Batesville, AR Kiwanis welcomes new members!

Sloane Lott sponsored Randall Box (Sloane is to Randall’s right).

Brenda Doty sponsored Beverly Britt (Brenda is to the right of Beverly).

Kiwanis Club of South County honors Officer Vitale

Thirteen members were joined by three guests, Carol Kurmann, Lt. Shawn McGuire, and Officer Dominic Vitale. Both Officers are from the Third Precinct. Lt. McGuire introduced Officer Vitale, our Officer of the Quarter. The lieutenant described Officer Vitale as a very hard-working member of the team. He is the sole precinct detective, and his duties include a lot of follow-up work with victims and the community as well as with the cases brought in by his fellow officers.

This might include additional interviews with victims and suspects as well as securing search warrants. Lt. McGuire said because of this work, Officer Vitale is well-versed in the crime trends in the area. When Officer Vitale came to the podium, he began by saying that officers don’t look for awards and recognition, but certainly appreciate it.

Normandy hosts a back to school assembly

Back to school we go!  Kiwanis Club of Normandy 24:1 welcomed the Normandy Early Learning Center’s pre-K and Kindergarten little ones on their first day of school. This is an annual service project of love for our children.

“The kids loved it and we did, too,” said Monica Huddleston.

Maplewood hosts Installation & Special Recognitions

The Maplewood Kiwanis Installation was held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The installation was held at Barolino’s Osteria. The following members were installed as officers and board members: Karen Wood, President; Ed Rich, President-Elect; Bonnie Paulsmeyer, Secretary; Jeff Johnson, Treasurer; Scott MacDonald, Immediate Past President; and Barry Greenberg, Board member. Phil Johnson and Brian Adkisson who are Board members, were unable to attend.

Many members were presented with special awards. Jeff Johnson received the 55Year Legion of Honor award. Barry Greenberg was recognized with the 20 Year Longevity award. Barry Greenberg received the Dr. Wil Blechman Fellowship. Past Lt. Governor of Division 9 Teri Jacob received a George F. Hixson Fellowship. Ed Rich received a Distinguished Service Award. Phil Johnson couldn’t be present, but he, too, received a Distinguished Service Award. Karen Wood presented Scott MacDonald with a Past President’s plaque. View photos of the ceremony.

E-Centennial Kiwanis gives out Impact Award to elementary vice principal

The Mo-Ark eCentennial Kiwanis Club gives out quarterly Impact Awards to individuals and/or organizations that provide programs and services to make an impact in our communities by Improving, Motivating, Partnering, Advocating, Community, and Togetherness.

On December 13, the club recognized Castlio Elementary School’s Vice Principal Katie Fazio for the impact she has made through Kiwanis and KKids Service Leadership Program.

Katie worked with the Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis to develop a KKids program that is currently in its second year with 50 members. By choosing the right advisor in Nicole Ashraf, the KKids program is going strong.

Kiwanis Club of Ozark Empire Fair distributes shoes for 60 years

Since 1950, Kiwanis Club of Ozark Empire Fair has donated more than 26,000 pairs of shoes to Springfield Public Schools students in Springfield, Mo. 

The Kiwanis continued their tradition of generosity by donating a new pair of shoes for every student at Watkins Elementary Oct. 9.

“The gift of new shoes to all students brought us together as a community and gave students a sense of pride and confidence,” said Joanna Brockwell, Watkins principal. “It gave us something to celebrate. Who doesn’t like new shoes?”

As an international organization, Kiwanis is committed to meeting the needs of children. Local chapters of Kiwanis have supported the Springfield Council of PTAs Clothing Bank for years, operating a Shoe Bank for participating students. Each year, students who qualify for the PTA Clothing Bank can get a free, brand new pair of shoes each year.

$1,500.00 scholarships available for high school seniors from Earl Collins Foundation

Thanks to the Earl Collins Foundation, $1,500 scholarships are available for high school seniors. Scholarship applications must be received by Kiwanis Clubs by Jan. 31.

View the Earl Collins Scholarship Application Here