Midwinter Conference time is coming up soon, and Alabama Kiwanians can choose from two locations. The agenda will be the same at both sites, so pick the 2024 location and date most convenient for you: Feb. 3 in Decatur, Alabama, or Feb. 24 in Brewton, Alabama. The registration fee is $35 (includes lunch). Sign up and pay online by noon no later than one week before the conference date you choose (by noon Jan. 27 for Decatur, or by noon Feb. 17 for Brewton). Use this online link to register and pay for either location: bit.ly/midwinter24. Each midwinter meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and adjourn at 2:45 p.m. The Decatur conference will be held at The Church at Stone River, 3014 Danville Road SW, Decatur, while the Brewton location is the Southern Pine Electric Cooperative building, 2134 South Blvd., Brewton. Alabama Kiwanis District 2023-24 Governor Keith McKendall would like to see Kiwanians from every club attend these meetings and get tools to boost membership, engage members and train leaders. He will address Kiwanians, as will the leaders of Key Club and Circle K. The first morning topic — “No, robots are not taking over the world!” — will be on generative artificial Past state and national spelling champion Erin Howard, center, pronounced words for the Jan. 4 competition at Providence Elementary School in Huntsville. After 19 rounds, the school champion (right photo) was fourth-grader Jacob Thang, left, and the reserve champion was fifth-grader William Taylor. Fourth-grader Aryss Pennington was third. Plan to attend the Kiwanis International Convention in Denver July 3-6, 2024 Winter 2024 Published by Alabama Kiwanis Foundation 26 pages Kourier ALABAMA DISTRICT (See MIDWINTER, Page 4) Pick a site: Decatur or Brewton Spelling bee season has begun, with students throughout Alabama competing to be their school spelling bee champions. The statewide spelling bee is an official project of the Alabama Kiwanis Foundation, and Kiwanis clubs have been asked to help support their local bees throughout the year. Schools may need help with registration fees, trophy and travel expenses or volunteers to help set up and conduct bees. School winners will proceed to their county bees. The county winners will compete in the Alabama Spelling Bee. Susan McDougal, past president of the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville, is executive director of the Alabama Spelling Bee. It is scheduled for March 16 at noon in University Hall at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “More than 750 schools have registered to be a part of the Alabama Spelling Bee program, with many Kiwanis clubs being involved,” McDougal said. Winter weather has delayed some school bees. McDougal said school winners should be registered online at spellingbee.com as soon as possible. Kiwanis helps with local, state spelling bees (See SPELLING, Page 5)
The Alabama District of Kiwanis is in the fourth month of the 2023-24 year, and I am extremely happy with our successes so far. We’ve got some wins. I love the enthusiasm and how we are engaging with our communities … and our campaign to help challenged schools and seeing how kids respond to our projects. The “Challenged Schools Challenge” announced in October, where Kiwanis clubs will reach out to help schools around the state, will be a big focus for us this year. I want to highlight the first project, which was coordinated by the Dothan club’s Division 10 Lt. Governor Pam Alexander. They ordered 500 books for a challenged school, and we want to see more projects helping our schools. (See column by schools project co-chair Dr. Dale Elliott in this issue.) Midwinter Our Midwinter Conference dates are coming up fast. Sign up soon and don’t miss this chance for Kiwanis learning and fellowship. A program on artificial intelligence, a workshop on secrets to membership gains, officer training, and information on our district’s Challenged Schools Challenge will be part of these February events. The proposed Kiwanis International dues increase also will be discussed. You can register for the Midwinter session most convenient for you: Feb. 3 in Decatur or Feb. 24 in Brewton. The same schedule of meetings, workshops, training, lunch and awards will run from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. in both locations. I would like to see all our Alabama clubs represented at one conference or the other. Trustee, KI dues votes I also hope to see many Alabama delegates in Denver July 3-6 at the Kiwanis International Convention. Registration is open now on the KI website, and every club can have two voting delegates and two alternates. Our own Scott Sims, a Distinguished Past Governor from the Homewood-Mountain Brook club, is running for Kiwanis International Trustee in Denver. It is great to see his campaign going well. The dues increase proposal that will be voted on at the convention in Denver is a Kiwanis international dues increase. Under previous governors, the Alabama District has already cut costs and made adjustments, such as in the costs for our conventions and other events. And we already made a dues adjustment under Past Governor Mark Kellerman. My January schedule included a trip to Denver for the Kiwanis Americas Governors Conference. The low temperature was minus 7 degrees, but we were on fire for our communities! It was a great weekend with some of the best servant leaders in the world. At that meeting, we talked about the need for a Kiwanis International dues increase. (You can see some of the information provided by KI on Pages 25 and 26 of this Kourier with more available on our Alabama District Facebook page and on the KI website). Membership growth We are still working hard on membership this year by both building new clubs and giving small clubs a boost, thanks to our membership chair, Rogena Woods Mitchell. As she says, 4 months into the 2023-24 year, we’ve got some wins for Kiwanis, children Email news and photos of club projects to the Kiwanis Kourier, [email protected] Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 2 (See GOVERNOR, next page) From the Governor By Keith McKendall Alabama District Governor Keith McKendall made a mid-January trip to Denver for the Kiwanis Americas Governors Conference; he is on the left in all three photos, with other KI governors, officers and staff. In the top photo, Rogena Woods Mitchell, club opening specialist, is third from right. In the lower left photo, the Alabama District governor is with KI Past President Bert West, while current KI President Katrina Baranko is next to him in the right photo. A dues increase proposal was a major topic at the meeting.
“Kiwanis is open for business this year!” We want to congratulate and welcome our newest Kiwanians in Headland, near Dothan, where a club organizational meeting was held Jan. 18. Also, the Kiwanis Club of Ensley-Fairfield, for which work began during Mary Hoerlein’s term as governor last year, was completed in late fall. I am looking forward to the building of a new club in Madison at the beginning of February. This is a fastgrowing area outside of Huntsville that needs a Kiwanis club. A big thank you goes to the lieutenant governors — Pam Alexander, Bill Hart and Bruce McLellan — and others involved in those three efforts. More clubs will follow! I also want to thank District Secretary Tammy Driskill, who headed a club boost for the Kiwanis Club of Gardendale. Club boosts are important, because often we can get as much membership gain as when we build a new club. We also are reviewing clubs prior to charters’ sunset. I have been to several membership events. Also, I enjoyed attending and speaking at the Decatur Kiwanis annual Christmas luncheon, where Santa handed out gifts to children and the club’s Kiwanis quintet sang carols. Let me know about your club’s special events. Future leadership I am trying to address what I see as problems going forward, and I think future leadership presents a challenge. We are looking for folks who want to serve … apathy has been a multiple-year problem. It is critical that some start stepping up to the next level. Next year we will have several folks who have served for multiple years, so we will be looking for new leadership. We need the next generation to step up and lead us. Again, as we move into a new year, I want to acknowledge all the great work Alabama Kiwanians are doing. It’s life-changing. Deadline for the next edition of the online Kiwanis Kourier is April 20, 2024 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 3 Governor (From previous page) Governor Keith McKendall had a few moments with Santa Claus while visiting the holiday luncheon of the Kiwanis Club of Decatur Dec. 14. Santa delivered Kiwanis gifts to visiting children. Alabama Kiwanis Kourier Published by Alabama District Kiwanis Foundation Address news, photos and other correspondence to: Patrice W. Stewart, Editor [email protected] • 256-303-1668 Steve Stewart assists with design and technology. Governor: Keith McKendall, Indian Springs Village club, [email protected] Governor-elect: Paul England, Monroeville club, [email protected] Vice Governor: Seth Edgil, Jasper club, [email protected] Past Governor: Mary Hoerlein, Auburn club, [email protected] District Secretary: Tammy Driskill, Gadsden club ([email protected]) District Office: P.O. Box 8505, Gadsden, AL 35902, 256-504-9773 alabama.kiwanis.org Keith McKendall and his wife, Dr. Rosalynn Crawford-McKendall, had their Christmas greeting photos made beside a favorite outdoor tree. Register for the July 3-6, 2024, Kiwanis International Convention in Denver! See information on Pages 13, 25, 26.
intelligence. Workshops will include “The Secret Sauce to Boost Membership” and New Club/Member Orientation. Training for club presidents, secretaries and treasurers also is scheduled. Following a networking lunch, the new districtwide initiative, the “Challenged Schools Challenge,” will be explained. The 2022-23 awards for Distinguished Kiwanians, Distinguished Clubs, Distinguished Lt. Governors, and membership growth will be presented. The afternoon schedule will include information on the Kiwanis International Convention in Denver July 3-6, 2024, along with youth protection guidelines and training. Questions? Contact District Secretary Tammy Driskill by emailing [email protected] or calling 256-504-9773. Register now for a Midwinter Conference: Decatur on Feb. 3 or Brewton on Feb. 24 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 4 Choose the location and date that are better for you or your club. The agenda is the same for both meetings. 9 a.m. Opening session Welcome and call to order Invocation/pledge Introduction of guests Roll call Key Club governor remarks Circle K International governor remarks 9:30 a.m. Generative Artificial Intelligence — No, Robots Are Not Taking over the World! 10:30 a.m. Break 10:40 a.m. Club president training Club secretary and treasurer training 10:40 a.m. General workshops n The Secret Sauce to Boost Membership n New Club/Member Orientation 11:30 a.m. General workshops n The Secret Sauce to Boost Membership n New Club/Member Orientation 12:15 p.m. Networking lunch 12:45 p.m. Afternoon general session Youth protection guidelines and annual training Recognition of 2022-23 Distinguished Kiwanians, Distinguished Clubs and Distinguished Lieutenant Governor International Convention 2024 — Denver, Colorado District initiative — Challenged School Challenge 2:45 p.m. Adjourn AGENDA Alabama District Midwinter Conferences 2024 2 Saturdays — Feb. 3 in Decatur, Feb. 24 in Brewton Midwinter (From Page 1) Kiwanis Rose Parade float: ‘Serving in Harmony’ Did you catch the Kiwanis International float — “Serving in Harmony” — in the 135th Rose Parade Jan. 1? K-Family leaders rode on the float alongside a giant sheepdog made of pampas and buffalo grass, hot pink statice, white rice and black seaweed. The float was awarded the Tournament Volunteer Trophy for most outstanding floral presentation for a float its size.
Make annual donations to the Alabama Kiwanis Foundation and Kiwanis Children’s Fund Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 5 By Dale Elliott, M.D. Co-chair, District Challenged Schools Initiative I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. Now that we are back to our normal meeting schedules, I urge every club, if you are not already engaged with one of the schools in your community, to please start 2024 by reaching out to your local school principals, parent-teacher organization presidents and school board members to identify potential projects for our Challenged Schools Challenge. Even if your local schools are not on the challenged list, you will find groups of challenged students who would benefit from your help. If you select a project that is compelling and touches people’s hearts, it will not only build support in your community for your project, it will also help with recruiting new, younger members who have children in the school. An example of this is the Chromebook project the Indian Springs Village Kiwanis Club did in 2016 when I was president. We contacted Dr. Kristi Sayers, then principal of Oak Mountain High School and now Division 4 Lt. Governor and Co-Chair of the Challenged Schools Initiative. We found out that even though the school was in an affluent community, there were 250 students (of 800) without Chromebooks and without access to a computer at home. This placed them at a severe disadvantage academically. We published an article in the local newspaper asking for community support for our Kiwanis project. The response was overwhelming. We raised a total of $75,000 with the aid of a matching grant from the Alabama Kiwanis Foundation and purchased 275 Chromebooks. The project was providential, since without those Chromebooks, remote learning during the COVID pandemic would have been impossible for those students. And as a result of the enthusiasm this project generated, our club membership tripled from 12 to 36. Since then our club has adopted a project each year targeting a specific need of one of the four schools in our community. The needs are there, the efforts required are small, and the rewards great! Dr. Sayers and I would be happy to speak to any club about the Challenged Schools Initiative, with ideas for projects large and small. You can contact me at [email protected], or email her at kristi.sayers @franklincovey.com. Reach out to help challenged schools and students in your own community County spelling bees will be held by mid-February. When Providence Elementary School in Huntsville held its school spelling bee Jan. 4, a special guest pronounced the words. Erin Howard from Huntsville, a past champion in both the Alabama Spelling Bee and Scripps National Spelling Bee, was in town and able to help during her college holidays. She is now a freshman at the University of Georgia. Last year’s Alabama Spelling Bee winner was Stephen Briscoe, who was then in the eighth grade at Hanceville Middle School. He competed in the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. More information can be found online at alabama.kiwanis.org/spellingbee and spellingbee.com. Spelling bee (From Page 1) Providence Elementary spellers, left, with past national spelling co-champion Erin Howard and state spelling bee director Susan McDougal, above right.
Register now for a Midwinter Conference: Decatur on Feb. 3 or Brewton on Feb. 24 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 6 The Challenged Schools Challenge, a district-wide service project by Alabama Kiwanians, was kicked off in October, and in just a few weeks the first gift was announced. Division 10 Lt. Governor Pam Alexander said the Kiwanis Club of Dothan ordered more than 500 books to present to Faine Elementary School, a target school that her club is glad to help. Kiwanis Governor Keith McKendall and State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey met in Montgomery for the official announcement Oct. 12. The project targets helping 79 public schools facing challenges, although efforts to help any school are welcomed. Report your projects Clubs are asked to report their projects to help schools on an online form available on the district website, alabama.kiwanis.org. Other ideas can be found there. Projects can be as simple as Christmas gifts given to a school and/or its students —something the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham did in December. The Azalea City Kiwanis Club also had a December project that helped schools: members ordered a Teepee play tent and other items for a new sensory room in a Mobile elementary school. Some clubs may have carried out a project without realizing it may qualify as part of the Alabama Kiwanis Challenged Schools Challenge. And for the 2023-24 Kiwanis year, participating in a project to help schools is a requirement to earn “Distinguished” status. Reading to students has always been popular with Alabama Kiwanians, but they could also tutor or mentor students, start a Bringing Up Grades program or adopt a school. They can help pay for “extras” such as Chromebooks, or charter or support a Key Club or Builders Club, or start a scholarship program. The co-chairs for this initiative to help schools are Dale Elliott, M.D., and Dr. Kristi Sayers, a former principal. See Elliott’s column on the previous page for their contact information and his description of a project he headed to provide Chromebooks to students. Elliott recently talked about this program to help schools as the guest speaker for the online Kiwanis Club of Greater Alabama in early January. Main question asked He said the main question he is asked is what clubs should do if they don’t have a challenged school in their area. “I think that if you are a large club with lots of financial resources, you could team up with a club in an area that does have a challenged school,” Elliott said. “But if you are small like most clubs, you are better off to be working with schools in your community where you know the people. There are so many things you can do.” Ask school personnel about the needs that exist in even the best schools, he said. His club did and discovered that students took Advanced Placement courses but not all could afford the cost of the end-of-year tests to earn credits, so the club raised money to help. Partnering was a solution another time, Elliott said. “They needed $300,000 for two playgrounds. We got the city and the school board and the Kiwanis club together, and with everybody working together, we got that done.” His club helped a robotics team get to competitions, and members even came to school on Grandparents’ Day to be substitute grandparents for children who did not have any. “There are just so many things you can do,” the co-chair said. ‘So many things you can do’ to help schools with different types of needs The Azalea City Kiwanis Club in Mobile presented Kate Shepard Elementary School staff and students with $750 of items for its new sensory room. From left are teacher Melissa Overstreet; club President Keith Graham; member DeeDee Graham; principal Angela Lincecum; club Secretary Brooks Alexander; and Paul England, Alabama Kiwanis District governor-elect. The Kiwanis Club of Dothan ordered more than 500 books to present to Faine Elementary School as part of the Challenged Schools project. Kiwanis Division 10 Lt. Governor Pam Alexander, left, said another school project is planned.
Have Kiwanis questions? Call District Secretary Tammy Driskill, 256-504-9773 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 7 Past Alabama District Governor Scott Sims has always been devoted to his own family and to the K-Family, and he is taking on new challenges in 2024. First, he got a new role just before Christmas, when his first grandchild was born, and his new title is “Poppy.” His daughter had the name inscribed on the hat she gave him for Christmas. He and his wife, Andi, became grandparents Dec. 18 when Eloise Scott Hanson arrived. Her parents, Caroline and Noah Hanson of Nashville, plan to call her “Louie.” The baby already has a long list of Kiwanis roles to fill if she wants to keep up with her family members from Homewood, a suburb of Birmingham. Mom Caroline Sims Hanson served as a Key Club lieutenant governor and district secretary, and Uncle William Sims led Key Club as international president. Her Poppy, Scott Sims, is a candidate for Kiwanis International Trustee, with voting scheduled July 6 during the convention in Denver. He is in his second year as volunteer KI area coordinator for seven districts in the Southeast and was chairperson of the Elections Committee at the 2023 convention in Minneapolis. He received “Distinguished” honors at the KI Minneapolis convention after creating a plan and building a new club in every division in the Alabama District during his 2021-22 term as governor. Sims, a Birmingham attorney, got his start in the K-Family in his high school Key Club in Jasper and then was elected Alabama’s Key Club governor for 1983-84. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. Now he is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook, where he is a past president, past Kiwanian of the Year and life member, and received Walter Zeller Fellow and J. Mercer Barnett Fellow awards. Sims was presented two district Key Club awards and is a past Kiwanis adviser to the Homewood High Key Club. He has also served as a youth sports coach, on a Boy Scout Troop Committee and on the board of the Homewood City Schools Foundation. Last summer, the Alabama District Board and the House of Delegates endorsed him for election to the office of Kiwanis International Trustee for a three-year term beginning Oct.1, 2024. “I’m excited about the opportunity to represent Alabama in Denver as a candidate for international trustee,” Sims said. “I hope Kiwanians throughout Alabama will make plans to be there and be a part of what we hope will be a successful campaign.” Five people are running for the three seats available. Every Kiwanis club can have two voting delegates; they must register to attend the convention, and a delegate certification form must be completed. New year, new challenges for Sims Recent Alabama District Governor is new grandfather, candidate for KI Trustee Eloise Scott Hanson arrived Dec. 18, making Scott Sims a grandfather, and he proudly wears the hat with his new name: Poppy. His family gathers for a Thanksgiving video; he is at left in front. Entries in the Kiwanis International 2024 Signature Project Contest will be accepted online through Jan. 25, 2024. Winners will be recognized at the July 2024 Kiwanis International Convention in Denver, with some prizes of $1,000 to $2,000 to be awarded. Signature Projects must be recurring projects that enhance the Kiwanis image, impact the community and strengthen membership and partnership opportunities. For information, ideas and entry forms, see www.kiwanis .org/members/service-projects/signature-contest/. Two Alabama clubs have been recognized for their Signature Projects. In 2019, the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery took top honors in the large club category for its Alabama National Fair, held since 1954. In 2022, the Kiwanis Club of Decatur made the top 10 in the large category for its Pancake Day. Kiwanis International’s Signature Project contest entry deadline near
Plan to attend the Kiwanis International Convention in Denver July 3-6, 2024 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 8 By Past Governor Bob Brown Co-chair, Kiwanis International Two for Two program When 2022-23 Kiwanis International President Bert West presented a membership growth workshop at the 2022 Alabama District Convention in Opelika, he captured the attention of everyone in the room. Not just because he was about to start his term as KI president, or even because he is a big man who wears an even bigger cowboy hat, but because the program he had designed and was now launching was so logical and compelling. It was called Two for Two, and the premise was elegantly simple. Have two members of a club sign up for each month of the year (a total of 24 volunteers) and then each of those members invites a guest to a meeting during their assigned month. The result is that a club would have two new prospective members attending a meeting or project every single month. This provides two major benefits. One is that, if a club has just a 50-percent success rate recruiting from these invited guests, they would gain 12 new members in a year. Think about what a Kiwanis club, regardless of its size, could do with 12 additional members! The second benefit may be even more important: It changes membership growth from an occasional "event" to a continuous focus. The result is that growth becomes ingrained as part of the club's DNA, just like service, fundraising and camaraderie. We initiated Two for Two in my home club, the Kiwanis Club of Hoover-Metro, a couple of weeks later, and had great success over the next 12 months. I became a strong believer in the approach, so I was delighted when 2023-24 KI President Katrina Baranko called me last September and asked if I would serve on the International Membership Committee as co-chair of the Two for Two program. I readily accepted and have been serving in that capacity alongside Illinois-Eastern Iowa Past Governor Angie Burford. We are hosting quarterly Two for Two webinars. Our first was in October, and it was simply an overview of the process. Our second was Jan. 17, and it focused on ways in which several clubs across the U.S. customized the process to meet the needs of their club and community. Our third webinar is scheduled for April 17 at 7 p.m. I will send out information on how to register for it. We will also have a presence at the Kiwanis International Convention in Denver July 3-6 and hope to see many of you there. Meanwhile, I urge all of you to launch Two for Two in your clubs. You can get all the information you need at kiwanis.org/TwoForTwo, or you can contact me at [email protected]. The sooner you start, the sooner your club starts growing! Bob Brown Two for Two: Members work in pairs to bring prospects to Kiwanis meetings Achieve excellence in 2023-24: Distinguished Program criteria Distinguished Club Have 15+ members. Have a net growth of +2 members. Sponsor 1+ Service Leadership Programs. All SLP advisers must have a clear background check. Club represented at District Convention & Midwinter Conference Club contribution of $10+ per member to Kiwanis Children’s Fund Club contribution of $10+ per member to Alabama Kiwanis Foundation Use of Achieving Club Excellence tools and implement appropriate changes Participate in the Challenged Schools Challenge Initiative. Distinguished Member Sponsor 2+ new members. Participate in 2 Kiwanis service projects Personal contribution of $25+ to Kiwanis Children’s Fund Personal contribution of $25+ to Alabama Kiwanis Foundation Attendance at District Convention or Midwinter Conference Many Kiwanis clubs in Alabama flip pancakes and serve them with sausage at winter fundraising events. Following are just a few of the 2024 events planned; hours vary. Plan to attend one or two near you! n Feb. 17, Gadsden, The Venue at Coosa Landing n Feb. 24, Decatur, cafeteria at Decatur High School n Feb. 24, Huntsville, cafeteria at Huntsville High School n March 2, Anniston, the Anniston City Meeting Center n March 2, Tuscaloosa, Central High School cafeteria n March 9, Homewood-Mountain Brook, The Exceptional Foundation It’s pancake season!
A new Kiwanis club was organized at Headland in mid-January, and plans are being made for several membership boosts and new club builds around the state, according to District Membership Chair Rogena Woods Mitchell. Laying the groundwork for a new Kiwanis club in Headland has been successful, while work is underway for a club in Madison. Also, dates have been set to build a Trussville Kiwanis Club in March. In Headland, near Dothan, recruiting began the week of Jan. 16, and a successful organizational meeting was held Jan. 18 at The Stockyard. Gary Johnson and Ronnie Tucker are the two club coaches. For the planned Madison Kiwanis club outside Huntsville, weekly Thursday Zoom meetings were held with the team beginning Jan. 4. The week of Jan. 29 is the anticipated time for recruitment, culminating in an open house Feb. 1 at 5:30 at the Madison Public Library. Decatur is the sponsoring club. For a Kiwanis club in Trussville, groundwork is expected the week of March 11-15, with an organizational meeting on March 14. The Greater Alabama club has agreed to sponsor. Locations being eyed for other future Kiwanis clubs are Jackson, Geneva, and Clay County. Membership boosts For the Moody club boost, Past Lt. Governor Marvin Waggoner and current Lt. Governor Mickey Starling met with community leaders and settled on holding the boost event during the week of Feb. 20-22. This will culminate with an open house at City Hall on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. In Troy, a mid-January meeting with Kiwanians was planned to discuss membership plans. For the Azalea City club in Mobile, a strategy should be complete by the end of January. Adding members The Alabama District membership went up in December, when the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham brought in 14 new members. The membership at the beginning of January totaled 2,828, compared to the 2,803 on Oct. 1, when the 2023-24 year began. A big shout-out to the Birmingham club! Member James Carpenter brought in two of those 14 new Birmingham members in December. Congratulations to him and to these other Birmingham sponsors who each signed one new member: Ann Florie, Leigh Davis, D. Scott Adams, Meredith Calhoun, Nancy Rieves, Paul Pless, John Ward, Jennifer Buettner-Bates, Damon Bailey, Corinn O'Brien, Kimberly Jackson and Key Hudson. Around the state, congratulations go out to these clubs and sponsors of one new member each: Homewood-Mountain Brook — Samuel Gaston Birmingham East — Carl Johnson Andalusia — Don Cotton Rogersville — Leslie Barksdale Luverne — Sheila Sasser Fort Payne — Kyle Burt Bay Minette — Martha Ryan Enterprise — Michelle Stump Gulf Shores — Jenny Summerville. Rogena Woods Mitchell Two of the members of Alabama’s newest service club — the Kiwanis Club of Headland — are Jarrod and Leslie Dozier, 3D Farm owners. Welcoming them is Lt. Governor Pam Alexander, right. Congratulations to these brand-new members of the Kiwanis Club of Headland, which was organized Jan. 18. They got a warm welcome to the KFamily in anticipation of the service they will provide for children. Several experienced Kiwanis leaders from Dothan, Auburn and Greater Alabama clubs assisted with the organization, including Past Governor Mary Hoerlein, Lt. Governor Pam Alexander, Past Lt. Governor Critt Snellgrove and New Club Opener Rogena Woods Mitchell. Kiwanis International has officer training and other resources available online Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 9 Building clubs, adding Kiwanians Headland club launches; others on the way; Birmingham has 14 new members
Stay in touch and share meetings and service with Key Clubs, Circle K and other K-Family clubs Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 10 Gardendale working to attract new members The Alabama District and the Kiwanis Club of Gardendale are working together to attract new members for the club, which was chartered in 2018. Traci Bausch, Tammy Driskill, Rogena Woods Mitchell and others began planning in October and held a “Meet and Greet” Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Later on, the club celebrated with an officer installation and new member induction conducted by District Governor Keith McKendall.
Register now for a Midwinter Conference: Decatur on Feb. 3 or Brewton on Feb. 24 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 11 The Alabama District is celebrating 100 years as a stand-alone district in 2024. When early clubs were built in the South, Alabama and Florida operated as a twostate district. Alabama gained strength in numbers of clubs and members and became an independent district in 1924. Many districts today still include two or three states or parts of states, such as Mississippi-Louisiana-West Tennessee. The Kiwanis Club of Huntsville was organized in 1919 as the fourth club in Alabama. Some interesting history about the club’s early service was recently reported, along with a description of what people thought civic clubs did. An article in The Literary Digest for March 15, 1924, said that “Outsiders may think that fraternal and civic organizations exist primarily to initiate new members, to parade, hold luncheons, and listen to speeches. But such are only the superficially apparent activities. In all such organizations there lies a firm, fine foundation of human service.” The service projects Kiwanis clubs invest time and money in have changed through the years. The Alabama District is currently focusing on helping schools with their challenges. In the last several decades, many clubs have raised funds for youth ball fields and park facilities. Reading to children and giving them books also has been popular and was the focus of the Jean Dean Reading Is Fundamental program, which many clubs supported. However, documents that turned up during research into the history of Huntsville, Alabama, showed a different type of gift made by the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville: safety. The club gave sprinklers to the city’s new infirmary, now known as Huntsville Hospital. The committee chair proposed that the club’s Christmas Day gift “be an automatic sprinkler system so lives will be completely safeguarded against fire.” First, there were fundraisers, the history showed. “When three entertainments were given under the auspices of the club to pay for the equipment, the whole town crowded in. Everybody came because everybody knew the necessity for protection” and wanted to keep patients safe from the types of “death-dealing fires” as happened on Ward’s Island and in an asylum in Chicago. Soon after, a Grinnell Automatic Sprinkler System was installed throughout the Huntsville Infirmary. And that’s how the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville “struck a new note in human service” in 1924. Huntsville club gave hospital sprinklers in 1924 Kiwanis Governor Keith McKendall, left, and other Kiwanis leaders welcome the new Ensley-Fairfield club at an Oct. 4 meeting. Charter President Gerrel Jones and Miles College Circle K members were among those attending. EnsleyFairfield gathering Moody club planning boost event Feb. 20-22, ending with open house The Kiwanis Club of Moody is planning a boost event Feb. 20-22, ending with a Feb. 22 open house at 6 p.m. at City Hall for those interested in finding out more about Kiwanis. Planning began in 2023, when (from left) District Governor Keith McKendall, Membership Chair Rogena Woods Mitchell and Past Lt. Governor Marvin Waggoner attended a Moody Chamber of Commerce meeting to reconnect Kiwanis and the work it does with the community. Lt. Governor Mickey Starling and others will be assisting.
By Past Governor Colean Black Chair, District Growth/Past Lieutenant Governors Committee In the intimate communities of Alabama, smaller Kiwanis clubs bring a unique charm and local flavor to the landscape of community service. Acknowledging the specific challenges faced by these smaller clubs in expanding their membership, the Alabama Kiwanis Growth/Past Lieutenant Governors Committee is planning proactive measures to provide targeted support. Comprising seasoned leaders with a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play in smaller clubs, this committee will include other talented volunteers and aim to serve as a catalyst for growth, helping these Kiwanis clubs thrive in Alabama's tight-knit communities. Smaller Kiwanis clubs often grapple with distinct challenges such as limited visibility, resource constraints and a need for innovative recruitment strategies. The Alabama Kiwanis Growth/ Past Lieutenant Governors Committee, with its intimate knowledge of these challenges, is committed to tailoring support that directly addresses the unique circumstances of small membership clubs in Alabama. These strategies can help foster membership growth: 1. Local visibility campaigns The committee will collaborate with small Kiwanis clubs to develop targeted local visibility campaigns. Leveraging grassroots approaches, such as community events, local media outreach, and partnerships with small businesses, these campaigns will enhance the visibility of the clubs within their immediate communities. 2. Innovative recruitment workshops Organizing workshops specifically focused on creative and cost-effective recruitment strategies, the committee will help equip small clubs with the tools needed to attract new members. This includes leveraging social media, community partnerships and unique events tailored to local interests. 3. Membership drives with a personal touch Recognizing the importance of personal connections in smaller communities, the committee will guide clubs in organizing membership drives that emphasize one-on-one interactions. Personal invitations, community meet-and-greets, and neighborhood outreach will be encouraged to foster a sense of familiarity and trust. 4. Peer-to-peer mentoring for recruitment Establishing a mentorship program specifically focused on recruitment, the committee will pair experienced members with leaders from small clubs. This mentorship will provide guidance on effective recruitment strategies based on the unique challenges faced by smaller clubs. 5. Recognition for successful recruitment efforts Advocating for recognition programs that specifically celebrate successful recruitment initiatives, the committee aims to motivate and acknowledge the efforts of small Kiwanis clubs in expanding their membership base. Our mission As the Alabama Kiwanis Growth/ Past Lieutenant Governors Committee directs its attention towards helping smaller Kiwanis clubs in Alabama grow their membership, the mission is clear: to cultivate an environment where these clubs can flourish and attract new members. By tailoring strategies, providing innovative recruitment tools, and emphasizing the power of local connections, the committee aspires to be a driving force in the expansion and success of smaller Kiwanis clubs, ensuring they continue to make a meaningful impact within Alabama's closely-knit communities. Volunteers needed Calling talented volunteers! Whether you are a social media maven, event planner extraordinaire, teambuilding guru, skilled public speaker, or have a knack for recruitment, we want you! Join us in making a positive impact and be part of something extraordinary. Please contact Colean Black, Alabama District Growth/Past Lieutenant Governors Committee Chair, at [email protected] or 205-936-7411. Email news and photos of club projects to the Kiwanis Kourier, [email protected] Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 12 Growth committee offers smaller clubs help expanding membership Colean Black 2023 was great for Kiwanis and those it serves. A record 183 Kiwanis Children’s Fund grants and scholarships were awarded. Nearly 50 districts were represented at the 2023 Kiwanis International Convention in Minneapolis. More than $56,000 was raised during our inaugural Kiwanis Day of Giving. And smiles were on the faces of countless kids around the world. See more of the year’s best Kiwanis moments: kiwanis.org/kiwanis-global-impact-in-2023. #KidsNeedKiwanis Best Kiwanis moments of 2023: Grants, scholarships, Day of Giving and smiling children
Deadline for the next edition of the online Kiwanis Kourier is April 20, 2024 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 13 To register or see a full schedule of educational sessions, speakers, workshops and service, plus information on voting and candidates, go to: kiwanis.org/members/kiwanis-convention Embark on an extraordinary journey. Discover the pathways to expanding your club’s membership and magnifying its influence on your community. Delve into innovative fundraising concepts. Learn how to transform service projects in ways you never thought possible. Receive hands-on guidance in becoming a skilled Kiwanis leader. Connect with fellow Kiwanians, and swap fresh ideas. You’ll leave inspired to make a difference. The full convention meeting package is just $399 until May 31. Then it goes up to $499 until June 20 and is $599 for on-site registration after June 20. The cost to attend only the Saturday business session starts at $199 (and goes up to $299 and $399). Separate tickets are available to purchase for the Signature Project breakfast, Children’s Fund luncheon, Service Leadership Program luncheon and evening gala dinner. You can choose to stay at a downtown hotel near the Convention Center with a Kiwanis rate, or wherever you like. Embassy Suites is the Alabama District hotel. 2024 International Convention July 3-6 • Denver
By Emma Brunson Key Club Governor Governor Keith McKendall, District Board, and Kiwanians: On behalf of almost 7,000 Key Club members across Alabama, I want to thank you for your continued support throughout the years. Our progress as an organization over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. Our membership grew by 15 percent during the last dues cycle, we chartered numerous new clubs, and we increased the level of connection between our board and our clubs. This growth isn't just a statistic; it's a testament to the passion and commitment that our Key Club members hold. Together, we've expanded our reach and empowered more young leaders. But that growth won’t stop there. We aim to do even more this year. As I have traveled the state, I have met new Key Club members and young leaders passionate about service and creating change in their communities. With that passion we are determined to continue to grow as an organization. However, growth is not our only goal. As we look ahead, we are committed to enhancing the quality of our impact. We want to deepen our engagement with the communities we serve and address their evolving needs. Our focus is to turn students not just into leaders but conscientious servant leaders. In the last year, one of our own, Leo Shen from Auburn High School, was retired from Key Club International office, and Ethan Shmidt, a junior at Vestavia Hills High School, was elected to serve as an International Trustee and chair the International Communications Task Force. Their Key Club journeys are a perfect example of the level of leadership and character that Key Club cultivates. Thank you again for the support of Kiwanians from around Alabama. Your encouragement and generosity have propelled Key Club to where it stands today, and we could not be more excited to continue to strengthen that relationship. Emma Brunson, a senior at Crossroads Christian School in Moody, is serving as Alabama District Key Club Governor for 2023-24. 15% membership growth, new clubs show Key Clubs’ passion, dedication Make annual donations to the Alabama Kiwanis Foundation and Kiwanis Children’s Fund Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 14 Emma Brunson From left: Key Club Lt. Governor Jillian Nichols hosted a school supplies drive for the South Baldwin Literacy Council. Members of Key Clubs in Division 14 (Baldwin County) gathered to donate and organize the supplies. In Division 3 (Cullman), Lt. Governor Lana Todd hosted a blanket drive. Key Club members collected 158 blankets as well as $70 in monetary donations from community members. All donations were distributed to homeless shelters. Enterprise High School Key Club hosted a dog wash with SOS Animal Shelter. Tuscumbia Key Club David Fleming hosted Key Club members Ava Hamilton, left, and Emilee Nobels, right, and their Deshler High School Key Club sponsor Jennifer Buckner at a December meeting of the Tuscumbia Kiwanis Club. The club has 71 members assisting with 10 service projects, from food and blanket drives to Special Olympics and Field Day.
Update meeting times and locations on your Kiwanis club websites and Facebook pages Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 15 Clubs in Action Hartselle Kiwanis Christmas parade The Kiwanis Club of Hartselle sponsored the local Christmas parade at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 with “Visions of Christmas” as the theme. Organizers at the event included Marianthe Snyder, left, club president, and member Freda Thompson. This year the club collected donations for Toys for Tots at the parade, with Hartselle High Key Club members Mercedes Dominguez, left, and Andrew Suggs assisting. Twirlers and bands joined floats and other participants. The Kiwanis Club of Cleburne County gave children a chance to have Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 10. Many sponsors helped make the fundraiser possible, and plenty of volunteers were on hand, including members of the Cleburne County High School Key Club. Cleburne: Children eat breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Cleburne speaker talks Toys for Tots Toys for Tots was the topic at the Kiwanis Club of Cleburne County’s Nov. 14 meeting. Speaker Rex Nolen shared the history of the program and how he became involved and started a strong program for Cleburne County. The club thanked Nolen and his volunteers for carrying out Toys for Tots year after year. Members were told they could donate unopened toys for Christmas by dropping them off at the Cleburne County Courthouse, banks, Dollar Generals, Rec Department, schools, Country Boys Ranburne, Turkey Heaven Fire Department and The Bell Ringer. Register now for a Midwinter Conference: Decatur on Feb. 3 or Brewton on Feb. 24 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 16 Clubs in Action Members of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham made the holidays merry and bright for children in the community this season. Santa, also known as Kiwanis Club of Birmingham member Foster Ware, served as a celebrity reader and delivered holiday cheer and gifts to kindergartners at Charles F. Hard Elementary School in Bessemer. Kiwanian Martha Underwood donated children's books that she authored and published. On Dec. 14, the school gave the Kiwanis club a plaque that reads: “Presented to the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham in appreciation of your commitment to the community, passion for literacy, and continued support of kindergarten students at Charles F. Hard Elementary School.” Birmingham Kiwanis delivers holiday cheer to elementary school in Bessemer Monroeville cake auction helps kids The Monroeville Kiwanis Club’s Cake Auction Nov. 14 raised more than $5,500 to cover gifts for children whose names were not picked from the Angel Trees in local stores. This annual club fundraiser assures that all children whose names are placed on Angel Trees will get presents from Santa. Pam Barnhardt, seated, chairperson of Monroe County Angel Tree, and Kiwanis “auctioneer” Ricky Powell, standing, congratulate Morgan Hutcherson, top bidder in the Kiwanis Cake Auction. Hutcherson, who works with Alabama Ag Credit, paid $255 for Essie McKenzie’s apple cake. A total of 37 donated cakes and baked goods were sold; the lowest bid was $75.
Clubs in Action The Kiwanis Club of Anniston’s annual Christmas bicycle giveaway requires a lot of Kiwanians and other volunteers to put together, transport and distribute bicycles. Just before Christmas, about 96 bikes in many colors, shapes and sizes were taken to Martin’s Family Clothing store in Oxford. Families receiving the bikes were vetted in advance by the local Boys & Girls Club staff. It takes a lot of people, doughnuts, coffee, extra volunteers and more to get ready for this bike distribution, club leaders say. A few of the bikes and helpers are in one photo, while another photo shows volunteers Jackie McDuffie from Texas, Mickey Starling from Anniston Kiwanis, Victor Hernandez and Tyreyuna Croft from Anniston Key Club, Phillip Berry from Alabama Teachers Credit Union, Don Ledford from Anniston Kiwanis and, kneeling, William Pottard, guest volunteer. Anniston Kiwanis conducts annual holiday bicycle giveaway
Vulcan club holds 26th toy drive The Kiwanis Club of Vulcan held its 26th annual Toy Drive Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. Members asked everyone to give new, unwrapped toys, gift cards or cash donations, which benefited Greater Birmingham Ministries. The Vulcan club offered four drive-by locations: Trinity Baptist Church, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and The Worship Center (Derby campus). Those who could not make it Dec. 2 could email the club to make other arrangements. The Vulcan club also was a sponsor for a second year for Sheriff Mark Pettway and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office’s “Operation Merry Christmas.” Clubs in Action Two celebrities — Santa Claus and Alabama District Governor Keith McKendall — visited the Decatur Kiwanis Club on Dec. 14. The Neighborhood Christian Center brought children to meet Santa and receive gifts. McKendall (second from left in bottom photo) formally installed Bruce McLellan (left) as lieutenant governor for Division 1. Donna Puckett (right), current Decatur club president, conducted the meeting, and the Kiwanis Quintet sang Christmas carols. Santa and governor visit Decatur Kiwanis for songs, ceremony, gifts for children
Email news and photos of club projects to the Kiwanis Kourier, [email protected] Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 19 Clubs in Action Salvation Army bell-ringers Before Christmas, Kiwanians in (left to right) Decatur, Huntsville, Jasper, Dothan and many other locations around the state rang bells at store entrances to help fill the Salvation Army’s red kettles and help others. Those working a Huntsville location said it was especially sweet to meet young Adaline, who donated her savings to the Salvation Army. They met many other generous people while volunteering, often in the rain. Drive-through lights in Andalusia A Christmas Lights drive-through show was a holiday fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Andalusia. The lights were set up at the fairgrounds, 20096 Kiwanis Drive, Andalusia, and open 16 nights during the holiday season. Admission of $10 per car was requested (cash, credit card and cash app). During the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea gave several checks to assist Heavenly Smile, a nonprofit food pantry in the community. Also, the Key Club at Chelsea High School delivered 117 pounds of food items to Heavenly Smile, which thrives with community involvement. Residents who are short on food can pick up pre-packed bags or attend an open pantry day. Heavenly Smile’s Christmas project gets larger each year as it partners with schools, churches and other nonprofit organizations to provide families with holiday food boxes and gifts for their children. Chelsea Kiwanis, Key clubs assist nonprofit food pantry Is your club represented in “Clubs in Action”? Send information and photos of your service projects, fundraisers and other events to [email protected].
Deadline for the next edition of the online Kiwanis Kourier is April 20, 2024 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 20 Clubs in Action ‘Helping Pike Road Kids Soar’ This “hay plane,” put together by the Kiwanis Club of Pike Road, was part of the town’s fall “Hay, Look at Us” contest, which drew 60 decorated hay bale entries. The Kiwanis entry was on Meriwether Road near Troy Highway; SweetCreek Farm Market loaned the location. Oxford Christmas project: Gifts for ‘adopted’ family In mid-December, the Kiwanis Club of Oxford was busy with its holiday project. Members shopped on Dec. 11, wrapped gifts Dec. 14, and on Dec. 21 presented the packages to the family they “adopted” for Christmas. Tacky sweater contest at Bay Minette Yule party The Kiwanis Club of Bay Minette held a tacky sweater contest at its Christmas party Dec. 5. Mark Manry was the winner, with Martha Ryan and Tina Covington tying for second place. More than $100 was collected to donate to White Christmas. An announcement was made that the club’s Kiwanis Scholarship will be named in honor of Bruce and Susan Lovett, club leaders with a love for Kiwanis. The Kiwanis Club of Central Shelby County helped collect toys for kids before Christmas in partnership with A Pelham Hometown Christmas and the Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster. Unwrapped toys were dropped off at the library through Dec. 13 for distribution to children in Shelby County and at Children’s Hospital. Central Shelby club helps Santa fill his sleigh with toys for kids
Plan to attend the Kiwanis International Convention in Denver July 3-6, 2024 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 21 Clubs in Action Andalusia club collects for food bank as admission price for its county fair The Kiwanis Club of Andalusia took in more than 1,000 cans of food and delivered more than 1,400 pounds to the local food bank. This was part of the fall Kiwanis Covington County Fair, as well as a Kiwanis One Day service project. It was the third year the club took food items for fair entry, according to Past Lt. Gov. Don Cotton. Kiwanians Thomas Johnson and Jeremy Wolff are among those pictured. Montgomery club reads to Head Start Kiwanis Club of Montgomery members Jason Gardner, Brandon Dean, Shawn Cole and Roger Teel had a blast reading to the children at Edgemont Head Start on Nov. 16. The children love Kiwanians’ visits, and they love that they get to take their books home to read with their families. Opelika Kiwanis joins police in chili and cheese fundraiser The Kiwanis Club of Opelika and the Opelika Police Department partnered for a cause in the fall, with yummy food available, of course. The first Chili on the Tracks, a chili and grilled cheese competition, began at 11 a.m. Nov. 18 in downtown Opelika. Teams (corporate and amateur) registered in advance to serve up their best chili and/or combo to try to win the Judges’ Choice or Crowd Favorite titles. Tickets were $15 and included six samples of chili and six of grilled cheese. Many sponsors assisted, including the Opelika Public Library, which sponsored live music by Joe Rushing. Proceeds will benefit children through the police department’s new “Shop with a Cop” program that strengthens relationships between law enforcement and area youth organizations by going with them to purchase gifts for their families and themselves. They hoped to raise $8,000 to sponsor 40 children. Additional funds were to be split between Big House Foundation, which meets needs of children in foster care, and Magic Moments, which gives experiences to children with chronic life-threatening or lifealtering conditions.
The Monroeville Kiwanis Club presented a Hixson Fellowship to Jodi Chambers, who served twice as its president and guided the successful effort to combine two fundraising projects but raise more money. The club also presented a Barnett Fellowship, as well as naming its Citizen of the Year and Kiwanian of the Year. Hixson Fellowship The George F. Hixson Fellowship Award went to Past President Jodi Chambers at the club’s recent Awards Day, held Nov. 28 at Vanity Fair Golf and Tennis Club. Named for Kiwanis International’s first president and established in 1983, the Hixson was presented by club Secretary Phillip Allen to recognize and thank her for years of service to Kiwanis and the community. Since 2011, Chambers has served the club as a committee member, committee chair, board member, officer, and president twice. Her dedication to the club and specifically its fundraising is evident in varied and documented successes. During her most recent presidency, Chambers agreed to lead in spring 2023 as two historically separate events, Kiwanis Radio Day and the Kiwanis Spring Golf Tournament, were combined as one daylong, activityfilled event. The club hosts events throughout the year to raise money for local nonprofit organizations that serve children. Both of these events had been rewarding fundraisers and had been embraced by the community, each on its own day. Nevertheless, in an effort to keep Monroeville and Monroe County as involved as possible with local Kiwanis fundraisers, and not to overwhelm businesses with sponsorship requests, these two events were combined into one. With Chambers’ guidance, the newly formed Radio & Golf Tournament Day exceeded the fundraising goal and surpassed previous amounts raised when the two activities were held separately. This combined event was an overwhelming success. This is only one example of numerous positive changes facilitated by Chambers’ leadership over the last 12 years, touching the lives of countless children. In gratitude, the club’s 2022- 23 board of directors made an unrestricted donation to the Kiwanis (International) Children’s Fund in her name, making her a Hixson Fellowship recipient. “With this designation, Jodi’s efforts not only touch local children, but reach out to help children around the world,” current Kiwanis President Angie Snyder said. “Congratulations to Monroeville’s own Jodi Chambers on Kiwanis International has officer training and other resources available online Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 22 Clubs in Action Monroeville award recipients, clockwise from top left: Jodi Chambers with Phillip Allen; Angie Snyder with Allen; Dr. Wyatt Broughton (right) with Ronnie May; Chip Bryan with Debbie Jinright. Monroeville awards include Hixson, Barnett, top citizen, top Kiwanian (See MONROEVILLE, next page)
Email news and photos of club projects to the Kiwanis Kourier, [email protected] Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 23 an honor well-deserved, and thank you, Jodi, for making a difference!” Barnett Fellowship The J. Mercer Barnett Fellowship was presented to Angie Snyder for outstanding contributions to Monroeville Kiwanis and the community, by the club’s board and membership. Phillip Allen, secretary of the Monroeville club and member of the Alabama Foundation board, presented the award. The club gave a donation to the Alabama Kiwanis Foundation in her name. The fellowship was established in 1995 by the Alabama Kiwanis Foundation, named after J. Mercer Barnett, charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham. He served as the first governor of the Alabama-Florida District and became the fourth Kiwanis International president in 1920-21. 2023 Citizen of the Year Dr. Wyatt Broughton, a local native and 15-year practicing physician, was named 2023 Citizen of the Year. “With a humble heart, he is in the business of saving lives on a daily basis as the family medicine doctor/hospitalist at Monroe County Hospital Rural Health Clinic, Grove Hill Rural Health Clinic and Thomasville Medical Center; saving souls from Sunday to Sunday as pastor of the Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Brewton; and saving the community by investing limitless time and heart in enhancing Monroeville,” said Kiwanian Ronnie May. “He is totally invested in Monroeville being a thriving business community,” May said. Dr. Broughton is the son of Thomas and Lucendia Broughton. He graduated from Monroe County High School. 2023 Kiwanian of the Year Chip Bryan is the 2023 Kiwanian of the Year. Kiwanis contributes over $30,000 annually to organizations that share its commitment to bettering life in the community. Projects to raise these funds require involvement by club members. Among the volunteers is Bryan, who is one of the first to arrive and one of the last to leave. “His donation of time and talents stretches out beyond our Kiwanis Club events,” Past President Debbie Jinright said. “He just quietly shows up and helps … until the need is taken care of. He won’t leave until he knows he’s not leaving anyone in a bind.” Monroeville (From previous page) Clubs in Action Jasper club packs 1,400 bags for children Members of the Kiwanis Club of Jasper visited Backyard Blessings in early December to help pack more than 1,400 bags for Walker County school students. This nonprofit gives bags of food to needy children each Friday to help them have food through the weekend. Daphne area club plans Best of the Bay 2024 The Kiwanis Club of Daphne-Spanish Fort has announced name and date changes to its big annual fundraiser. Best of the Bay 2024 (a new version of Taste of the Towns) is scheduled for March 21, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening will include food, music by Disco Kiss, a live auction and scholarships. The cook-off for both amateurs and chefs will be at the Daphne Civic Center. Pell City club honors teacher In December, members of the Kiwanis Club of Pell City celebrated Teacher of the Month Cheryl Smith from Iola Roberts Elementary School. They recognized her for doing a wonderful job with her kindergartners. Talladega-Lincoln builds beds for kids Several members of the Kiwanis Club of Talladega-Lincoln helped Sleep in Heavenly Peace build beds for kids Nov. 11. They joined about 200 volunteers for the fourth annual Community Bed Build Day at the Talladega race course. The project was hosted by the United Way of North Talladega County, Talladega Superspeedway and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a Gadsdenbased nonprofit. They formed assembly lines and stations with lumber for sawing, sanding, drilling, assembling and staining about 120 twin-size beds to be given to children who had been sleeping on floors, blankets and sofas. Bedding, blankets and stuffed animals also are collected for donation; organizations can hold drives to gather these items. The children and families are referred by the Department of Human Resources, school systems and through the website www.shpbeds.org, and there is a waiting list.
Deadline for the next edition of the online Kiwanis Kourier is April 20, 2024 Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 24 Clubs in Action Sheffield Citizen of the Year and Kiwanian of the Year The Kiwanis Club of Sheffield presented several awards at its fall banquet. Sherri Baker receives the Citizen of the Year award from member Carlos Nelson, while Steve Hargrove presents the Kiwanian of the Year honor to Don Baker. Huntsville mayor addresses club Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle talked about economic development and growth as the guest speaker at the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville meeting Nov. 6. Battle, left, talks with Kiwanian Glenn Smith at the meeting. In the photo at right, member Roger Kapp and his wife, Gladys, were celebrating their wedding anniversary at the dinner meeting featuring the mayor. Rogersville Hamburger Day Members of the Kiwanis Club of Rogersville held a fall Hamburger Day fundraiser. The Lauderdale County High School Key Club helped sell Kiwanis Hamburger Day tickets for Oct. 25 at lunch and hamburger tickets for the Kiwanis Trunk or Treat event.
Make annual donations to the Alabama Kiwanis Foundation and Kiwanis Children’s Fund Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 25 Since 2015 — the last time delegates voted to increase dues — Kiwanis International has cut costs, reduced staf and used strong investment returns to defray a dues increase. Rising costs and declining membership have now made it difcult to cover the costs of operations and programs. Global fnancial conditions have further compounded the problem. This is why your board of trustees is proposing the following dues increase: 2024 DUES INCREASE WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHY DO WE NEED A DUES INCREASE? OUR PEER SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSED DUES INCREASE KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL Dues have not increased in nearly a decade and only once in the past 20 years. We face a new reality. As a memberbased non-proft that serves children, costs have increased dramatically: Legal fees are up 400%, and IT costs have risen 76%, mainly due to cyber security measures. Our dues revenue continues to decrease, and membership has not recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not alone. Rotary, Optimist and Lions have all recently voted to increase dues. Even with a dues increase, Kiwanis would remain one of the least expensive service organizations to belong to. Cutting expenses is not enough. Kiwanis spends less money now than we did in 2006 and has consistently done so for 15 years. In some years, as much as $4 million less. We’ve done this by ofering fewer services, reducing staf, renegotiating contracts and cutting travel. TIER A US$25 TIER B US$16 TIER C US$11 • Sertoma: US$130 • Cosmopolitan International: US$100 • Civitan International: US$90 • Zonta International: US$88 • Optimist International: US$84 • Rotary International: US$82 (by 2025) • Soroptimist International: US$74 • Kiwanis International Tier A: US$52 • Lions Club: US$50 (by 2025) • Kiwanis International Tier B: US$34 • Kiwanis International Tier C: US23 KIWANIS TIER C: US$34 KIWANIS TIER B: US$50 KIWANIS TIER A: US$77
Update meeting times and locations on your Kiwanis club websites and Facebook pages Alabama Kiwanis Kourier, Winter 2024 26 For more information, see tinyurl.com/kiwanis-dues-2024.