working condition so you can ride safely?”

“In those early days,” Jacobson in competition with them.” Burning Man brings nearly says, “we had some members Still, the club needs money 70,000 people from around the — myself, my wife, Ellen, and to maintain its wide range of globe to a temporary city in the Les Ede — who had been 4-H operations. At bike swaps, area Black Rock Desert of northwest- leaders. We soon began to ask residents sell their own bikes ern Nevada. Wikipedia describes ourselves why we weren’t doing and give the consignment fees the one-week festival as “an ex- more. Why weren’t we teaching to the club. But the club’s big- periment in community and art.” kids responsible bike ownership, gest fundraiser — accounting One of the attendees’ primary de- which means keeping your bike for $50,000 annually — involves parture points is Sparks. Because in good working condition so one of Earth’s most unusual motor vehicle use is limited at you can ride safely?” cultural events. the festival, many “burners” rely The Kiwanians began adding safety rodeos and repair classes. Then came earn-a-bike incentives, family rides, school-based bike clubs and more. At their repair shop, the Kiwanians sell reconditioned bikes, but rarely new ones. Nor do they charge for repairs. That would spoil a good relationship with local bike shops. “What most people may not know is that bike shops make most of their money on repairs, not selling bikes,” Ellen Jacobson says. “If we’re teaching repairs, we’re not competing with the stores. If we’re selling repairs, we’d be

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sures a photo of a 10-year-old boy hadn’t been wearing a helmet, and his 80-year-old Kiwanis he would have died,” Jacobson bike-shop mentor. The boy, says. “Instead, he became our best who was in the Big Broth- advocate for fixing bicycles and ers Big Sisters program, bike safety.” became a volunteer A year later, that teen joined the in the Kiwanis United States Navy. He’s now a bike program and nuclear engineer and credits the continued through Kiwanis shop with giving him a high school. practical foundation of mechani- “He was a cal know-how. typical teenager,” Jacobson remem- auren Brilliant is a story unto bers. “He’d say, ‘I’m herself. Currently an honors not going to get hurt. L student at the University of I’m totally perfect on Nevada-Reno with med-school my bike. I don’t need plans, Brilliant was required a helmet.’ So I’d tell him, to complete a service learning ‘If you don’t wear a helmet, project. A friend suggested the you can’t come into the shop Kiwanis Bike Program. anymore, because you are a role “I didn’t even know how to fill on bicycles to get around the model for all the younger kids.’” a tire up with air when I started,” 7-acre community. That makes The next day, the teen slid she says. “I learned pretty much the Kiwanis bike shop a popular through a puddle, crashed and everything I know (about bikes) outfitter for them. landed hard on his head. “If he at the shop. After I completed “We sell about 1,000 reconditioned bicycles each year to burners,” Jacobson says. “One of my favorite photos is of a woman from Gha- na standing beside our map of the world with pins from visitors from around the world. She was on her way to Burning Man.” When the week ends, many of those bikes are left behind and recycled yet again through the Kiwanians’ shop. Jacobson also trea-

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p012-019_KIM_0620_Reno Bikes.indd 16 5/1/20 10:03 AM JUNE/JULY 2020 17

p012-019_KIM_0620_Reno Bikes.indd 17 5/1/20 10:03 AM p012-019_KIM_0620_Reno Bikes.indd 18 5/1/20 10:03 AM “While I will eventually be a doctor for other people, I currently am a doctor for bikes.”

my service learning hours, I Les Ede fondly remembers a anything. It was a 180-degree ended up staying on as a student timid 10-year-old girl named character turnaround.” employee.” Emma. Along the way, she met Rafael. “Emma was always the last he Truckee River Flood Man- “When she started out at one to do anything,” he says. “Of agement Authority recently camp, she was really unsteady course, she was the last one to go T offered a new location for the on her bike,” Brilliant says. out on the pump track.” club’s bike program. Now called “Watching how she became The pump track is a looped the Kiwanis Activity Center, the increasingly confident, skilled course with a series of mounds 1.5-acre site has room for the and a safe rider was one of the and flat dirt. The purpose is to bike shop, bike courses, pedestri- most rewarding experiences, as use the upper and lower body to an-safety classes and more. Les Ede and I worked with her “pump” a bike around the circuit “It’s been a much more complex throughout the week.” without pedaling. “It’s a full- move than we ever thought,” At the end of the camp, body workout,” Ede stresses. Roger Jacobson says. “After six Brilliant, Rafael and other “The first lap, she was a bit months of repairing it, we’re just campers completed a slow,” he remembers. “The sec- now (March 2020) getting permis- successful long ride. ond time around, she picked up sion to occupy the new building.” “While I will even- a little more speed. After about But the new center is already tually be a doctor for two hours later of whoop-de-dos, generating new stories. other people, I cur- we had to physically go out and “Big Brothers and Big Sisters de- rently am a doctor for pull her off the track. cided to come in once a month and bikes,” Brilliant wrote “From then on, she was teach kids how to garden in our in a school essay. always first in line to do garden,” Ellen Jacobson says. “Not only do we have Big Brothers and Big Sisters coming into our shop to fix bikes, but they’re also coming in and planting garlic and onions. How’s that for crazy!” K

p012-019_KIM_0620_Reno Bikes.indd 19 5/1/20 10:03 AM GOOD SPORTS

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p020-027_KIM_0620_Beach Run.indd 20 5/1/20 10:05 AM FUN RUN IN THE SUN FLORIDA KIWANIANS TRANSFORM HONEYMOON ISLAND INTO AN ADVENTURE RUN THAT WINDS THROUGH FORESTS AND BEACHES.

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ith more than three miles already behind her, the runner feels good. But as the course turns onto the beach, the sand yields beneath each step, sapping strength from her calves and precious seconds from her speed. Soon, every huff of breath can be heard above the crush of the early-morning tide. ------W There are no digital timers along the routes of the Dunedin, Florida, Kiwanis Adventure Runs. There are no tote bags of souvenir bling for the 5K and 8K runners and walkers. Instead of professionally designed posters, handmade 8-by-10-inch signs are staked along the trail, expressing encouragement and thanks. Yes, the annual January races are unlike most fundraising runs. On Honeymoon Island, entrants watch ospreys soar overhead, their talons clutching the morning’s catch. A forest of slash pine and palmetto palms line the course. In its 11th year, the event has fostered a genial camaraderie among the 350 runners, who unselfishly share repellent to chase away a persistent predator: the mosquito.

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Runners greet course volunteers, acknowledging their host and the purpose of this race: “Thank you for your service.” “Thanks, Kiwanis.” Prior to starting the Adven- ture Runs in 2010, the Kiwanis Club of Dunedin already had a profitable fundraiser. The popular Midnight Run puts between 1,200 and 2,400 entrants on the streets of Dunedin every year on the night of July 3. Its success has allowed the club to make sizable contributions of more than US$125,000 to a play- ground and splash pad projects in recent years. “We realized that in order to continue to support our community at this level, we needed another fundraiser,” says member Dan Borba.

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There already were several 1Ks, Mattiacci, explaining why he re- 3Ks, 5Ks, half marathons and turned this year for his second 5K marathons in Pinellas County. Adventure Run. “Plus, it’s a good However, with the exception of organization. The money goes to the Dunedin Rotary club’s triath- charity. And they serve breakfast!” lon, running competitions are rare The race is over. Following on Honeymoon Island. previous results, the club will net “Honeymoon Island is the most between $5,000 to $6,000 from visited state park in Florida,” says entry fees and sponsorships. Adventure Runs Coordinator One entrant, Steve Byrd, Joe Garrison. “It also has a lot of stands in the crowd as awards wildlife; so, we work closely with are presented. He recalls being the rangers to plan routes that part of the first Adventure won’t disturb the birds, turtles and Run. “It was 25 degrees with other animals. Before the first year, 40-mile-per-hour winds out on the park biologist reported that the the beach,” Byrd says. “One guy course was too close to the nesting didn’t wear a shirt, but the rest eagle on the island’s north penin- of us were all bundled up.” sula. We rerouted the course.” After all the prizes are pre- The 25-member club relies on sented, runners and their fans help from Friends of the Islands line up for breakfast: sausage, Parks and the Dunedin High pancakes, scrambled eggs, coffee School Key Club, which contrib- and juice. The mosquitoes have ute a good share of the 75 volun- disappeared. Out in the forest, teers needed for the races. an osprey chirps. Runners shake “It’s a challenge and much hands and hug goodbyes. Until different from road races,” says Joe next January. K

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BED GAMES BRAVING THE CANADIAN WINTER, OTTAWA KIWANIANS BUNDLE UP TO BATTLE BED-TO-BED IN A RACE FOR CHARITY. STORY BY KASEY JACKSON • PHOTOS BY JAMIE JOHNSON AND KASEY JACKSON

t was a motley crew. Scientists The bed race, which is part of rate their bed. Inspiration for the and firefighters, police and the Winterlude festival in the cap- beds in the 2020 race come from I children. Kiwanians, CKI and ital city of Ottawa, was revived by all over. The movie “Frozen.” The Key Club members. A dog, some Ottawa Kiwanians in 2003 after game Operation. Hockey rivalries. wannabe doctors, a male and a the original sponsor backed out. But even though some of the female princess, a snowman, a Now the race attracts numerous participants are dressed in Disney reindeer, a few furry mascots and, teams and a respectable crowd, all costumes, don’t be fooled. This is since this is Canada, there were of cheering on as the action rolls by. serious business. This fundraiser course many hockey fans. The beds are a simple 6-foot-by- has brought in tens of thousands And the competition was fierce. 3-foot metal frame with a head- of dollars for the Kiwanis Club Forget that the temperature board and footboard. No mattress. of Ottawa to pump back into the hovered around -8 C — which is Rules say the bed must be on community. (And, let’s be honest, about 14 F. This group seemed wheels for racing, have four run- the prizes for fastest bed, best dec- oblivious to the bone-chilling ners and at least one rider on the orated bed and top fundraising cold. Everyone — even the dog — bed (which uses a simple wooden team heat things up a bit as well.) was here to do one thing: Claim slat so there’s somewhere to sit). It’s exciting, but it’s what goes victory in the 40th Annual Accora Many of the bed frames are on behind the scenes that makes Village Bed Race for the Kiwanis built by students at a local college, this not only a distinctive project, Club of Ottawa. and each team is urged to deco- but a special one as well. The bed

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p028-033_KIM_0620_Bed Race.indd 29 5/1/20 10:08 AM “With Kiwanis lending Key Club a helping hand, so much was truly accomplished and members were inspired. This goes to show how much strength there is when Kiwanis and Key Clubs join together as a family.”

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race is a partnership between Kiwanis and Key Club, bringing generations together to work side by side, teach one another and do good for the community. Founding co-chair of the Kiwan- is Bed Race Steve Georgopoulos says the seed was planted for this Kiwanis family partnership during a bus ride back from a Key Leader weekend. He and another Kiwanis member brainstormed with Mannie Chabbra, then the Key Club of Canterbury High School co-president, about ways to get more Key Clubs interested in the bed race. And with that, plans were under- way. Within five days, they had five more Key Clubs lined up. The plan: Key Club members would pitch the project to friends, family and businesses to request funds for their registration, bed and additional donations. With Kiwanis members providing tips on how to make and complete the “sales pitch,” Key Club members went to it. They sent emails. Made in-person requests. And it worked. “With Kiwanis lending Key Club a helping hand, so much was truly accomplished and members were inspired,” Chabbra says. “This really goes to show how much strength there is when Kiwanis and Key Clubs join together as a family. Together, there is nothing we cannot conquer when it comes to our dedication to service.” K

For tips on creating your own bed race event, see page 50.

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Fun facts about the bed race: • It’s been a part of the city of Ottawa’s Winterlude • In 2020, there were eight Key Club teams: Canter- festival for 40 years. bury, Sir Robert Borden, Gloucester, Colonel By, • It used to be run on a frozen canal. College St. Joseph, Glebe and St. Mother Teresa and • The race is 50 meters (about 54 yards). the Key Club of Norwood Norfolk in New York. • The race raises about CA$40,000, and the money • With the participation of the Key Club of Norwood goes to Kiwanis Youth Programs and other Kiwanis Norfolk, the race has officially become an interna- projects. tional event.

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MIRACLE WORKERS A ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, BUILDERS CLUB PITCHES IN TO HELP SPECIAL-NEEDS KIDS, SENIORS AND VETERANS. STORY BY JULIE SAETRE • PHOTOS BY EVE EDELHEIT

or the usually balmy state “I love making my community a of Florida, the March morn- better place for other people,” says F ing air in St. Petersburg was member Aubrey, a sixth grader. downright chilling, and the group This hands-on dedication to of adults and children gathered at service is so embedded in the club Walter Fuller Park snuggled into that retired teacher Deborah Love sweatshirts and heavy jackets. returned to her former role as ad- Among them, 18 members of the visor when school administrators Seminole Middle School’s Build- came calling. ers Club spread out on Miracle “These kids are so loving, giv- League Field, ready to help spe- ing and precious in their commit- cial-needs students enjoy a spring ment that it’s such a feel-good morning on the baseball diamond. experience in my life,” she says. And this wasn’t a one-off com- “Being around people like that mitment. The Seminole Middle who really want to do service and School Builders Club devotes who treasure the things you do — some 200 service hours during it feeds my soul.” each nine-month school year to The Miracle League of Pinellas help kids with physical and men- County’s spring season spans tal disabilities, offer companion- March and April. Builders Club ship to seniors in a memory-care members join Kiwanians from residency and honor military the Seminole Kiwanis Club and veterans, among other projects. other area volunteers to make

“These kids are so loving, giving and precious in their commitment that it’s such a feel-good experience in my life.”

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p034-039_KIM_0620_Miracle.indd 35 5/1/20 10:10 AM each Saturday morning at the replaced with a smooth AstroTurf Chicago Cubs team. (The field is ballpark special for the athletes version, ensuring easy mobility for funded in part by former Rays of honor. And honored they are. kids on foot and in wheelchairs. and Cubs manager Joe Maddon’s For its 16-year existence, Miracle After the athletes register and Respect 90 Foundation and the League Field has been reserved exchange hellos and hugs, the Tampa Bay Rays, as well as the for its special-needs guests and ballplayers divide up by age Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.) their families. In 2018, the field’s group and are assigned a spot on Before the “play ball” command original rubber-tiled surface was either the Tampa Bay Rays or the is given, everyone lines up on either side of the diamond while Matthew Walker, a longtime league member now in his early 20s, belts out the U.S. national an- them from his wheelchair. One of the league’s many success stories, Walker, who has cerebral palsy, launched the annual Miracle by the Bay fundraising event in 2018 to support individuals with special needs. As play begins, the Builders Club members spring into action. Every player gets the chance to bat at least twice, either at a pitched ball or off a tee. Builders

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“Volunteering at Miracle League is one of the most rewarding experiences one can participate in ... Throughout the entire game, you cannot help but smile.”

Club members help the players League has taught me that we cle League Field over the years. steady and swing the bat. They are all human,” adds Liam, a “I had a 16-year-old girl with guide players around the bases, sixth grader and the club’s vice cerebral palsy, in a wheelchair either by hand or by pushing president. “Every person has a all her life. She came up to home wheelchairs. Some club members special gift.” plate one day, stood up, hit the head to the outfield, helping the Games only last a few innings, ball and ran to first base. Her an- young athletes catch and return long enough for all athletes to play. swer was, ‘I can’t play ball sitting balls. And all offer the gifts of No one ever calls a ball or a strike. down.’ Another child who had support and friendship. And every game ends in a tie. never spoken a word in his life “Volunteering at Miracle League “Why?” says George Stone, the now talks, sings and tells jokes. is one of the most rewarding Seminole Kiwanis Club member My kids are doing things now I experiences one can participate who spearheaded the Pinellas never expected to see them do. in,” says eighth-grader Savan- County Miracle League in 2006. Their friends say, ‘You can’t play nah, the Builders Club president. “Because they all hit, run and baseball.’ Their answer is, ‘Come “You develop strong friendships have fun playing ball. That’s all on out and watch me.’” with the parents and their kids. we need.” Baseball isn’t the only sport the Throughout the entire game, you He’s seen some striking trans- Seminole Builders Club makes cannot help but smile.” formations among the hundreds possible for special-needs children. “My experience in Miracle of athletes who have graced Mira- They also help with the Seminole Kiwanis Club’s Horses 4 Hand- icapped program in the fall and winter months. Kids with disabilities saddle up on gentle horses trained specifically for this duty. A Builders Club member flanks each rider, holding onto the child’s leg and the stirrup as a “side walker.” “Even if they lose their balance, the rider can’t fall out of the saddle,” explains Love. “We can help them get back into position.” Club members decided where to target their efforts after conducting a community survey. The results led them to prioritize special-needs individuals, the elderly and veterans.

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p034-039_KIM_0620_Miracle.indd 38 5/1/20 10:11 AM Other ongoing projects include disadvantaged families, so they burg use the dolls to help chil- monthly visits to members of a recognize the importance of ser- dren understand what they will memory care residence, in-per- vice to those in similar situations. experience. Members hoped that son card deliveries to a veteran’s “It’s so important for them to be their K-Kids friends would each hospital and visiting a veterans’ able to give back because of their receive a doll to help with their cemetery to place wreaths on own circumstances,” Love says. hospital stay. graves and clean the grounds. “I think it’s remarkable. And that Says Love, “It just illustrates The sixth and eighth graders who part of their character develop- what beautiful souls these chil- join the club bring a variety of life ment is really, really important.” dren have.” experiences, Love says. That character once again was The Builders Club members, “We have a rather large gifted on full display when a K-Kids however, say they are the ones population at Seminole Middle member was diagnosed with who most benefit from their Ki- School, and a lot of those kids stomach cancer. In response, wanis family experience. choose to become involved. They Builders Club members decided “I love leaving at the end of have a heightened awareness of to create 50-plus “hospital dolls.” the day knowing that I helped how fortunate they are, which Each doll has a tiny incision improve someone’s life,” says leads them to feel that they have in one shoulder, under which eighth-grader Amelia. a real responsibility to give back. is inserted a water-bottle cap to Adds Liam, “My experiences They are very aware that their spe- represent the port system young in Builders Club have taught me, cial needs could easily be on the patients often need for treatment. through helping the community, other side of the spectrum.” Doctors at John Hopkins All there’s always a reward for giv- Some club members come from Children’s Hospital in St. Peters- ing back.” K

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On the front lines

WRITER TELLS HIS PERSONAL TALE OF COVERING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC — AND THE ILLNESS THAT FOLLOWED. Story by Tom Chiarella

t was a sunny March day in the middle of the campus of the need to thank me for showing Omaha, Nebraska, which now University of Nebraska Med- up to work.” I reads in my mind like some ical Center. I was there to do OK. No need to argue. I postcard from another world. research for a magazine story, to shrugged and started up with the It’s a dim memory to me, though observe the work of staff mem- questions. At the time, I figured as I write this it was only five bers in the Biocontainment Unit, she might be right. weeks ago. After I returned from which at that moment housed a Omaha, I didn’t feel well. More number of the nation’s first con- n that hallway, outside the staff than a month would pass before firmed COVID-19 patients. entrance to the Biocontainment I felt like myself again. The Among many other requests I Unit, two federal marshals sunny day in Omaha? It would I made, I’d asked to speak to a monitored the ins and outs. The be forgotten without my notes. nurse who worked in the Quar- day before, I’d interviewed the Most things from that time antine Center. I waited for her medical center CEO, two physi- would be. These days, a month in an ordinary hospital hallway. cians, an epidemiologist and a can shred a lot of memories. The woman who agreed to speak lab researcher. I caught them on I was in Omaha visiting the with me got off the elevator car- the move — between meetings, National Quarantine Center rying a bag of IV medication and standing in front of a vending — the largest of its kind in the a sheaf of patient files under her machine, walking to or from their United States — which sits in arm. ID card clipped to her waist. cars, standing in a spare con- Blue-gray scrubs. Newish white ference room. They were fairly shoes. A watch. Smart haircut. A patient, but they never paused in single ring. their work. They were tired, but I noted all those details. I used they made time to tell me what an exclamation point. “Nurse!” I they had learned. wrote at the top of a page. Between interviews, I some- She had 11 minutes. “OK, call times stood in that unadorned it 12,” she allowed. “This is the carpeted corridor outside the staff middle of my work. I have to be entrance to the Biocontainment precise.” I thanked her for the Unit and observed the comings time. She thought I meant the and goings of those who worked work. “Everybody here works,” inside. The marshals wouldn’t Testing site

she said. “This is my job. No talk, not even to confirm they eMirage Stock courtesy by illustration Adobe New coronavirus

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p040-043_KIM_0620_Essay.indd 40 5/1/20 10:12 AM were marshals. (They were.) But location. There was nothing dire gloves, layers of gowns, aprons, it wasn’t difficult to get a word in or dramatic in the attitude of the dozens of seals and cinchings. with the medical staff when they people who worked there. The at- All of it double-checked by the queued up at the marshal’s table mosphere felt nothing like a mov- partner, rechecked against posted after clocking in. Nurses. Doc- ie about a global pandemic. It was lists. This laborious process is re- tors. Respiratory therapists. As simply a scene from inside a real peated upon every entry, by every they paused at the door for an ID one. I saw no measure of fear in individual admitted to the unit. check, they often gave a thumbs- their faces. There was a pervasive With the donning process up, or an affirming nod. They calm and a sense of the ordinary. complete, they proceeded to a smiled as they moved toward No one in the hall wore hazmat nurses’ station, where they were their work, their patients. They suits. No buzzers or flashing updated on patient status before didn’t have much time to tell lights. No one wavered when they finally moving to greet the pa- stories. One nurse spoke about his tients behind another set of doors. weekend lacrosse game. Another The space is reverse pressurized described the process of teach- “This kind of work to allow for a full exchange of ing her son to ice skate. Mostly is why I chose air several times an hour. This is they looked at the plain, wooden biocontainment. door and spoke about what was nursing. I want a They have learned not to fear it. beyond it, in preparation for the Trained. It shows as they sign in work ahead. job where I have to go work that day. No one is ex- Consider: women and men, cited, however, or cavalier about headed into a “hot zone” of viral to concentrate in the undertaking. containment, a worrisome pinch- every minute of Nor do they appear anxious. point in the possible spread of a At least it doesn’t show. They are dangerous novel virus. This, in the thing. Time eager. Uniformly. the days before social distancing “I just want to see my patients,” was introduced to the world. goes by quickly said one nurse, a 28-year-old fa- Early March of this year. Most of ther of two who normally worked them had been training — period- when everything in the transplant unit. “Same as ically, repeatedly — for years to any other day, really. Virus or no work in the Biocontainment Unit. you do matters.” virus. The people are the best part The first of its kind in the coun- of the job. In the containment unit, try, the unit opened at UNMC in talked about their work. They there’s just some work you have 2004 and was first used during had no doubt. This is Nebraska. to do to get to them.” an Ebola outbreak in 2014. The This is health care. These people Another nurse was standing at veteran employees had learned simply wanted to get to work. the dawn of her third-consecutive to trust the work then, when this Once inside, they would don day working a 12-hour shift. She facility was the only unit on U.S. a full set of top-grade personal was 48, with a husband and teen- soil that dealt with active Ebola protective equipment — a process age daughter at home. patients. Serious, important, and carried out with a partner, in- “No one is pushing me in the yes, dangerous work. volving 12 to 15 minutes of long, door,” she said. “This kind of And no one seemed afraid. memorized checklists and vetting work is why I chose nursing. I We’ve all seen movies about procedures. Redundant masks want a job where I have to con- epidemics. It was not a cinematic and face screens, triple-redundant centrate in every minute of the

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“The work another, “and I couldn’t stop read- I developed a fever and a painful ing the newspaper. My parents cough. Exhaustion took hold of obviously were worried it was in Omaha. I me. I started hearing my own just figured this is what we do.” breathing at night. matters, to the She paused, thinking back By now, you’ve heard the sto- on the time between the two ries of quarantine and isolation country and to viruses. A mere six years. She with COVID-19 patients. I was can see a legacy already. “A lot told to ride out the flu-like symp- the world. So it’s of my friends became nurses toms, to get a test when it became something you because of that time, with all the available and to stay in touch news coverage,” she said. “The with my physician. The illness naturally want to work obviously matters, to the might last four to eight days, and country and to the world. So it’s then I’d be able to leave isolation be a part of.” something you naturally want to after being symptom-free for be a part of.” three consecutive days. thing. Time goes by quickly when But for me, it has been a very everything you do matters.” different story. I followed the directions hen I couldn’t get time given by the Centers for Disease with the staff as they Control and the state of Indiana W worked, I stopped people where I live. I’ve had a low-grade in the street. Were they aware fever every day. Exhaustion of the work being done in the creeps up on me every waking Biocontainment Unit? Did they moment. I’ve had so many variet- know about the emergent novel ies of cough and sore throat that coronavirus? Did it worry them I have given them names. They to have this work going on in sound like birds. The woodland their city? At breakfast one t some point, I asked to cough. The sandpaper throat. The morning, I spoke with six nurses speak to someone who kick-me lung warbler. from the maternity ward, sitting A worked with the patients in This is Day 32. together at a clamshell table. the Quarantine Center, which is I filed the magazine story before They knew about the Biocontain- in a different building from the I went into isolation. So my work ment Unit and the Quarantine Biocontainment Unit. A nurse in Omaha was over. But I think Center. They had friends training volunteered. Same one who about UNMC often, and the to work there. They expressed had emerged from the elevator, people I met in Omaha. Because I admiration for the work. Pride said bye to her friends over her went into isolation almost directly that it goes on in Omaha. shoulder and approached me after my return from Omaha, “I’m a labor and delivery carrying all that stuff. In my my most recent memories of the nurse,” one of them told me. “I notes, I scratched out an inven- world outside are stacked up love what I do. I chose this career. tory of what she carried. Same around the people I met there, in But I grew up in Nebraska. We’re list you read at the beginning of and around the medical center. used to this. They had Ebola there this article. People I remember more for their in 2014, and they handled it.” I’m glad I have those notes. jobs than for their names. Those “I was in high school then,” said Days later, after returning home, nurses. An X-ray tech. A phlebot-

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p040-043_KIM_0620_Essay.indd 42 5/1/20 10:12 AM omist. A hospital shuttle driver. A sanitation worker. A facility manager. An HVAC tech. A purchaser for a retail food chain. A TSA agent. A teacher. A retired Green Beret medic. Every one and each, on their way to work, or returning from there. They got the news from the world just like everybody else these days — on the radio, on the way to work, on their phone or in strips running along the bottom of a distant television screen. And all of them were aware of the Federal marshals outside the Biocontainment Unit dangerous work going on with the virus in their very own city, in the nearby medical center. facing the courthouse square clipped to her waistband. And No one showed fear. Without in a little town in Indiana. The right then, for the first time, I fail, they expressed pride in the terms of the world out there have was scared. city where they lived and worked. changed. It’s a time of lockdown She worked away. Eventually, “It’s a tough job,” the Green and social distancing. Jobs have feeling somewhat lonely and Beret medic said, leaning against been lost. Many people can’t go overwhelmed, I spoke. a counter in an espresso bar. to work. The ones who can — the “Thank you,” I said, “for com- “Makes you appreciate the people nurses, doctors, orderlies, the jan- ing to work.” you meet walking around here. itors and cooks and supermarket She looked at me through her Omaha’s cool like that. Anybody cashiers — just seem brave for redundant protections, her glasses could be saving the world. Or just being willing. and facemask, and nodded. “It’s going to work, I guess.” Days ago, I was in an emergen- my job,” she told me, as if that I don’t list them that way — cy room in suburban Indianap- were enough. without their names — to make olis, waiting to get yet another I ignored that and thanked her them any less human. I have notes. chest X-ray. The radiologist came again. For showing up. For her I can access the names. To the in wearing a full suit of personal work. Thank you. contrary, I don’t need the notes to protection equipment. I could It mattered, and this time I remember the way they claimed hear the rasp of the respirator knew it needed to be said. K their work as some proud part of who they are. Same as the nurses and doctors at the medical center. Tom Chiarella was writer-at-large for Esquire Magazine for more than a decade. He’s been a contributor to am remembering all this after Popular Mechanics, The New Yorker, Golf Digest, O: the more than a month in isolation, Oprah Magazine, Chicago Magazine, Euroman, Men’s I sitting behind the tall windows Style, Fashion (Canada) and many others. He lives in of a second-floor apartment in a Bainbridge, Indiana, and serves as an Emeritus Professor 19th century mercantile building, of English at DePauw University.

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p040-043_KIM_0620_Essay.indd 43 5/1/20 10:12 AM CLUBS IN ACTION

WRESTLING CHAMPION TELLS ONTARIO CHILDREN TO DREAM BIG.

professional wrestler isn’t the students each, and they don’t It’s a great message for any age.” most common motivational have the budget to afford a world- Deaner gives back to com- A speaker to visit primary and class speaker.” munities through his “Giv’er secondary schools, especially He thought Deaner’s message for Charity” campaign and is a when they look like Cody Deaner: was one that Peterborough kids recommended leadership speaker long beard, hair curling over his should hear: Dream big. with the Canadian Student Lead- shoulders, baseball cap turned “He grew up in a small town ership Association. Still, his earlier backward, muscu- persona and phys- lar arms covered ical appearance led with tattoos. His some schools to website says he “politely decline” “made a name having Deaner for himself as a visit. However, flamboyant, cocky every school that and arrogant hosted him wants performer” early him back. in his career. But “Of the schools he when Jeff Westlake visited, the teach- and his 4-year-old ers and principals son met this gentle couldn’t have been father of four, the more positive. One president of the principal is even Kiwanis Club of passing out Cody’s Peterborough in business cards. He Ontario discovered runs into that kind he was onto something. like the kids around here, and he of reaction wherever he goes,” “I found out that besides being had small expectations put on Westlake says. “Cody just does a an Impact Wrestling champion, him. Nobody believed he could great job relating to the kids. He’s Cody had started a second career become a wrestler,” Westlake very interactive with them.” as a teacher, then a third as a says. “He talked to our kids about He gives a high-energy talk, speaker, particularly to youth. So the obstacles he faced along the often walking into the audience I thought it’d be great for Kiwanis way and how he handled them. to address everyone in the room to sponsor a tour to bring him Now his catch phrase is, ‘Just and bringing volunteers up front here,” Westlake says. “We have giv’er.’ Give 100%. You can do to demonstrate wrestling poses — smaller schools, about 200 to 300 anything if you put in the work. always a big hit.

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p044-049_KIM_0620_Showcase.indd 44 5/1/20 10:14 AM “Teachers can’t believe he keeps Millbrook/South Cavan Public (kids) excited for an hour,” West- School. “Having a speaker that lake says. “He talks about who his keeps young students engaged heroes were as a kid, he brings the through an hourlong presentation action figures of those heroes, and is no easy task.” he lets kids try on his title belt. Deaner also visited R.F. Downey You see grins from ear to ear.” and Queen Elizabeth public “We really appreciate that Cody schools. brought two presentations, each Westlake says Deaner’s tour is gauged to the age group he was part of the club’s effort to draw speaking to,” says Kate Adams of young members. “The median age of our club was 74. We’ve begun to build relationships with schools, principals and parents, he says. “I believe we have to and we’re now reach people where they are, and better known in the wrestling is hotter now than it’s community among been in years. This tour is the a broader group of first of what we hope will be a younger people. So series of events to engage young we are trending in families and bring them into the right direction,” Kiwanis.” K

WORDS OF WISDOM TIP TIP TIP Canadian wrestling star Cody Deaner has gained a following outside the ring for his presentations to young people throughout North America. His message You don’t 1have to be in Don’t let 2the size of your We all have 3 the power of of positivity isn’t exclusively for the big time to make a town dictate the size of influence. Choose to be a kids, however. Adults can benefit big difference. your dreams. positive one. from heeding his simple advice.

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NEW YORK KIWANIAN’S NONPROFIT SENDS SUPPLIES TO KIDS IN NEED INTERNATIONALLY.

collects donations from 35 list of shoes, clothing, toiletries, New York schools and gives housewares, toys and books. presentations to students In all, 2,159 boxes of donations about the challenges facing were gathered and distributed in Africans who live in rural Jordan by USACF and its partner, communities. No shoes, food United Mission Relief. The STAR or money for school leads to Project also has collected supplies low enrollment, literacy and for Yemen and Somalian refugees. pass rates. USACF recently launched The “A lot of what we do isn’t Bridge Project, which brings tech- just to help kids in Africa,” nology to African schools. The says Grashow. “It’s really organization’s IT team created concerned with empowering a handheld computer called the American kids to know that “Bridge Pi,” a Wi-Fi hotspot that they can change other peo- stores thousands of textbooks, ple’s lives.” lessons and exams. The message has hit its mark. Eleven schools in Zimbabwe, ark Grashow, a longtime Since 2005, students have South Africa and Ghana are Kiwanis family member collected enough shoes, books, toys piloting the program. Instructors M and retired teacher, spent and school supplies to fill more create learning centers stocked 45 years helping children in than 50 40-foot shipping contain- with the Bridge Pi, a projector and Brooklyn, New York. A 2003 trip ers. In those 15 years, donations tablets. Students who once had no to rural schools in Zimbabwe have helped nearly half a million books now have the world at their showed him that African stu- children in 700 African schools. fingertips. dents needed help too. Grashow also heads the annual American sister schools paid “They had absolutely nothing,” Students Taking Action for Relief for the US$2,500 learning centers, says Grashow, “and they were (STAR) Project, which helps refu- building relationships that foster desperate for everything.” gees. Forty-five New York schools digital education and cultural In 2005, Grashow and his have collected supplies for Syrian exchange. It’s a concept Kiwanis wife, Sheri Saltzberg, started the refugees living in camps in Jor- family clubs can embrace, Gra- U.S.- Africa Children’s Fellow- dan, where families face danger- show says. ship (USACF) to provide school ous conditions without many “It would not only change the supplies to children in Zimbabwe, necessities. kids on the other side. You’re Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. Each participating school helping your own children be- The former Key Club advisor collected a single item from a come better people.” K

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p044-049_KIM_0620_Showcase.indd 46 5/1/20 10:14 AM PARTNER AD.indd 1 WHERE PARTNERSHIPS ADD VALUE TO MEMBERSHIP. As a Kiwanis member, you have significant advantages. Come get them at Kiwanis Marketplace. Thanks to the partnerships of Kiwanis International, you have exclusive access to discounts, products and rewards. Explore for your club — and for yourself. Discover the added value of being a member.

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PARTNERp044-049_KIM_0620_Showcase.indd AD.indd 1 47 4/14/205/1/20 11:5110:14 AM CLUBS IN ACTION

SOUTH CAROLINA KIWANIANS INSPIRE THIRD GRADERS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT MATH. BY WENDY ROSE GOULD

ath can be a notoriously ribbon is placed around their “I think (Hall) is a great difficult subject in the neck, not only do they feel proud example of someone who has a M classroom. That’s precisely of their hard work, but they also passion and drive that’s really why the Kiwanis Club of Spar- understand they’ve mastered a been almost contagious when it tanburg, South Carolina, decided skill that will be of great value to comes to working with students to tackle it head-on. In 2006, the them in the future. Since the pro- in this area,” says Darryl Ow- club launched the Math Medal- gram’s infancy, more than 34,000 ings, superintendent of District 6 lion program, which encourages third graders have attempted to schools in Spartanburg County. third graders to set their sights on win a medallion, and a brainy “Mr. Hall was so determined a shiny medal to make this by zeroing in on happen, and their multiplica- we were just tion tables. willing partic- “I saw a need ipants and the for the program beneficiaries of when I started his hard work.” working with Each year, kids in the the club sets fourth and fifth aside US$3,000 grade who were to $5,000 to having to go purchase the back and (learn) medals. The division and members know multiplication,” it’s a small ex- says Ed Y. Hall, pense compared founder of Math to the benefit it Medallion. “The brings. multiplication tables are the very 22,000 have walked away with the “We know we’re investing in foundation of future math suc- award. a bright future for Spartanburg cess. Students with a strong, early, Putting the program into place County students,” says Susan solid foundation with the tables was a team effort that required Dunlap, club president. “Chil- are likely to be better and more support from the community. dren need to be recognized. successful math students.” Teachers, administrators, business A math medallion might be To earn a Math Medallion, professionals and the Kiwanis a small token, but it is such a students must score 100% on an club members came together to point of pride for each student 11-minute timed test. When that make it possible. who earns one.” K

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p044-049_KIM_0620_Showcase.indd 48 5/1/20 10:14 AM RETAIL AD.indd 1 GET GEARED UP TO SERVE. NOW THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO GET BRANDED KIWANIS GEAR.

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A portion of Kiwanis-branded merchandise sales is returned to Kiwanis International and contributes to helping Kiwanis members improve their communities and the lives of children around the world.

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RETAILp044-049_KIM_0620_Showcase.indd AD.indd 1 49 4/16/205/1/20 10:14 4:20 PMAM BACK PAGE

Don’t sleep on this ... HOW TO STAGE YOUR OWN BED RACE. TIPS PROVIDED BY STEVE GEORGOPOULOS • PHOTO BY JAMIE JOHNSON

he Accora Village Bed Race for the Kiwanis Club dent street location within the popular downtown of Ottawa has a 40-year history — 18 of those Ottawa Market. T staged by the Kiwanis club. “We are proud of our model and website. The “Our processes are fine-tuned,” says Founding website provides all the details as well as loads of Co-Chair Steve Georgopoulos. “We went from a race photos. The beauty of this event is that it can be run on a ‘frozen lake’ to a more non-weather-depen- modified to your area with ease.”

Here are some tips on getting started:

• Visit ottawakiwanis.org to look and target market. in marketing? Ask them for help. at the photos and get a feel for • There are many components to Know someone who owns a box the event. this event. Identify committee truck? You’ll need it. In our case, • Set up a core team of two co-chairs members or Kiwanians who can for example, we require storage and about two to four others. “make things happen.” Think of and transportation for beds. It is The section leads could include people in your club who know very helpful that our two co-chairs Team Solicitation, Sponsorship people or can offer expertise in are in industries that can facilitate and Fundraising, Marketing and a specific area. Know someone these two important aspects. K Logistics and Day of. • Determine your location and get permits well in advance. Talk to city/town officials early and often. You may wish to consider having it as part of an existing event to ensure a base of spectators. • Set the rules. The race can get competitive. Determine size and type of bed and wheels. Create and collect signed waivers. • Decide if you will sell beds, rent beds or have an option for both. Contact a community college that has a welding department to ask if they can make some beds available for the race. • Set a reasonable/appropriate registration rate for your area

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p050-051_KIM_0620_Back page.indd 50 5/1/20 10:15 AM KCF full page ad.indd 1 GIFTS GO FARTHER TOGETHER. When you give to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, you amplify your Kiwanis impact. That’s because you’re joining with Kiwanis family members who have done the same. After all, we do more when we do it together. Let’s reach kids who need Kiwanis — all over the world.

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KCFp050-051_KIM_0620_Back full page ad.indd 1 page.indd 51 8/31/185/1/20 10:15 9:15 AM Kiwanis Intl. 3636 Woodview Tr. Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196 USA

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WHAT’S YOUR STORY? If your club has a success story, simply email a summary and a few photos to [email protected] to be considered for possible future use in Kiwanis International publications.

READ KIWANIS MAGAZINE ONLINE Enjoy the inspiring stories you love from Kiwanis magazine, plus added content, slideshows and video. Visit kiwanismagazine.org to read about great Kiwanis projects, and then share those stories and photos via social media buttons for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram found right on the page. It’s that easy. When you read something you love, pass it on. #kidsneedkiwanis #kiwanis

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