JOIN TEAM KIWANIS AT THE 2020 DISTRICT VIRTUAL CONVENTION!Submitted by Jean Long Manteufel, 2019-2020 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor-elect
Yes, we all wish we could get together face-to-face.
Maybe we cannot do things like in the past, but we can
get together differently at the 2020 Wisconsin-Upper
Michigan Kiwanis District Virtual Convention (VCON).
We have been working hard to bring you a virtual
convention that is fun, educational and engaging — with
an all-star lineup of presenters. This year, it will cost
nothing to attend.
Friday night, we will have the Pledge of Allegiance,
led by a Purple Heart recipient, Governor Roger’s son.
The convention will then kick off with former Wisconsin
Badger and Green Bay Packer, Mark Tauscher. Wear your
favorite team colors.
The Saturday morning workshops will feature presenters
from all around the country — live! We have several past
Kiwanis International presidents, inspirational speakers and
hot topics and we’re involving our whole Kiwanis family.
Saturday afternoon includes our House of Delegates
where your club’s vote counts! The 2020-2021 Governor
and Governor-elect will be chosen. Sunday morning a
special memorial service for Kiwanians we lost this past
year will be held.
It’s all being hosted by a team of tech-gurus, so we can
sit back and relax. Drop in for the sections that interest
you. Bring your own beverage and snacks. If your club
can gather in a place where you can safely hold a social
distancing viewing party, great!
We look forward to “seeing” all our Kiwanis friends at the
2020 WI-UM Kiwanis District Virtual Convention!
2019-2020 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor-elect Jean
Long Manteufel can be reached by phone at 920-585-
7769 or by email at [email protected].
#KIDSNEEDKIWANIS
“ THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE SENSE OF CHANGE IS TO PLUNGE INTO IT, MOVE WITH IT, AND JOIN THE DANCE.” – ALAN W. WATTS
PAGE 2 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
GOVERNOR RECOMMENDS STEVENS POINT CLUB BELL PROTECTORBy Roger Krogstad, DVM, 2019-2020 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor
Is your club’s Kiwanis bell a casualty of
accidents or mishandling by set-up staff? This
was a common observation during my Lt.
Governor club visits. My club has experienced
the frustration of attempted repairs after the
top of our bell has been repeatedly broken. At
a visit to the Stevens Point Kiwanis Club I had
one of those “aha” moments.
I took a picture of this unique creation to
protect the Kiwanis bell in hopes to share the
design with other clubs. The woodworker,
Stevens Point Kiwanian Fred Hebblewhite,
gave me some construction tips and
permission to share this project. The base
is four separate pieces of cherry wood and
the roll bar is a solid stainless rod threaded
on both ends and recessed on the base
bottom. A hollow area in the base holds the
gavel to begin and end meetings.
Do you have time on your hands and a gift
in woodworking? Give this a go. For more
information call Fred at 715-498-3810.
‘WEAR’ OH ‘WEAR’ IS KIWANIS? EMPHASIZING BRAND RECOGNITIONBy Roger Krogstad, DVM, 2019-2020 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor
No, that is not a misprint in the
title of my message. According to
an English professor I know the
relationship of the words where
and wear, with similar sounds but
different meanings, is called a
homophone. Therefore I do mean
to emphasize ‘wear’ is Kiwanis.
As we shelter at home, many communities have not seen
the usual service projects or fundraisers that typically
make us visible in the community. So now they may be
wondering where is Kiwanis. It’s time to dust off the
district t-shirts and volunteer neon yellow Kiwanis logo
wear so that everyone sees that Kiwanis is still active in
the community.
My Kiwanis moment to experience this effect is shown in
the photo of me at a recent Red Cross blood donation
event. After taking a year off following a return from
Africa and an additional two month COVID delay, I was
finally able to schedule a donation for pint #124 (151/2
gallons). I donned my club polo shirt and Kiwanis ball cap
and headed out. I was amazed by the interest sparked
and conversations started concerning Kiwanis, sharing
the focus on kids and communities with Red Cross staff.
One of the phlebotomists knew the president of a nearby
Kiwanis club. It was truly an opportunity to wear Kiwanis
and share the message. This is not a time to hide Kiwanis.
As you — either as a club or individually — venture out or
volunteer, you are the face of Kiwanis. If you volunteer
to deliver meals, fill backpacks, or deliver ‘Kiwanis
Cares’ cards to seniors, you fulfill the vision of Kiwanis.
Although some community members may wonder where
is Kiwanis we can still be seen because what we wear is
Kiwanis. #KIDSNEEDKIWANIS
2019-2020 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor Roger
Krogstad can be reached by phone at 715-207-2720 or
by email at [email protected].
Dr. Roger Krogstad
Governor Krogstad wore a Kiwanis shirt and cap to a recent blood drive.
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 3
KIWANIS KITCHEN GOVERNOR’S PROJECT MOVES FORWARD AT CAMPBy Roger Krogstad, DVM, 2019-2020 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor
My 2019-2020 Governor’s Project, The Kiwanis Kitchen
at Camp Wawbeek, was off to an amazing start through
the generosity of many clubs until COVID-19 appeared.
Federal and state recommendations and regulations
curtailed many public events and Kiwanis fundraisers.
Many clubs have reassessed their financial priorities.
Camp Wawbeek will unfortunately be closed for the
summer camping season. It is sad that so many campers
will not be able to have this special time. Since the
kitchen will not be in use, we have an opportunity to
begin some of the kitchen upgrades planned for the fall.
The funds contributed to date — about half of the
needed total — are being released to the camp now to be
available for the projects.
I thank all clubs and individuals who have contributed to
the project, which continues the legacy of support from
our Kiwanis District to Camp Wawbeek. I hope you will
consider the Kiwanis Kitchen Governor’s Project in your
club’s future benevolence.
A MESSAGE FROM KI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STAN SODERSTROM Submitted by Stan Soderstrom, Kiwanis International Executive Director
Governor Roger and Governor-elect Jean want to ensure
this message from Kiwanis International reaches all members.
Watching the civil unrest in the United States in recent
days, our organization’s initial response was to encourage
calm and patience — and to listen.
In recent days, we have heard from some members who
have told us that is not enough.
We are listening. We are learning. And as we do, we also
want to be clear on where we stand.
Kiwanis International does not tolerate racism. We know
that black lives matter. We value inclusion from every
community in every nation. We also know there’s more
work to be done.
We know that in the United States, citizens have a right to
protest, to advocate and to petition their government for
redress of grievances. We support both the responsible
exercise of this right and the freedom to use it without
the fear of physical violence.
We are saddened by the vandalism and violence but can
understand how we’ve gotten here.
The Kiwanis family will continue to stand for bringing
people together to make a difference in any and every
community we can. Our solution is not to be the loudest
voice on any specific issue, but to help everyone see
that resolution can only come by listening and working
together. That has been a successful strategy for Kiwanis
for more than a century, and it can be the only path
forward for our members in the United States and around
the world.
Stan Soderstrom is the executive director of Kiwanis
International and the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. His
background includes global and community-based work
in the public and private sectors.
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL DOES NOT TOLERATE RACISM.
WE KNOW THAT BLACK LIVES MATTER.
WE ALSO KNOW THERE’S MORE WORK TO BE DONE.— Stan Soderstrom, KI Executive Director
PAGE 4 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
2020 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT VIRTUAL CONVENTION: TEAM KIWANISFRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2020
1:00 — 4:00 2019-2020 Board Meeting
4:00 — 5:00 Convention Opening — Candidate Forum
Presentation of the Flags Madison Area Boy Scouts
Pledge of Allegiance Micah Krogstad, Purple Heart Recipient
Welcome Governor Roger Krogstad
Kickoff Speaker Mark Tauscher former Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer
5:00 — 6:30 Social Led by the Circle K and Key Club Boards
SATURDAY AUGUST 22, 2020
8:15 — 8:30 Help with Zooming Today Anna Bruhn
8:30 — 9:00 Service Project Led by Circle K Board
9:00 — 9:50 Workshops I
10:00 — 10:50 Workshops II
11:00 — 11:50 Workshops III
Workshop Titles (times to be determined later)
• Finding the Leader in You Steve Siemens, Past Kiwanis International President
• Membership: Your Committee and Our Team Working Together Membership and Engagement Team
• Rediscover Service Sue Petrisin, Past Kiwanis International President
• Young Professionals, the Next Generation of Kiwanis Alec Macauley, Carolina Kiwanis District
• International Children’s Fund Jeremy Grinslade, Bev Burnap
• What Should a Successful Membership Plan Look Like? Membership and Engagement Team
• KI Partnership Programs Debbie Suennen Rickard, District Partnership Coordinator
• Interacting with Circle K and Key Club Katelyn Van Buren, Circle K District Governor Addie Vandeloo, Key Club District Governor
• Maximizing your Public Relations Jay Stephany, Appleton-Fox Cities Kiwanis Club
• iPads Make a Difference Sheila Kloepping, Lynn Messer
• Diversity and Inclusion Karen Nelson — D&I Coordinator, City of Appleton
• Growing Membership Made Easier with ACE Tools Membership and Engagement Team
• Making Our Clubs More Welcoming Valarie Brown-Klingelhoefer, Cal-Nev-Ha Kiwanis District
• Fun Raising Jay Stephany, Appleton-Fox Cities Kiwanis Club
• Have Fun in Your Club Meeting! Emily Sharpe, Northeast Region, Kiwanis International
12:00 Break for Lunch
1:00 Awards, Circle K and Key Club Governors and Keynote Speaker
District Awards Jim Buskel, 2018-2019 District Governor Addie Vandeloo Key Club Governor Katelyn Van Buren Circle K Governor Peter Mancuso Kiwanis International
President-elect Designate
2:00 Fundraisers KDF Virtual Basket Raffle Drawing Circle K Fundraiser
2:40 — 2:55 Group Laughter Yoga Cynthia Paris, Director Team COA
and Laughter Yoga Midwest www.coaprograms.org
3:00 — 4:00 House of Delegates Reports and Officer Elections Featured Speaker, Kiwanis International Trustee Counselor
4:00 — 5:00 Retirement and Installation of Officers Kiwanis International Trustee Counselor
SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2020
9:00 Memorial Service Jim Kieso, Human & Spiritual Values Chair Honoring those District Kiwanians
who have passed away since the last convention.
10:00 — 12:30 2020-2021 Board Meeting
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 5
GOVERNOR-ELECT NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH JULY 31 Submitted by Mark Finger, WI-UM Kiwanis District
Candidate nominations for Governor-elect will not be
accepted later than three weeks prior to the opening
day of the District Convention, July 31, 2020, for the
name to be presented to the assembled delegates of the
Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Kiwanis District Convention.
TECH ADVOCATES NEEDED!Kiwanis International has free websites for all clubs!
Before we can offer this to clubs in our District,
we need some volunteers to learn the ropes and
be the go-to person for clubs who need technical
support. Without tech advocates, we can’t offer this
to our members. Do you have the technical skills
to step up and help? Familiarity with Word Press
is needed. Online training will be provided by
Kiwanis International. Please contact Eileen Nelson
at 608-606-9077 or [email protected] for more
information or to volunteer as a tech advocate.
LARRY KOZIOL ANNOUNCES 2020-2021 GOVERNOR-ELECT CANDIDACYSubmitted by Larry Koziol, Candidate for 2020-2021 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor-elect
In 2004 after the passing of my
first wife, Mary, a friend asked me
to attend a West Bend Early Risers
membership social. I liked what I
saw and joined. At a time of need,
Kiwanis put purpose back into my
life. I’ve since been trying to repay
that. I know that kids need Kiwanis
but I found that adults do too!
I want to continue the repayment by being your 2020-
2021 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor-elect.
Most of my working life was spent as a field service
engineer for Coulter Corporation (Beckman Coulter), a
manufacturer of laboratory diagnostic instruments.
In Kiwanis, I served the West Bend Early Risers in various
board positions including president in 2007-2008 and
2012-2013. I’m currently serving as club secretary. I was
honored to be the recipient of the West Bend Early Risers
Kiwanian of the Year award four times — in 2007, 2009,
2011 and 2019.
On the district level I served as Lieutenant Governor of
Division 11 from 2015-2017 and currently as Division 3
Lieutenant Governor. I’m also serving as a member of the
WI-UM Kiwanis District Membership and Engagement
Team and a Regional Club Coach. I assisted with the
opening of a new club in Slinger.
My volunteering started with Cub, Boy and Explorer
Scouts. Jaycees were next where I served as president
of the West Bend Jaycees and later as president of
the Wisconsin JCI Senate. I served on the West Bend
American Cancer Society Relay for Life committee as
logistics chair and event co-chair.
I remarried in 2005 to my lovely wife, Lynn. Between us
we have four children and five wonderful grandchildren.
My hobbies are camping and traveling. I’ve been
fortunate enough to have visited all 50 states, completing
the quest when Lynn and I visited Hawaii and Alaska.
I ask for your support at the district virtual convention this
August. It will be a great event and I encourage everyone
to attend.
Larry Koziol can be reached by phone at 262-338-1996 or
by email at [email protected].
Larry Koziol
PAGE 6 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
ACCEPTING CHANGES WE CANNOT CONTROL IN LIFESubmitted by Jean Long Manteufel, 2019-2020 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor-elect
I miss visiting Mom, my sisters
and brothers, and my children.
I miss my grandchildren. I miss
my friends, church and my
Kiwanis club members. I miss
saying goodbye at the funeral
for someone I dearly love. I miss
events and parties.
I miss business as usual. I miss going out and meeting
new customers. I miss the everyday give-and-take of life.
I miss you.
I miss hugs!
I will admit to feeling angry, frustrated, scared and
anxious. My energy level has gone down. I have been
eating more — and none of it is healthy. My husband will
perhaps agree that I have been irritable.
Sound familiar? I am not alone.
Here we all are. Change is difficult, but we have really
been hit with body-slamming, overwhelming change.
Brené Brown, professor at the University of Houston, said,
“if you don’t name what you’re feeling, if you don’t own
the feelings, and feel them, they will eat you alive.”
This week, I heard someone express it as ‘grieving’. Yes,
we have had a major loss.
Tom Zuba, life coach said, “grief occurs when a dream
that we held for our life ends or changes in some way or
isn’t going to turn out the way we had hoped.”
Just recognizing it makes me feel a little less alone. We
need to give ourselves permission to grieve. I looked for
information about loss.
Kübler-Ross stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining,
depression and acceptance.
Here is my take on it.
Denial: How many of us are waiting for everything to go
back to “normal”?
Anger: Why me? Why now? This was going to be a great
year. Now everything has changed.
Bargaining: If I could go give Mom a big hug (at her
quarantined senior community), I promise I will…
Depression: This includes those physical signs listed
above; changes in appetite, irritability, headaches…,
including feeling that ‘this stinks’ and ‘why bother getting
up in the morning?’.
Acceptance: We are going to be OK. We cannot change
this, but we can figure out how we will deal with it.
Brown also said: “I believe that you have to walk through
vulnerability to get to courage, therefore…embrace the
suck. I try to be grateful every day and my motto right
now is ‘courage over comfort.’”
I am making my way into the new future. Hopefully, you
are too. We cannot fix the social distancing, but we can
wear our masks and work around it. I can still visit the kids
and grandkids, online. On one game of Houseparty with
my grandkids, I laughed until I lost my voice. Now, we
stop at their house and give air hugs.
In business and in my Kiwanis club, we’ve been getting
creative. Also, I’ve been forcefully dragged into learning
technology — and, surprisingly, I have been enjoying it. I
Zoom (gather virtually) with my friends. It is great to see
their smiles.
I attended an online memorial service and still shared
love and loss with the family.
Tuesday night is happy hour with Mom and the siblings.
Virtually. Cheers!
Jean Long Manteufel
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 7
2020 KEY LEADER WEEKEND LEADERSHIP EVENT IS CANCELEDSubmitted by Anna Bruhn, WI-UM Kiwanis District Key Leader Coordinator
Like every other large gathering, we’re worried about
your safety and our safety!
The WI-UM Key Leader team read the recommendations
from the American Camp Association. These guidelines
were shared with us twice — once from Camp
Wawbeek and once from the Kiwanis
International Key Leader staff.
Our leadership team met and discussed
how the information would impact us.
We came to the conclusion that we didn’t
have enough time left to adjust and comply to
suggested recommendations and there were still
some unanswered questions! When we also consider
that parents may not want their students traveling under
the current conditions, it seems like we really needed
to stop, figure out exactly how we are going to operate,
understand how the changes will impact our budget and
make a new plan. That is exactly what we are going to do.
Pencil Key Leader into your calendar for the weekend
of September 17-19, 2021. We will be at
Easter Seals Respite Camp in Wisconsin
Dells that weekend! We encourage
you to continue to raise funds and
contact local businesses to sponsor
your trip to Key Leader in 2021.
Please send questions to the Key Leader
Coordinator at [email protected]. You can
also sign up for our brand new newsletter at https://
wiumkeyleader.org/wi-um-key-leader by clicking on the
“Sign up for our newsletter” link.
PAST LT. GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL TO MEET VIRTUALLY IN JULYSubmitted by Paul Shrode, Past Lt. Governor’s District Representative
The Past Lt. Governors’ Council has traditionally met
over breakfast at the District Convention. With the many
changes we are experiencing this year due to the global
pandemic, we are learning to do many things differently.
Some change can be difficult as we are forced to let go
of traditions, comfortable and customary practices and
familiar ways of doing things. Yet in the midst of change,
we are also learning new ways of meeting, socializing
and accomplishing work. We are connecting more with
family at home and returning to time-honored traditions
such as the family dinner table, watching TV together and
even reading for pleasure! Our thoughts turn more often
to the needs of our neighbors and the impact of isolation
on our seniors. Much good is emerging from our safer at
home experience.
One positive outcome may well be the opportunity to
reframe and reform our Past Lt. Governors’ Council. By
meeting at a different time of day and utilizing an online
meeting format, we can reach more of our ranks without
necessitating travel costs, time invested and scheduling
conflicts. Toward that end, we are planning to host an
online meeting of the Past Lt. Governors’ Council on
Thursday, July 30 beginning at 6:30 pm. Executive
Director Mark Finger will send an invitation. Any current
member who has served as a Lt. Governor, any current
Lt. Governor and anyone else who wants to join in the fun
is welcome. If you don’t receive an invitation from Mark,
please reach out to him and provide your email address
as we may have lost track of you through the years.
Meeting online is a successful way to continue the work
of our Kiwanis family. You can participate on a computer,
but you can also join with a tablet or hand-held device.
You can even call in using any phone, so there is really
no reason to feel like the technology may ask more of
you than you think you can handle. Mark is willing to help
you if you need a little extra guidance. I look forward to
greeting and meeting with you on July 30. Feel free to
send any questions, suggestions for the agenda or your
good ideas to [email protected] or you may also call me
at 920-809-2872.
PAGE 8 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
PAST LT. GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL SEEKS SUPPORT FOR KEY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP HONORING PAST GOVERNOR KATHY VORPAHL GILLISSubmitted by Paul Shrode, Past Lt. Governor’s District Representative
Past WI-UM Kiwanis District
Governor Kathy Vorpahl Gillis
has been memorialized in recent
years through the generosity of
individual donors with the Kathy
Vorpahl Gillis Scholarship given
to a Key Club member to support
attendance at college. Kathy
was an active force in Kiwanis,
generous of spirit, dedicated to serving youth and
particularly fond of Key Club.
She was born into a Kiwanis family and followed her
father into our ranks. She served as club president,
Lt. Governor and Governor of the Wisconsin-Upper
Michigan District in addition to working on numerous
committees. She also served on the Wisconsin-Upper
Michigan Kiwanis District Foundation Board for many
years and was a champion of building the Foundation’s
endowment to serve youth throughout our district
through club project support and scholarships. Her
indomitable spirit continues to be missed at district
meetings and functions.
The Past Lt. Governor’s Council wants to work toward a
permanent scholarship in her name and we need your
help. At our annual meeting, we decided to help support
efforts to provide for this scholarship. Donations of
any size are most welcome and may be directed to the
Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Kiwanis District Foundation
for the Kathy Vorpahl Gillis Scholarship.
Donations to the foundation are tax deductible as
allowed by the IRS. We hope to endow this scholarship
so that it may be awarded in perpetuity. Until it reaches
an endowment level sufficient for earnings to provide
for the annual scholarship award, donated funds may be
used to support the annual award. With your help, we
can most certainly develop a lasting memorial to Kathy
and in the process, continue her work to support the
growth and success of a deserving graduating Key Club
member planning to attend college.
Please send your donations to the WI-UM Kiwanis District
Foundation in care of Mark Finger, 571 Center St, Berlin,
WI 54923. We appreciate your generous support and
lasting tribute to a dedicated Kiwanian.
IN MEMORIAM: 1991-1992 KIWANIS DISTRICT GOVERNOR JACK SMIDSubmitted by Mike Fitzpatrick, Past WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor
John “Jack” George Smid, age 80, of Oconomowoc,
passed away on his 80th birthday, Saturday, February 22,
2020 at Angels Grace Hospice, surrounded by his family.
He was born February 22, 1940 in Chicago.
Jack attended Marquette University where he met the
love of his life and future wife, Susan Ann Rentmeester.
They were married at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in
Oconomowoc on August 24, 1963. He enjoyed camping,
fishing, and traveling. Jack enjoyed cooking as family grill
master and Friday Night Fish Fry with special friends. He
was a member of the Oconomowoc Kiwanis Breakfast
Club and he was Governor of the WI-UM Kiwanis District
in 1991-1992. Jack loved being a dad and grandpa.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sue Smid; his
children John Smid, Catherine Sinkula and David Smid;
eight grandchildren: Amber Smid, Cory Smid, Zachary
Smid, Ali Goodin, Kaylyn Sinkula, Lindsay Sinkula,
Samantha Smid, and Emily Smid; as well as his brother,
Michael Smid.
A Mass was held on February 29. Memorial donations
to Angels Grace Hospice, St. Catherine’s of Alexandria
Catholic Church or the Kiwanis District Foundation Case
Van Kleef Fellowship are appreciated.
Kathy Vorpahl Gillis
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 9
KIWANIS CHILDREN’S FUND IS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST KIWANIS CLUBSSubmitted by Bev Burnap, Kiwanis Children’s Fund District Chair
Kiwanis International is closely
monitoring the COVID-19
outbreak and continually
assessing the potential impact on
upcoming events and operations.
The staff of the Children’s Fund
are working at home following
shelter at home and stay safe
guidelines.
At this time the usual club and district grants are on hold
because of the pandemic. The KCF is funding grants
through the COVID-19 Response Program. Grants up to
$2,500 are being given to clubs and
districts on a first come, first served
basis. Clubs and districts can use the
funds to make masks, deliver food to
healthcare providers, donate to food
banks, provide infant care needs and make sure kids
have the technology they need to learn at home. So far
the Children’s Fund has given out $115,000, but there is
still almost $200,000 in grants left to be funded.
Even though Key Club district conventions, midyear
conferences and our own club meetings and events in
the usual sense are not happening, the Kiwanis Children’s
Fund staff is available to help districts as they consider
options and make important decisions.
We want to emphasize the benefit of giving as a way
to participate in Kiwanis. We can still carry on through
social media to help the children of the world. Help KCF
continue to fulfill their work through their five causes:
service leadership programs, disaster relief, iodine
deficiency disorders, Eliminate maternal and neonatal
tetanus program, club grants and district grants. I’ve
talked about four of the five causes in past articles. Let’s
focus on service leadership programs.
Builder’s Club Week happened this past March. Did you
know Builder’s Club is the largest service organization for
Middle School and Jr. High students? Members learn the
value of service and leadership by choosing and running
their own projects ranging from hosting fundraisers for
those in need to doing high impact service projects such
as bringing miniature therapy horses to nursing homes.
Aktion Club week was March 2-6. More than 12,000
members belong to Aktion Club, which is the only
service organization for adults with disabilities. More than
500 Aktion clubs could participate in a different activity
each day. They spread the word by wearing Aktion Club
gear and talking
about what they
do, recognizing
members and
advisors or hosting
a day of service spreading happiness by random acts
of kindness. KCF provides programs, literature and
opportunities to relate to individuals with disabilities from
countries worldwide.
KCF supports Key Clubs so they can hold Key Leader
events along with helping with service projects when
necessary. KCF sponsors Circle K members so they
can attend Spark — a four-day leadership experience
designed to help ignite CKI members’ leadership
potential with an emphasis on developing future leaders.
KCF offers continuing education scholarships to Key Club
and Circle K members.
The Kiwanis Children’s Fund can only do this with your
annual donations. If your club has made a donation this
year, thank you! If not, please consider doing so and also
so the 15% our District receives back in grants is larger!
Stay safe and healthy so we can get through this stressful
time together. #KIDS NEED KIWANIS.
Kiwanis Children’s Fund District Chair Bev Burnap can be
reached at 715-868-5633 or [email protected].
Bev Burnap
SUPPORT THE CHILDREN’S FUND WITH YOUR GIFT TODAY!
PAGE 10 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
IDEAS FOR KIWANIS CLUBS AND MEMBERS IN A COVID-19 WORLDSubmitted by Beth Kindschi, Kiwanis International Committee for Young Children Representative
The International Committee for Young Children met in
June and approved a list of project ideas for clubs to
use during the pandemic. These are not intended to be
a “how to” list but, rather, ideas to spur clubs to look at
needs in their own community.
Donate food or give financially to food distribution
centers. Continuing to feed children at this time is critical.
Food pantries are experiencing increased demand for
food and are receiving more inquiries for non-food items
like cleaning supplies and diapers.
Encourage members and the community to donate
blood, if possible. Donations are needed as supplies are
at a critically-low level. Visit www.redcrossblood.org to
make an appointment.
The budgets of early education and childcare centers
are under heavy strain. Some centers may now have
older children all day. Ask them about items that may
be needed for that age group. Check to see what needs
centers might have and discuss how your club might
help meet them. Consider giving gift cards to providers.
Consider an appropriate socially-distanced fundraiser.
Advocate with your local and state elected officials
urging them to support early education and childcare.
With government budgets under heavy stress, many
will view early education and childcare as an easy target
unless they hear from groups like Kiwanis.
Support school-aged students who depend on two or
even three meals a day at school. Reach out to your local
school district and ask them how to help.
Offer parents who might be suffering from new stresses
the opportunity to have support by organizing discussion
and sharing groups.
Child abuse could be on the rise. Contact local agencies
to see if there is some way you can help them reach out —
like staffing a phone help line.
Set up programs explaining COVID-19 to kids (with cool
analogies and graphics), especially when a second wave
later this year sounds likely.
Consider sponsoring a community Vroom session. Early
learning can happen anywhere at any time. If parents are
looking for free and easy-to-access resources, Vroom has
more than 1,000 creative and fun ways to add learning
to meal time, bath time, bed time and more. You already
have what it takes to be a brain builder! For more Vroom
tips, to download the Vroom App, or to sign up for
Vroom by text, visit www.vroom.org.
Remote learning resources for preschool through middle
school age children from Tufts Medical Center Boston
Massachusetts are available at www.tuftsmedicalcenter.
org/news%20events%20media/news/web/covid%2019/
remote%20learning?fbclid=iwar34eo-zvto7kdvmyaut9jty
qtnv6voyfxeellrod84zkcdsxrmeg0akzyy.
Help your own members. Set up a system in your own
club to make sure members and their families have the
support and materials they need.
Try to be public as a Kiwanian while participating in
community efforts aimed at strengthening and educating
the community. This will help us come back as a healthy,
functioning community as soon as possible.
LIFE ISN’T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS… IT’S ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN.
— Vivian Greene
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 11
KIWANIS AUTISM PROJECT CONTINUES TO POSITIVELY IMPACT KIDS Submitted by Lynn Messer, Kiwanis Autism Project District Chair
We are all in a situation which we have never before
experienced. Kiwanis clubs are facing challenges as to
how to hold meetings. Fundraisers have been canceled
or rescheduled, which has affected how the club is able
to support community contributions.
These unprecedented factors do not change the
communication requirements of special-needs children
who are participating in online education at home. The
district continues to receive grant requests for iPads and
clubs are still finding ways to fund them. What a great
way for Kiwanis clubs to make a positive impact on these
families and their communities.
Therapists and special education teachers who are aware
of the Kiwanis Autism Project routinely ask if the effort is
still active. The project is ongoing. To date, 1,206 iPads
have been granted with more on order. Thank you to the
clubs who are stepping up to support this project and
tend to the needs of these children.
Who would have thought that when this project was
launched in 2012 it would still be in place as the District
Signature Project in 2020? By helping children on the
autism spectrum this is a project supported by Kiwanis
clubs which has a major impact in the club’s community. I
thank the clubs who continue to support this project.
Kiwanis Autism Project District Chair Lynn Messer can
be reached by phone at 920-946-0652 or by email at
SHEBOYGAN FALLS KIWANIANS SUPPORT IPAD SIGNATURE PROJECT Submitted by Lee Gumm, Kiwanis Club of Sheboygan Falls
The Kiwanis Club of Sheboygan Falls recently presented
two more iPads for children on the autism spectrum.
The recipients were Daniel Scibby, age 6 and his sister,
Natalie, age 5.
This program originated in 2012 when Lynn
Messer served as the WI-UM Kiwanis District
Governor. Inspired by a granddaughter on the
spectrum, Lynn’s goal was for clubs throughout
the district to donate 1,000 iPads to kids on the
autism spectrum from families with financial need.
The program involves professionals who work one-
on-one with children on the spectrum. The intent is to
provide a means of communication that these kids do
not have without the iPad. Many smiles have come to
caregivers as they see a young person being freed from a
prison of not being able to communicate.
It took a while to reach the 1,000 mark, but Kiwanis
leaders have kept this program alive because of
its value, naming it the District Signature Project
in 2018. Autism will not magically disappear, so
the program continues with hopes of helping as
many kids as possible.
To date the number of iPads given in the district has
exceeded 1,206 with $600,000 raised by sponsoring
Kiwanis clubs. Daniel and Natalie received iPads number
53 and 54 of those donated by the Sheboygan Falls Club.
iPads were recently awarded to children on the autism spectrum by members of the Sheboygan Falls Kiwanis Club.
PAGE 12 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
LA CROSSE KIWANIS CLUB MEMBERS MEET VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOMSubmitted by Cedric Friesen, La Crosse Kiwanis Club
The La Crosse Kiwanis Club isn’t letting COVID-19
meeting restrictions keep them from getting together.
They still practice social distancing while meeting weekly
via Zoom. “We enjoy seeing each other’s faces while
sharing virtual happy dollars and even have a brief
program,” said club member Cedric Friesen.
WISCONSIN DELLS KIWANIS CLUB RECOGNIZES LONGTIME MEMBERSSubmitted by Randall Durner, Kiwanis Club of Wisconsin Dells
Longtime Wisconsin Dells Kiwanian Duane Wilcox and
his wife, Joan, recently celebrated 70 years of marriage!
Duane is a recent 25-year Legion of Honor recipient.
Another longtime Dell’s Kiwanian, Dave Lunde and his
wife, Joyce, recently celebrated 60 years of marriage!
Dave is a 40-year Legion of Honor recipient.
Congratulations to both the Lundes and the Wilcoxes
on their many years together and their long-term
commitment to Kiwanis!
Joan and Duane Wilcox, right, have support Kiwanis for more than 25 years. Duane is shown wearing his Kiwanis shirt and cap in this photo.
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 13
MADISON WEST HOSTS DRIVE-UP LUNCH PRIOR TO ZOOM MEETINGSSubmitted by Ken Saville, Madison West Kiwanis Club
The Madison West Kiwanis Club hosted a drive-up box
lunch every other week during the Safer at Home order
to help members stay connected and to support the
catering company who had seen a drop in revenue.
Nearly 50 lunches were picked up at the bi-weekly
drive-up event. People then went home and joined the
club’s Zoom meeting and program.
“This format worked well for club members and helped
support a local business at the same time,” said Ken
Saville. This is a wonderful example of how Kiwanians can
stay connected and continue to serve their community
during this health pandemic.
HELPING TO MEET FOOD NEEDS DURING COVID-19 IN WHITEWATERSubmitted by Marjorie Stoneman, Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club
The Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club Board of
Directors met virtually in April to discuss the impact of
COVID-19 on the Whitewater community and decided
that, in addition to their regular $1,000 donation to the
Whitewater Food Pantry and $1,000 to Bethel House, the
club would also donate $1,000 to The Community Space
and $1,000 to the First United Methodist Church to assist
them in their extraordinary efforts to feed those in need.
Lorrie Koppein, president of the Kiwanis Whitewater
Breakfast Club, said, “the need in our community for
meals is large, and we are so very happy and blessed
to be able to assist some of the groups making a huge
impact every day here in Whitewater.”
A line of cars winds its way to the catering truck where Kiwanis members picked up a box lunch before attending the virtual club meeting.
A high percentage of children are categorized as “food insecure” with inconsistent access to resources to alleviate hunger.
PAGE 14 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
WEST RACINE KIWANIS CLUB KEEPS MEMORIAL DAY TRADITION ALIVESubmitted by Paul Holley, West Racine Kiwanis Club
The Kiwanis Club of West Racine didn’t let the COVID-19
public health crisis get in the way of an annual Memorial
Day tradition this year.
For the past 24 years, club members — led by Mary
Willmes and Barb Walker — have produced a public
tribute to veterans as part of Racine’s annual Memorial
Day parade. They’ve arranged for Kiwanians who have
been military service veterans to ride in the parade in two
cars bearing signs that read “Kiwanis Club of West Racine
Salutes Our Veterans.”
The two have also annually handled the purchase and
distribution of upwards of 1,000 miniature U.S. flags to
parade goers. Adults and kids look forward to waving
their flags and cheering as the honored veterans ride
past down the parade route. The West Racine Kiwanis
annually budgets $1,000 for the tribute.
Mary and Barb have a special place in their hearts for
those who have served our country. Barb’s father was
killed in World War II. Mary’s uncle served in World War
II, a brother served in Vietnam and a great nephew is
currently a Marine fighter pilot.
But when the 2020 parade was canceled because of
public health concerns related to COVID-19, the West
Racine Kiwanians had to come up with another way to
keep the Memorial Day message alive.
Instead of distributing the flags to parade watchers, club
members placed nearly 200 flags in the front yards of
homes along the parade route. Attached to each flag was
a small card bearing this message: “The parade has been
canceled, but the sacrifices made by the brave defenders
of our nation will stand forever. We will not forget. Please
take time this weekend to respectfully honor those who
have given their lives for our country. — Kiwanis Club of
West Racine.”
Club members put the flags in the yards a few days
before Memorial Day. The homeowners were asked to
leave the flags undisturbed until at least midday Monday,
May 25, to serve as a visual reminder to people walking
or driving along the parade route.
The Kiwanis Club of West Racine donated the $1,000
that had been budgeted for this year’s Memorial Day
observance to Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, a local
nonprofit that provides services to homeless veterans.
Kiwanis Club members in Racine helped maintain a 24-year tradition of honoring those who have lost their life while serving our country.
#KIDSNEEDKIWANIS
“ TRY TO BE A RAINBOW IN SOMEONE ELSE’S CLOUD.” – MAYA ANGELOU
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 15
DUAL DUTY: HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT WHILE SUPPORTING KIDSSubmitted by Peter Valitchka, Kiwanis Club of Stevens Point
The Kiwanis Club of Stevens Point was looking for a few
new projects to get members involved. Club member
Peter Valitchka learned about grants available through
Pheasants Forever which started the wheels turning for a
future philanthropic project.
He requested a grant to develop a pollinator bed,
which is a garden that is planted predominately with
flowers that provide nectar or pollen for a wide range
of pollinating insects. Peter then began looking for a
suitable location which would also fit the Kiwanis focus
of serving children. Kiwanis member Kelly Caughlan,
who works for the YMCA, put Peter in touch with Tiffany
Praeger, the director at YMCA Camp Glacier Hollow.
“Tiffany was really excited because she wanted to
develop a new environmental curriculum for the youth
at camp,“ recalls Peter. The Pheasants Forever grant
was approved but, due to COVID-19 issues, the large
pollinator plot was put on hold until the fall.
In the meantime, Tiffany requested that the Kiwanis club
develop a few native flower gardens. Peter organized a
meeting with fellow Kiwanis member Bob Brush, who
had a background in landscaping, and Paul Skawinski,
President of Wild Ones of Central Wisconsin. The group
met with Tiffany and discussed a suitable location: a 220
square foot section near the lake front.
Wild Ones helped with the design of the bed and
flower selection. The Kiwanis club purchased 231 native
flowers from J&J Aquatic Transplants in Wild Rose,
Wisconsin. Bob and Peter picked up the plants and club
members Michael Schmidt and Marv Van Kekerix helped
plant them. The club was hoping to include a group of
youth but COVID-19 put a damper on those plans. The
Kiwanians also installed a paver-tile border.
The new native garden will allow more than 720 youth
who attend camp each year to view the flowers and
pollinators doing their work. This will be an ongoing
project for the Kiwanis club, maintaining the bed with
the YMCA and young campers. Future plans include
making signs for the garden and developing educational
programs. Kiwanians will work with the YMCA to develop
a large pollinator garden using money from the Pheasant
Forever grant in the fall.
Through the generosity of club members, who faithfully
paid their dues in spite of COVID-19, the club was able
to make several contributions recently, including $500 to
the Stevens Point Community Foundation COVID-19
Relief Fund, $200 to the Stevens Point Reading First
Literacy Program and $400 to the Camp Glacier Hollow
beautification project. “Our members take pride in
supporting our community through worthwhile programs
and assisting when possible,” noted Peter.
Club members planted a native species garden at YMCA Camp Glacier Hollow with the input of Wild Ones president Paul Skawinski, right.
Marv Van Kekerix and Michael Schmidt put the finishing touches on the garden by lining the border with landscaping pavers.
PAGE 16 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
PLATTEVILLE KIWANIS CLUB CONTINUES TO SERVE DURING PANDEMICSubmitted by Bev Johansen, Kiwanis Club of Platteville
In Platteville, Kiwanis members participated in activities
to be of service to the community during the pandemic.
For years the club delivered bananas and fellowship
to about 150 residents in four assisted-living facilities,
but since these are all on lockdown, club members
can’t enter. To cheer up isolated friends, club members
created window decorations for the outside of their
windows, and sometimes as they were putting them up,
the residents talked to them through the windows.
The club also participated in a highway clean up in June.
“We usually have a big chicken BBQ meal that day, but
the corona virus nipped that for us. So we scheduled our
highway cleanup instead, and 10 Kiwanians came out
and collected 6 bags of trash and recyclables from very
tall grass,” said club member Bev Johansen. Pictured
at left are Kiwanians Jesse Lueschow and Tom Lindahl.
“Jesse was a member of UW-Platteville’s Circle K Club,
and, after graduation, went to work as an engineer at
John Deere in Dubuque, then joined our Kiwanis Club.
He brings our average age down quite a bit”, joked Bev.
Lexy Staskal, daughter of Kiwanian Samantha Staskel, helped decorate windows at Park Place assisted living facility this spring.
Kiwanis Club members participated in the Adopt-a-Highway program, cleaning up their assigned stretch of highway in early June.
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 17
DANE COUNTY KIWANIS CLUBS RAISE FUNDS FOR SCHOLARSHIPSSubmitted by Eileen Nelson, Kiwanis Club of Downtown Madison
Eight Kiwanis clubs in Dane County, Wisconsin recently
presented a check in the amount of $12,000 to the
Madison College Foundation.
The funds were raised during the clubs’ 2018 and 2019
Kiwanis Golf Outing and Raffle held at the Oaks Golf
Course in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. The money will
provide scholarships for six students attending the
Madison College Goodman South Campus during the
2020-2021 academic year.
Quoting Tammy Thayer, CEO of the Madison College
Foundation, “the distance between opportunity for some
and opportunity for all is achievable with the support of
donors like you — those who see that with investment in
individuals and their dreams, anything is possible”.
Kiwanis Clubs of Dane County include Belleville, Madison
After Hours, Downtown Madison, Madison East, Madison
West, Middleton, Stoughton and Verona.
COVID-19 RELIEF FUND RECEIVES SUPPORT OF MONROE KIWANIS CLUBSubmitted by Jim Glessner, Monroe Kiwanis Club
Monroe Kiwanis Club president Patrick Bodell recently
presented United Way’s Teresa Keehn with a donation to
assist the United Way in aiding the COVID-19 Relief Fund
for Green County families in need of help due to the
pandemic. The Monroe Kiwanis Club’s Board of Directors
approved a club donation of $5,000 and individual
Kiwanians added another $5,895 to that. The club is
also conducting a major effort in these times of crisis by
placing “Kindness is not Canceled” yard signs at locales
around Monroe.
TRISHA PETERSON IS NAMED WI-UM PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATORSubmitted by Jean Long Manteufel, 2019-2020 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor-elect
Governor Roger Krogstad and I are pleased to announce
that Trisha Peterson has accepted the position as District
Public Relations Coordinator.
Trisha will be available to work with clubs on district
issues, help with social media, share resources and act as
a “go-to gal” for clubs that need advice on social media,
public relations, marketing or communications.
The PR coordinator role is key
to making sure the clubs in the
Wisconsin-Upper Michigan
District have the communications
materials they need to share the
success stories of Kiwanis.
Welcome to the team, Tricia!
Madison College President Jack Daniels speaks with Downtown Madison Kiwanis 2019 President Dick Hammerstrom and 2020 President-elect John Esser.
Trisha Peterson
PAGE 18 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
What is Camp Wawbeek?
Camp Wawbeek is the longest, continuously running Easter
Seals camp in the nation — since 1938! Located in Wisconsin
Dells, Camp Wawbeek serves children and adults with
disabilities and offers their families a respite from daily
care-giving responsibilities as well. Kiwanis has supported
Camp Wawbeek’s efforts in many ways over the years — from
donations and camperships to Governor’s Projects assisting in
the support and sustainability of facilities. Circle K and Key
Leader also hold their events at camp each year.
Why the Need for Kitchen Upgrades?
Each year, Camp Wawbeek serves around 2,000 campers.
That’s a lot of mouths to feed! And meal times are one of the
most hectic times — three times a day. With newer, more
equipped appliances, our staff will be able to serve campers
much more efficiently. A new steam table means that each and
every camper is served a hot meal, no matter if they’re the first
or last camper to fill up their tray! New work tables help the
food preparation process run more smoothly and minimizes
the chance of cross contamination and new pots and pans
give staff the reassurance of safety in the kitchen.
FUNDRAISING GOAL = $15,000This project includes, but is not limited to:
(if we’re able to purchase more with funds raised!)
Roger E. Krogstad, DVMWI-UM Kiwanis District GovernorEmail: [email protected]: 715-207-2720
To participate in this effort, mail checks to:
Mark Finger at the WI-UM District office
or give directly to Governor Roger at club visits,
Midyear Conferences or the District Convention.
Make checks payable to the District Foundation
and note that it is for the Governor’s Project.
• One Steam Table
• Two Enclosed Base Work Tables
• Two Open Work Tables with Drawers
• Multiple Pots and Pans (various sizes)
THE KIWANIS KITCHENA FUNDRAISER FOR CAMP WAWBEEK!
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 19
KI BOARD DEEMS IT INADVISABLE TO CONDUCT KIWANIS CONVENTIONReprinted from a Kiwanis International press release
The 2020 Kiwanis International Convention is canceled.
The Kiwanis International Board of Trustees declared a
condition of emergency exists because of the COVID-19
pandemic. The board concluded that conducting a
convention for the 2019-2020 administrative year
would be inadvisable and impracticable because of the
health threat to Kiwanis members, their families and all
individuals traveling to and from the convention.
“It is with profound sadness we make this decision today,”
said Daniel Vigneron, 2019-2020 Kiwanis International
president. “All of us looked forward to gathering in
Indianapolis to conduct the business of the organization,
partake in great Kiwanis education and, of course, enjoy
the fun and fellowship of our Kiwanis friends.”
Those who have registered for the convention received
an email with details about their refund. Additional
questions can be sent to [email protected].
The only other interruption in annual conventions came
during World War II when it was necessary to substitute a
Kiwanis International council meeting for the convention.
A small administrative convention was conducted in 1943
and 1944 with limited attendance.
In 1945, the Kiwanis International council again
conducted the necessary business, but in 1946, Kiwanis
resumed its regular convention operation. Nearly
10,000 people attended that convention, breaking all
convention attendance records.
A meeting of the Kiwanis International council will be
held before October 1, 2020. Details are being finalized.
The Kiwanis International council consists of the Board
of Trustees, past Kiwanis International presidents, district
governors and the chairs of the Kiwanis International-
European Federation and Kiwanis Asia-Pacific.
“We are disappointed the 2020 convention is canceled,”
said Stan Soderstrom, Kiwanis International executive
director. “We hope you will join us for the 2021
convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Planning is well
underway to present important and timely Kiwanis
education. Additionally, many of the important decisions
that were scheduled for a vote at the annual meeting in
June will be delayed until next year.”
The 2021 convention in Salt Lake City is scheduled for
June 23-26.
THE WORLD IS CHANGING FASTER THAN HIS VOICE.Our 600,000 members are present for the future. Giving kids around the world the time and support they need to ensure the world’s best years are ahead of us. Get involved at Kiwanis.org.
PAGE 20 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
CLUB LEADERSHIP EDUCATION AVAILABLE ONLINESubmitted by Jean Long Manteufel, 2019-2020 WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor-elect
Because we are unable to get together in person,
Kiwanis International has put together some
pretty nice training tools using a virtual meeting
app. Club Leadership Education (CLE) topics now
available include Club Membership Committee,
Club Treasurer, Club Secretary and Club President.
The link to the training is www.gotostage.com/
channel/3ef013995cb2493881c15113d3a6eedb. All club
officers are strongly encouraged to attend CLE. There
is a workbook that accompanies the training. Ask your
Lieutenant Governor or Jean Long Manteufel and one
will be mailed to you.
TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPSSubmitted by Debbie Suennen Rickard, District Partnership Coordinator
The Kiwanis Corporate Partner portfolio includes 30
partners. They offer ways to make service easier, increase
a club’s purchasing power and offer benefits and rewards
for members. These partnerships assist clubs with
opportunities to work together for common missions.
Kiwanis Warehouse is an online wholesale distributor.
Kiwanis clubs receive access that is typically only
available to large enterprises. Clubs may purchase
items at a discount, keeping service project budgets
reasonable. Kiwanis Warehouse is operated by
DollarDays, which offers more than 265,000 high-quality
goods at wholesale and bulk prices. Sample offerings
include backpacks and school supplies, health and
beauty products, footwear, fleece blankets and more.
Office Depot/OfficeMax offers in-store and online
preferred pricing to Kiwanis clubs including reduced-
priced copies. They also offer dedicated
customer support and access to a suite of
digital services.
Kiwanis Visa® Rewards offers a Kiwanis-branded affinity
credit card for personal and club-related purchases.
When approved for a new card, you will be issued a $30
gift code for redemption at the Kiwanis Family Store.
Earn cash back of 1%, 2% or 3% for purchases in select
categories and there is no annual fee! A percentage of
all net merchandise purchases will be contributed to
the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. This is another way to help
children in our daily lives.
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) works in communities to
inspire a passion in children for reading. They provide
literacy tools, best practices and support materials while
empowering Kiwanians to build a culture of literacy.
Free resources are
available for teachers,
parents and children
that goes beyond the
book. Literacy Central,
RIF’s new, free digital resource offers access to activities,
games, reading passages, lesson plans, calendars and
videos paired with classic and popular K-6 books.
This article highlights just a few of our Kiwanis partners.
More information and additional partners are available at
www.kiwanis.org/about/partners.
Kiwanis Partnership Coordinator Debbie Suennen Rickard
can be reached by phone at 715-338-7720 or by email at
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 21
APPLETON-FOX CITIES CLUB ADOPTS POLICE DEPARTMENT ‘SOFT’ ROOMSubmitted by Jay Stephany, Appleton-Fox Cities Kiwanis Club
The Appleton-Fox Cities Kiwanis Club has a rich history
of helping others in the Appleton community. Recently,
Kiwanis approached the Appleton Police Department
searching for a way to help children and adult victims
encountered by the police.
One suggestion was that Kiwanis adopt the department’s
“soft room” — a room within the police station dedicated
to providing a comfortable area for victims, adults and
children. Kiwanis members offered to redecorate the
room as a service project. Led by member Dawn Malcom,
who contacted furniture stores for donations, the club
was successful in developing a relationship with Bob’s
Discount Furniture who donated beautiful furnishings to
finish off the area.
Kiwanis members cleaned, organized and purchased
items to renovate the room. When the project was
completed, the Appleton Police Department was happy
that there is a more comfortable environment for victims
to talk with officers — a more relaxed setting for any
victim, who are often going through a difficult time.
Thanks to the generosity of a local furniture store owner and Kiwanis volunteers, the transformation of the “soft’ room was complete.
A play area in one corner of the soft room allows children who are visiting the department to feel more comfortable in this setting.
The “soft” room in the Appleton Police Department was cluttered and uninviting before the Appleton-Fox Cities club began its makeover.
PAGE 22 WI-UM KIWANIS DISTRICT KIWANEWS
DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORSGovernor Roger Krogstad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715-207-2720 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marshfield
Governor-elect Jean Long Manteufel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-585-7769 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appleton-Fox Cities
Executive Director Mark Finger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-361-9954 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Berlin
Immediate Past Governor Jim Buskel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-796-0633 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elm Grove Golden K
Past Governor Trustee Anna Bruhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-393-6811 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sauk Prairie, Prairie du Sac
Past Lt. Governor Representative Paul Shrode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715-942-1726 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appleton-Fox Cities
Lt. Governor Division 1 Melissa Loebach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224-730-1558 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenosha
Lt. Governor Division 2 Ron Sonderhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-751-7627 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Waukesha
Lt. Governor Division 3 Larry Koziol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-338-1996 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . West Bend, Early Risers
Lt. Governor Division 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Lt. Governor Division 5 Ken Saville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-225-3377 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Madison West
Lt. Governor Division 6 Jim Burmeister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-429-2905 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portage
Lt. Governor Division 7 Bill Abbott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-935-9526 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dodgeville
Lt. Governor Division 8 Ken Irwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-827-2109 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chilton
Lt. Governor Division 9 Tim Lubinsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-450-3951 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ripon
Lt. Governor Division 10 Mike Hipple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-730-9502 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appleton
Lt. Governor Division 11 Miki Bix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715-748-3237 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Medford
Lt. Governor Division 12 Steve Wojan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715-246-6553 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Richmond
Lt. Governor Division 13 Dave Havel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715-369-4821 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhinelander
Lt. Governor Division 14 Steve Halsey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-362-0298 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marquette
KDF OFFICERS AND ZONE REPSPresident Jan Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-237-5544 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Berlin
Vice President James Burmeister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-429-2905 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portage
Secretary/Treasurer Mark Finger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-361-9954 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Berlin
Immediate Past President Jim Sanderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-348-5568 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cambria
Division 1/Term: 2018-2021 Gail Pachucki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-728-3711 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waterford Area
Division 2/Term: 2018-2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Division 3/Term: 2018-2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Division 4/Term: 2017-2020 Jim Buskel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-796-0633 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elm Grove Golden K
Division 5/Term: 2017-2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Division 6/Term: 2019-2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Division 7/Term: 2018-2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Division 8/Term: 2012-2021 Ken Irwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-827-2109 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Holstein
Division 9/Term: 2019-2022 Louise Gudex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-923-6870 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fond du Lac
Division 10/Term: 2017-2020 Mary Ann Wepfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-725-6004 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appleton-Fox Cities
Division 11/Term: 2019-2022 Lori Bents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715-389-1570 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marshfield
Division 12/Term: 2019-2022 Debbie Suennen Rickard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715-338-7720 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Richmond
Division 13/Term: 2019-2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Division 14/Term: 2017-2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Past Foundation President Representative Paul Shrode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715-942-1726 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appleton-Fox Cities
Past Governor Representative Justin Hahn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414-510-1609 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waterford Area
KDF Financial Consultant David Morrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-957-6825 Adam S. Drake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .414.975.2865 Highland Investment Advisors LLC . . . . . . . . . 414-755-2309
Webmaster Bec Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414-213-8130 [email protected] . . . . . . . Metropolitan Milwaukee Nights
JUNE/JULY 2020 PAGE 23
KIWANEWS Volume 96, No. 5 USPS 296-420
Kiwanews is published six times each year in November, January, March, May, July and September by the WI-UM District of Kiwanis International, at 571 Center Street, Berlin, WI 54923. Periodical postage is paid and mailing made at Berlin
and additional mailing offices. Subscription price is $3.50 per year.
POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: WI-UM Kiwanis District, 571 Center Street, Berlin WI 54923.
DISTRICT COMMITTEE CHAIRSBylaws and Policies Jim Burmeister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-429-2905 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Portage
District Signature Project Lynn Messer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-946-0652 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheboygan Falls
Finance Bruce Hoehne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-798-1904 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Madison West
Human and Spiritual Values Jim Kieso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-442-1749 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . Elm Grove Golden K
Leadership Development Coordinator Ron Schuler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-821-0987 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Madison West
Membership and Engagement Dale Vannes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715-851-1038 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appleton
Membership and Engagement Anna Bruhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-393-6811 [email protected] . . Sauk Prairie, Prairie du Sac
Service Ann Pilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-939-1614 [email protected] . Metro. Milwaukee Nights
APPOINTED DISTRICT POSITIONSAktion Club Administrator Charles Zarnoth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .920-849-2658 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chilton
Builders Club Administrator Fay Burmeister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .608-429-2905 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portage
Circle K Administrator Justin Hahn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .414-510-1609 [email protected] . . . . . . .Waterford Area
District Convention Ken Saville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .608-225-3377 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Madison West
International Convention Mark Finger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .920-354-0594 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berlin
Key Club Administrator Sarah Nolan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262-909-9683 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Westosha, Salem
Key Leader Coordinator Anna Bruhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .608-393-6811 [email protected] . . . . . . Sauk Prairie, Prairie du Sac
Kiwanews Editor Tonya Alling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .920-748-6468 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . Ripon Early Birds
Kiwanis Children’s Fund Bev Burnap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .715-868-5633 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruce
Kiwanis Partnership Coordinator Debbie Suennen Rickard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .715-338-7720 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New Richmond
K-Kids Administrator Becky Mattson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .715-832-1303 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eau Claire
Master Instructor Jean Long Manteufel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .920-585-7769 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . Appleton-Fox Cities
Parliamentarian Paul Shrode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .715-942-1726 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appleton-Fox Cities
Public Relations Coordinator Trisha Peterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .906-396-5450 [email protected] . . . . Iron Mountain-Kingsford
Risk Management John Collins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262-914-2721 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Western Kenosha
Youth Protection Margaret Rudolph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .608-697-3390 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portage
KIWANEWS SCHEDULEOctober/November . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deadline: October 20
December/January . . . . . . . . . . . .Deadline: December 20
February/March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deadline: February 20
April/May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deadline: April 20
June/July . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deadline: June 20
August/September . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deadline: August 20
MEDFORD KIWANIANS BUILD BUS STOP HOUSES FOR CHILDRENSubmitted by Miki Bix, Medford Kiwanis Club
It looks like an old-fashioned outhouse from rural
America but it has a window! It has the word “Kiwanis”
stenciled on the outside. What is it? It’s the Medford
Kiwanis Club’s bus stop house, designed to provide
shelter for kids waiting for the bus in the early morning
hours on cold, wintry days. This year the club had a
bigger demand than usual and gave out five houses
rather than the usual three.
Children stand in front of a bus stop house shelter provided by the Medford Kiwanis Club.
RIPON EARLY BIRD KIWANIANS PLAN SEPTEMBER 9 GOLF OUTINGSubmitted by Joan Karsten, Ripon Early Bird Kiwanis
The Ripon Early Bird Kiwanis Club is
hosting a fundraising golf scramble on
Wednesday Sept 9 at the Golf Courses of
Lawsonia in Green Lake. Check-in is at 10
with a shotgun start at 11. Join the club for
hole prizes, raffles, an exceptional meal under a tent and
loads of fun. To register, or for more information, please
email [email protected].
BUILDERS CLUB SHOE DRIVESubmitted by Brian Reilly, Ripon Noon Kiwanis
The Ripon Middle School/Catalyst Builders Club,
sponsored by the Ripon Noon Kiwanis Club,
completed their spring service project by hosting
a shoe drive and collecting new and gently-used
shoes. Boxes were placed at several Ripon schools
for students and families to drop off donations.
Members sorted and cleaned the shoes. The club
president delivered the shoes to Guatemala during
spring break where they were donated to residents in
the area the family visited.