::Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee Newsletter::
::FEBRUARY 2012::
DEFINING STATEMENT: Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.
SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING: Our total for this year was $837 for our almost two days of ringing. Thanks to everyone who participated!
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING: This annual event for our club was once again a huge success. Although we only had 40 pounds of food brought in, we donated $610 for the Presbyterian Church Food Bank. This is our highest total ever and was helped by the "auction" of the UF, FSU & UM caledars. UF generated the most money, so we will be known as a "Gator" Kiwanis Club for the year. Thaks to Marcos for chairing this very worthwhile project.
BOARD ACTIONS: Feb Borad actions included: Discussion of OHS Golfer, Richard Donegan, recognition; new members approved-Brian Sell - Department of Health, John Michael Radebaugh - Okeechobee Co. Schools, Armando A. Santelices - Florida Comm. Health Center, Michael Hazellief - Okeechobee County S O, Cindy Birdashaw - Okeechobee Main Street, Cortney Crews - Helping People Succeed
Kiwanis Governor's Visit: Kiwanis Florida District Governor Eddie Lee visited our club on Jan 19. This was Gov. Eddie's official visit to Division 16. He met with all Division 16 club officers at 10:30 and then visited our club at noon. Dowling presented the Governor with several gifts to remember Okeechobee (Seminole Casino Bingo card, Toy Story fishing rod, and key to someone's house in lieu of a key to the City). Lt Gov Jim Vensel presented the official gift, a large gift basket with Okeechobee items (historical book, coffee cups, Serenity coffee, MainStreet items, etc).
MATH MINI-GRANTS: The teacher mini-grant program administered by the Okeechboee Educational Foundation has grown tremendously and there was a standing room only crowd at the awards presentation. Fifty four grants were presented totaling $23,500! Our Dick and Marge Blair Math Mini-grants were presented to: Emily Streelman (Everglades); Stella Fulleda (Central); Megan Williamson (North); Asley Davis (Central); Jennifer Marquis (Seminole) and Shelly Sickels (Seminole). Dick and Marge's daughters, Rickki and Marge attended the ceremony and expressed their sincere appreciation to the Club for continuing to honor their parents in this very special way.
OHS BAND GRANT: Our Club received a $15,000 grant from the Children's Service Council to present to the OHS Band for their trip to Washingotn DC. Band director, Clint LaFlam, attended one of our meeting to accept the donation.
OHS GOLF RECOGNITION DAY: OHS golfer, Richard Donegan, who won the state championship will be honored at our Feb 16 meeting.
NEW MEMBERS: Six new members were approved at the Feb Board Meeting (a record number of new members!);Brian Sell - Health Department; John Michael Radebaugh - Okeechobee Co. Schools;
Armando A. Santelices - Florida Comm. Health Center; Michael Hazellief - Okeechobee County SO;
Cindy Birdashaw - Okeechobee Main Street; Cortney Crews - Helping People Succeed. Welcome!
KIWANIS HONORS: Theresa Chandler was honored for her great work with the Radio Auction. Theresa received several "valuable" gifts ncluding an odor eliminator (clothes pin), Waste Management variety pack (recylables-paper, cans, bottles), an energy drink to keep up with the BRAT kids, and a new shotgun (toy). Jay Zeller was honored for his years as program chairman. Jay received a calendar (2009), a blank trophy, a video (spoof of Lord of the Dance) and tickets for he and his wife to attend a real Lord of the Dance performance at the Sunrise Theatre.
KIWANIS EDUCATION: We are in Division 16 of the Florida District of Kiwanis. Jim Vensel is the new Division 16 Lt-Governor.
IN THE NEWS: Kodi Stephen (Noel's son) was pictured in Okeechobee News receiving the Brahman Award for Boys Golf.
WORDS OF WISDOM: Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain and most fools do! True friends are the ones who have nice things to say about you - behind your back! You can't fix stupid, but you can numb it with a 2X4!
IMPORTANT DATES (also see Events)
Feb 2: Board Meeting (following regular meeting)
Feb 16: OHS Golfer Richard Donegan Day
Mar 1: Board Meeting (following regular meeting)