KIWASSEE KIWANIS
  MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

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At the July 28 Zoom meeting, Kelly PeLong, Executive Director of the Disability Network Mid-Michigan, talked about how her organization encourages independence for all people with disabilities. Member Kathy Allen who is Executive Director of Personal Assistance Options spoke about the mission of her organization at the July 21 Zoom meeting. At the July 14 Zoom meeting, Lisa Thompson, Executive Director and Founder of Self Love Beauty, spoke about the mission of her non-profit organization to build self-love and confidence in dealing with others. Jennifer Majorana, Director of Adult Literacy Programs for the The Legacy Center for Community Success was the principal speaker at the July 7 Zoom meeting. She, assisted by President & CEO Kathryn Tate, spoke about how their organization is working to provide evidence-based learning and developmental strategies to help individuals reach their full potential.

The June 30 Zoom meeting had two principal speakers. Larry Memmer, Immemdiate Past Governor of Michigan District of Kiwanis awarded our local club some certificates and spoke on how the District has been handling the pandemic. Member Brian Goodwill, head of our local Salvation Army, spoke on how the Army has been handling the pandemic and the recent flood with help. Shelly Jones, a dentist affiliated with the Helping Hands Dental Center spoke about the mission of the clinic at the at the June 23 Zoom meeting. At the June 16 Zoom meeting, Terri Totter, President and CEO of the Midland Center For The Arts gave a rundown of how the Center is handling problems caused by the flood and the pandemic. At the June 9 Zoom meeting, Eric Curtis, a Development Director of the Water and Woods Field Service Council of the Boy Scouts of American, spoke about the state of scouting in the current pandemic. Also member Mary Lou Myers spoke about her experiences in the recent flooding. Bruce Rayce, President of the Kiwassee Kiwanis Foundation, gave a report of the Foundation's activities at the June 2 Zoom meeting. Penny Ecarius of the Young Children Priority One committee reported on her committee's activities.

At the May 26 Zoom meeting, Midland City Manager Brad Kaye gave a rundown of how the City is handling the devastation caused by the recent flood. The main agenda item for the May 19 Zoom meeting was the election of officers for the next fiscal year. The chairs of the Junior Youth, Community Service and Senior Youth committees reported on their activities for the current fiscal year. Member Al Forster gave a rundown of his activities during the current crisis. It was mentioned that websites such as Bridge Base Online and Trickster Cards gave a way of playing online games with distance friends and relatives. At the May 12 Zoom meeting, Michael Sharrow, Superintendent of the Midland Public Schools talked about how the school system is handling the current pandemic and what problems they still face. At the May 5 Zoom meeting, Wendy Brand of the Vibrant Health Nutrition Center spoked about the importance of nutrition to a person's health. Her organization offers a free Introductory Class on health nutrition. Also member Rudy Phillips spoke about some of his volunteer experiences with the American Red Cross in responding to disasters.

The highlight of the April 28 Zoom meeting was a talk by Holly Miller, Executive Director of the United Way of Midland County, on how local service organizations are responding to the COVID-19 virus. The 211 website has resources and support. At the April 21 Zoom meeting, Lydia Watson, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer of MidMichigan Health talked about problems in handling the coronavirus situation. The April 14 meeting was a Zoom video meeting. Member Betsy Sullivan spoke on ways to handle your physical and mental health when under quarantine. Member Rachel Baker spoke on her quarantine experiences. Member Bruce Rayce spoke on some of his life experiences. The April 7 meeting was a Zoom video meeting. Members spoke on their quarantine experiences.

The meetings for March 17, 24, and 31 were canceled because of the coronavirus epidemic. Andy Bacigalupo, responsible for the culinary arts program at Windover High School, gave a rundown of some of his experiences at the March 10 meeting. Also, three members (Ethan Carn, Olivia Kaminski, Fatimah Kahn) of the Dow High Key Club talked about experiences at the recent state convention and other activities. Midland County Chief Deputy Clerk John Keefer spoke about election security procedures at the March 3 meeting.

The speaker for the February 25 meeting was John Head, Regional Head Start Manager, Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMSCA). John spoke on the value of the "OKIE" suits that a grant from the Kiwassee Foundation helped him purchase. At the February 18 meeting, Michael Sawicki, Pastor of Aldersgate Church and President of the Board of Directors of the Reece Endeavor, spoke about the Endeavor's mission of providing homes for individuals with special needs. The February 11 meeting was our annual Valentine's Party. Entertainment was given by Glenn Isenhart, drums; Michelle Dehate, vocals; and Clayborn Stewart, guitar. The program of the February 4 meeting was a talk about the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio and the Mid-Century Modern Midland project. It was given by Craig McDonald, director of the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio.

The January 28 meeting was an update on our fund raising activities. The program for the January 21 meeting was a talk on the Community Outreach Resource Extension project of The Rural Community Health Network. Laurie Brown, Community Health Worker, at Floyd Elementary School was the speaker. Joy Buchanan, community connections liaison for the Midland Daily News, spoke about her work at the January 14 meeting. At the January 7 meeting, members participated in a service project where they cut donated jeans. The cut jeans will be turned into tote bags to carry books given to young children as prizes by the Grace A. Dow Library.

7/28/2020