VACCINATION DEBATE - Kiwanis International
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SERVING THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD ® SEPTEMBER 2019
The great
VACCINATION
DEBATE Why do some parents
choose not to protect
+
their children?
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KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL INSIDE
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to
improving the world one child and one community at a time.
2018–19 OFFICERS, KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
PRESIDENT Florencio C. “Poly” Lat,
Pasay City, Metro Manila, the Philippines
PRESIDENT-ELECT Daniel Vigneron, Howald, Luxembourg
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT James M. Rochford,
Peoria, Illinois, USA
VICE PRESIDENT Arthur N. “Art” Riley,
Westminster, Maryland, USA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stan D. Soderstrom,
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
TRUSTEES Katrina J. Baranko, Albany, Georgia, USA; Greg
Beard, Alexandria, Louisiana, USA; Chian Chu-Ching, Taichung
City, Taiwan; George R. Delisle, Westfield, Massachusetts,
USA; M.A. “Fred” Dietz, Hudson, Wisconsin, USA; Elio Garozzo,
Catania, Italy; Charles R. “Chuck” Gugliuzza, Homestead,
Florida, USA; Tony Gunn, Mordialloc, Victoria, Australia; Peter
J. Mancuso, North Bellmore, New York, USA; Richard G. “Dick”
Olmstead Jr., Lancaster, California, USA; Paul Inge Paulsen,
Florvåg, Norway; Ernest Schmid, Einöde, Austria; Sam Sekhon,
Sandy Hook, Manitoba, Canada; Ronald E. “Ron” Smith,
Fountain Hills, Arizona; USA; Bert West, Divide, Colorado, USA
2018–19 OFFICERS, KIWANIS CHILDREN’S FUND
PRESIDENT George E.H. Cadman, Q.C., North Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada
PRESIDENT-ELECT Ann Wilkins, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Chia Sing “Sing” Hwang,
Selangor, Malaysia
TREASURER Norman A. “Norm” Velnes,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stan D. Soderstrom,
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Ann Updegraff Spleth,
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
TRUSTEES Patricia “Patti” Barsotti, Concord, California,
USA; Albert Filip Delanote, Koksijde, Belgium; Robert M.
“Bob” Garretson, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Robert S.
Maxwell, Topeka, Kansas, USA; Benjamin R. “Ben” Osterhout,
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, USA; Arthur N. “Art” Riley,
Westminster, Maryland, USA; James M. “Jim” Rochford, Peoria,
Illinois, USA; Shih Yu-Mei, Changhua County, Taiwan; John Tyner
II, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Norman A. “Norm” Velnes, Winnipeg,
Manitoba, Canada; Amy Zimmerman, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
MAGAZINE STAFF
EDITOR Stan D. Soderstrom Bicycle recycle Page 12
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Ben Hendricks
Contents
PUBLISHER/CIRCULATION MANAGER Jack Brockley
MANAGING EDITOR Kasey Jackson
ASSISTANT EDITORS Curtis Billue, Julie Saetre
ART DIRECTOR Andy Austin
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Tony Knoderer
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196
800-KIWANIS (in US/Canada), 317-875-8755
Fax: 317-879-0204 SEPTEMBER 2019 • VOLUME 104, NUMBER 6
Email: magazine@kiwanis.org
Website: kiwanis.org
Magazine website: kiwanismagazine.org
ADVERTISING SALES FEATURES DEPARTMENTS
3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268
317-217-6196, Fax: 317-217-6196 12 BICYCLE RECYCLE 4 VOICES
Email: advertise@kiwanis.org
New England and Mid-Atlantic: A Japanese Kiwanis club provides President’s Message; Executive
RB Advertising Representatives Inc.,
8 Binger Way, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
restored bikes for children in Perspective; Letters
914-769-0051, Fax: 914-769-0691 Cambodia.
Email: Info@RBAdvertisingreps.com 8 NEWS
FUTURE CONVENTIONS 22 A DANGEROUS DEBATE CKIx Day of Service; Nepal heads
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, June 18-21, 2020 From advocacy groups reporting toward district status; youth pro-
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, June 24-27, 2021
Manila, Republic of the Philippines, June 23-25, 2022 ‘fake news’ to misinformation on tection; meet the new CKI and Key
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, June 22-25, 2023
social media, vaccinating children Club boards; help Key Clubbers
KIWANIS (ISSN 0162-5276) is published monthly
except February, May, July and November by Kiwanis has become a controversial topic. make an impact; Kiwanis-family
International. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to observances in 2019-20
Kiwanis, 3636 Woodview Tr., Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196. 28 KEEP ON FOOD TRUCKIN’
Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN and additional
mailing offices. (CPC Pub Agreement #40030511) Return A new Key Club in Oswego, Illinois, 40 SHOWCASE
undeliverable Canadian addresses to Kiwanis, 2835 Kew Drive,
Windsor, ON N8T 3B7. picks an ambitious first project that Home is where the hurricane was;
Member’s annual subscription is US$8. Nonmembers may feeds successful service. power in numbers; hands-on help;
subscribe for US$12 per year.
birthdays
The information in this magazine is for illustrative and 34 SAFETY FIRST
discussion purposes only. It is intended to provide general
information about the subject matter covered and is provided This club’s signature project 50 BACK PAGE
with the understanding that Kiwanis is not rendering legal,
accounting or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate promotes safety, fosters family Name that tune
counsel or other advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax
or accounting obligations and requirements.
bonding and broadens club
Copyright © 2019 by Kiwanis International membership.
S E PTE MB E R 2019 3
p002-003_KIM_0919_TOC.indd 3 8/2/19 8:36 AM
VOICES
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE
POLY LAT • KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT STAN SODERSTROM • KIWANIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Unwavering faith Timely advice
This has been a year of great wanis International President It’s September, and as with bigger-and-better ideas that
challenge and great privilege. Jim Rochford. every September, each Ki- might propel us forward in
Taking care of myself meant As I pass the baton forward, wanis club should be thinking ways we never imagined.
less travel to visit my Kiwanis I know Kiwanis is in capable about how the 2018-19 year Alex Sheen’s “because I said
friends. But I can tell you that hands with the continuity of draws to a successful close I would” helped us understand
the test of character affirmed leadership. The rapport I have and, more importantly, how the importance of keeping
for me that whatever life with President-designate planning and preparation for promises. That easily ties to
has in store for you, it’s more Daniel Vigneron and Presi- 2019-20 is finalized and a new how Kiwanis, in our commit-
gratifying when you have a dent-elect-designate Art Riley Kiwanis year is launched. ment to eliminate maternal
support system. is excellent. We congratulate A club’s September to-do and neonatal tetanus, is in the
Our global Kiwanis team and welcome Peter Mancu- list usually includes approval home stretch of keeping our
is dedicated to making life so as our new vice presi- of the club’s budgets for the promise to the world. But one
better for children. Is there dent-designate. As the world coming year, a club planning of my most important take-
any better mission? We work, evolves, these officers will retreat that includes the ACE aways was his message that
serve and have fun together. have new issues with which (Achieving Club Excellence) “yesterday’s home runs won’t
We are rewarded with smiles, to deal, though our mission tools to survey your members win today’s ballgames.”
as kids gain confidence and will not change. and assess your club and re- Finally, Kiwanis International
expand their horizons. Thanks to each of you for connection with your Service President Poly Lat, who has
Children are our focus and your patience, assistance Leadership Programs clubs for spent his entire presidential
our future. Their happiness and positive thoughts as I the next school year. term undergoing cancer treat-
rubs off on their families. Their have dealt with my medical If you were with us at this ments while he has served
energy and new ideas encour- condition. Your compassion past June’s Kiwanis Interna- as our president, reminded
age communities to be better has made me a better person tional convention at Walt us all of the responsibility we
versions of themselves. What and a better president. We’ve Disney World® Resort in have in the commitments we
we do in Kiwanis pays off in so tested the true meaning of Florida, you may have heard have made to serve. He could
many ways! continuity, recognition and important words of wisdom have stepped down and not
While we have continued celebration. My vision and from some of our speakers. served when he first received
to open clubs, there’s more faith have never wavered. Renowned author and his medical diagnosis, but Poly
growth ahead, more opportu- I’m honored to have served speaker Jim Collins discussed felt a higher calling to not quit.
nities to create. I am pleased as your president. My family his “Good to Great” principles I am inspired by his example.
that club openings continue and I were able to share in the and how they applied to a Ki- As we prepare for a new
at a strong pace and that excitement of our amazing wanis club. He acknowledged Kiwanis year, let’s all show ap-
we have surpassed 200,000 convention in Florida. we all have to-do lists, but for preciation to those who have
Kiwanis members. We are hit- Kiwanians, look to the many of us, we should also helped us create positive
ting goals as we grow Kiwanis future with hope and commit- consider what a “stop-do- impact in thousands of com-
from good to great. Thanks ment to our mission. Together, ing” list might look like. He munities for millions of chil-
to everyone for let’s celebrate spoke of things dren, youth and
their contribu- our accomplish- we keep doing family members
tions, with a nod ments, friendship because we’ve around the world
to the work of and the children always done as well as in our
the Membership of the world who them. But these community.
& Education team are happier and tasks suck time This is a great
and the strategy healthier because and resources time to be a
of 2017-18 Ki- of Kiwanis service. away from new, Kiwanian.
4 K IWA NISMAGAZI NE.O R G
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When you give to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, you amplify your
Kiwanis impact. That’s because you’re joining with Kiwanis family
members who have done the same. After all, we do more when we do
it together. Let’s reach kids who need Kiwanis — all over the world.
kiwanischildrensfund.org
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VOICES
Letters
READERS OF KIWANIS MAGAZINE AND ITS BLOGS RESPOND TO RECENT FEATURES.
JOIN THE CONVERSATIONS AT KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG OR EMAIL MAGAZINE@KIWANIS.ORG.
“The cool thing was that it was in Orlando
PASS
SHARE IT WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR • MAKE SURE YOUR FIRE CHIEF HAS A COPY • LEAVE IT WITH
YOUR DOCTOR • GIVE IT TO YOUR ACCOUNTANT • SHARE IT WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER •
REMEMBER WHEN YOUR CLUB DONATED TO A LOCAL CHARITY? GIVE THIS MAGAZINE TO THE
JUNE/JULY 2019
PERSON WHO ACCEPTED THE CHECK • GIVE IT TO THE MAYOR • HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT
at Disney, so we got to go to Disney World.
THE BUTCHER, BAKER OR CANDLESTICK MAKER? • SHARE IT WITH YOUR VET • TAKE IT TO YOUR
CLUB MEETING • SHARE IT WITH HIM • SHARE IT WITH HER • SEND IT TO YOUR COUSIN IN
PITTSBURGH • GIVE IT TO YOUR BABYSITTER • TAKE IT TO TEMPLE WITH YOU • DON’T FORGET
®
YOUR BOSS • PASS IT TO YOUR BANKER • HAND IT OVER TO THE CHEF AT YOUR FAVORITE
SERVING THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD
To kick off the convention, they had a little
RESTAURANT • MAKE SURE YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR HAS A COPY • SHOW IT TO A SCOUT
LEADER • SHARE IT WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND • SHARE IT WITH A RETIRING JCI MEMBER • DROP
BY THAT NEW BUSINESS DOWN THE STREET AND GIVE THIS TO THE OWNER • DELIVER IT TO A
LIBRARIAN • PRESENT IT TO THE MOST SELFLESS PERSON YOU KNOW • SHARE IT WITH THE NEXT
THIS
PERSON WHO INTRODUCES HIMSELF • GIVE IT TO YOUR SON • GIVE IT TO YOUR DAUGHTER •
fairy come in and do a little thing and she
GIVE IT TO MOM AND DAD • AS AN ACT OF INTERVENTION, SHARE IT WITH A COUCH POTATO •
PASS IT ON TO THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB MANAGER • PRESENT IT TO YOUR FAVORITE CUSTOMER
• ALLOW YOUR PRINTER SALESPERSON TO KEEP IT • YOUR INSURANCE AGENT SHOULD HAVE A
COPY • DOES YOUR ATTORNEY HAVE A COPY? • GIVE IT TO A TREE HUGGER • LET A SINGER KEEP
IT • TAKE IT WITH YOU TO THE HAIR SALON AND LEAVE IT BEHIND • SHARE IT WITH THE 14TH
made it snow in Orlando in the convention
NAME ON YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS LIST • DON’T FORGET YOUR MECHANIC, CHIROPRACTOR
OR ELECTRICIAN • PLANT A SEED BY GIVING IT TO A FARMER • EVERY CLUB NEEDS PR; SHARE
IT WITH A MARKETING EXPERT • HAND IT TO A FORMER KIWANIAN • GIVE IT TO THE HOSPITAL
ADMINISTRATOR • PUT A COPY IN YOUR MINISTER’S PALMS • GIVE IT TO A PERSON OF A
DIFFERENT GENERATION, GENDER, RACE, CULTURE, BELIEF OR POLITICAL PARTY • HAND IT TO
center in June.”
A JOURNALIST • SHARE IT WITH SOMEONE WHO SHARES SOMETHING WITH YOU • RENEW AN
ON
OLD ACQUAINTANCE AND GIVE WHAT’S-HER-NAME THIS MAGAZINE • DON’T FORGET YOUR
FAVORITE FUNERAL HOME DIRECTOR • PRESENT ONE TO THE STAR OF YOUR COMMUNITY
THEATER’S NEXT PRODUCTION • YOUR HOMETOWN SOCCER COACH SHOULD GET ONE • SHARE
READ THIS
ONE WITH A LANDSCAPER • SHARE WITH YOUR PHARMACIST • A FORMER KEY CLUB OR CKI
MEMBER SHOULD DEFINITELY SEE THIS MAGAZINE • GIVE IT TO A POLITICIAN • GIVE IT TO A
MAGAZINE AND
VETERAN • SHARE IT WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS AN INTERESTING HOBBY LIKE FALCONING OR
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING • HAND IT BACK TO YOUR POSTAL CARRIER • SHARE IT WITH A SPECIAL — Jaren Books, Kiwanis Club of El Dorado, Arkansas, in an El Dorado News-Times
THEN SHARE IT
ED TEACHER • GIVE IT TO THE PERSON YOU JUST BEAT IN EUCHRE • SHARE IT WITH A PILOT OR
SAILOR • HAND IT TO A HANDYMAN • OFFER IT TO AN IT GEEK • JUST TAKE IT TO A JUDGE • OR A
WITH SOMEONE
JEWELER • CHOOSE ONE OF THE MEDICAL TECHNICIANS AT YOUR LOCAL HOSPITAL • LEAVE IT interview about his 2019 Kiwanis International Convention experience
WITH A PEDIATRICIAN, BECAUSE THEY CARE ABOUT KIDS TOO • SHARE IT WITH A CIVIL SERVANT
YOU CARE
• GIVE IT TO THE MOST FAMOUS PERSON IN TOWN • DROP IT OFF WITH THE TOWN HISTORIAN
• SHARE IT WITH A SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT BECAUSE YOUR CLUB NEEDS TO UPGRADE ITS
ABOUT
COMMUNICATIONS • SHARE IT WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR • SHARE IT WITH YOUR OTHER NEIGHBOR
• GIVE ONE TO THE COACH • HAND ONE TO YOUR AUNT MARGARET • DON'T FORGET THE CHURCH
SECRETARY • THE SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT NEEDS TO READ THIS FOR SURE • DROP ONE OFF AT THE
FIREHOUSE • LEAVE ONE AT A BUS STOP SHELTER • GIVE ONE TO A POLICEMAN • AND POLICEWOMAN
Creative
Pass it on approach
This is a wonderful idea.
I have been a member of Kiwanis since
Creativity is so important.
1966, and I still attend the meetings
(although not perfect). I have enjoyed Philip Drury
my association with fine people over Kiwanis Club of Salvo Basso
the years. I want to compliment you Scordia, Italy
on the June/July edition of the Kiwanis
magazine. It is one of the finest pieces I Correction
have ever seen reminding people of the
need and how and why to serve. This In the August 2019 Kiwan-
should be a required delivery to every is magazine, a Back Page
new Kiwanis member, as well as to any quote about a member’s ge-
and all prospective members. Thank nealogy research was edited
you for caring. in error. The quote, by Lisa
Wick of Courtenay, British
Norman Rasmussen Columbia, should have read:
Kiwanis Club of Long Beach, California “At 53, I didn’t even know
my father’s name. … My
Creature comforts DNA test turned up a match
for my estranged half-sister.
What a commitment, a real passion for
… We rebuilt our relation- up a second-cousin match. My sister
Kiwanis.
ship and started finding common followed up (on the information) and
Boudewijn Oscar Van De Steene names from my mother’s side. … called to tell me that my father was
Kiwanis Club of Gent Artevelde, Belgium One day, my DNA test results turned still alive!”
6 K IWA NISMAGAZI NE.O R G
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NEWS
What’s happening
TRENDS, TIPS, FACTS AND FIGURES FROM KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
CKIx Day of Service
On June 27, more than 300 CKI mem-
bers completed service projects at
various locations around the Orlando,
Florida, area during the annual CKIx
Day of Service event. Members packed
hygiene kits, sorted food at two food
pantries and cleaned trash and debris
around the city. Members look forward
to Day of Service each year, and it con-
tinues to be a convention highlight.
Nepal heads toward district status
At its June 2019 meeting, the Kiwanis
International Board granted district
status to the current Nepal Provisional
District, noting that the nation’s mem-
bers should be rewarded for their hard
work over the past years.
Since the formation of its first club in
2015, Nepal recently reached 1,000
members in 50 clubs, both of which
are qualifications for district status. The
provisional district also has outlined
strategies for future growth, education
and service. District officer elections are
scheduled at the annual conference in
Kathmandu this month.
8 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p008-011_KIM_0919_News.indd 8 8/2/19 8:37 AM
Youth protection
Globally, 25% of youth will experience
some form of abuse or maltreatment,
including sexual abuse. Kiwanis Inter-
national takes child protection very
seriously. Kiwanis Youth Protection
Week is September 9-13, 2019. Visit
kiwanis.org/youthprotection for infor-
mation on how you and your Kiwanis
club can be part of the solution.
Meet the new CKI board
More than 300 Circle K International mem-
bers from five countries gathered June 26-29
at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at the Walt
Disney World® Resort in Florida for the or-
ganization’s biggest celebration of the year.
The 64th annual convention included a Day
of Service and concluded with the Awards
and Farewell Session, during which the
2018-19 board was retired and the 2019-20
board was installed.
Billy Hackett of the Florida District will serve
as CKI president and Sara Al-Midany of the
Southwest District will be vice president. In-
ternational trustees are: Tana Early, Alabama
District; Chelsie Higdon, Carolinas District;
Maria Landron, Florida District; Jose Leoncio,
Capital District; Hannah Negray, Florida Dis-
trict; Don Nguyen, California-Nevada-Hawaii
District; and Steven Shaw, Carolinas District.
The 2020 CKIx event will take place in Las
Vegas, Nevada, July 19-23 at the Flamingo
Las Vegas hotel.
S E PTE MB E R 2019 9
p008-011_KIM_0919_News.indd 9 8/2/19 8:37 AM
Help Key Clubbers make an impact
Here’s how some of the Ross S. Ster-
ling High School Key Club members
from Baytown, Texas, spent their
spring break: building hand-washing
facilities for Guatemalan school chil-
dren. Consider supporting a Squads
Abroad trip for your Key Club. Learn
more at squads.ngo/key-club.
Key Club chooses new leadership
Key Club International members from Rocky Mountain District; Alex Drahos,
around the world gathered July 3-7 Nebraska-Iowa District; Riley Feng, Wis-
at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront consin-Upper Michigan District, Alexis
in Baltimore, Maryland, to celebrate a Henry, Florida District; Aminhan Lob-
successful year of servant leadership. ster, Missouri-Arkansas District; Bran-
The 76th Annual Key Club Interna- don Orick, Pacific Northwest District;
tional Convention included workshops Conrad Nguyen, New England and
and celebrity cameos, and it concluded Bermuda District; Indigo Parlin, Rocky
with the retirement of the 2018-19 Mountain District; Hannah Povroznick,
board and the installation of the 2019- West Virginia District; Irin Shim, Califor-
20 board (below). nia-Nevada-Hawaii District; and Rachel
K’lena Schnack of the Nebraska-Io- Zhang, Minnesota-Dakotas District
wa District will serve as president,
and Kaitlin Cirillo of the New Jersey The 2020 convention will take place in
District will serve as vice president. San Francisco, California, July 1-5, at
Board trustees are: Caroline Bushnell, the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.
We are family
Save these dates for our 2019-
20 Kiwanis-family celebrations:
• October 21-25, 2019:
CKI Week
• November 4-8, 2019:
Key Club Week
• February 17-21, 2020:
K-Kids Week
• March 2-6, 2020:
Aktion Club Week
• March 16-20, 2020:
Builders Club Week
10 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p008-011_KIM_0919_News.indd 10 8/2/19 8:38 AMREACH OUT
TO PARTNERS.
AND REACH MORE KIDS.
Kids need Kiwanis. And sometimes Kiwanians need people who can help us
serve them. Kiwanis International has a whole roster of partners whose missions
are similar to ours. Team up to extend your reach, increase your visibility — and
enhance your club’s next signature project.
Learn about them at kiwanis.org/partners.
p008-011_KIM_0919_News.indd 11 8/2/19 8:38 AM12 KI WA NI S MAGAZINE.O R G p012-021_KIM_0919_Cambodia.indd 12 8/2/19 8:40 AM
SERVICE
BI C Y C LE
RE C Y C L E
A JAPANESE KIWANIS CLUB PROVIDES RESTORED BIKES FOR
CHILDREN IN CAMBODIA. Story and photos by Jack Brockley
B
icycles, bicycles, everywhere, On a warm June Wednesday, Cam-
bicycles. They come to Cambodia bodia and Japan Kiwanians arranged
from across southeast Asia by the 50 bicycles handlebar-to-handlebar in
thousands. They’re worn out, broken a shaded corner of Sen Sok Primary
and unwanted. School’s spacious
Stacked eight feet courtyard. Students
high on tuktuk trail- rang bells, plucked
ers, they’re puttered chains and rubbed
through the congest- down tube labels that
ed streets of Phnom read “Kiwanis Club
Penh to Heng Ly of Fukuoka, Japan.”
Market, where stall Bolder kids jumped
after stall and street into the seats and,
after street are packed with the kickstand
with bicycle-recy- holding the rear wheel
cling shops. There, off the ground, ped-
their dérailleurs are aled in place.
replaced, wheels are Six members of the
re-spoked and faded Fukuoka Kiwanis
frames are painted. If they’re lucky, a Club flew to Phnom Penh from Japan
bell and basket are attached to their to present the 50 Heng Ly Market-re-
handlebars, and they’re given to the stored bikes to 50 Sen Sok students. It
best kind of owners on Earth: children. was a special day for the children, who
S E PTE MB E R 2019 13
p012-021_KIM_0919_Cambodia.indd 13 8/2/19 8:40 AM14 KI WA NI S MAGAZINE.O R G p012-021_KIM_0919_Cambodia.indd 14 8/2/19 8:41 AM
have faced a lot of difficulties in
their young lives. Many of them
formerly lived in an inner-city
area where fires were frequent and
sometimes tragic. Recently, the
government relocated the residents
to Sen Sok, a new community be-
ing built on the northwestern edge
of the capital city. Though they
now live in safer surroundings, the
families still must cope without
some basic needs.
“The Cambodian
children were
unusually excited,
and the fact our
project could be
that effective gave
us confidence that
it was beneficial.”
“Some families can’t afford to
buy the uniforms their kids are
required to wear to school,” says
Thor Koeun, past president of the
Kiwanis Club of Phnom Penh.
Founded in 2013, the Phnom
Penh club has established a
reputation for serving children,
regularly distributing supplies, de-
livering food and purchasing uni-
forms for area schools. Through
their involvement in the Kiwanis
S E PTE MB E R 2019 15
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Asia-Pacific region, the Cambodi- rice and, perhaps most popular June, they returned to Cambo-
an Kiwanians have plugged into among students, bicycles. dia. This time, to Sen Sok.
an interest among other Kiwan- Three years ago, the Fukuo- “Sen Sok Primary School has
ians to help. Working with area ka Kiwanis Club established a more than 1,000 students,” says
schools, the Phnom Penh club sister-club relationship with the Uk Chanveasna, president of the
compiles and shares lists of need- Phnom Penh Kiwanians and Phnom Penh Kiwanis Club. “Of
ed items with other Asian clubs, arrived to give away 50 bikes to these, the school identified 165
whose members visit Cambodia students at Hun Sen Kompong poor children. Because we had
with gifts of soap, shampoo, sugar, Phnom High School. This past 50 bikes, they narrowed the list
16 KI WA NI S MAGAZINE.O R G
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18 KI WA NI S MAGAZINE.O R G p012-021_KIM_0919_Cambodia.indd 18 8/2/19 8:42 AM
SERVICE
down to the poorest of the poor. around the basket. A boy pulled “The Cambodian children were
The other 115 children received his ride out of the pack, walked unusually excited,” Sato says,
school supplies.” around the corner of a classroom “and the fact our project could be
Following a ceremony of and checked it out in private. that effective gave us confidence
introductions, remarks and a Tires were pinched. Brake levers that it was beneficial.”
song performed by the children, were squeezed. And the jingle Bicycles, bicycles. Bicycles for
the Kiwanians led the 50 chosen of handlebar bells played across riding to school. Bicycles for riding
students one-by-one to their the courtyard. to a friend’s house. Bicycles for
new bikes. One girl claimed her Fukuoka Kiwanis Club Presi- running errands. Bicycles for fun.
green 10-speed with a tight hug dent Naofumi Sato was happy. Bicycles for kids. K
S E PTE MB E R 2019 19
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22 KI WA NI S MAGAZINE.O R G p022-027, 49_KIM_0919_Anti-Vax.indd 22 8/2/19 8:44 AM
COVER STORY
A DANGEROUS
FROM MISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO ADVOCACY GROUPS REPORTING ‘FAKE
NEWS,’ VACCINATING CHILDREN HAS BECOME A CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC. BUT WHY?
Story by Julie Saetre
T he Facebook messages
began pouring in 24
hours after baby Riley
that have assaulted her Facebook
feed and email inbox “a big pile of
ugliness and lies.”
aged other expectant mothers and
unvaccinated adults to get the
vaccine. And that brought on the
died in the pediatric What grave sin had drawn such swift wrath of those who were
intensive care unit of vitriol? Riley became ill with vehemently against vaccinations.
a Western Austra- whooping cough when he was “We were shocked that peo-
lian hospital. 28 days old. Despite the medical ple would attack parents who’d
They told Riley’s staff’s best efforts, the disease pro- just lost a baby,” says Hughes,
grieving parents, Cath- gressed into pneumonia, and he who would later help found The
erine and Greg Hughes, to died four days later. At the time Immunisation Foundation of
shut up about the death of their of her pregnancy, Hughes was not Australia and its Light for Riley
son. They accused the Hughes of aware that pregnant women can campaign, which resulted in a free
murdering Riley for profit. One receive a vaccine for whooping government vaccination program
called the couple Nazis. cough, thus also protecting their for pregnant mothers. “We knew
It was an onslaught that began babies until they are old enough that some people didn’t agree
in February 2015 and continues to be vaccinated themselves. with vaccinations, so we knew
to this day. Catherine Hughes When she posted about Riley’s that not everybody would agree
calls the thousands of messages death on Facebook, she encour- with us. But we didn’t expect the
S E PTE MB E R 2019 23
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amount of vitriol and hate that the now-recommended two. Those to 90% of “susceptible people” —
poured into our inbox from the adults are vulnerable to contracting those who haven’t been vaccinated
anti-vaxx movement.” measles when they travel to areas — will contract it on exposure. The
The subject of vaccinations has with lower vaccination rates. disease once caused an estimat-
taken on an urgent spotlight in The situation has become so ed 2.6 million deaths each year,
2019, sparked by measles out- troubling that the World Health according to the World Health
breaks in countries where the Organization called vaccine hesi- Organization. In 2017, approxi-
disease had once been eliminated. tancy — the reluctance or refusal mately 110,000 people worldwide
Vaccination rates for children to vaccinate despite the availabil- died from measles, most of them
have been dropping, along with ity of vaccines — one of the top children under the age of five.
a corresponding loss of herd im- global health threats in 2019. But the measles vaccine, devel-
munity. And that means measles Measles is a highly contagious oped in 1963 and refined in 1968,
rates are up — way up. disease. The CDC reports that up is highly successful. One dose is
As of June 20, 2019, the United about 93% effective; the rate rises
States had confirmed 1,077 cases
of measles since the year began.
“We knew that some to about 97% with the second dose.
Children can receive the first dose
That’s the greatest number of cas- people didn’t agree as early as 12 months of age.
es reported in the country since So why, in western countries not
1992, according to the Centers for with vaccinations plagued by poverty, war, political
Disease Control and Prevention.
By comparison, in all of 2010, the
… but we didn’t unrest and other serious barriers,
are children not receiving the
CDC confirmed 63 cases nation- expect the amount vaccine?
wide; in 2018, 372. The troubling situation has
In February 2019, the BBC of vitriol and hate evolved from a complex combi-
summarized data from the World that poured into our nation of elements, including a
Health Organization showing that discredited study, the power of
measles cases in Europe tripled inbox from the anti- the internet and social media, the
vaxx movement.”
between 2017 and 2018 to 82,596 influence of celebrities, a renewed
— the highest number recorded mistrust of authority and good
this decade. More than 53,000 of — Catherine Hughes old-fashioned human nature.
those cases were confirmed in In 1998, Andrew Wakefield, a
Ukraine, where vaccination rates London-based physician, pub-
are low due to a combination of lished a study of 12 children,
vaccine refusal, unavailability and linking the measles, mumps and
lack of access. rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism
And in Australia, which was and gastrointestinal issues. He
declared measles-free just five called this syndrome “autistic
years ago, cases have climbed from enterocolitis.” The prestigious
81 in 2017 to 103 in 2018 and 92 by medical journal “The Lancet”
April 9, 2019. Vaccination rates for ran the study, and Wakefield also
children in Australia are high — 93 appeared at a news conference
percent in 2017 — but many resi- during which he urged replacing
dents born between 1966 and 1994 the MMR vaccine with one that
received only one dose, rather than vaccinated for measles only. An
24 KI WA NI S MAGAZINE.O R G
p022-027, 49_KIM_0919_Anti-Vax.indd 24 8/2/19 8:44 AMIn 1998, Andrew Wakefield, a London-based physician,
published a study of 12 children, linking the measles, mumps and
rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism and gastrointestinal issues.
entry by Dr. Joseph Pierre, health The investigation also reported
sciences clinical professor in the that Wakefield filed patents for
Department of Psychiatry and diagnostic tests and treatments for
Biobehavioral Sciences at David the new syndrome he had claimed
Geffen School of Medicine at to discover.
UCLA and associate director of Wakefield has denied any
Residency Education at the UCLA wrongdoing.
Semel Neuropsychiatric Insti- The CDC states that, like any
tute and VA Greater Los Angeles medication, vaccines can cause
Healthcare System. side effects.
“Wakefield had received over
£400,000 from a law firm
looking for clients in a class
Andrew Wakefield action lawsuit against the
makers of the MMR vaccine
explosion of publicity followed, and had also applied for a
along with dropping vaccination patent for a ‘safer’ monova-
rates in Europe and the U.S. lent (targeting a single dis-
Subsequent scientific reviews of ease) measles vaccine to replace
Wakefield’s work revealed serious the trivalent MMR vaccine,”
flaws, including faulty sampling Pierre wrote in an entry titled
methods, falsified data and results “Antivaxxers and the
that couldn’t be replicated. “The Plague of Science
Lancet” partially retracted Wake- Denial.”
field’s study in 2004 and issued
a full retraction in 2010, the same
year that Wakefield was removed
from the register of the U.K. Gen-
eral Medical Counsel.
In 2011, “The BMJ” (formerly
“The British Medical Journal”)
published a series of investigative
articles that reported even more
disconcerting information. Those
findings were recently discussed
on the website of “Psychology
Today” in a February 2019 blog
S E PTE MB E R 2019 25
p022-027, 49_KIM_0919_Anti-Vax.indd 25 8/2/19 8:44 AMBut it reports that multiple autism. Its conclusion: “The study That appearance — and more that
verifiable scientific studies have strongly supports that MMR vac- followed, both by McCarthy and
not revealed a link between the cination does not increase the risk other celebrities on a variety of
MMR vaccine and autism. for autism, does not trigger au- programs — sparked a new round
In April 2019, the American tism in susceptible children, and of worry over the vaccine’s safety.
College of Physicians published is not associated with clustering Meanwhile, Wakefield, seem-
a study in its “Annals of Internal of autism cases after vaccination.” ingly undaunted by the retraction
Medicine” of more than 650,000 However, Wakefield’s assertions of his study and the revocation
children followed over a decade remain deeply entrenched among of his British license, moved to
to evaluate whether the MMR some parents. His 1998 report Texas in the U.S. and continued
vaccine increases the risk for collided perfectly with the launch his anti-MMR-vaccine efforts. In
of social media, which began when 2016, he released “Vaxxed,” a film
“Trying to the first recognized social media
site, “Six Degrees,” was found-
accusing the CDC of covering up
information that linked the MMR
counteract a ed a year earlier. As platforms vaccine and autism. Some parents
became more sophisticated, so believed the charge. Others
conspiracy theory did their ease of use, reach and — like the ones who inundated
can be very ability to influence. At the same
time, autism became more highly
Hughes with hateful messages
— believed big pharma and/or
difficult. These are publicized, and parents’ fears of big government were promoting
the developmental disorder grew. vaccines to seek profit at any cost.
often very strongly They were looking for answers, for “When we were accused of
held beliefs, and a way to protect their children, and murdering our own child and then
Wakefield’s report seemed to offer conspiring with the government
people don’t give them both. to pretend that it was whooping
them up easily.”
“I think it’s normal and nat- cough in order to roll out a suc-
ural for people to have ques- cessful whooping cough vaccina-
— Karen Douglas, professor of tions about vaccinations,” says tion program for pregnant women,
social psychology, University of Kent, Hughes. “And I think it’s quite a that was insane,” says Hughes.
Canterbury, U.K. good thing that people ask those Vaccine hesitancy had, for some,
questions — as long as they get crossed the line into conspiracy.
their answers from very “Not all anti-vaxxers are neces-
evidence-based resources.” sarily conspiracy theorists,” Pierre
Even in today’s technology-cen- says. “Believing that vaccines
tered society, that isn’t always cause autism or other ill effects
the case. In September 2007, isn’t a conspiracy theory in itself.
American actress and model The conspiracy belief is that the
Jenny McCarthy appeared on government, Centers for Disease
The Oprah Winfrey Show, at Control and Prevention and physi-
the time watched by 7.8 million cians are in cahoots with the phar-
television viewers. McCarthy maceutical industry to suppress
told the host that her son began that information from the public.”
showing symptoms of autism People are more vulnerable to
after receiving his MMR vaccine. conspiracy theories than you might
26 KI WA NI S MAGAZINE.O R G
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“There’s good evidence that we are living at a time of significant
mistrust in institutions of authority, whether we’re talking about
the government, the media, scientists or physicians.”
think, even in a world with access centage of people in that parent’s
to vast databases of scientific evi- social media network recom-
dence at the touch of a keyboard. mending non-vaccination. Also in
“Belief in conspiracy theories 2013, the World Economic Forum
is very common,” Pierre says. first sounded a warning about
“Around 50% of the U.S. popu- the global risk posed by “massive
lation believes in at least one, a digital misinformation.”
prevalence that has held steady “It’s very tempting to suggest
for at least several decades.” that the ubiquity of information
Karen Douglas, professor of shared over the internet has cre-
social psychology at the U.K.’s ated a climate ripe for the growth
University of Kent in Canterbury, of conspiracy beliefs,” Pierre says.
specializes in research on conspir- “Certainly, it’s much easier now to
acy theories and co-authored the gather online ‘evidence’ for virtu-
Dr. Joseph Pierre, professor,
study “Belief in conspiracy theo- ally any belief imaginable and to
Department of Psychiatry and
ries: Basic principles of an emerg- Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen find like-minded souls who share
ing research.” She says findings School of Medicine, UCLA your belief.”
show that the single best predictor That creates what experts call
of belief in one conspiracy theory “This isn’t to say that mistrust of an “echo chamber,” in which
is a belief in a different conspiracy. these institutions has never been people read and share only
“Moreover,” her study reports, higher; only that we’re riding a information that reinforces their
“throughout history people have wave of populism in this country beliefs while dismissing any-
believed conspiracy theories par- that frowns upon ‘elites’ and dis- thing contradicting those ideas.
ticularly in impactful societal crisis counts the authority of experts.” It explains why the retraction
situations, such as during fires, Add to that the ease with of Wakefield’s study and the
floods, earthquakes, rapid societal which information — and subsequent release of repeated
change, violence and wars.” misinformation — spread on findings contradicting it make no
So it might not be so surprising the internet and through social impact on conspiracy theorists.
that modern times offer a kind of media. The London-based Royal Another tenet from psychology,
perfect storm to help conspiracy Society for Public Health reports the Dunning-Kruger effect, also
theories thrive. that half of all parents have seen comes into play.
“There’s good evidence that we anti-vaccination messages on “The Dunning-Kruger effect is a
are living at a time of significant social media, while a 2013 study finding from psychology research
mistrust in institutions of author- published in the journal “Pediat- that almost everyone overesti-
ity, whether we’re talking about rics” found the variable that most mates their level of knowledge
the government, the media, scien- affected a parent’s decision not to
tists or physicians,” Pierre says. vaccinate their child was the per- Continued on page 49
S E PTE MB E R 2019 27
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KEY CLUB
KEEP ON TRUCKIN’
A NEW KEY CLUB IN OSWEGO, ILLINOIS, PICKS AN AMBITIOUS FIRST
PROJECT THAT FEEDS SUCCESSFUL SERVICE.
Story by Julie Saetre • Photos by Laura Stoecker
W
hen the Kiwanis Club of Oswego, “It exploded from there. It’s turned into a
Illinois, received its charter in 2015, huge event that people come to from really
members immediately set a crucial far around.”
priority: establishing Key Clubs in the city’s Now held each April and October on the
two high schools. The club at Oswego East high school grounds, the Oswego East Food
High School took off especially quickly, Truck Feast regularly books to its capacity
thanks in part to students there with parents of 18 trucks. As part of their event con-
in the new Kiwanis club. tracts, truck owners agree not to sell bever-
The teens set out to determine a fund- ages, leaving that duty as a money-maker
raising strategy that would support their for Key Club members. The students also
service mission, and in the Key Club’s first raise funds through free-will donations
year, they landed on the idea of a food truck from parents whose children participate in
festival — not exactly a simple first project. face painting, pumpkin decorating (in the
Still, they were undaunted. fall), seed planting (in the spring) and other
“It was a good way for them to, when
they were first starting out, really make
a name for themselves with a big event,”
says Robyn Vickers, Oswego Kiwanis
Club member and the Key Club’s advisor.
Following that “go big or go home”
strategy, the Key Club approached
the owner of Brew Avenue Events, an
Oswego-based event management and
production company that specializes not
only in its namesake craft beer festivals,
but also food truck gatherings.
“He offered to work with them as
one of his community-charity, giv-
ing-back (events),” explains Vickers.
S E PTE MB E R 2019 29
p028-033_KIM_0919_Food Trucks.indd 29 8/2/19 8:47 AMpursuits in the Family Zone. To be named “Beast of the Feast” student battling cancer. Funds
Meanwhile, a DJ spins tunes, has become a heated competition from each feast average around
and adults browse through booths among vendors. US$700 but have topped out as
staffed by local businesses at the Fall proceeds go to a nation- high as $1,200 — worthy num-
Vendor Village. al or international cause — in bers for a fledging club, Vickers
“It’s turned into more of a November 2018, it was The says.
community event,” says Vickers, Eliminate Project — while spring “They’ve learned a lot. They’ve
“rather than just ‘get your food funds benefit something closer to got the process down. It’s really
and go home.’” home. This past April’s festival fun to hear people say, ‘Oh, I
And before guests leave, they gave a boost to the high school’s came from Schaumburg,’ which
can raise funds for the Key Club extended special-education pro- is 30 miles away. And it really is
in one more way: voting with gramming. The donation helped a student-led event. It’s pretty
cash for their favorite food truck. the family of an Oswego East impressive, I think.” K
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32 KI WA NI S MAGAZINE.O R G p028-033_KIM_0919_Food Trucks.indd 32 8/2/19 8:47 AM
TRY THIS AT HOME
W
ant to help your Key Club host a food Truck Feast have been a simple stand selling
truck festival — or hold one of your homemade-marshmallow-based s’mores and
own? Try these tips gleaned from the a lobster truck with a signature sandwich car-
Oswego East Food Truck Feast: rying a US$25 price tag.
Get the high school’s buy-in. Oswego Plan for the weather. In its short history,
East High School supports the Food Truck the Food Truck Feast has seen temperatures
Feast in numerous ways, from allowing soar toward 90 degrees Fahrenheit and
the use of school grounds to scheduling frigid days fill with snow. The Key Club
the event at a time when an on-site dance always has access to an area inside the
competition, track meet or other draw will high school where activities can be held
provide a built-in core audience. and guests can cool off or warm up in case
Invite other student groups to participate. Mother Nature acts out. K
Add value to your event — and keep poten-
tial donors around longer — by arranging for
other high school clubs to sponsor activities.
At the feast, the school’s art club does face
painting for young guests, while the fu-
ture-teachers’ group reads stories aloud.
Book a variety of trucks. The wider the
appeal, the more people you’ll attract.
Include popular staples (burgers, pizza,
tacos), but also think bigger — and smaller.
Two of the most popular trucks at the Food
S E PTE MB E R 2019 33
p028-033_KIM_0919_Food Trucks.indd 33 8/2/19 8:47 AMSIGNATURE PROJECT
THIS CLUB’S SIGNATURE PROJECT PROMOTES SAFETY, FOSTERS
FAMILY BONDING AND BROADENS CLUB MEMBERSHIP.
Story by Wendy Rose Gould • Photos by Liz Osban
M
embers of the Wheatland Kiwanis land’s small population of 3,800, and the
Club in Wyoming knew they were high participation makes for unforgetta-
doing something great when they ble events.
began hosting their annual Discovery Discovery Day activities include climb-
Day event three years ago. And while it ing in fire trucks and police cars, inter-
was destined to be a success,
they just might have under-
estimated how much of an
impact it would make on the
community, as well as their
own club.
The early summer event
serves as a hands-on edu-
cational outing for families
and children with help from
local businesses and various
agencies. In 2019, nearly 500
residents came out to play
along with 31 businesses,
law enforcement members,
government officials and
nonprofit organizations.
These numbers are especially
impressive given Wheat-
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SIGNATURE PROJECT
acting with police dogs, sorting Past President Gail A. Thompson.
letters in mail trucks, wearing “Children walk away with more
lineman gear, checking out farm knowledge about the vehicles,
machinery and learning how to and our display partners take the
climb a power pole. The goal is opportunity to stress public safety
to have fun, educate families and issues.”
children and make safety officials The event also fosters an envi-
— and their equipment — less ronment for exceptional family
intimidating. bonding. Club members often
“Although children see all of see multiple generations from
these vehicles (and officials) in the same family interacting with
action within the community, it one another to create lasting
is very rare for them to interact memories.
with them or have the time and “Year after year, we hear such
encouragement to ask questions,” great feedback from the families
explains the Wheatland club’s in attendance about how excited
S E PTE MB E R 2019 37
p034-039_KIM_0919_Safety Fair.indd 37 8/2/19 8:49 AMSIGNATURE PROJECT
the children are and how much
they get out of participation,”
Thompson says.
And there was one more
unexpected but much-welcome,
bonus: The club has enjoyed a
notable boost in membership as
a direct result of the event. Since
Discovery Day’s inauguration,
the previously aging club has
been reinvigorated with young
parents and has nearly doubled
its membership. K
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40 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G p040-048_KIM_0919_Showcase.indd 40 8/2/19 8:51 AM
SHOWCASE
Home is where the hurricane was
MEMBERS OF THE KIWANIS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CLUB OF NEW YORK CITY HAVE SPENT
MORE THAN SIX YEARS REBUILDING HOMES IN NEW YORK … AND NOW PUERTO RICO.
Story by Kimiko Martinez
I
t all started in 2012 with Super- six weeks or so to get their hands And because every home was at
storm Sandy. dirty (literally) by plastering, a different stage of rebuild, work
New Yorkers — and the rest of painting, laying tile, installing varied widely with each visit —
the country — watched helplessly insulation, putting up drywall and there were a lot of them.
as the hurricane slammed the East and more. “Six years later, and we were
Coast of the United States, flood- “Some of these kids didn’t still fixing homes in New York
ing homes, subways and business- know how to hold a paintbrush,” from Hurricane Sandy,” says Ryan
es; causing electric and cell service Steiner says. “But it became one Dang Hong, a member of the
outages across the city; and forcing of our favorite projects because it club’s board of directors.
thousands to evacuate from hospi- was hands-on, and we often got Finally, though, the project pool
tals and homes. to meet the owners. For a lot of began drying up. That’s when the
The aftermath was grim. projects, that’s not always the club heard about an opportunity
“You constantly read and saw case. So it was a nice bonus to see in Puerto Rico to rebuild homes
and heard stories about people who we were impacting.” destroyed by Hurricane Maria.
whose homes were completely The Kiwanis crews were trained “Since we were already experi-
destroyed, or how they were now and supervised by volunteers enced with the organization here
living in the attic because their who taught them how to do the in New York, it opened the oppor-
first two floors were underwater,” construction-related task of the tunity up to the club to see who
says Jason Steiner, treasurer of the day before putting them to work. was interested,” Dang Hong says.
Kiwanis Young Professionals Club
of New York City and a past club
president.
“Then we saw stories about all
the contractor fraud.”
Club members knew they had
to do something.
When they found two local
organizations helping to rebuild
homes in The Rockaways area of
Queens and parts of Brooklyn,
they jumped in.
Soon, groups of up to 15 vol-
unteers — including members
from sponsored Key Clubs and
CKI clubs — were trekking up to
two hours via public transit every
S E PTE MB E R 2019 41
p040-048_KIM_0919_Showcase.indd 41 8/2/19 8:51 AMSHOWCASE
returned to live in her home af- crews — including volunteers liv-
terward, even though conditions ing on the island — replaced the
were dangerous. wooden walls with concrete ones
More than a year later, Cruz’s more able to withstand future
home still had only a blue tarp storms and fully restored Cruz’s
where a roof should have been. home.
“We didn’t come to any homes in In all, SBP reports that 76
The Rockaways where roofs were volunteers invested more than
gone and entire structures were 6,080 hours of work to finish the
almost destroyed,” Steiner says. residence.
“They may have been uninhabit- “There were many who were
able, but they were standing struc- very happy to see us and appre-
tures. But not here in Puerto Rico.” ciated the help,” Steiner says
During their weekend there, of the club’s home-rebuilding
Dang Hong and Steiner reinforced efforts in New York and Puerto
the home’s walls and panels. A Rico. “But at the end of the day,
Team Rubicon crew of military people just wanted to get back
veterans fixed the roof, and other into their homes.” K
In February, he and Stein-
er represented the club in the
rebuild for Netzy Lucianis Cruz
— a young, recently unemployed
teacher in Loiza, Puerto Rico.
Though Dang Hong and Steiner
had spent years helping to rebuild
homes, what they saw in Puerto
Rico surprised them.
“Almost all of the homes in the
(Villa Cañonas) neighborhood
were in some state of repair,”
Steiner says. “Every single home
was being worked on. The entire
area was affected. And people’s
entire homes were being rebuilt
from the ground up.”
According to SBP — the group
with which Dang Hong and
Steiner volunteered — Cruz was
able to save only a backpack’s
worth of belongings before the
hurricane ripped off her roof.
Though she spent the duration of
the storm at an aunt’s house, she
42 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p040-048_KIM_0919_Showcase.indd 42 8/2/19 8:51 AMYou can also read
