A Publication of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International
October 2024 (Issue NO. 37)
KI-NOTES
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Governor: Bobby Quinten Immediate Past Governor: Dr. Kathy Culbertson
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.
4 Governor's Message 10 Events 14 A Look at Clubs 31 ICON: Forge the Future 32 Disaster Relief Participation 34 Division 1 Council Meeting 36 Farewell Thoughts 38 In Loving Memory 39 Editor's Message
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Contents
www.txokkiwanis.org
https://twitter.com/txokkiwanis
24-25 District Officers
Editor: Evelyn Herrera District Marketing Chair: Marshall Kregel
txokdist@swbell.net
texas oklahoma district
www.facebook.com/texasoklahomakiwanis
P. O. Box 820945, North Richland Hills, TX 76182
817-640-7711
Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District Governor's Message Bobby Quinten
I am honored to serve as the 2024-25 Governor for the Mighty Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International. I am excited to work with all Kiwanians across our two great states to meet the needs of children and make their world a better place. Children’s needs are many. Food insecurity, illiteracy, bullying, cyber safety, loneliness, low self-esteem, and physical abuse are just a few of the challenges that too many children face every day. As Kiwanians, we commit to doing all we can to ease those needs in our communities. We voluntarily give our time, resources, and money so a child can live a little better today than they did yesterday. While the bulk of our work is accomplished in local towns and school districts, Kiwanians proudly support a global organization that improves children’s lives around the world. After all, every Kiwanis Club belongs to Kiwanis International. Every Kiwanian has colleagues in 84 countries. Across the Earth, every Kiwanis Club member wears the iconic K, pays international dues, and serves according to the same six Objects of Kiwanis. Think about it. A child you will never meet, living in a country you may never visit, receives care because you chose to be a Kiwanian! You and I serve in a massive planetary army with a mutual mission for kids, no matter where they live or what language they speak or what religion they believe. May Kiwanians and Kiwanis Clubs never lose their international perspective while they toil diligently in their own backyards! Here in the Mighty T-O District, there are exciting plans underway to increase our capabilities and competencies to help children and families in need. We will plant new Kiwanis Clubs and new Service Leadership Programs. We will strengthen our existing clubs through increased community engagement and robust partnerships. We will develop new leaders in our clubs and in the schools we support. Our District Service Project will provide disaster recovery backpacks throughout our District for use in times of trouble. The Governor’s Project encourages the celebration of high school graduates with special needs. We continue to support Women in Kiwanis, the F.L.A.G. Program, and the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. There is so much we can do together this year! Those plans can be accomplished only through your altruistic service, your sacrifice of time and energy, and your active concern for children. This district will flourish because you raise funds, discover needs, build relationships, and give your heart and hands for service. Kiwanis will spread because you make phone calls, send e-mails, create connections, knock on doors, and plant the K wherever residents want better for their kids. Together, let us build a stronger district where more volunteers serve more children in more ways in more communities, making their world a better place. Thank you for joining me on this journey! Bobby Quinten TX-OK Kiwanis Governor
KI Recognition Program
CLE Training
2024-25 DISTINGUISHED CLUB CRITERIA TEXAS-OKLAHOMA DISTRICT OF KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL DISTINGUISHED CLUB AWARD • Achieve a minimum 100 of 150 points in the attached 2024-25 Kiwanis International Recognition Program matrix. • Sit in good financial standing with Kiwanis International and the TX-OK District. • Sit at charter strength on 9/30/2025 (15 or more members). THE MIGHTY T-O DISTINGUISHED CLUB AWARD Any club of any size must meet these requirements to become a Mighty T-O Distinguished Club. • Complete Youth Protection Guidelines training with no expired KI background checks at year end. • Every officer must complete annual CLE training. • Achieve a net membership increase of +1 or more year over year. • Donate $10 per member to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. • Participate in the Districtwide Service Project on Disaster Relief. • Complete the Governor’s Project celebrating graduates with special needs.
Youth Protection Training
Background Check
Kiwanis Children's Fund
Criteria Quick Links
Disaster Relief
Start checking things off your list by exploring the links below.
Governor Bobby Appoints New Administrator and Leadership Team for Key Club 2024-2025
Corey Nieman is the new Key Club Administrator for the Texas-Oklahoma District. Corey is a former high school teacher and Key Club Faculty Sponsor who now works for The College Board. Corey served the last two years as Assistant District Administrator to Adrian, so Mr. Nieman is well known to the Key Clubs and Regional Advisors. Corey is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Mansfield TX. His email address is is coreynieman.keyclub@gmail.com. Kelly Poland is the new Key Club Financial Administrator for the Texas-Oklahoma District. Kelly fills a role that has been vacant. She is providing all accounting and financial reconciliation services for our Key Club. Kelly has been actively involved with Key Club for many years previously. She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jones OK and a Key Club Advisor. Her email address is kjpoland128@gmail.com. Susan Hennum is the new Key Club LEDCON Coordinator. Susan will be providing the same amazing coordination to LEDCON that she gives to our District Conventions. She will work with the Administrators and Regional Advisors to craft a reasonable LEDCON budget and then monitor our expenditures to ensure we stay on track. Susan will be instrumental in making sure we have a smooth, impactful, and financially sound LEDCON in Denton this April for the students. Susan also is a Past Governor, the current Public Relations Chair for the District, and a member of the Northeast Dallas County Kiwanis Club. Her email address is susan.hennum@hotmail.com. Crystal Yates is the new Assistant Treasurer for the Texas-Oklahoma District. She supports our District Treasurer Kameron Klement. In that role, Crystal is receiving checks for LEDCON registrations and sponsorships from students and clubs. She will deposit into our Key Club account at Frost Bank and then report them to Kelly for accounting. Crystal works for a local accounting firm and is the Club Treasurer for the Kiwanis Club of Mansfield TX. Her e-mail address is Crystal143yates@gmail.com, and her mailing address for sponsorship and registration checks is 4210 Lone Oak Drive, Mansfield TX, 76063.
Visit TX-OK Kiwanis Key Club Website
Key Club 2024-2025
OUR DISTRICT KIWANIS TEXAS-OKLAHOMA DISTRICT
Join the South OKC Kiwanis 1st Annual Car Show Oct. 19 for a day filled with classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles at the VFW Post 9265. Whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this event is perfect for all ages. Come see some amazing vehicles, meet fellow car lovers, and enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Join in on the fundraiser for Kiwanis of Lufkin to help the youth of Angelina County is being hosted October 21st at Neches Pines Golf Course.
Texas Tailgates
When you think of fall, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Cooler weather? Changing of the leaves? The return of the pumpkin spice latte? Well, if you’re from Texas, you probably think a lot about football season! In the fall of 2023, Amanda Hodgson and I were attending our friend Ross Wallace’s tailgate in Austin when he told us about his plans to retire and move to Lisbon, Portugal. Ross had been running this tailgate of friends and Longhorn fans, mostly members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, since 2012, and before he’d taken over, it was organized by a handful or rotating organizers since the early 1990s. For over 10 years the tailgate organizers have partnered with the Texas Exes Pride Alumni Network (an organization I’ve been involved with since 2011 and led for over 5 years) to get more alumni involved as well. This tailgate and the group of people who have participated in or helped sustain it was a little piece of Autin and UT history that would have been a shame to lose. Amanda saw an opportunity - why couldn’t this be taken up as a Kiwanis project to continue to create an inclusive tailgating space for the community and a way to broaden the visibility and reach of our small Kiwanis club? Ross loved the idea and agreed to donate all of his tailgate supplies including but not limited to: ice chests, canopies, a high-quality generator, tailgater satellite dish and receiver, camp chairs, trash bins, and more - all totalling over $2000 in equipment. I took the idea to the board and promised that we could find the volunteer support to run the tailgates if the board was willing to make the initial investment of $1400 to secure our spaces for the season (each parking space is $100/game). After some debate and consideration, we had a decision - the board would allocate $4000 towards the project to cover the satellite service, space reservations, food, additional equipment and consumable supplies as long as a service component was added to each tailgate! With all of this history in mind, the tailgate committee excitedly announced that the first nonprofit beneficiary of our first tailgate would be Out Youth, a counseling and resource center that offers youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities a place where they are loved, acknowledged, and accepted for exactly who they are. In late July they experienced a catastrophic water leak that shut down their youth drop-in center. At our first tailgate we collected $255 in donations and our club matched that to provide $510 to Out Youth’s rebuilding fund. We made 60 hot dogs for our tailgaters and visitors; attendees also enjoyed free water and chips. Our second tailgate beneficiary continued our club’s existing partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, which we just call “The House” for short. Donations received at the second tailgate provided funds for the quarterly brunches that members of our club prepare at RMHC for families residing at the house while their children are receiving treatment at the adjacent Dell Children’s Medical Center. At this tailgate we also started up a new mini-project - collecting pop tabs that can be donated to RMHC! The value of the tabs, once they’re recycled by RMHC’s partner, is also matched. There are a lot of aluminum tabs to be found at a tailgate, so members of the CKI Club of The University of Texas at Austin distributed collection boxes to the neighboring tailgaters and asked that the boxes be dropped off when they finished tailgating or the boxes were collected towards the end of the game. The heat must have kept people home for this game, because we only distributed 36 hot dogs and had fewer visitors. $193 was collected that week, which should be enough for the club to cover about 60 meals over two visits at “The House.” The third tailgate set a new fundraising record - $413 was raised for UT CKI as members sold bracelets for Threads of Hope! For this fundraiser, the profits of the bracelets were split, so 50% goes back to the communities in the Philippines who make the bracelets and the other 50% goes towards the club’s fundraising goal for the international Brick x Brick initiative, a partnership with UNICEF. Combined with general donations, this meant $120 went to the Philippines, $120 to UNICEF, and $173 was retained for the club to invest in their own projects or to assist members in attending leadership development events like Fall Retreat, District Convention, and International Convention. Our fourth tailgate fundraising was directed toward the 5 Key Clubs that our club sponsors. We raised $115 to support their leadership development at events like the district’s annual Leadership Education and Development Conference (LEDCON). The UT CKI members returned as well and sold bracelets again resulting in another $89 for both Threads of Hope and UNICEF. Longtime tailgaters and new friends to Kiwanis, Mike and Tony, volunteered to grill chicken fajitas, and prepared beans, chips & queso, and all of the fixings. We’ve learned a lot about the logistics of successfully running an event outdoors, building checklists so that everyone knows what inventory we need and the sequence of how we put everything together, how to pack and repack quickly and efficiently, and many of us have grown closer as a dedicated group of Kiwanians and friends who are excited to have some fun and raise money for the groups that our club cares about. We’re a little over halfway through our tailgate season and we have much more to look forward to. I can’t wait to tell you more in a future issue of the Ki-Notes. The Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills hosts their football tailgates and watch parties for all home games at the Southeast corner of MLK Jr. Blvd. and San Jacinto Blvd - 1900 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78712. The event officially starts three hours before kickoff. Guests and visitors are always invited and welcome to attend.
Service project spotlight
Tailgating to Make a Difference Submitted by John Cano, Club Secretary, Kiwanis Club of Silicon Hills
Kiwanis club of Greater Abilene presents $15,000 and $10,000 grants.
Supporting The Abilene Heritage Square Project Featuring The Fort Worth Kiwanis CLub
Creating massive impact one project at a time.
A Look at Clubs
President David Sivley presented an oversized check in the amount of $15,000 to Jane Beard, President for the Abilene Heritage Square (AHS) Project. Jane said, “You are investing in the future of our community and the children of our community, and we’re very, very grateful. The Heritage Square Project expands beyond simply restoring a piece of Abilene’s history. The project’s goal is to be a beacon of extended education and opportunities across the Big Country. The whole purpose of the AHS project is to inspire everyone who lives in our region as we draw from a 65-county area, schoolchildren coming into Abilene for educational enrichment.” President David asked Justin Whiteley and Paul Wallace to come forward and presented them with a BIG check in the amount of $10,000 payable to Communities in Schools (CIS). Justin thanked the club and said, “We just completed the first six weeks of school and were able to provide several children with glasses so they can read the board. Children need every opportunity to succeed.” Paul thanked Kiwanis for helping CIS reach students in our community. CIS has grown from six to 22 campuses over the past several years. CIS helps students succeed by connecting them with the resources they need to thrive in school and life.
Greater Abilene Kiwanian Joe Marshall turned 99 years old on September 12th. He has been a Kiwanian for 67 years and is a Past Governor of the Texas-Oklahoma District. Joe is a retired professor from Abilene Christian University and is the Past President from 1975-76, Board Member of our club, and Lt. Governor of Division 35 during 1979-80, and TX-OK District Trustee-Region 6. His awards include Past Distinguished Governor of TX/OK District, Tablet of Honor recipient, Walter Zeller Fellowship Award, George F. Hixson Award, C.T. Bush Award, and the Joe Marshall Kiwanian of the Year award, which is named after him. He is also a past Layperson of the Year. Congrats to Joe!
Kiwanis Services Foundation Featuring The Fort Worth Kiwanis CLub
Kiwanis Club of Athens, Texas Constitution Day Submitted by John Edgington
September 18 was indeed a special day for the Kiwanis Club of Abilene, as Governor Kathy Culbertson not only presented the program but also assisted President-Elect Guy Lucas as he recognized six women for their impact on the success of the Kiwanis Club of Abilene. Governor Susan Hennum started the Women in Kiwanis Assistance Fund in 2011-2012 to commemorate 25 years of Women in Kiwanis. The fund is held within the Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation to provide scholarships to students in Key Club and CKI to attend leadership development and training conferences. As Governor-elect in 2022, Dr. Kathy Culbertson chose to prioritize expanding the Women in Kiwanis fund to ensure more students have access to opportunities to grow as leaders and commemorate 35 years of Women in Kiwanis. Donating to the fund is the perfect way to support young leaders in the district and recognize the women in our Kiwanis club’s and division! Each recipient was presented with a red flamed trophy and a Women in Kiwanis shirt.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene HAPPY 99TH BIRTHDAY JOE MARSHALL! Submitted by Lyndel Cook
In honor of Constitution Day, September 17, 2024, the Kiwanis Club of Athens, Texas, provided each high school senior at Athens High School with a personalized copy of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States of America. Pictured, L-R: John Edgington, Kiwanis Club; Cade Jones, Athens High School; Dan Hunt, Kiwanis Club
Kiwanis Club of Seguin Outstanding Members Submitted by Kellie Wooten
GEORGE F. HIXSON AWARDED TO TWO KIWANIANS Featuring The Greater Abilene Kiwanis Club
Kiwanis Club of Mineola Iron Horse Festival Submitted by Joyce Curry
Iron Horse Festival is a celebration of Mineola, Texas' history with the train. Mineola was a big stop for train crews who lived in the city and is proud that Amtrac stops twice a day. The festival draws thousands of people in September of every year, and Mineola Kiwanis uses the opportunity to set up a booth and talk about Kiwanis while selling flag subscriptions. Pictured are Misty Hooks, Kiwanis President Elect; Sam Curry, President; and Joyce Curry, Secretary.
Past George F. Hixson Fellowship Award winner Gail Jay read the history behind the Hixson Fellowship Award. Gail gave a brief history about the two members. These members have a 50-year combined service record in Kiwanis. That’s a half century of serving children. To be factual, it is longer than that, since one member has been helping serve at Kiwanis functions since his youth. Both members have served in several of the same capacities. They were Club Past President, President, President-Elect, Board Member, Foundation Past President, Foundation President, and Chair of the Ratliff Scholarship Committee. The first and longest serving member has been a Kiwanian for 34 years as of yesterday! Besides the offices mentioned, he served as a member of the Annual Golf Tournament Committee for several years. In addition, he stepped in to fill the vacancy as President-Elect and served a second term as President and Past President, along with his duties to the Foundation as President after his second term as Club President. He also served as Lt. Governor for Division 35. Gail asked Steven Leggett to come forward and be recognized. Steven was presented with his Hixson medallion, pin, and shadow box award. (Top photo) His family, wife Pat—a Kiwanian—and son Jonathan joined him at the podium for pictures. The next recipient has been a Kiwanian since 2008. He grew up attending Kiwanis meetings with his dad. During his youth, he attended and worked Chili Day. He has held the same offices as Steven: Club Past President, President, President-Elect, Board Member, Foundation Past President, Foundation President, and Chair of the Ratliff Scholarship Committee. In addition, he served as Vice President and as Club Treasurer for several years. He served as Chair of Chili Day, Team Leader for Chili Cooks, Member of Community Services & Youth Services Committees, Member of AG Committee, and Ratliff Scholarship Selection Committee. He was co-chair, chair, and active member of the Golf Committee for the past several years and served as program committee chair. Gail asked Scott South to come forward and presented him with his Hixson medallion, pin, and shadow box award. (Bottom photo) His family, wife Allison and daughter Chaynee, joined him at the podium for pictures. Congratulations to these two very deserving members!
The Kiwanis Club of Seguin would like to take a moment to acknowledge two of our long-standing members who are now both in their 90's. Ed Englehardt turned 93 in March, and Henry Hill just turned 90 last month. These two members have seen many growths and changes to our club over the years and have contributed countless hours of service to our community. Our club was established in 1956, and Ed joined the following year. Ed now has 65 years of perfect attendance in the club and is a lifetime member. Henry joined in 1971 and has 21 years of perfect attendance. They both have served as club president and have served on the board of directors' numerous times. Our club is honored to have these two for so many years and is grateful for all they have helped with over the years. They are pictured (left) Henry Hill and (right) Ed Engelhardt.
Old Timer's Day Featuring The Jones Kiwanis Club
Mike Barham was presented the “Legend of Honor” for 30 years as a Kiwanian with the Kiwanis Club of Weatherford, TX, by James Loiacano, who brought him into the club on September 12, 2024.
Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville Club Park Project Submitted by Molly Loughmiller
Kiwanis Club of Weatherford TX Legend of Honor Submitted by Shawn Loiacano
Club Members Crystal Bateman and Britain McKinney always have big visions. Their last vision was the Kiwanis of Jacksonville Annual Shootout, which has carried on for 10+ years, raising over $200k in community service funds. If you want something done, having these ladies on your team is your best bet! This time we are looking towards adding park fitness equipment to a local park. The Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville has partnered with Kiwanis International, Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Jacksonville. With these partnerships, we are hoping to purchase the park equipment through the city, costing around 70k-78k. Our club will maintain the equipment to ensure it is presentable, and the city will partner with us to ensure it remains safe. If you haven’t already looked into Kiwanis Grants for projects such as this, it would be well worth your time! With the help of all three organizations and the City of Jacksonville, we hope to bring park equipment that will contribute to or communities health.
Nestled in a horseshoe bend of the North Canadian river, Jones, Oklahoma, a small town of 3000 people celebrated Old Timer’s Day, October 5. The Jones Kiwanis Club proudly sponsored, coordinated, and participated in this great day of fun. Bouncey houses, candy, a bake sale, books from the local library, face painting, and various school clubs, including the Key Club and Builder’s Club, all joined to make the day great. A stage was filled as elementary students sang, alumni brothers and sisters entertained, and a group of four high school students rocked. The day of beautiful weather was capped by a parade of police cars, fire trucks, floats, bikes, horses, the high school marching band, and more. The streets were lined with kids and their families cheering and waving, waiting excitedly for candy to be thrown. Former Mayor of 4 decades and current co-secretary of the Jones Kiwanis Club, Bill Hoag, was chosen to lead the parade as the Parade Marshal. Community service can be a multitude of things, but today, a day where fun was had by all ages, is a perfect example of a small town coming together, led by the Jones Kiwanis Club to celebrate and live our best life. We are changing the world, one child and one COMMUNITY at a time.
On 26 September 2024, the Greenville Golden Kiwanis (GGK) ramp crew installed GGK ramp number 500. The ramp-building effort, in concert with the Texas Ramp Project (TRP), started in January 2010. This has been a longstanding and highly impactful service project in the Greenville community. The club is elated to have constructed over 500 ramps for people in need. It is thanks to every volunteer builder that this feat was made possible. Two volunteer ramp crew members in particular, now retired for health reasons, Cliff Riggins, saw operator, and Tom McAllister, team leader, started the ramp building and were on hand to participate in this milestone event. It is estimated that these two gentleman were involved in over 450 ramp builds. They also did a superb job in training their replacements to keep this valuable group capability going. The Ramp 500 crew of nine folks at the start and the two retired ramp builders began this milestone event with a photo. Left to right, Tom Davis, Peter Vanhorn, Chip Cole, Barry Gluck, Team Leader Will Reese; in the rear, David Jolly, Tom McAllister, Cliff Riggins; on top, Paul Nall, Paul Jenkins, and Ken Leonard. A late arrival, Jim Ward, is not shown. The value of a ramp is eloquently described in the note on the left from a satisfied client. Members of the family and caregivers also benefit when a client has a ramp. The Greenville Golden Kiwanis has touched lots of folks by installing a free, safe ramp, 500 times and still counting!
500 Ramps
Featuring Greenville Golden Kiwanis
Greenville Golden Kiwanis Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award Submitted by Pat Bowman
KIWANIS Club OF HOLLY LAKE RANCH, BIG SANDY FLAG FOLDING EVENT Submitted by Michael Laurel
As part of the Kiwanis International project, “Sophomore of the Year,” Division One Kiwanis honored a sophomore from Aledo High School. Tatum Bagley was selected by her school and the Weatherford TX, Kiwanis club. She received two scholarships, one from TX-OK District of Kiwanis International and one from Division One of TX-OK District. In the first picture is Tatum with Dad (Christian), Mom (Robin), and Lt. Gov. Doc Adams. Pictured second are Lt. Governor Walter (Doc) Adams and Tatum Bagley.
Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy volunteers joined other local groups to fold U.S. flags that are to be retired in a special ceremony at the Ranch on November 1st. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will officiate the proper disposal of the retired U.S. flags. Fifteen Kiwanis members, along with volunteers from the Texas Piney Woods Veterans Association (TPWVA), DAR, ETX AMBUCS, and other volunteers, participated in the flag folding event. After a brief demonstration on the proper way to fold a U.S. flag, the volunteers got to work and folded and boxed up more than 400 flags in just a few hours. Even though the flags were soiled, frayed, and faded, all the flags were treated with dignity and respect. In addition to the U.S. flags, there were also a few Texas flags, law enforcement flags, MIA flags, and more. Most of the flags are those that have been taken out of service from the Kiwanis club’s American Flag program, while others came from the flag disposal drop box at the Holly Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy, are proud to work with DAR to properly retire these symbols of freedom in accordance with American Legion resolutions passed in 1937.
At the September annual Greenville Golden Kiwanis (GGK) Officer Installation Banquet, ten members of the Greenville Lakes Regional Aktion Club (Adults with Disabilities) and two GGK/LR Advisors were presented with the Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) as each member contributed over 100 volunteer service hours to the Greenville community. Each award consists of a certificate from the Points of Light Foundation, a bronze medal, and a personal letter from the President of the United States thanking them for their service and encouraging them to continue to volunteer, making the world a better place. In addition, the Greenville Lakes Regional Aktion Club with 18 members received a Gold PVSA group award for providing 2,461 hours of voluntary service to the community. The volunteer efforts include working with the local FISH ministries on the Marginally At-Risk Kids (MARK) Program (during the school year, both packing the food bags and delivering them to the Greenville schools for distribution to the needy students). The club also has a flag route for the Daybreak Rotary (deploys/recovers (6 times a year)/repairs flags). Other volunteer efforts include supporting the Greenville Police Department Summer Kids Program, the Tools for School Program, Salvation Army red kettle support, assembling coloring books for the Hunt County Fair, which are distributed to all grade schools to increase attendance at the fair, Halloween on the Square, Keep Greenville Beautiful trash-off efforts, and other tasks requested by numerous organizations/clubs/activities.
Kiwanis Club of Weatherford TX Supporting Women Submitted by Shawn Loiacano
At the last DCM for 2023-2024, Governor Kathy Culbertson was presented with the “Workhorse of the Year Award“ by the Kiwanis Club of Weatherford, TX., by James Loiacano. Later, Governor Kathy Culbertson presented Mary Collins with a “WIK Award” from Ft. Worth Kiwanis and Weatherford TX Kiwanis clubs. Mary is a member of both clubs.
Plano Kiwanis Club Plano Balloon Festival 2024 Submitted by Jeanette Kelley
Pecan Valley Kiwanis Club Ramp Build Submitted by Deborah Price
Kiwanis Club of Brownwood School Supply Drive Submitted by Jessica Hardy
Once again, Plano Kiwanis was excited to be part of Plano's premier summer festival: the Plano Balloon Festival 2024. We staffed Gate #3 on Friday and Saturday, so it was an "all hands on deck" event. Our CKI students were allocated out to the other gates as needed. We are most grateful for students from Key Clubs bringing needed expertise plus a youthful joy and downright fun attitude. Plano Kiwanis shares any donations received from the festival with Key Club and CKI. These groups are a high priority for us as they develop their own activities throughout the year. Additional funds may be available to help with their service projects under a proposed "Student-Driven Service" program.
The Kiwanis Club of Brownwood recently began a new community outreach effort to support more local foundations. The Community Outreach Committee, chaired by club secretary Jessica Hardy, coordinated a school supply drive over a three-month period from July to September. Kiwanis Club members and other organizations like Salvation Army donated items needed by local students at weekly meetings to reach a combined effort of close to 100 backpacks, hundreds of pens and pencils, crayons, glue, composition notebooks, water bottles, rulers, and other items. “Our Kiwanians are also teachers, parents, and grandparents, and they understand that kids have needs year-round, not just at the start of school,” said Jessica Hardy, committee chair. “We know the Brownwood ISD will make use of these items and get them distributed to the students who need them most.” The committee plans to rotate each quarter and is now collecting winter clothing items to be donated in January 2025 to local nonprofits.
The city of Stilwell was chosen for the Municipal Innovations Award for communities with a population of under 5,000. Fletcher Park was a project that started as an idea by the Fletcher family as a tribute to the late Jack and Margaret Fletcher, longtime residents and business owners. The idea came to life when Kiwanis member Robert St. Pierre heard the idea and began seeking funding for the project. The land was donated to the City of Stilwell with the condition it would be a park and be named Fletcher Park. The Kiwanis would coordinate the building of the park and funding. The City of Stilwell would be responsible for the maintenance after completion. The park has a water fountain, playground, picnic area, and brick memorial walk that was created by the Stilwell Chamber of Commerce by selling memorial bricks to honor loved ones. The creation of Fletcher Park was a labor of love that started as one idea in the minds of a few individuals. A plaque hangs in the park to honor the Fletcher family, dating back to 1859. The Stilwell Kiwanis Club took on the project of designing and building the park as their service project. Along with the generous donation, the hard work of a lot of people made that one idea become a reality. Today the park is enjoyed by hundreds. It has been a part of weddings, adoptions, pictures for prom, and senior pictures. You drive by at noon and see people eating in the picnic area, kids playing on the playground, and folks sitting around the fountain. Stilwell is proud to have the Fletcher Park, and the Stilwell Kiwanis were honored to be a part of the idea becoming real. The Municipal Innovations Award is to recognize cities and towns for their innovative ideas.
The Mcloud Intermediate K-Kids always do a lot of projects around the community and specifically projects that impact our senior citizens, veterans, and youth. This past school year they proposed to add a flagpole, pooper scoopers with bags, additional shading at the play area, and benches closer to the pond area in the new section and south entrance. The biggest project was a new flagpole to display the U.S. flag at the south entrance. Their spring projects supplemented projects the City of Mcloud was already doing to the new section of Vetran’s Park and the Lawrence Wahpepah Walking Trail. The K-Kids worked with Bancfirst, City of McLoud, Friends of the Park, and specifically Roger White, aka. Pop Roger, as they set forth to complete their portions of the project and to get a proper flagpole. The Pottawatomie BancFirst branches give grants to school organizations for their club projects, and the K-Kids completed the grant paperwork and submitted it to the bank. K-Kids projects were chosen to receive one of the bank grants. For the flagpole project, Roger White donated the pole, rigging unit, and placement services of the pole. Students sanded, prepped, and painted the pole. Roger White was pleased and impressed with the efficiency of the crew. McLoud Kiwanis and Heartland Trustee Paul Heinz donated the solar panel lighting unit and the flag. McLoud Hardware donated the paint and supplies. Mrs. Alona Buchanan, intermediate teacher and sponsor for K-Kids, along with K-Kids President Chase Hatchel and Treasurer Braxton Fox, went before the McLoud Oklahoma City Council to discuss partnering on the community project for a new flagpole at the park. K-Kid President Chase Hatchell did an amazing job presenting their project and addressing the McLoud City Council and requesting permission to place the flagpole at the park; the request was approved. Mrs. Buchanan encourages the K-Kids to dream big about projects that help the community and to find meaningful, lasting projects. With her guidance, they are rapidly the leaders of the future!
Kiwanis Club Of Stilwell Municipal Innovations Award Submitted by Tracy Sims
Kiwanis Club Of McLoud McLoud Intermediate K-Kids Working For a Better McLoud Submitted by Paul Heinz
When our club first heard about the Women in Kiwanis award, we thought, “There is one woman who stands out the most in our club... Judy, of course." Now you may ask... what makes Judy so special as a member? Judy Batton, a Kiwanis member for 32 years, has served as our president—the first female in the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club to hold the position. The Jacksonville Kiwanis Club did not admit its first female member – Ruby Lee Stevens—until 1992. Judy, who joined in March of the same year, was the second woman to join. She currently serves as secretary-treasurer, a position she’s held since 1999. She has volunteered for a number of events, including the annual shootout fundraiser and the Kiwanis auction that preceded the shootout as our club’s major fundraiser, rodeo concessions, and the Kiwanis One-Day event. Judy has served on more boards than you can count and continues to show her leadership not only in the Jacksonville community but in the Kiwanis family as well. She is someone our club looks up to, and we hope we can carry out the Kiwanis legacy as great as she has!
June 2025 may seem far in the future, but we’ll be packing our bags for the next International Convention before you know it! Pittsburgh is a big city (roughly 58 square miles), so there’s a lot to see. Here are a few ideas to jumpstart your trip planning. - The Andy Warhol Museum - The Car & Carriage Museum - Heinz History Center, which includes an extensive sports section as well as an exhibit dedicated to Mr. Rogers - Tours such as ‘Burgh Bits & Bites, Molly’s Trolleys Pittsburgh, and the Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise - Frank Llyod Wright’s homes, which you can visit on Wednesday that week through a special Kiwanis tour Check out visitpittsburgh.com/plan-your-trip/newsletter-signup to enroll in a monthly newsletter so you’ll know everything there is to see by the time we’re rolling into town. This website also has more information about the opportunities listed above and countless other suggestions.
Kiwanis Club of Mineola Ruby K Award Submitted by Joyce Curry
Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville Presenting WIK to Judy Batton Submitted by Molly Loughmiller
Sam Curry, Past T-O Governor, recently received the Ruby K award at the Mineola Kiwanis installation of officers. This award is given to a Kiwanis member who brings into a club 5-100 members in one year. Sam had six members in the 2023-2024 year. According to Kiwanis International records, Sam has welcomed seventy-five new members in the past twelve years. In addition, he is the charter president and only remaining charter member of the Mineola Kiwanis Club, which will be fifty years old this year. Sam helped Past International President Aubry Erbry of Tyler charter the club. In addition, Sam helped charter a club in Winnsboro, Texas, and is currently working on one in Grand Saline, Texas. Sam jokes that he is president every 25 years and is the 2024-2025 president. (Presenting the pin is outgoing Mineola president, Brian Jones.)
Choose a part of the program that excites the members of your Kiwanis club. There are so many parts to the Disaster Relief program. The Texas Oklahoma District has run a successful Disaster Relief program for over 12 years (since the Joplin, Missouri, tornado in 2011). Since this time, the TX OK District has delivered over 2500 backpacks and 5 million dollars in aid and supplies to people in need. Contact TxOkDistrict@gmail.com for more information or a request for a Zoom meeting. Fundraise for supplies to fill disaster relief packs. It takes about 30.00 dollars to fill a men’s or women’s adult pack. The empty pack costs about $8.00 to print and deliver in bulk. Empty packs can be purchased from the district at cost. Collect supplies for flood buckets. Flood buckets are 5-gallon buckets with a lid for easy storage that carry cleaning supplies to use in homes that have had standing water from floods. Includes masks and gloves plus bleach and various soaps. Major box stores sometimes donate the large 5-gallon buckets. Be sure to provide them with community exposure for their kindness. Build and store backpacks. Locate a climate-controlled facility to store your assembled kits. The deodorants, toothpastes, lip balm, bars of soap, and other toiletries are susceptible to heat and must be protected during the summer months. We have supply lists for backpacks and for flood buckets. Organize the community to participate in collecting supplies for backpacks or flood buckets. Set up collection points around town and advertise through the paper, community Facebook pages, chamber of commerce, club Facebook page, and Instagram account; check out your local radio station and see if they would make some free announcements about the program. Delivery drivers are needed for backpacks and supplies across regional boundaries. This usually requires a pickup truck or trailer being available. Collect boxes of supplies for women’s shelters and homeless shelters. Or participate in gifts or supplies for foster children or the families that care for them. You can enlist members of your SLP programs to help. Help stock a local food pantry or start a food pantry in a local school. Food insecurity is a major problem in school districts around the 2 states. It is a worthy program all by itself but can certainly be part of a larger program. Partner with a local FEMA CERT program to deliver supplies in a natural disaster. A CERT is a Community Emergency Response Team. Most large towns have CERT programs. Contact your local firehouse and ask them if they support a local CERT program. If not, then advertise in all local media that the Kiwanis club is looking for volunteers to help build a local disaster relief program. You may find many new members this way. Establish partnerships with other area agencies or non-profits to team together to respond to disasters. This is not only weather-related but also fire-related. Your club can build disaster kits for the local firehouse to deliver to families that have lost their home or apartment in a fire. Travel to all the different clubs in your division and share the program with them. Then, as a group, divvy up the responsibilities and build a supply base or backpack program to help during local or regional disasters. Plan classes for adults and older kids in CPR and Stop the Bleed programs. Enlist nurses and paramedics to participate. Arrange with a local hospital for a classroom or use a classroom at the local firehouse, chamber of commerce, or even a local school classroom. Teaching people how to save a life helps everyone in a community. Ask your club members to also take these same classes. Age doesn’t matter. Everyone can participate. Contact the district Partnership Chair, Chris Bunkoff, for ideas on engaging community partners to support your efforts at cdbunkoff@gmail.com. Contact the District Disaster Relief Team for assistance or for registering your club with the program at TxOkDistrict@gmail.com. Registering your club disaster relief efforts allows the district to support your efforts with a local marketing program.
Levels of Participation in the Tx Ok Kiwanis District Disaster Relief Program
Division 1 Council Meeting
These resolutions were presented by the Weatherford, TX, Kiwanis Club to Governor Kathy Culbertson and Lt. Govenor Walter "Doc" Adams at the last Division Council Meeting for 2023 - 2024.
Presented to the Members of Division One on September 12, 2024
RESOLUTION 1 APPRECIATION FOR GOVERNOR KATHY CULBERTSON WHEREAS, Governor Kathy Culbertson has dedicated and worked tirelessly to improve and grow our District, AND WHEREAS, Governor Kathy Culbertson has traveled extensively across these two great states to share her wisdom and enthusiasm for Kiwanis, AND WHEREAS, we have enjoyed the outstanding leadership and direction of Governor Kathy, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that DIVISION ONE of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International is thankful to Governor Kathy and First Gentleman Les, for their strength and their encouragement in every part of our organization. RESOLUTION 2 APPRECIATION FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR WALTER “DOC” ADAMS WHEREAS, Lt. Governor “Doc” Adams has been an energetic, enthusiastic and devoted Kiwanian for many years, AND WHEREAS, Lt. Governor “Doc” Adams has served in many offices and positions in his local club, AND WHEREAS, “Doc” has done an outstanding job serving as our Lieutenant Governor for the past three years, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Division One of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International is thankful to Lt. Governor Walter “Doc” Adams for his time, strength, encouragement and leadership.
What an amazing year you have offered me as your governor, as I have focused primarily on strengthening existing clubs! I have traveled many miles throughout Texas and Oklahoma and visited many Kiwanis clubs as well as CKI and Key Club events. Since no two clubs are alike, YOU have made my visits enjoyable, enlightening, and energizing. You have offered me trips to baseball games, trail rides, miniature golf, bicycle rides, tours of your cities, car shows, golf tournaments, talent shows, train rides, and the festivities along the Riverwalk in San Antonio! You have included me in your strawberry festivals, your blackberry festivals, and your peach festivals. You have tempted me with delicious food, catered as well as prepared to my own personal preferences. You have truly included me in everything you have done! But the best part of my year has been getting to know YOU and forging even stronger friendships with each of you. At every club visit, I have praised you for the impact you have made in your communities. I have shared ideas that will grow our membership among the clubs, increase fundraising opportunities, and offer activities to increase fun and fellowship. And I have encouraged you to support our "children," our SLPs. Many of you have multiple Key Clubs that you sponsor. Some of you have “children” in every category: K-Kids, Builders Clubs, Key Clubs, Circle K International, and our Aktion Clubs. If you don’t, I challenge you to expand your influence to all grade levels in our public and private schools. Yes, our children need us, but more importantly, we need to become mentors to our children. YOU are the reason Kiwanis is so special; YOU are the reason each of our Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis District clubs is unique; and YOU set the sweet, welcoming atmosphere every time I have dropped by. As my term closes, I encourage you to support Governor Bobby as you have supported me. His personal mission statement should resonate with each of us in a way that pushes us onward: to build a stronger district where more volunteers serve more children in more ways in more communities, making their world a better place. His key performance indicators that jump out at me are: 1. Number of new club openings in ’24-’25: 15 2. Number of club closures in ’24-’25: 0 3. Number of vacant Lieutenant Governor positions: 0 4. Number of “orphaned” SLPs: 0 5. Number of clubs without at least 1 SLP: 0 If we just address these listed indicators above, the Mighty T-O District will truly return to its “mighty” status. And with each of us rolling up our sleeves and getting to work, we can ensure Governor Bobby reaches his standards. When I shattered my shoulder Christmas Eve morning and had to have total reverse shoulder replacement, I offered my resignation to the District Leadership Team, knowing that it would take me about a year to fully recover. Instead of accepting my resignation, the district overwhelmingly supported me to continue as your governor. Therefore, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the amazing support I have received throughout the year. Thank you, staff, for your constant support and encouragement. Laura Arnhart, Al Richard, Kameron Klement, Marshall Kregel, and Susan Hennum, please know I could not have functioned without you. Board of Trustees, you are truly amazing! Thank you for serving and letting your hearts be the guiding factor. I appreciate the seriousness by which you represent our governing body. Long Range Planning Committee, spearheaded by Claude Cunningham, thank you for strengthening the measure by which we continue to move forward. You have put together a very important document to help us become stronger and a force felt within each of our communities. District Committee Chairs, thank you for agreeing to serve and guide us in our mission statement, “... improving the world one child and one community at a time.” Your hearts shine through in everything you do, as you serve with passion and compassion. Tere Feller, Denise Deason-Toyne, Joe Mack, the Tahlequah and Stilwell Kiwanis Clubs, and the Cherokee Nation, you truly offered the T-O District a convention to remember! What amazing keynote speakers, forums, facilities, and meals! Everyone who attended praised your outstanding offerings. And, lastly and most important, YOU, the individual Kiwanis member throughout the Mighty Texas-Oklahoma District... I know I cannot name each of you individually, but I know your support and influence played a huge factor in my life this year. You have impacted my life, and I will carry you in my heart for the remainder of my life. I leave the district in very capable hands. Let’s all jump onboard and actively pursue the direction in which Governor Bobby asks us to focus. Hugs to each of you, Kathy Culbertson
Farewell Thoughts Immediate Past Governor Dr. Kathy Culbertson Dr. Kathy Culbertson
KI Notes submissions can be emailed to txokkiwanis@gmail.com.
In Loving Memory
Month
Division
Club
Name
October
23
Lampasas
James Briggs
9
Conroe
Lynn Degeorge
4
Corpus Christi
Harry Plomarity
September
21
Shawnee
John Owens
32
Paris
Mary Lou Wall
Reagan Skaggs
30
Capitol Hill High School
Marvin Gilliland
26
Palestine
David Bratz
August
1
Fort Worth Golden K
Leslie Koontz
IN LOVING MEMORY
“To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” —Dr. Seuss
Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District Editor's Message Evelyn Herrera
This new Kiwanis year, we welcome Bobby Quinten as our TX-OK Governor! He has already begun implementing his projects across the clubs, initiating excitement and inspiration. If you haven't yet, take a moment to look into the projects as well as the distingished club criteria for this year. October is the perfect time to begin preparing your club's goals and projects. When you start early, you guarantee yourself enough preparation time to help things run smoothly. We can't wait to see what new endeavors your clubs take on. As we welcome new leadership, it is important to also take a moment to show gratitude for those that came before them. As Kathy passed the torch to Bobby, we recognized all that she has done for the district this past year. She reignited the movement to support Kiwanis women and inspired many members. Now that the torch is in Bobby's hands, we wait excitedly to see his impact on the district as he begins his governorship.