Guest Toolbox

Member Toolbox

2008

Our Meeting Minutes Are Online

If you've missed a meeting or want to remember what happened at a meeting, you now have access to the meeting minutes via our online archive. For questions, please contact Alyson Gerwe.

Our Club Has Adopted a Class

We have just adopted Mrs. O'Neal's 3rd grade class at Rockdale Elementary. So far, we have received letters from the kids and written back to them. We are currently preparing to buy them gifts to present at the Christmas party we are throwing them on either December 18th or 19th (date to be determined soon) at 1:30pm. Please plan to come help us celebrate the season and mentor the children at the Christmas party!

We are Chartering 2 Sponsored Youth Clubs

At the November board meeting, we voted unanimously to charter a K-Kids Club at Horizon Science Academy. We are also helping to re-charter the Circle K club at the University of Cincinnati. K-Kids and Circle K clubs are service leadership programs sponsored by Kiwanis International that help reinforce and develop positive characteristics in children.

Currently Monica Espinal, club member since October 2008 and a teacher at Horizon Science Academy, is acting as both faculty advisor and Kiwanis advisor. We are looking for a Kiwanis advisor to help support Monica and the K-Kids club. If you're interested in being an advisor/mentor for the children (attend about 2 meetings/month and help them with any planning they need), please contact Jim Gerwe at service@cincinnatikiwanis.org

Our eNewsletters Are Online

Our eNewsletters are now online. Check out all of last month's activities, stories and photos! Thanks to Mary Shy for spearheading the content and project management of the eNewsletters.

Exciting Upcoming Guest Speakers!

We have some exciting upcoming guest speakers for our lunch meetings. Carolyn Arnett, founder and Legal Director of Adoption Bridges of Kentucky (8/18); Mary Ronan, interim Superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools (9/15); Craig Hockenberry, Principal of the Oyler School (9/29).

Don't miss out on the opportunity to meet them! The public is invited and encouraged to join us. In fact, non-Kiwanians get 3 FREE LUNCHES at our lunch meetings at the Banker's Club. Please RSVP at least 2 days in advance of the date: info@cincinnatikiwanis.org

Ohio District Convention: Aug. 15-17 Register today!

District Convention is upcoming on Aug. 15-17. District Convention is a chance to learn how enhance your Kiwanis experience, socialize with Kiwanians from Ohio as well as from our club, and vote on important Ohio District issues and elections. The annual Ohio District Foundation meeting is on Friday, August 15 at 9am. Most of those going from our club will be going up for the day on Aug. 16.

Printable registration forms are included in the < June issue of Ohio District Kiwanis magazine >

Kiwanis International Convention 2008

Alyson Gerwe and Amy Zimmerman attended the 2008 Kiwanis International Convention as representatives of our club. We elected the International Vice President, Sylvester Neal, who will in turn be International President. This year's convention in Orlando was a "blast" and both of them came back with inspiration for club activities and excitement about Kiwanis. On our <Photos page>, there is a slideshow of photos from Convention. Members can also find links to workshop and presentation materials from Convention on the <Members Community page>

Amy Zimmerman Lieutenant Governor Elect for 2008-2009

Congratulations to our own Amy Zimmerman who was nominated for Lieutenant Governor Elect for the 2008-2009 Kiwanis year. She is running unopposed. The election will be held during the 2008 Ohio Kiwanis Convention in August. Her induction is scheduled for September 17th.

St Francis Seraph Soup Kitchen Project

The St. Francis Seraph Soup Kitchen Project is a little hard work, a lot of fun, good companionship and spiritually rewarding. The soup kitchen coordinator Purcell Porsche expresses their deep appreciation for our effort and ongoing commitment to help. We are scheduled to serve on the second Wednesday of every month. Hope to see you there!

Coordinator: Bill Swanson

St. Francis Seraph website >

Cyclones, tornadoes, flooding, and earthquakes Renew Call for Disaster Relief Fund Contributions

Recent extreme weather and natural disasters throughout the world have caused devastation in many areas. These events have prompted Kiwanis International and the Kiwanis International Foundation to issue a special plea for contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund.

“Kiwanis has received numerous messages of concern for the well-being of those affected by natural disasters,” said Kiwanis International President Dave Curry. “As a result, we are asking people to donate to the Disaster Relief Fund, particularly to help and support children, who have been so tragically affected.”

Working with clubs within the affected areas, Kiwanis will ensure contributions are directed to help children who have the greatest immediate and critical needs.

Contribute to the relief efforts or send your support to the Kiwanis International Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA 46268.

“Our thoughts are with the countless children suffering because of these disasters,” said Kiwanis International Foundation President Jane Erickson. “We can be the ones to make a difference by helping them when they need it most.”

Finding a Common Purpose

The club has decided to conduct a Community Assessment, to determine a focus for our club's philanthropy. We would like to make a more dramatic, recognizable impact on our community. To this end, we have met twice. The next team meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 11th after the Tom Geiger Guest House Playroom Renovation Project. For more information about this meeting or the Community Assessment, please contact Laura Reinhardt (Team Lead) or Jim Gerwe (Club Service Coordinator).

Guest Speaker Spotlight: Lonnie Richardson from Teen Challenge

On Monday, February 4th, Lonnie Richardson from Teen Challenge came to speak at our lunch meeting. Teen Challenge is a faith-based solution to the drug epidemic; helping those they serve to not just survive, but to thrive. Teen Challenge is a live-in program for men trying to overcome their addictions. The average success rate for live-in drug treatement programs is 3%. Teen Challenge's success rate is 85%. They attribute this dramatic difference to their teaching the men to surrender their life to Christ. Teen Challenge is currently working on developing a women's program.

Our Club Has Grown By 5 New Members!

On Monday, January 25th, we officially welcomed Alex Hamling, Bill Swanson, Carmel Manlapaz, and Linda and Tim Gramke into our club. Congratulations to our newest club members!

March of Dimes Walk America: Register to Walk with Our Club

You can now login and set up your user account for the March of Dimes Walkamerica which will be April 27th this year at Sawyer Point at 9AM at the following link: http://www.marchforbabies.org/459159
... Your team name is: Kiwanis - Cincinnati
... You will be walking at the: Grt. Cincinnati/N. Kentucky Walksite
Go to: http://www.marchforbabies.org/459159 to begin!
Contact Amy Zimmerman for more information

2007

Photos from the Holiday Party Now Online!

"[Kiwanis International IDD] Project Lowers [Global Child] Death Rate"

"Global deaths of children under the age of 5 have fallen below 10 million per year for the first time, according to UNICEF. In a September letter to Kiwanis International, Caryl M. Stern, CEO of the US Fund for UNICEF, cited Kiwanis’ fight against iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) as one of the key initiatives in achieving this children’s health triumph. “We are extremely grateful for the historic role Kiwanis has played in saving and enhancing the lives of millions of children in the developing world,” Stern said in the US Fund news release." - Kiwanis magazine, December 2007

Ohio Kiwanis November Newsletter is Online

Haven't received your November issue of the Ohio District Kiwanis newsletter yet? Read it online today to hear about all the exciting news from Ohio District Kiwanis.

Kiwanis Online Member Resources Keep You in Touch and Informed

Kiwanis International is moving towards providing online member resources for staying in touch with fellow Kiwanians, staying informed with Kiwanis International, and developing yourself as a leader. Kiwanis has started a new website, just for Kiwanis members, called Kiwanis One. Our own club is working on doing the same using the club website, club Yahoo Group, and club Facebook group. For more information on these resources and what might be of interest to you, click the link below to view the PowerPoint presentation prepared by Alyson Gerwe for the Nov. 19, 2007 club meeting.

1st Annual Halloween Spooktacular, a Frighteningly Good Time

"It was a cool, dark night in late October when the Cincinnati Kiwanis club, potential members and guests gathered for some good Halloween cheer. Neon Lites was kind enough to host our gathering - an assortment of witches, a rocker, pirates, a nun, a tourist and many more. Check out the __ link to see the assortment of party goers, and keep an eye out for the contest winners: Little Red Riding Hood and a fairy..." - Jim Gerwe

Hamilton County Job and Family Services (HCJFS): An Update on Cincinnati's Social Services

Mike Boehmer, APR, Public Information Specialist for HCJFS, came to speak at our club meeting on October 29th about the status of social services in Cincinnati through HCJFS. The HCJFS "administers federal, state and local programs for those in need. The department helps with local child protection, adult protection, child care, tuberculosis control, child support enforcement, workforce development, cash assistance, food stamp disbursement and Medicaid coverage. In 2006, the child support program served 1 in 4 residents, the Medicaid program served 1 in 7 residents, and the food stamps program served 1 in 10 residents", among many other programs.

Project Connect Serves Cincinnati's Homeless Children

Trish Fries, Development Manager at Project Connect, came to speak to our club on October 15th about Project Connect, the issue of homeless children in Cincinnati, and what we can do to help."Children account for the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. In one year, a typical homeless family moves 7-8 times. There are an estimated 6,000 children experiencing homelessness in Greater Cincinnati each year. Poverty and lack of affordable housing are the principal causes of family homelessness. While families and shelters work to fulfill the basic human needs--food, clothing and shelter--the educational needs of children experiencing homelessness are often pushed aside...

The Staff of Ronald McDonald House Wrote to Thank Us for Preparing Dinner for the Families at RMH

"Thank you so much for the delicious dinner you prepared for our guest families. Your thoughtfulness means so much to families during one of the most trying times of their lives. After a long day at the hospital caring for their sick children, there's nothing they appreciate more than a home-cooked meal..."

Cincinnati Museum Center Director Corporate Relations and Major Gifts Spoke at Club Meeting Oct. 1, 2007

Patti Proctor, Director Corporate Relations and Major Gifts at Cincinnati Museum Center, gave an interesting overview of the Cincinnati Museum Center museums and research facilities. These lesser known facilities include the Cincinnati Historical Society Library, which is a good resource for geneology studies and the Geier Center, which stores and perserves over 50,000 artifacts from Cincinnati history. There are a number of exciting upcoming exhibits and events happening at the Cincinnati Museum Center, including Bodies: The Exhibit, as well as events celebrating the 75th anniversary of Union Terminal.

Club Reds Night

Despite a little rain, 6 club members, 5 club guests, and 3 kids had a great time at the ballpark on Tuesday, September 25th when the Reds played Houston. We're looking forward to another club Reds night in the spring of '08. Thanks to Amy Zimmerman for sharing her free Reds ticket vouchers with us!

Director of Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services (HCDOES) Spoke at Club Meeting Sept. 17, 2007

Cory R. Chadwick, Director of HCDOES spoke at the club meeting on Sept. 17th, giving an update on Hamilton County's air quality issues as well as information regarding the household hazardous waste collection programs available to residents.

Kiwanis International Annual Report Released

The 2005-06 Annual Report showcases a worldwide organization growing in members and service. Read this report to learn: what bold action the international convention delegates took; how much Kiwanis membership grew; how much money the foundation provided for club projects around the world; and much, much more.

Notable Charity Evaluator Awards Kiwanis International Foundation Four-Star Rating for 2007

Kiwanis International announced [July 17, 2007] its Foundation has been recognized with the highest rating for efficiently managing and growing its finances from Charity Navigator, a non-profit organization that provides information and evaluation on the financial health of thousands of charities across the U.S...