KIWASSEE KIWANIS
MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

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• Travel & Adventure, Silk Road, September 28, 7:30p

At our September 7 meeting, Midland County Probate Judge Dorene Allen talked about "Baby Court", a pilot program to provide services for abused and neglected children from birth to 3 years old.

Laura Ruhle, Alzheimer's Assocation, spoke about Alzheimer's Disease and some of the services available to help those affected by the illness at our August 31 meeting. Our August 24 meeting highlighted youth activities. Kurt Drottar and Trace Dressen told about their Eagle Scout projects. Kurt helped build some picnic tables at the Chippewa Nature Center. Trace helped build a Prayer Room at the Caregiving Network. Director Terri Malek-Madani and student Sean Card told about the Tall Ships project that the Dow College Opportunity Program helped support. At our August 17 meeting, Pat Wilson, Executive Director of Midland's Senior Services, told about plans for the Center's new Alzheimer facility for which the Kiwassee Foundation gave some support. Also, Christy Thomson, Community Programs Coordinator of the United Way of Midland County, told about plans for the construction of Outdoor Reading Centers for each of elementary schools within Midland County. Mike Briggs, Chair of the Club News and Publicity Committee gave a presentation of what Kiwanis is, what we stand for, and what we do at our August 10 meeting. Our August 3 meeting was an introduction to the Midland Area CROP Hunger Walk that will be held on Sunday, October 3. Again this year we will provide administrative help as well as walkers and contributions.

The plans for this year's Travel & Adventure series was the highlight of the July 27 meeting. A report on the 2010 Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas on June 24-27 was the program for the July 20 meeting. President-Elect Vicki Briggs, assisted by Mike Briggs and Alex Rapanos lead the program. At the convention, the new Kiwanis International Project EliMiNaTe was introducted. Rachel Larimore, from the Chippewa Nature Center's Nature Preschool, talked about the Preschool at our July 13 meeting. Our July 6 meeting was our annual picnic at the Pinecrest Farms.

Beverlee Wenzel, Executive Director of the Rock Youth Center talked about the activities of the Center at our June 29 meeting. She also spoke about the MITI training initiative that is being started. At the June 22 meeting, Sarah Holsinger, Forsenic Interviewer for the Safe and Sound Child Advocacy Center, told about her work with abused children. Katie Falls and Jen Helsel from Eagle Village explained their new mentoring program at our June 15 meeting. Our June 8 meeting was our annual cookout at Emerson Park. At our June 1 meeting, Erin Lauderbach, Professional and Resource Development Coordinator, Midland County Educational Service Agency, talked about the Midland County's Great Start Collaborative. Karen Pelletier told about the role of a Parent Coalition in the Collaborative.

Paul Barbeau, Vice President and General Manager of the Great Lake Loons, spoke about the work of the Michigan Baseball Foundation at our May 25 meeting. The annual club election of officers and reports from Kiwanis Foundations was the agenda for our May 18 meeting. Our May 11 meeting was our annual Pig Auction. It was held at the Midland Curling Club. Activities supported by our Senior Youth Committee highlighted our May 4 meeting. Speakers included Carol Berger, Counselor at Windover High School; Nicki Smith of the Salvation Army Share Program; and Bill Kirkpatrick from the Midland Area Partnership for Drug-Free Youth. Officer Christ Wenzell, Community Relations Officer with the City of Midland Police Department, thanked Kiwassee for the donation of stuffed animals used by First Responders to comfort children in crises.

A rundown of the activities of the local Salvation Army was given by our own Captain Matt O'Neil at our April 27 meeting. Nathan Schroeder, Director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in the Heart of Michigan, told about the activities of his organization at our April 20 meeting. At the April 13 meeting, Club News and Publicity Committee Chair Mike Briggs gave a preview of a Kiwanis program to be aired on MCTV. Detective Sergeant Rich Cruz of the Michigan State Police told about the work of the digital evidence section of the Police at our April 6 meeting.

The March 30 and March 23 meetings were mid-year reports by the Committees and the President. At the March 16 meeting, Jean Senninger, Administrator of the Pinecrest Farms, talked about the new building scheduled for completion in June. At the March 9 meeting, member Karen Adams, Executive Director of the Safe and Sound Child Advocacy Center, told about the work of the Center. Three programs supported by the Senior Youth Committee were the program for the March 2 meeting. Terri Malek-Madani told about the West Midland Family Center Dow College Opportunity Program for High school students and about a Tall Ship work cruise they are planning this summer. Bruce Winslow and Debbie Anderson of the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art told about the many activities the Museum offers for youth. Susan Landis and Alan Greensburg gave an overview of the Midland County Youth Leadership Program.

At our February 23 meeting, Gary Skory, Director of the Midland County Historical Society told about the upcoming Boy Scouts of America 100th Anniversary exhibit scheduled to open at the Society on March 18. At our February 16 meeting, Stephanie Williams, Supervisor of Youth Services, Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, told about the many programs for children and youth which are offered by the Library. Our annual Valentine's Party for spouses was our February 9 meeting. Special entertainment was provided by the Midland High School Meistersingers. Our February 2 meeting was a review of our various fund raising activities.

Ron Beacom, Director of Midland Community Television, told us about activities of his organization at our January 26 meeting. At our January 19 meeting, Marilyn Rease, Midland County Outreach Coordinator, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency, talked about the projects of the Agency. A major activity, the annual Walk for Warmth, will be Saturday, February 27. Also, Mike Woody, Director of the Midland Community Tennis Center, told about the 22nd Annual Dow Corning Tennis Classic to be held from February 7-14. Al Oman, Coordinator of the Success by 6 program for the Midland County Educational Service Agency, spoke about the Great Start Collaborative activity in Midland County at our January 12 meeting. At our January 5 meeting, Norm Neher, Co-Chair of the Community Committee for Building Closures for the Midland Public Schools, reported on the findings of the committee and the efforts of the school system to implement the findings.

09/07/10