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NEWSLETTER

Kiwanis Club of Cedar Rapids

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Dan Brietbach (in for the ailing (Bob Hatala).  22  Members in attendance.

Guests:  Rebecca McGrew, Corey Harrison, Adam Osten, Bryant Wright (members of IJAG, the subject of today’s program) and Byron Tabor

Birthdays:   Steve Walrath

Anniversaries:   None  

Announcements: 1. Byron Tabor: Hiawatha CREW is raising funds to supply dictionaries for all third graders in town, by selling soy candles in a variety of sizes and scents.  Prices range from $11 to $23;

2. CREW is now meeting at the Hiawatha Civic Center.  Meals are brownbag, or from Witwer (cost: $4).  A days notice is required to arrange the Witwer lunch;

3. John Schweitzer has arranged this year’s performance by the Xavier chorus for December 17 at our regular meeting at Elmcrest.  In order to avoid the shame of being outnumbered by the performers, John suggests rounding up guests in quantity.  Elmcrest will need a count, so a sheet will go around next week; the Homeless Childrens Trust event will take place on December 13, with companion shoppers, wrappers and drivers needed (See John, Sister Charmaine or Mary Corkery for more on this.);

4. Bell ringing at WalMart is set for two days, December 6 and November 29.  Ringers are needed for the 29^th;

5.   At a recent Foundation board meeting, the bylaws were reviewed.  More later. 

Happy Bucks: Kelly Allen sent along a buck to recognize Pam Landon’s profile in the Gazette (delivered by Dan Breitbach in Kelly’s absence); Jim Platt glad to be back after three week’s absence – long story; Dick Boardman swelled with pride for “son’ Brieitach’s exercise of authority at a 5^th grade basketball game at the Red Cross; Don Grimm was glad that his brother made it to CR in his old hooptie, given that the tranny failed in the last mile; also, Don’s mother is doing well and back at Meth-Wick after surgery; Byron was thrilled with the Kennedy HS Key Club, including leadership training in Nebraska for the new president of the club. 

Speaker:  Program Overview: Chris Busing of Washington HS told of IJAG, Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates.  It’s a class where students learn hard and soft skills that will lead to success in college or a job after high school, and get involved in community service.  Two of the officers, Corey Harrison and Rebecca McGrew, spoke of their experiences and goals in the program.  JAG is a national program.  Washington has two classes divided by grade level, with a total of about 90 students.  See http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/805/1387/ for in-depth descriptions of the program.  Judging by the officers, the program is more than worthwhile, evidenced by the ease with which ninth graders addressed the club.  Because they look for opportunities to serve the community, Mr. Busing offered to do joint projects with Kiwanis.  CHW

Word for the day:  Hackles: special feathers on a rooster; also, neck hairs on a dog.

Submitted:   Chuck Wehage