February 2024 (Issue NO. 33)
A Publication of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International
KI-NOTES
Building Community
Joining Hands In
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Governor: Dr. Kathy Culbertson Governor-elect: Bobby Quinten Immediate Past Governor: Patrick McCage
OUR STORY
KI Notes Staff
The first Kiwanis Club in what is now the Texas-Oklahoma District, was officially completed February 10, 1917, at Dallas, Texas, with a membership of 200. Due to the increasing number of clubs across the country members realized the need of setting up the District organization. In October 1918, the Dallas Club selected one of its members to serve as interim Governor of the Texas-Oklahoma District until an organization conference could be arranged. The first meeting was in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and on February 10, 1919, the Texas-Oklahoma District was organized.
3 Corporate Membership Month 4 Governor's Message 6 Events 8 A Look at Clubs 22 CKI DCON 23 TXOK Foundation Scholarships 24 2024 DCON 26 Path to Distinguished Club 28 ICON 2024 30 Women in Kiwanis 32 22-23 Distinguished Club 34 Kiwanis Children's Fund 35 Tips, Tricks, Reminders 36 In Loving Memory 37 Editor's Message
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www.txokkiwanis.org
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23-24 District Officers
Editor: Evelyn Herrera District Marketing Chair: Marshall Kregel
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texas oklahoma district
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P.O. Box 13160, Arlington 76094-3160
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Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District Governor's Message Dr. Kathy Culbertson
Hello sweet Kiwanians! I sit here at my computer wondering, first of all, if I am even up to the challenge of typing my quarterly message since I must hunt and peck with only my right hand, and secondly, what should this quarterly message address? As I reflect back over the past few weeks since pulverizing my shoulder, I realize timing of the injury drew this out far longer than it should have! I fell Christmas Eve morning as we were disembarking the cruise ship in New Orleans. Then we made the 9-hour drive home so I could spend Christmas Day in the ER! After multiple x-rays, CT scans, referrals to orthopedic, and total shoulder replacement specialists, New Years arrives, further prolonging my surgery. So, in my mind, three and a half weeks passed before anything ever took place! The timing of my surgery is a lot like the timing of some of our Kiwanis events. What we think makes good sense does not materialize all the time the way we think it should. At our first District Board Meeting when I requested our Trustees select a month in which to open a new Kiwanis club in each of their regions, I thought that simple request would solidify the TO District’s goal for increasing membership and growing our clubs. Again, it may have been a great plan but the timing has failed. We have 2-3 clubs just a breath from opening, but the official charter has not yet been sealed. So, let’s change the focus, regroup, and keep the goal in mind, never losing sight of our end result – grow our District membership to 7,000 and open 10 new clubs (one in each of our 10 regions)! The Long-Range Planning Committee spent the first couple of months brainstorming ways to address membership and engagement. We have many passionate members within our District who want to see T-O thrive. If you have an idea, reach out to Dr. Claude Cunningham, chair of that committee. If one idea doesn’t take hold, we adjust and keep working! That committee will now tackle the second area of our strategic plan: LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION. It is imperative that we continually develop competent, confident, and caring leaders across our Kiwanis family. Even though we have only completed our first quarter of the Kiwanis year, time flies by. It is not too early to line up club officers for next year, and while you are doing so, include a membership chair who will work alongside the District Membership Chair. Additionally, clubs please work together and let’s have every division with a Lieutenant Governor for the 2024-2025 Kiwanis year. All clubs deserve to be represented and know the current information shared from KI. Whether it is in the realm of membership and engagement or leadership and education, I am so blessed with the dedication I have witnessed within our Kiwanis family! Many of you have volunteered to assist me and/or fill in for me. I truly appreciate each of you for doing so. Your thoughtfulness and caring shine brightly as you continue to put our T-O Kiwanis District first. In a Facebook post made recently by our Area Director Brad Boyd, he reminded each of us of this very type of dedication: “This year I want you to surround yourself with the best people. The right people. Those that lift you up, make you smile, make you laugh, make you feel safe. Those people that are always cheering for you even when you’re not in the room. Especially then. Surround yourself with people that you can’t wait to see. That let you be you. That celebrate and cheer you on. Surround yourself with people that simply make you feel good.” This describes you for me. I have surrounded myself with the best and the brightest. You make me smile and laugh. You cheer me up. And serving with these types of individuals makes serving a joy. That’s what we do as Kiwanians, not just for fellow Kiwanians but for our communities, schools, and clubs. That’s what made me select our slogan for this year – ‘serving with passion and compassion’. That defines who we are and what we do so unselfishly. If your club does not offer projects in which to serve, you are losing out. Use service opportunities to make others feel valued as well as to find and recognize the outstanding women in your clubs. There is no better way to give attention to women in Kiwanis than for your clubs to participate in the WIK initiative. This addresses a two-fold purpose – raise scholarship funds for CKI and Key Club members, and at the same time, show your amazing women leaders how much you value them. I would love to see that every club in the T-O District bestows at least one award to a deserving lady! As my husband is quick to point out, I can be quite impatient- impatient to heal physically, impatient to get back on the road to visiting our amazing clubs, impatient to share about the Mighty TO District, impatient to grow our membership and clubs, and impatient to let others know how each of you has blessed me with your prayers, cards, emails, texts, and phone calls! And I am impatient to grow our T-O membership to 7,000! Have you recruited “your one”? Remember, if every member recruits just one new member, we will attain our membership goal of 7,000! Working together can make this a reality. May I count on you? Well, it looks like I have endured the ‘hunt and peck’ method of penning my Governor’s Message this quarter. Hopefully, I’ll be able to type normally for the next KI-Notes edition! And my message remains unwavering – catastrophic events such as injuries, illnesses, deaths of loved ones, weather-related issues bind us tighter with each other. We are a loving, caring, serving group of individuals who thrive on friendships and fellowships not just within the Kiwanis family but to those whom we minister. Thank you for serving with passion and compassion, and thank you for recognizing and honoring those within the K family who have impacted your life. Thank you for helping Kiwanis International celebrate our 109th year of service to local communities internationally and helping children thrive! Blessed to be a Kiwanian, Dr. Kathy Culbertson
OUR DISTRICT KIWANIS TEXAS-OKLAHOMA DISTRICT
The Edmond Kiwanis Club is hosting their 13th Annual Sporting Clay Event: AIMING for MIRACLES. Held at: Silverleaf Shotgun Sports | Guthrie Funds raised go to support the Children's Hospital Foundation.
Bilingual Kiwanis of Montgomery is selling its raffle tickets for its fundraiser now until April 4, 2024.
Feb 24, 2024 from 8:00AM – 12:00PM at 1st United Methodist Arlington’s Great Hall
The Kiwanis Club of Arlington is excited to celebrate its 64th annual pancake day. This is the club’s primary fundraiser; all proceeds support the Arlington, Texas, community through programs, scholarships, and supporting non-profit organizations. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $7 each. Pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk, orange juice, and soft drinks will be served. All proceeds benefit the children and youth of Arlington, TX. Please join us this February 24th, 2024 for some fun and deliciousness!
You're Invited!
Kiwanis Club of Baytown, TX is a proud sponsor of the Barbers Hill High School Key Club. The club recently recharted after many years of outstanding service ended in 2021. The club immediately jumped back into service with a Christmas Family Adoption in December, 2023. In early November, Key Club president Kobe decided the club wanted to do something meaningful. Kobe’s mother heard of a need and found the opportunity for BHHS Key Club to help make Christmas truly special for a local family. A friend of Kobe’s mother pointed them in the direction of a young mother who was battling aggressive stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. This mother was 26 and has been battling cancer for almost two years. She is a single mother of a 1st grader and 2nd grader, and at the time of her diagnosis (age 24) she was working two jobs as she wanted her kids to have a better life than she had. Unfortunately, due to the intense treatments and side effects, she found herself unemployed and unable to work Once the young mother was no longer able to work, her older sister took her in. This older sister helped raise the younger sister, as well as 12 other siblings because their biological parents have not been in their lives for quite some time due to addiction. The entire family of 14 was living together in a trailer Upon hearing this story, the students of BHHS Key Club were moved to adopt the entire family at Christmas. The Key Clubbers adopted the single mother and her two children. A local healthcare agency in Baytown adopted the remaining members of the family. A local Santa volunteered to assist with the delivery of the Christmas gifts. When they completed the project, the Key Club students commented how touched they were by seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces. Baytown Kiwanis is very proud of the Key Club students. They are doing great things!
The Kiwanis Club of Baytown Christmas Family Adoption Submitted by Al Richard
Creating massive impact one project at a time.
A Look at Clubs
Kiwanis Club of Arlington Bell Ringing Submitted by Evelyn Herrera
Do you have any special holiday traditions? Well, the Kiwanis Club of Arlington does! One of their favorite things to do in the winter is to ring bells for the Salvation Army. This year, the club had the joy of being joined by the Arlington Collegiate High School Key Club at Kroger. Together, they raised money for those in need.
The Kiwanis Club of Brownwood had the honor of presenting Mrs. Nancy King with the award of Women in Kiwanis. Nancy is someone who never sought recognition but always enjoyed just serving quietly in the background. She loves helping others, especially young people. Her entire adult life has been spent impacting the lives of children and youth. She is a 1963 graduate of Brownwood High School, and her first job in high school was as a waitress at the Post Office café—a job she says she loved and wishes she could do again. She is a 1972 graduate of Howard Payne University and received her Master’s in Education from Tarleton State University. She is married and has two sons, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She retired from public education in 1998 after 27 years of service, going from being an aide in the head start program to an elementary teacher, a special education teacher, and then an educational diagnostician. As a diagnostician, she worked with hundreds of students who had learning difficulties, analyzing their abilities and designing a program specific to each one’s particular challenges, then coordinating with parents, teachers, and administrators to implement and monitor the program. During her brief retirement, she spent time caring for her preschool grandchildren, volunteering with the Early Church of Christ Tuesday Sonshine School, serving as an Early Chamber Ambassador, and being named Ambassador of the Year in 2004. In 2005, she took on a new career as a program specialist for the Girl Scouts of Central Texas. This got her back in the classrooms of area schools, where she loved to present programs on bullying, developing self-esteem, and maintaining health and nutrition. She also helped lead the Girl Scout troops at LatchKey and the Boys and Girls Club. During her years as a teacher, she often spent her summers volunteering with vacation Bible school and the Red Cross swim program. She also managed the ‘learn to swim’ program at Brownwood Country Club for several years. So, if you were a kid learning to swim in the 1980’s, she might have been there helping you. She is an active member of the Early Church of Christ, the Brownwood Kiwanis Club, and helps with the annual kid fish program at Lake Brownwood. She has always been the one to step up when someone needs help. She is always ready to give her time, energy, or money to help those in need. She had planned to retire from Girl Scouts in December of last year. However, one week prior to her retirement, on December 12, she had a major medical event that most would not have survived. After brain surgery, thirteen days in a coma, and several weeks in the ICU, she was told she had no rehab potential. They obviously did not know who they were dealing with because, after three weeks in a rehab facility, she returned home on February 8. Blessed with the prayers and encouragement of hundreds of friends and her own determination and extremely hard work in therapy, she is making amazing progress in her recovery. Someday, someone will use her comeback story as an inspiration to keep fighting. Through the grace of God, she is here with us tonight, looking forward to seeing what He has planned for her next.
Featuring The Kiwanis Club of Brownwood
Gabe Gallegos is our advisor for the Builders Club at TJ Jones Boys and Girls Club. The Builders Club students made Christmas cards for veterans. Kiwanian Shelley Drennan, also in the photo, will distribute the cards to one of the veteran organizations that she works with. Thanks to all the kids and Gabe for making this a special day for a veteran! Gabe and the Builders Club kids will also make Valentine's Day cards for the veterans. There are several Abilene veteran groups that will receive the cards.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene BUILDERS CLUB MAKES CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR VETERANS Submitted by Lyndel cook
Kiwanis Club Of McLoud Non-Slip Socks Submitted by Paul Heinz
The McLoud Oklahoma K-Kids, Builders Club, and Key Club do one combined project a month where all three clubs and some Kiwanis members come together to do a project (usually about 4 hours). This year, one of their combined projects was to make non-slip socks, Christmas cards, and Christmas decorations to give to the people that are in the VA hospital or nursing home, as well as staff and visitors. Another combined project was to deliver the gifts they made as well as to sing carols and provide hygiene packages. The 3 SLPs departed on a school bus at about 9 a.m. to visit the Veteran’s Hospital in Oklahoma City as well as three nursing home facilities (2 in Shawnee and 1 in McLoud) and returned at 3:30 p.m.Everyone had a good time, and the veteran’s hospital invited them to come back anytime. These three organizations really do a lot in and around our community, as well as provide energy to our Kiwanis Club.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene Winter Formal Submitted by Lyndel cook
The Clyde High School Key Club had their Winter Formal on January 13th at the Mesquite Event Center. The students met at the event center Saturday morning to begin decorating at 9:30 a.m. The kids did a great job decorating for the event. Last year, the event brought in more than $7000. Next month, the key club is sponsoring a daddy-daughter dance, which will also be a fundraiser for the club. Several of the Key Club students were nominated for King and Queen. Key Club President Kaden and member Avdan were nominated for king. Key Club members Maddie and Kyndall were nominated for queen. In the end, Key Club members Avdan and Maddie were crowned King and Queen.
Kiwanis Club of Hi-Plains Ronald McDonald House Submitted by David Pepper
Key Club of Randall High School of Amarillo Texas, cooked a chicken alfredo meal for the residents at the Ronald McDonald House on Dec. 29, 2023. One teacher and eight students from the school worked hard to make the meal a success.
Kiwanis Club of Sapulpa Eastern Food Bank of Oklahoma Submitted by Kathy Berryhill
Several Sapulpa High School Key Club members are active participants in the SHS Leadership Team, led by Kiwanian Kristin White. Joining other students, the SHS Key Club recently visited the Eastern Food Bank of Oklahoma. After touring the facility and participating in a workshop on food impact, the Leadership Club sorted and packaged 5,320 pounds of potatoes. The potatoes will be distributed to needy families in the area. Continuing with a leadership lunch at First Baptist Church of Sapulpa, the students then volunteered as Caring Community Friends, completing four needed projects. The students were greatly impacted by everything they experienced. In early February, the SJH Leadership team, which includes our Builder's Club, will participate in a similar activity. The Kiwanis Club of Sapulpa is so very proud of their young leaders!
Kiwanis Club of Plano Presents: Abuela Y Yo Submitted by Jeanette Kelley
By popular demand, coming to an Early Reader near you! Plano Kiwanis signature service project "Books and Buddies" presents Abuela y Yo/Grandma and Me. A sweet and compelling story told through the memory of a little girl along with her brother. Bilingual for all to read, with a fire safety tip. We started on this endeavor over a year ago, supported by the need for a simple booklet 5.5 x 8.5 to encourage reading within the family. Twenty pages total, with beautiful illustrations advancing the story. It is truly an all-Kiwanis effort. The author is a Plano member, and the illustrator works in the district office. Interest in the booklet was ignited by funding from Kiwanis International, the TXOK District, H-E-B, a large corporation in our area, and a well-known community group. Distribution of the booklet will begin soon. A single copy is available on request.
The Aktion Club of Texarkana participated in the Homeless Coalition Annual Chili Cookoff. Kiwanis member James Syler led the chili-making for the group. The theme was 70’s tie dye. The Aktion Club won the "People's Choice Award.” The community and local Kiwanians came out to support the group for a fun time. When asked what is in their chili, they responded with “Beef, pork, and LOVE.”
Kiwanis Club of Texarkana Annual Chili Cookoff Submitted by Tanya Dunlap
The Kiwanis Club of Sapulpa has been dedicated to increasing attendance at their meetings. So their board decided to try a new location for their meeting, along with a "Member Appreciation Day." This included a free lunch, door prizes, and a beautifully decorated cake for dessert, designed under the direction of Kiwanian Kimberly Hayes, to celebrate Kiwanis International's 109th birthday. The cake served all of our members, plus we had leftovers for our lunch staff. Several door prizes were awarded, and we had a really great time. Our efforts resulted in doubling our attendance for the day and bringing out many members who hadn't participated in recent months. We are hopeful that this will be a good direction for our club in the future!
Kiwanis Club of Sapulpa Member Appreciation Day Submitted by Kathy Berryhill
The Kiwanis Club of Bartlesville orchestrated another successful Christmas Parade, with this year’s theme being “Christmas at the Movies." With over 100 entries from first responders, school bands, non-profits, and business floats, this is an all-day, all-hands-on-deck affair.
Kiwanis Club of TeXArKANA 2023 Bartlesville Christmas Parade Submitted by Konrad Brandemuhl
Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene Surprising LONG ELC & STAFFORD FAMILIES Submitted by Lyndel cook
Santa brought toys, Beanie Babies, spagetti, and pasta to Long ELC and Stafford families. Gail Jay reported that she and Nancy Baker, Chair of Young Children/Priority One (YC/PO), delivered 150 toys for the Christmas baskets and met ladies from Long in Sam’s parking lot. We also helped load 150 pounds of spaghetti and 150 jars of pasta sauce for each basket. Along with these, 210 Beanie Babies were donated by a member of the Abilene Club for teachers to give to students as incentives for good behavior or classroom performance. Our club has “exceeded our expectations” in generosity and love for these kids and families in the community. Thank you so much for your generosity. The Stafford Elementary Teacher’s Appreciation Breakfast was delivered by Kiwanian Gail Jay on December 19th. Melissa Martinez, Kiwanian Nancy Baker, Long ELC Principal Julie Wilson, and several staff members helped deliver the treats for the Long ELC Teacher’s Appreciation Breakfast. Greater Abilene collected 150 toys for the Long ELC Christmas baskets, along with 210 Beanie Babies donated by a member of the Abilene Club.
Talequah Daily Press published an article on their Mayor's declaration of Kiwanis Club of Tahlequah Day. Click here to read more.
Kiwanis Club of Tahlequah Kiwanis Club of Tahlequah Day Submitted by Denise Deason-Toyne
The Kiwanis Club of Brownwood was started in 1923! This year they celebrate 100 years of service to the community to benefit the youth of Brown County! That is a huge feat! The organizations they have supported over the years have changed and evolved with the changing times but they remain focused on helping children, just as all Kiwanians are. They have seen hundreds of members over the years. They currently have 65 members. These members of 100 years have created life-long friendships with each other doing what they love, serving the children of (their) world. Each year they host a Pancake Supper Fundraiser in November to support the organizations in Brownwood. These organizations include the Key Club, Boy Scouts, Latch Key, Boys & Girls Club, as well as many more! If there is an event going on in Brownwood you can almost guarantee there is a Kiwanian (or several) volunteering their time. The recorded hours spent every month volunteering covers a vast assortment of volunteer opportunities. In recent years, volunteer opportunities have included children’s homes, nursing homes, Red Cross, CERT, Boys & Girls Club, Latch Key, Community Gardens, among so many other wonderful causes in Brownwood. In August, the Kiwanis Club of Brownwood hosted a 100th Birthday Celebration for the books! There was over 200 people in attendance with Kiwanian Keith Clark emceeing with Keynote Speaker Dr. Don Newbury, Chancellor and former President of Howard Payne University. Elisha Bird, committee chairperson, and the celebration committee worked for several months to pull this event together, and did an amazing job! Dr. Don Newbury gave proceeds from the books he sold at the celebration to Howard Payne University in honor of the Kiwanis Club of Brownwood. We were honored with dignitaries present for the event. Those present included Texas State Representative of House District 68 David Spiller, Chief of Staff for Phil King, Texas State Senator District 10 Dylan Sanders, TxOk District Gov. Patrick McCabe, TxOk District Governor Designate Dr. Kathy Culberson. We also had several City Council Members, Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes, 35th Judicial District Attorney Michael Murray, Brown County Attorney Jennifer Broughton, Assistant Brownwood ISD Superintendent Mitch Moore, Brownwood ISD Key Club Sponsor Kacey Humphries
The annual apple sale resulted from the club’s participation in the first Kiwanis Kids Day on November 19, 1949. After trying several smaller fundraising projects during the club’s first two years, the men of the club decided to hold an apple sale and use all proceeds for the Kiwanis International initiative of serving young needs in each club’s community. The first sale had Kiwanis members pair up and sell apples door-to-door in the community at a cost of $10 per case, $1 per dozen, and 10 cents an apple. The apples were ordered directly from an orchard in Washington and arrived on a refrigerated box car at the local train station. The club sold 628 cases of apples and netted a profit of $920.13, which significantly improved the financial standing of the club as it had a bank balance of only $505.83 on February 26, 1949. Due to this initial success, the club has conducted a community apple sale each fall since 1949. The sale occurs over a two-week period in late October–early November. The community looks forward to supporting our efforts each year by ordering apples from individual club members (for delivery) or purchasing apples in our drive-thru location, where members and Key Clubbers sell directly to customers from a refrigerated trailer. The apples are still provided by State of Washington orchards through a local produce supplier in Houston. The number of cases sold after the initial sale increased each year and reached a high mark of 2,730 cases in 1996. The original price of the apples has changed since 1949, as the 2023 sale sold cases for $70, half-cases for $35, and quarter-cases for $20. We no longer sell individual apples as they did in 1949. This annual sale was the club’s only fundraiser until 2019, when it was decided to add a spring fundraiser dedicated solely to our annual scholarship efforts and the additional needs of non-profit organizations in our community. We still dedicate 67% of the apple sale profits to scholarships, and the remaining 33% is used to support our SLPs (five Key Clubs and one K-Kids) and local non-profits. Since the first Baytown Kiwanis Scholarship was awarded in 1948 (a $50 scholarship to a local student to attend our local community college), over 700 scholarships have been awarded. The annual scholarships are now valued at $1,500. Service projects funded by the apple sales have benefited over 100,000 students through Key Club sponsorships that began at two high schools in 1949. We now support six Key Clubs and one K-Kids club as we strive to instill service leadership in our youth. The number of people benefiting from our support of local non-profits cannot be accurately determined, but it is estimated that apple sales have contributed over $1,000,000 to local needs since their inception. In 2021, our club was featured in Kiwanis Magazine for receiving a donation of $5,000 to our Scholarship Fund from Steve Underwood, retired president and CEO of the Tennessee Titans, who received a Baytown Kiwanis Scholarship when he graduated from high school and allowed him to attend the University of Texas at Austin. “The reason I wanted to give back is because something had been given to me that was a . . . . significant event in my history,” Mr. Underwood told the magazine. “I believe we have an obligation to give back, particularly if we’re in a position to do that.” (“The Big Payback” – Kiwanis Magazine, October/November 2021, Volume 106, Number 7).
Kiwanis Club of Baytown Annual Apple Sale Submitted by Glenda Rast
Kiwanis Club of Brownwood 100 Years! Submitted by Jessica Hardy
The Kiwanis Club of Galveston delivered over 700 Spanish-speaking coloring books to the students in the Galveston Independent School District. Pictured from left to right, Gabby Zepeda Mike Carrasco, Madgellen Cleary, Don Conley III, James Miller, and Priselda Perez. The club would like to thank Marshall Kregel for making this project possible.
The Kiwanis Club of Galveston Spanish Coloring Books Submitted by Gregory Samford
Do you like to read? The children in Piedras Negras do! Kiwanian Kay Geurin and her family have volunteered for several years, serving community members through El Buen Pastor just across the border in Piedras Negras, Mexico. Kiwanis clubs throughout Division 5 have helped in the past to provide clothes and food. Last month, Kay’s home club in New Braunfels rallied to collect bilingual storybooks. The goal was both to encourage literacy and to enable young, motivated scholars to practice English. “I let the children choose which book they wanted,” said Kay. “They were so excited!”
Division 5 ¿Te gusta leer? Submitted by Courtney Fallway
The Kiwanis Club of Texas Hill Country held their first annual chili cookoff on Saturday, January 20th. Though the day started out cold, it turned out to be a time of fun, laughter, and success. The five teams provided enjoyable conversation and even better “samples” of their special (and, in some cases, family) recipes. The aromas of the cooked chilis were amazing. After a blind taste test by five judges, the winners included the Hill Country College Preparatory High School Key Club, which won third place. HCCPHS is one of the three Key Clubs sponsored by the club. First place went to the Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center. Second place was awarded to the VFW Post 12205. The most exciting part was the success of the toy drive that was conducted for Make-A-Wish. Once again, the community came through. Several people donated cash to be used to purchase toys. A few people even left and returned with toys they had purchased. The club raised almost $1700, which will be used towards the goal of placing a wheelchair-accessible swing in the Bulverde Committee Park and scholarships awarded to graduating seniors at the local high schools. Thanks to the participants and those who attended the event. Special thanks to Delisa Leopold, Director of the Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center, for her assistance in holding the event.
Kiwanis Club of Texas Hill Country CHILI AND TOYS Submitted by Glenda Rast
Kiwanis Club of Capitol Hill HS Adelaide Christmas Party Submitted by Rhonda McGuire
The Kiwanis Club Capitol Hill High School supported the Adelaide Lee Elementary Christmas party for the 13th year in a row. The party provides presents, games, and treats for 50 elementary children based on teacher recommendations. It has become a family affair for the Sopher family, all of which are high school alumni of Capitol Hill High School. For the past three years daughter LaDonna and husband Rollie have played Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Adelaide Lee Elementary party. Carolyn and Gene Sopher, high school sweethearts, have been married for over 43 years. The couple helped children play games while volunteering. The theme for this year’s party was Minecraft, and organized by CHHS teacher Ruth Haynes. “This year we had additional presents donated by a local business, so we will have even more gifts to give out to children,” said Haynes. The Sopher’s graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1960s. Carolyn and Gene have been the Key Club advisors since 2013. Carolyn was awarded the “Jay Thomas” in 2015. The couple attends weekly Key Club meetings at the high school and are referred to as “Mom and Dad” by students. The elementary school party has gone on for over 50 years.
The members of the Galveston Kiwanis Club and the Galveston College CKI delivered food baskets and a turkey to eleven families on December 18th, 2023, at Parker Elementary School in the Galveston Independent School District.
The Kiwanis Club of Galveston Food Baskets Submitted by Gregory Samford
Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene STAFFORD ELEMENTARY STUDENTS RECEIVE BUGS AWARDS Submitted by Lyndel cook
Stafford Elementary presented the first round of BUGS awards on November 15th. Here are some photos of the winners who brought up their grades since the first day of school. Congrats to these students for bringing up their grades!!
It is time of the year when our SLP organizations (Key and CKI Clubs) begin to prepare for their annual District convention (LEDCON and CKI DCON). One of the primary missions of the TO Kiwanis Foundation is to provide scholarships to our service leaders in our SLP organizations. Both applications are now active. Please visit the TO Kiwanis Foundation website to find information and apply: https://tofoundation.com or https://tofoundation.com/scholarship-information The CKI Club application deadline is February 23, 2023. The Key Club application deadline is March 22, 2023. Note: Foundation’s Sophomore of the Year (SotY) applications were sent to respective Lt. Governors. If you need copies of the applications, they are also on the Foundation’s scholarship page. Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation SLP Leadership Scholarship / Subsidy Program: This year in conjunction with the Women in Kiwanis (WiK) award program, SLP students can request a scholarship/award to help subsidize their cost of attending a leadership event such as LEDCON/CKI DCON/Kiwanis DCON). Funds raised by last fiscal year’s WiK program plus $1,000 from previous endowment establishes the annual budget to this program. SLP students can receive 1 award per Kiwanis Fiscal Year to a maximum of $200. The amount may be less if more students request funding than available in the budget pool. This application can also be found on the Foundation’s scholarship page. As our SLP students make their way to respective District Conventions, please support their efforts. If your club has not donated to the TO Kiwanis Foundation, please consider donating as this is how the Foundation raises funds to fund these scholarships. https://tofoundation.com/your-gifts
Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation Scholarships By Konrad Brandemuhl
The Kiwanis Club of Tahlequah is busy preparing for an amazing 2024 Texas/Oklahoma District Convention this coming July in Tahlequah, OK. The convention will be held at the Cherokee Casino Chota Center, a large and beautiful facility which is near hotels and restaurants. The Chota Center is known for its excellent food service and is located a short distance from the downtown Tahlequah business district and historic Northeastern State University. Our opening meeting will include words from Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah City Mayor Suzanne Myers, and possibly Dr. Rodney Hanley, President of Northeastern State University, should his schedule permit. We will also be entertained by the Cherokee Nation Youth Choir. Some of the activities being planned include (weather permitting) a Thursday morning float trip on the beautiful Illinois River, a designated Scenic River which is renowned for canoeing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. A proposed spouse’s trip on Friday morning to enjoy a Cherokee History Tour of various sites of the Cherokee Nation located in and near the downtown area. Friday night fun includes the opportunity to attend a live performance of the River City Players, a musical review. Shows range from country music to rock and roll and include a live band on stage. Some of you Kiwanians may be familiar with a very popular singer who was a performer with RCP – Carrie Underwood. Carrie was a local favorite and received thousands of votes from classmates and faculty from Northeastern State University as she competed in American Idol. While we cannot promise a Carrie Underwood performance, we can guarantee you will walk away highly impressed and thoroughly entertained. More activities will be promoted as they get confirmed, including children’s activities. Your hosts are extremely excited to announce our keynote speakers: On Friday, July 26. we are privileged to have Mr. Paul Palazzolo, the new CEO of Kiwanis International as keynote speaker. Paul has a long history of service both in and outside of Kiwanis, and has been President of Kiwanis International. Palazzolo is executive director of Kiwanis International and all its subsidiaries. The Springfield, Illinois, native has held public office since 2001, when he was elected to the Springfield Park Board. He has also served as Sangamon County auditor, treasurer of the Springfield Airport Authority and circuit court clerk. He was reelected to his current position in 2020. Palazzolo served as the 2009 -10 Kiwanis International president and has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield-Downtown since 1984. His introduction and involvement in Kiwanis started in the early 1980s while attending Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, where he was active in Key Club, the student-led service organization for high school students that is part of the Kiwanis family. Palazzolo was inducted into the Sacred Heart-Griffin Hall of Fame in 2013. He also was awarded the Key of Honor, the highest recognition presented by the Key Club International board, for making a lifelong positive impact. Palazzolo has also served as chair of the Kiwanis International Youth Programs Board. His local civic engagement includes serving on boards such as Salvation Army, Springfield Urban League, Hoogland Center for the Arts and other organizations. Palazzolo holds a degree in finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is married and has two adult children. Our Saturday keynote speaker is Captain Charlie Plumb, a veteran of and P.O.W. from the Vietnam War. Captain Charlie Plumb graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis and went on to fly the F-4 Phantom jet on 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam. On his 75th mission, with only five days before he was to return home, Plumb was shot down, captured, tortured, and imprisoned in an 8 foot x 8 foot cell. He spent the next 2,103 days as a Prisoner Of War in communist prison camps. During his nearly six years of captivity, Charlie Plumb distinguished himself among his fellow prisoners as a professional in underground communications, and served for two of those years as the Chaplain in his camp. Since his return home, more than 4,500 audiences in nearly every industry have been spellbound as Captain Charlie Plumb draws parallels between his P.O.W. experience and the challenges of everyday life. He has shared his message to an even wider public through appearances on “Good Morning America”, ‘Nightline”, “Larry King Live” and “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer”. One of the most sought-after achievement speakers of his time, Charlie Plumbs presentations are as he is, sincere, straightforward, humorous, and tailored to motivate each specific audience he encounters. His insights on how to cope with the difficulties as well as the opportunities in life have a positive impact on those who hear his message, those who read his books, and those who come to know him as a friend. Captain Plumb`s Military honors include two Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the P.O.W. Medal.
2024 DCON
Every year the Governor sets the criteria for Distinguished Club and it changes from year to year. Distinguished Club is a way of honoring clubs (led by the officers) that go above and beyond in representing Kiwanis in their community. This year’s criteria is located on the District website at: https://www.txokkiwanis.org/forms-and-reports/ It is located under “LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION”, “2023-2024 Distinguished Club Criteria XLS” It was also published in the October issue of KI Notes. For distinguished club, your club needs to accumulate a total of 100 points from several different categories of activities in the categories of Service, Education, Growth, and Contribution. There are a possible 135 points with an additional 60 bonus points. In this article and follow-on articles, join me and Gov. Kathy Culbertson on helping your club being recognized next year as a Distinguished Club for 2023-24. For this Part 1, your assignment is the following for 30 points: • Sponsor one Sponsored Leadership Program (SLP) or adopt an SLP without a Club sponsor -- 5 points • Implement Two for Two within your club – 5 points • Club contributes $10 per member to the Kiwanis International Children’s Fund – 5 points • Participate in the Sophomore of the Year scholarship – 5 points • Club contributes $10 per member to the TO Kiwanis Foundation - annual gift to the Tom Duncan Memorial Fund or honors someone with a CT Bush Award or Gary Hicks Award – 10 points And an additional 10 bonus points: • Sponsor a Key Club member or a CKI member to either convention or training – 10 points Many of your clubs already sponsor an SLP so that is automatic 5 points. The District does have a number of orphaned SLPs so if your club would like to adopt an SLP reach out to the District Secretary. And if your club sponsors (fund/subsidize) Key Club or CKI members to their convention or training, that is 10 bonus points. Contribute $10/member to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund and TO Kiwanis Foundation (or awards) and receive another 15 points. Sophomore of the Year (SotY) is open to any high school sophomore (non-Key Club members) to help prepare students with preparing for various forms of applications they will face in the future as they prepare for adulthood. If your club hasn’t received SotY instructions, contact your Lt. Gov. or visit the TO K Foundation website (scholarship page) https://tofoundation.com/scholarship-information. This is worth 5 points. Last 5 points is implementing Two for Two. Growing membership for our District and Clubs is important but not an easy task. Resource can be found: https://www.kiwanis.org/members/club-toolbox/two-for-two/. Grab a member and visit a few friends in the community and talk about Kiwanis, service to the community and ask them to join. Accumulating a total of 100 points seems like a lot of work but if you tackle it bit by bit, we can all get much closer to being honored as Distinguished Club. At DCON 2023 for the fiscal year 2021-2022, there were 13 Distinguished Clubs recognized (Sept. 2023 Edition of KI-Notes). Come along with us on a journey and let’s all have a great service year and let’s see if we can’t double or triple the number of Distinguished Clubs in the District.
Path to Distinguished Club (Part 1)
By Konrad Brandemuhl
Registration for the 2024 Kiwanis International Convention is now open! This year’s gathering of districts will take place July 3-6 in Denver, Colorado. Arrive with friends from our beloved Texas -Oklahoma District, and leave with contacts from all over the world. Collect new ideas for service, fundraising, and membership, and gain energy from speakers and accomplished athletes Chris Singleton and Diana Nyad. Special this year is a free ticket to celebrate the 4th of July at a Rockies baseball game. Two registration options are available this year. The full convention package starts at $399 per person. The annual meeting package (Saturday only) starts at $199. Both fees will increase by $100 after May 31 and again after June 20. Ticketed events include the Signature Project Breakfast ($40), the SLP Showcase of Service Luncheon ($35), a Celebration of Kiwanis Children’s Fund ($50), and the Dancing Through the Decades Gala ($80). Our designated hotel this year is the Hilton Garden Inn. You are welcome to stay anywhere, of course, but if you choose our assigned hotel, you’ll find yourself riding the elevator with fellow Kiwanians from the Kansas, Montana, Pacific Northwest, Utah-Idaho, and Western Canada districts. You’ll also be conveniently across the street from the convention center. Everything you need to know about the convention as well as sightseeing in our host city can be found online at kiwanis.org/members/kiwanis-contention. Stay tuned in the coming months for details about district activities!
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Next years District Convention will be in Tahlequah, Oklahoma! It will fall on the last weekend in July which allows everyone, even our teachers and administrators, a chance to attend before school starts in August. The official dates will be July 25, 26, and 27. We’ve got great room rates, an awesome convention center, restaurants, theaters, casinos, and lots of camping facilities if you want to come early and enjoy the countryside. See you in Tahlequah! If you have ANY questions about the agenda or the registration process, PLEASE send a note to Marshall at mkregel@hotmail.com.
DCON 2024
Support Women in Kiwanis today! For more information visit: https://www.txokkiwanis.org/public-relations/
T-shirt sizes range from M-XXXL at $20 a shirt plus shipping. The art glass award is 9 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide.
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Dr. Kathy Culbertson has made Women in Kiwanis (WIK) one of her major projects for the year. This program, chaired by Susan Hennum and Colleen Biggerstaff, helps to raise awareness of women working to make their community a better place through their Kiwanis club. In addition, the funds raised go into the Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District Foundation WIK endowment to help fund scholarships for CKI and Key Club students to attend leadership training.
What are corporate partnerships? Corporate partners provide benefits to individual club members or resources to support club activities. What types of corporate partnership packages does Kiwanis offer? Kiwanis offers a wide variety of packages, this includes the following: Vision Partner- "This category exclusive relationship offers a company the highest designation with Kiwanis, with rights to engage and market to Kiwanis club members and run promotional campaigns to the general public. As a Vision Partner, each company involved will have the opportunity to select one year-round marketing platform (i.e. One Day, Key Club, etc.) and will be considered the lead partner of their sponsored platform. " Service Leadership Program Co-Sponsor- "The Service Leadership Program (SLP) CoSponsor level provides companies with a year-round opportunity to reach a specific target market through a SLP defined as Kiwanis K-Kids, Kiwanis Builders Club, Key Club International or Circle K International. Company will receive category exclusivity to the program and has the right to make a pre-approved offer to SLP members or audience. Access to related member lists through mailing insertions will be provided at this partnership level accompanied by partner identification on program publications, websites and conventions." Promotional Partner -"Company agrees to utilize Kiwanis-themed promotional campaign to drive awareness of Kiwanis and its mission. Campaigns can be created by the Promotional Partner, co-created with Kiwanis or tied to an existing Kiwanis program/area. In exchange, Company has the right to use the Promotional Partner designation, Kiwanis marks/logos or approved campaign marks/logos in advertising, packaging and/or promotion for the designated timeframe." Preferred Charity Partner -"Partner to provide Kiwanis with various in-kind promotional and access benefits that further promote Kiwanis and its support of the charity’s efforts. In exchange, these companies will be acknowledged as a “preferred charity partner” and local clubs will be encouraged to fundraise on their behalf." Corporate Grantor/Donor - "When a company makes a grant and/or donation to benefit Kiwanis in exchange for enhanced employee or community goodwill. There is no expectation of a commercial return on behalf of the company." Community Partners - "Partnering organizations commit to providing various in-kind promotion and access benefits with a goal of strengthening local communities through mission alignment of both organizations. In exchange, organizations are recognized as Kiwanis International Community Partner, and Kiwanis will encourage local club engagement." Cause Marketing Partners - "Partnering organizations commit to providing annual financial investment in exchange for the marketing rights and benefits to mobilize the Kiwanis family members in support of a specific cause marketing campaign. " To learn more about corporate sponsorship visit: https://www.kiwanis.org/members/service-leadership-programs-member/. (Page 18)
tips | tricks | reminders
Corporate Partnerships
Kiwanis Children’s Fund By Konrad Brandemuhl Do you remember the Eliminate Program, a multi-year Kiwanis joint program/campaign with UNICEF to globally eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus? Kiwanis is embarking on another campaign but rather than focusing outwards, Kiwanis is focusing inwards on our own clubs and our own smaller service projects. Think of the possibility of combining donations from many clubs into a few larger service projects. We are in the silent year of a 5-year campaign beginning at Icon 2024. Similar to the Eliminate program, we are in search of champions within our various divisions to communicate and champion the cause. If you are interested in joining this effort, please contact me at k.brandemuhl@gmail.com or call me at (405) 747-4263. Kiwanis Children’s Fund annual giving: please consider sending funds to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund from your club or from your individual members. Annual giving helps magnify the good causes of the Kiwanis Children’s Fund: kids’ health and nutrition, education and literacy, and youth leadership development. A small percentage of each previous year’s contribution comes back to the district in the form of a district KFC grant. This year, the District Grant will help sponsor Aktion Club members to attend our DCON in August.
KI Notes submissions can be emailed to txokkiwanis@gmail.com.
Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District Editor's Message Evelyn Herrera
Winter is almost over and spring is around the corner! So far this year has gone off without a hitch. Many clubs have been sharing their wonderful stories and projects. From having wrapped up festive projects to starting new ones, it seems a lot of exciting things are in store for Kiwanians. If you have yet to share your story, please do so! It has been exciting to see all of what we have accomplished and planned. KI Notes is a great way to share and inspire!
Month
Division
Club
Name
December
14
Henderson
Jimmy Jones
Ervin Daugherty
January
18
University, Wichita Falls
George Fonville
22
Alpine
Shirley Biellier
1
Fort Worth Golden K
George Powers
28
Baytown
Lowell Westerman
3
Greater North Houston
Alberto Hinojosa
All listed with sympathy and memory.
“The song is ended but the melody lingers on.” -Irving Berlin
In Loving Memory