October 2023 (Issue NO. 31)
KI-NOTES
Dr. Kathy Culbertson
A Publication of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International
2023
2024
New Governor
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Governor: Dr. Kathy Culbertson Governor-elect: Bobby Quinten Immediate Past Governor: Patrick McCage
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 Women in Kiwanis 4 Governor's Greeting 6 Events 8 A Look at Clubs 16 2023-2024 Distinguished Club Criteria 18 Tips, Tricks, Reminders 19 In Loving Memory 20 22-23 Convention Shirts 21 2024 DCON 22 Editor's Message
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23-24 District Officers
Editor: Evelyn Herrera District Marketing Chair: Marshall Kregel
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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.
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Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District Governor's Message Dr. Kathy Culbertson
You have truly blessed me with your vote of confidence in allowing me to be your leader for the 2023-2024 Kiwanis year. I am humbled and appreciative of your support. Thanks to the guidance of Past Governor Patrick McCage, I am ready to run! Patrick and Carla, you are so special, so sweet, and so willing to jump in wherever the Kiwanis family needs you. I appreciate your inclusiveness and encouragement that you have always extended toward me. Thank you for answering my myriad of questions with which I have bombarded you. Our working relationship has been extra special, as you have always reached out to prepare me for my year of leadership. And we are off to an amazing start! Never would I have dreamed that I would be leading the wonderful Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis District. Yet, I was taught that what you want in life, you work toward it. I knew in the 7th grade that I was going to be an English teacher and a basketball coach, and I never wavered from that resolve. That is the way I have approached every aspect of my life. That same resolve applies to Kiwanis as well. We work toward accomplishing that which we set our minds to. My father had a huge heart for those less fortunate, and he instilled his love and acceptance for all people in me. I found that same love and acceptance in the Kiwanis family in 1996 when I agreed to be a Key Club faculty advisor, and our united friendships across communities and states continue to nurture those same characteristics. The love, acceptance, care, and concern for each other makes our TO District extra special. As I look over my list of district chairs, trustees, and lieutenant governors, I am amazed at the depth of compassion each individual shows. Our district could not rest in better hands. We are blessed to have the knowledge, the desire to serve, and close relationships that each of these individuals exude. Most of all, I am the one who is most richly blessed. Reliance on their expertise sets us upon the path of action, growth, and greatness. I believe the priorities of the TO District give us direction and motivation in all aspects of service. I believe it is critical that we focus on molding our strategic plan to the specific needs of our TO District. And because of that, I have selected a long-range planning committee to address the direction that they see is in the best interest of all of us. At the same time, this committee will assist with the planning of all future conventions – choosing sites that can accommodate our needs and offering activities for the entire family. It is my desire that we truly return to the family atmosphere of a Kiwanis organization. This year, we included spouses’ events at our district convention; next year, it is my desire that we include our children and youth, making it a family event. Taking advantage of a Kiwanis convention to allow for a family vacation prior to the start of a school year would be a wonderful way to close out the summer. Part of the family aspect is involved in the newly returned focus on Women in Kiwanis. For $300, a club or an individual can recognize an outstanding woman in Kiwanis. That lady will receive a beautiful, red glass teardrop trophy and a red Women in Kiwanis t-shirt. After deducting the cost of the trophy and shirt, the remainder of the funds will be deposited in a foundation that offers scholarships for Key Club and CKI members to attend leadership events. This initiative was introduced thirty-five years ago, but I believe it is fitting that we bring it back as part of our family focus. Past Governor Patrick McCage, along with the membership team led by Past Governor Brad McKenzie, have ignited a fire that burns brightly among our clubs, and we want to fan the fire and keep it burning feverishly. Six new Kiwanis clubs have been chartered during Governor Patrick’s year, and we don’t want to stop there. I had the pleasure of joining the membership team at opening clubs in Georgetown and Bastrop during August. Wow, what an experience! I challenge you to volunteer the next time a club opening is taking place. And, hopefully, we will be opening a new club every month in one of the 10 regions throughout our two mighty states. As I shared in both my acceptance speech at the House of Delegates as well as at the Governor’s banquet at the close of the convention in Granbury, it is my goal that our membership grows in excess of 7,000 members by the close of my tenure on September 30, 2024. All it takes is for every club to enlist one new member each month – and, of course, retain our current members. It is definitely doable! The key is to ASK, INVITE, ENCOURAGE, PICK THEM UP, AND TAKE THEM TO YOUR MEETINGS! We must be passionate, be persistent, be positive, and be intentional. Let’s grow our greatness. A wonderful Kiwanian from the Paris Kiwanis Club challenged all his members to “get your one”. Challenge your club members, just as Darrell Hawkes did, to “get their one,” at least! Next year at the convention, I plan to recognize those individuals who have brought in 5 or more new members as our Ruby K’s. I anticipate we are going to have many Ruby K’s to honor. Remember, everything we do is focused on one child and one community at a time, so I challenge you to find the communities that need us most. Take YOUR passion and turn it into a service for others. Use YOUR uniqueness to minister to others. All of us have a heart to serve, or we wouldn’t be Kiwanians. Thank you for being a leader among our clubs. Thank you for making an impact within your community, and thank you for being the shining star in the mighty T-O District! I look forward to working alongside you. I look forward to getting to know each of you. I look forward to building lifelong friendships that bridge across our two great states. Serving with passion and compassion, Dr. Kathy Culbertson
OUR DISTRICT KIWANIS TEXAS-OKLAHOMA DISTRICT
Highland Lakes Kiwanis will host its 22nd annual car show on Oct. 7th. The event will have shopping, music, food, and awards!
Kiwanis Club of Texarkana invites you to celebrate their 100 years of service. Join them October 5th to enjoy some food and music in celebration!
Creating massive impact one project at a time.
A Look at Clubs
AKTION Club members visited Kiwanis Club of Hideaway to make a presentation to Hideaway thanking them for their support and the support of Breckinridge Village.
Kiwanis Club of Hideaway members gathered together to escort children to their classrooms on the first day of school. The elementary school and district both recognized the club for their year-round kindness and were grateful to have members join them on the first day of school.
Kiwanis Club of Hideaway 1st Day Of School Submitted by Glenn Davis
In April, Terrell City Council invited the Kiwanis Club of Terrell and their Key Club students to serve as honored guests at their meeting.
Kiwanis Club of Hideaway Aktion club Submitted by Glenn Davis
Kiwanis Club of Terrell City Council Invites Kiwanis Submitted by Deana Boyd
Greenville Golden Kiwanis Greenville Service Club Week Submitted by Pat Bowman
The mission of community service club week is working together (Daybreak Rotary, Golden Kiwanis, Lakes Regional AKTION Club, Greenville High School Key Club AND Greenville Lions Club) to make Greenville a better place to live and work.
MODULE BUILD WITH KEY CLUB - PRE EVENT On Saturday, September 9, 5 members of the Greenville Golden Kiwanis (GGK), 7 GHS Kiwanis Key Club members, and a Daybreak Rotary member built 17 modules of various sizes and cut over 250 2x4 stanchions that were to be used to build 2 ramps in the upcoming week during an initial effort to establish a service club week for 5 of the 7 service clubs in Greenville. The Kiwanis Lakes Regional Aktion Club was set to collect cases of water to be given to local volunteer fire departments on Monday from 10 to noon; the Greenville Lions Club was to collect prescription lenses on Tuesday from 4 to 6 PM at Wesley United Methodist Church; and the Daybreak Rotary was to collect shoes, clothes, and new pairs of white socks to be donated to the homeless on Wednesday from 10 to noon at the Authentic Life Church; the GGK would build a ramp during the week; and the GHS Key Club would lead another ramp build on Saturday. The objective was to have each service club sponsor a project on one day during the week, and all other clubs would support each day’s project. Greenville citizens were encouraged to support the above efforts with donations and get involved in some hands-on project labor. AKTION CLUB PROJECT Monday, September 11: (Never Forget) Aktion Club donated water to Hunt County Volunteer Fire Departments (VFD). The Kiwanis Lakes Regional Aktion Club (LRAC) hosted the first event for Greenville’s first annual Service Club Week. At the Lakes Regional Facility, service clubs delivered water to be distributed to Hunt County Volunteer Fire Departments. Shown in the above picture are members of the Daybreak Rotary (DBR), Greenville Lions Club, Greenville Golden Kiwanis, and the LRAC (GHS Key Club donated water but were in school) along with the collected water. Another service project was also underway with a ramp built by the Greenville Golden Kiwanis. GREENVILLE GOLDEN KIWANIS PROJECT Monday, September 11, 2023 (Never Forget) was a nice, cool morning to build a ramp. The team had an early start and completed this one as planned. It was a 28-footer off a wooden porch. The first module was a 4x8 sloped module. It was built with a 2x4 to fit at the top step after it was removed. Next, we put a 4x4 flat module to make the turn toward the driveway. From there, we put in a 4x8 slope and the 4x8 starter to complete the ramp. From warehouse to completion, it took 8 volunteers 3 hours for 24 hours on site. With 2 hours for the survey and 4 hours for the module construction, a total of 30 manhours were expended. Shown are before and after photos. In the final photo, left to right are Will Reese, Paul Jenkins, Tom Davis, Pat Penland, David Jolley, and Paul Nall. Not shown taking the photo were Ken Leonard and Jim Ward, who left early to make a dental appointment. The client had left for a medical appointment. This ramp was done as a part of Greenville's First Annual Service Club Week, where each service club sponsored a project on one day of the week, and all other service clubs supported each project. GREENVILLE LIONS CLUB PROJECT On Tuesday, we collected hundreds of pairs of glasses to send to a central processing center for clean up. After that, they will be shipped all over the world. There were three clubs shown in the picture: Jim Wiggins from the Greenville Golden Kiwanis (GGK), who also brought glasses donated by the Lakes Regional Aktion Club, and the Greenville High School Key Club, both Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs (SLPS); five members of the Greenville Lions club led by Barbara Wiggins (center-purple shirt); and on the far right, Frances Dalbey from Daybreak Rotary, the leader for Service Club Week. DAYBREAK ROTARY PROJECT On Wednesday, the Daybreak Rotary set up a shoe donation tent at the Authentic Life Church at 10AM and started collecting shoes from several different service organizations and the Greenville High School Navy Junior ROTC. With Barbara's help, she collected over 50 pairs of shoes and over 200 new pairs of socks for donation to the homeless operation at the church. Every Wednesday, at the Authentic Life Fellowship Church, from 10AM to 2PM, the Hunt County United Way sponsors the Streetside Shower setup to give homeless folks a chance to get a shower. They are also given hygiene products (tooth brushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.). There is a clothing truck that allows the community to contribute clothes and then provides these clothes to any homeless person desiring them. There is also an excellent meal served by several different volunteer organizations. Finally, the homeless are offered the opportunity to wash and dry their clothes again due to some very dedicated volunteers who built and operated the trailer-mounted washer and dryer. The pictures below show how this community is helping our homeless population. ADDITIONAL DAYBREAK ROTARY PROJECT On Thursday, at the Lakes regional facility, the Daybreak Rotary collected 22 bottles of bleach, 5 bottles of laundry detergent, a few toys, and several bags of food and treats. Shown are Frances Dalbey and Barbara Wiggins, two ladies who provided super support all week long. Taking the picture was a GGK member who also provided contributions from the GGK, AC, and GHSKC. These supplies will be split between the Greenville Animal Shelter and Paws for the Cause. LAST PROJECT OF SERVICE CLUB WEEK - GGK/GHSKC RAMP BUILD JOINT PROJECT On Saturday, September 16, 2023, the Greenville Golden K-Key Club put in a 24 ft. ramp. The build went pretty much as planned. The first task was moving a set of concrete steps out of the way before we could start. The steps were hollow and only slightly heavy. The first module up was a 4x8 sloped. We added another 4x8 sloped module and the 4x8 starter to complete the ramp. Most of the Key clubbers were new to building ramps, so this was a training exercise. This ramp was in conjunction with Greenville Service club week. We would typically have had more Key Club folks but some were supporting other service clubs who were working the Greenville Cotton Patch annual bike race and fun ride along with other associated activities. From warehouse to completion, it took 9 volunteers 3 hours for 27 hours on site. With 2 hours for the survey and 3 for the ramp construction, a total of 32 volunteer hours were expended. The client was generous enough to give us a ‘pay it forward’ donation of $300. For the GGK, this was ramp #3 for September and #35 for the Kiwanis Year, and #464 total ramps built.
KIWANIS CLUB OF SUN CITY GEORGETOWN, TX The Impact of Key Club Submitted by Pat McGrory
Kiwanis Club of Hideaway Day of giving Submitted by Glenn Davis
Luisa was a little young lady from Columbia who became Key Club President in Jarrell. Two years ago, Luisa arrived on her own to live with her aunt; her parents were still in Columbia, and she did not speak English. Because of her status with immigration, she was having trouble getting accepted into state schools. She received over $10,000 in scholarships, which would help her pay her college tuition and fees. Being accepted at the University of Texas at Austin meant this would pay for her first-year school expenses. Luisa is a hardworking student currently working at the Costco membership/returns desk in Georgetown. This August, she received word that she was accepted into the UT Leadership Scholars program as one of only 300 of the 1500 applicants, which means that her fees and tuition are paid for the next 4 years and she will be awarded a stipend for her room/board for 4 years, as long as she remains at the university in good standing. This is an unbelievable event that was aided by her Key Club/Kiwanis connection, her faculty advisors, and her club advisors, Dave and Renee, plus many more.
Day of Giving is a day when communities come together to support nonprofits in their missions. This year the Kiwanis Club of Hideaway joined in on the giving by donating over $20,000 to 12 local organizations. These organizations' missions align with that of Kiwanis.Together they will positively impact the lives of many children and families.
Greenville Golden Kiwanis ggk Officer Installation Banquet Submitted by Pat Bowman
Kiwanis Club of Hideaway Kiwanis Korner Submitted by John Driver
The Kiwanis Korner is a Hideaway Kiwanis Club publication that has been ongoing for the past 5 years. To check out the latest article written by John Driver click the image above. His latest article focuses on one of the club's top 3 fundraisers, CountryFest Live and Silent auctions.
The Greenville Golden Kiwanis Club had a very successful officer installation banquet and award ceremony for their Aktion Club. Their thanks go to Webb Hill for their great food, service, and facility. The banquet was attended by over 61 guests. From district leadership members like Division 32 LTG Denise Kornegay, LTG-Elect Jerry Patton, Aktion Club Administrator Belinda Journey, and Red River Region Trustee Tom Callaway to Aktion Club supporters and Somphmore of the Year winners, there was a wide array of attendees. This celebration was a blast and enjoyed by many.
2023-2024 Distinguished Club Criteria
Distinguished Club Awards: When your club accumulates at least 100 points,in the Spring of 2025, the club will receive the distinguished club banner patch, a distinguished lapel button for the president and secretary, and will be recognized during the 2025 Texas-Oklahoma Convention. Service ·Sponsors one Sponsored Leadership Program (SLP) or adopts an SLP without a Club sponsor –5 points ·Uses the Community Needs tool and starts a new service project – 5 points ·Someone volunteers from your club to become a Lieutenant Governor for a Division without one –10 points ·Submits 2 articles with photos and a narrative to KI notes to share your Kiwanis Story – 5 points ·Participates in one of the 2023-2024 Governor Projects – K-Family events or Women in Kiwanis fundraisers – 5 points Education ·Sends 1 delegate to International Convention – 10 points ·Sends 2 delegates to District Convention – 10 points ·President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Chair complete CLE training online or in person – 5 points ·Conducts new member orientation – 5 points ·Presents Youth Protection Guidelines to all club members – 5 points Growth ·Implements Two for Two within your club –5 points ·Joins your local Chamber of Commerce or one nearby – 5 points ·Have a net gain of 3 new members at the end of the administrative year – 10 points ·Enrolls two corporate members – 10 points ·Completes all 12 monthly online reports –10 points Contributions ·Club contributes $10 per member to the Kiwanis International Children’s Fund – 5 points ·Club contributes a minimum of $300 to the Women in Kiwanis fundraiser to honor a woman in Kiwanis or in your community in order to offer scholarships for Key Club and CKI –10 points ·Participates in the Sophomore of the Year scholarship – 5 points ·Club contributes $10 per member to the TO Kiwanis Foundation, or an annual gift to the Tom Duncan Memorial Fund or honors someone with a CT Bush Award or Gary Hicks Award – 10 points Bonus Points ·Sponsors a Key Club member or a CKI member to either convention or training – 10 points ·Schedules a K-Family event that includes ALL sponsored SLP’s along with Kiwanis Club – 10 points ·Assists with opening a new Kiwanis Club – 20 points ·Your club becomes the Club Coach for a new Kiwanis Club –20 points
What is the purpose of an interclub? Interclubs allow members to perpetuate the exchange of ideas throughout the Kiwanis Family so we may better serve the children of the world as well as provide an opportunity for fellowship among members of the Kiwanis Family. What is an interclub? Policy and Procedure 346 – INTERCLUB MEETINGS (1/13) An interclub meeting is one which is held by two or more Kiwanis clubs (including clubs "in formation") or by a Kiwanis club and any Builders Club, Circle K club, Key Club, Aktion Club, and K-Kids club. (10/85) (1/12) A. For clubs having a membership of twenty (20) or less members, a minimum of two (2) members in attendance will be required to constitute an interclub meeting. (4/04) B. For clubs with a membership of twenty-one (21) to thirty (30) members, a minimum of three (3) members in attendance will be required to constitute an interclub meeting. (4/04) C. For clubs with a membership of thirty-one (31) or more members, a minimum of four (4) members in attendance will be required to constitute an interclub meeting. (4/04) What is an example of an interclub? You're a member of the Kiwanis Club of Hometown, which has 20 members. You and another club member visit the Kiwanis Club of Over There, which has 30 members. After the meeting, report back to your club secretary that you have completed an interclub to be reported for the month. The club secretary of Over There will also record a completed interclub if three or more of their members were present for the meeting. You're a member of the Kiwanis Club of Our Town, which has 30 members. You visit the Kiwanis Club of Somewhere Else, which has 30 members. Because you did not have two other members from your club visit with you, your club secretary cannot report a completed interclub. The club secretary of Over There also cannot record a completed interclub.
tips | tricks | reminders
Interclubs
Month
Division
Club
Name
September
38
Seguin
Gerald Moltz
Burnet
Richard Bremer
5
San Antonio-Bexar
Robert Jones
Lockhart
Peggy McConnell
San Antonio Army Residence Community Golden K
Donald Bartlett
All listed with sympathy and memory.
"Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there has been a trail of memories." — Anonymous
In Loving Memory
Convention Resources
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Contact
July 25-27
DCON 2024
Don't miss out on getting your official convention T-shirt to commemorate Governor Patrick's 2022-2023 year! Sizes left in stock include: M, XL, and XXL Send us the size(s) and quantity you need and we will bill you accordingly. Send your order to txokdistrict@gmail.com. Each shirt is priced at $20.00.
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2023 Convention Shirt
F.L.A.G. stands for Fly, Lower, and Gather.
Past Governor Patrick Approved!
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KI Notes submissions can be emailed to txokkiwanis@gmail.com.
Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District Editor's Message Evelyn Herrera
It's that time of the year again! New leaders have taken on new roles, clubs are taking on new initiatives, and members are making moves. And if your club isn't, what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to try out new ideas and bring in new members. For your first club meeting with your board, take the time to go over Dr. Kathy Culbertson's Distinguished Club Criteria. Together, set your goals for the new year. This headstart in planning can greatly set the tone for the rest of the year. Taking the time to discuss new ideas, programs, and plans of action is sure to set your club up for success. Most importantly, as you start your journey for the new year, don't forget to share! KI Notes is a great way for clubs to exchange ideas and support one another. Are you thinking about starting a new program? Did your club come up with the perfect game plan for the year? Is your club trying out some new traditions? All of these things can inspire other clubs to join you in setting their own. Happy Kiwanis New Year to all! May this year be your best yet!