KIWASSEE KIWANIS
  MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

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At the September 10 September 17 meetings, committees gave a review of their activities for the fiscal year. Member and District Lt. Gov. elect Alex Repanos gave a review of the 2019 International and Michigan District Kiwanis conventions at the September 3 meeting.

At the August 27 meeting, Bev Wenzel, Executive Director of the The Rock gave an overview of the organization's Discover You program for helping youth development. An outline of the Tall In The Saddle program that gives children of special needs the opportunity to experience horseback riding was the topic of the August 20 meeting. Betsy Evans, chairperson of the leadership committee, was the speaker. Betty O'Neill, Director of Fund Development for Family and Children's Services. gave a overview of the work of her organization at the August 13 meeting. At the August 6 meeting, Julie Wiseman, a member of the Midland County Human Trafficking Task Force, spoke about human trafficking and the work of her task force in preventing it.

Gina Provenzano, conductor of the Midland Community Orchestra, talked about the mission of the orchestra at the July 30 meeting. The orchestra was started by the late Bob Ralston, a former Kiwassee member. At the July 23 meeting, Michell Waskevich, Executive Director of Safe and Sound Child Protection and Advocacy, spoke about the work her organization is doing to combat child abuse. Terry Hanley of For A Brighter Tomorrow spoke about the mission of his organization at the July 16 meeting. At the July 9 meeting, Esther Williams, Executive Director of the nonprofit Midland Recyclers gave a rundown of the mission of her organization. Jimmy Greene, CEO of the Greater Michigan Construction Academy, gave a review of the Academy's function at the July 2 meeting.

The June 25 meeting was our annual cookout at Emerson Park. At the June 18 meeting, David Ramaker, President of the Michigan Baseball Foundation, gave an overview of the mission of his organization and some of its accomplishments. Jenn Kirts, Director of Programs for the Chippewa Nature Center, talked about some of their programs at the June 11 meeting. At the June 4 meeting, Roger Briggs, President of the Kiwassee Kiwanis Foundation, gave an update on the Foundation's activity. Also, Barb Swierzbin and Michelle Beeck of The Legacy Center for Community Success gave a review of the concern of the effects of E Cigs (electronic cigarettes) on youth.

At the May 28 meeting, Nicole Alexander, Organizational Chair of Region 5 of the Veterans Community Action Teams, spoke about the work of her organization in supporting our nation's veterans. The areas of support are employment, education, healthcare, and quality of live. At the May 21 meeting, Sharon Mortensen, President & CEO, and Emily Schafer, Development Officer, of the Midland Area Community Foundation about "Ready for School" Preschool Scholarship Fund that is now open at the Foundation. Tris Steele, Manager of the Midland County Fair, told about the history and mission of the Fair at our May 14 meeting. At the May 7 meeting, the election of officers for the 2019-2020 fiscal year was held. Also, member Betsy Sullivan summarized plans for the Kiwanis for Kids Charity Golf Outing scheduled for Monday, July 22, at Snow Snake.

The April 30 meeting was our annual Pig Auction. It netted $572. An update of the Boy Scouts organization was the topic of the April 23 meeting. Speakers were Stephanie Bird, Unit Service Executive Director, and Tom Oleniacz, Program Director, of the local Heartland District. Dennis Caney, a member of the Board of Directors of Midland County Search and Rescue, spoke at the April 16 meeting on the work of the organization in searching for missing people. Camp Fish Tales was the topic for the April 9 meeting. Executive Director Shannon Forshee and Board Member Kurt Ieuter told about their efforts to bring outdoor learning experiences tor those with special needs. At the April 2 meeting, former coach Kurt Faust elaborated on the STEP UP Coach program in which he has been involved. It strives to make better communities by using coaching principles of positive interactions and healthy competition.

Membership Development was the topic of the March 26 meeting. The newest members told a little about themselves. Older members talked about how they became members. Member Fred Honerkamp at our March 19 meeting shared memories of his experiences in the Vietnam War and how it changed his life. Two members of the Dow High Key Club spoke at the March 12 meeting. They talked about recent activities of the Club and the newly formed Go Green Club that works on recycling. They were Abby Carn, outgoing president, and Grace Pnacek, club member and a founder of the Go Green Club. Featured at the March 5 meeting was reviews of our two major fund raising activities -- Midland Waves and Candy and Nuts Sales.

Kathy Brown, Youth Services Director of the Grace A. Dow Library spoke at the February 26 meeting. She talked about the Jeans-to-Totes project -- a collaborative project between the Library and Kiwassee, renovations to the library needed because of the 2017 flood, and services the library offers. At the February 19 meeting, Member Brian Goodwill tested members with a quiz on historical items related to Valentine's Day. The February 12 meeting was canceled because of the weather. Member Kathy Allen, Executive Director of the Personal Assistance Options talked about the work of her organization at the February 5 meeting.

The January 29 meeting was canceled because of the weather. At the January 22 meeting, Chelsea Davis, Recreation/Building Supervisor/Facility Rentals, and Sheleigh Nicolai, Family Services & Transportation Supervisor, of the West Midland Family Center gave an update of some of the programs at the Center. The January 15 meeting was canceled because of the weather. Member Dee How spoke about the local 4H organization at our January 8 meeting.

9/17/2019