Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee District News - Improving the world one child and one community at a time - AWS
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April 2022 Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee District News Improving the world one child and one community at a time.
LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
IN THIS ISSUE
19 CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
DISTRICT NEWS
4 Bonne Journee Mon Ami - from the Governor
4 2021-2022 District Convention
5 Reunited with the Coopers - from the Governor-Elect
6 What is a Kiwanian? - from the Immediate Past Governor
7-9 Snap Shots from Mid-Year Regionals 2022
10 Children’s Fund Honors Div. 8E Lt. Governor
10 Kiwanis International Education & Leadership Conf.
THE FOUNDATION
11 Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! - from the President
24 12 So Far, This Year’s Grants
13 Foundation Awards Scholarships
14 Friends of the Foundation
COMMITTEE REPORTS
15 Kiwanis Children’s Fund
16 Aspire to Inspire: YUTES, YU-TSZ-TSZ-TSZ & YOU
17 Key Leader North Weekend
25 K-KIDS CLUB NEWS
18 Germantown K-Kids Create Mural for School
AKTION CLUB NEWS
18 Hammond AKtion is Back in Action!
KEY CLUB NEWS
19 Key Club District Convention Recap
20 Ecole Classique Attends Virtual DCON Together
20 Vicksburg Handwrites Birthday Cards
20 South Fulton Key Club Honored with Foodbank Donation
CIRCLE-K CLUB NEWS
21 A Letter to the Dedicated Members of LaMissTenn CKI
22 Baton Rouge Kiwanis Presents at LMT CKI DCON
ON THE COVER: CLUB NEWS
LaMissTenn Kiwanis District Growth Coordinator and Baton Rouge 23-24 At Cortana, It’s All About the Kids!
Kiwanis Club Member Dorothy Kemp helps students at Buchanan
Elementary participate in activities related to the Three Little Pigs as 24-25 Dawn Busters Make an Impact
part of the club’s pre-k reading project. See more on Page 34.
2 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORG
LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS CLUB NEWS CONTINUED . . . 26 Gautier/Ocean Springs Gifts Toys to the City 26 eLaMissTenn Kiwanis Club Wants You! 28 27 Hammond Kiwanis Hosts Night of Friendly Trivia 28 Hammond and Southeastern Students Spruce up TADAC 29 Laurel Celebrates 100 Years of Service 29 Martin Brings Back Successful Pancake Breakfast 30 New Orleans Gets Back to the Future with Serving 30 St. Bernard Appreciates Teachers and Supports Literacy 31 Red Stick Kiwanis: Doing Great Things! WHAT’S HAPPENING ON FACEBOOK 32 Abbeville Hosts First Special Needs Mardi Gras Ball 32 Acadiana Celebrates New Years at Noon 33 Algiers Feeds 4th District NOPD 33 Ascension Takes Action in the Community 31 34 B.R. Kiwanis Reading Program is Back in Full Force! 35 Broussard-Youngsville: Keeping the City Klean 35 Camellia City, Slidell Spreads the Love 36 Corinth Hosts Biggest Ever Father Daughter Dance 37 Cortana Cares for the Kids 38 Denham Springs Hosts Successful 2nd Annual Clay Shoot 38 Germantown Annual Chili Cook Off 39 Gulfport Hosts First Community Baby Shower 39 Lake Charles’ 5th Annual Chicken Run 39 Lucedale Donates Uniforms 40 Martin Kiwanian Receives Tablet of Honor Plaque 32 40 Northshore Mandeville Repairs Gazebo 40 Pointe Coupee Holds Annual Fishing Tournament 41 Krewe des Cheins des Opelousas! 41 St. Bernard-Arabi is Ready for Reading 41 Twin Cities Collects First Aid Items 42 LaMissTenn Welcomes New Clubs! BACK COVER 43 Share Your Club’s News! 43 Article Submission Deadlines 43 District Board of Directors 43 District Trustees 43 District Office Information APRIL 2022 3
LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Rick Latiolais, Governor
Spring is here and it is time for pandemic. It is imperative that we con-
fundraising, festivals and service. We tinue to support and encourage our
wrapped up our Mid-Winter Regionals Key Clubs. Congratulations to the in-
on March 12th, and from reading the coming Governor Emerson Morris
surveys, our members not only enjoyed and Special Thanks go out to Ju-
the programs and comradery but also dithAnne Zimmermann for accept-
went home with a head full of ideas for ing to be the new Key Club Admin-
fundraising and signature projects. istrator.
During the Regionals, I expressed Summer is almost upon us and that
the urgency of increasing the member- means Convention Time. The Kiwanis
ship in your club. Without constantly International Convention is June 8-11,
and consistently adding to our num- 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana and reg-
bers, our organization would eventually time to increase the size of your club. istration is open until May 1st, there is
cease to exist. I relayed to the attendees Step out of your comfort zone and no onsite registration. Our District
that the goal for our District was to go ASK SOMEONE to join Kiwanis. Convention is August 5-7, 2022 in Ba-
increase our membership by 620. The district’s club opening team has ton Rouge.
Our district trainers shared instruc- added four new clubs this year I would like to leave with two chal-
tions and tips on how to increase your (Louisville, Tri Parishes in Laplace, lenges:
club’s membership. Many of your Carencro and Rayne) with a combined Read your Kiwanis Magazine
clubs responded with their plan to do total of approximately 118 members. I (Beginning to End) - April/May edi-
this. Cudos to those clubs that already say “approximately” because they are tion - “PASS THIS ON”
had a plan in place! so excited about their new clubs, they Then watch a TEDxSanta Cruz:
Over the next two months (April & are successfully adding new people to Lori Butterworth - Sustaining Compas-
May) your District needs you to put their numbers almost daily. sion: A Nonprofit Story
those plans into effect. If you wait until In March I attended the Key Club https://www.youtube.com/watch?
the summer months people will be and CKI (virtual) conventions. I am v=pNrOfqrm-BE
preoccupied with vacation plans and excited to say that our district’s Key And
children at home on break. With the Club paid membership is now up to GET EXCITED ABOUT BE-
pandemic starting to wain and people 4,731. That is quite an improvement ING A KIWANIAN, BECAUSE
looking to get out and serve their com- from the 1,616 during the pandemic WE REALLY DO MAKE A DIF-
munities, this will obviously be the best but still short of the 7,400 prior to the FERENCE!!
August 5‐7, 2022
Crown Plaza Hotel
4728 Cons tu on Ave.
Baton Rouge, La.
Join the LaMissTenn District in Celebra ng Execu ve Director Charlie Ford’s Re rement!
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LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Bruce Hammatt, Governor-Elect
met us all in the small conference room ans but denied them any benefits afford-
in the convention area. It was there that ed to other tribes. Apparently no other
we learned of his ideas and how he Native American Tribe has been given
planned on meeting with us on at least a that same designation to date.
monthly basis to see how he could help During that first meeting with Coop,
each of the Governors as they “plowed” Debbie asked Joy what her “First Lady
through the responsibilities in our re- Project” was going to be. Neither of us
spective districts. had ever heard of a first lady project, but
I will say that I always looked forward I have to say that Joy certainly hit that
to those phone calls. I would spend part project “Out of the Park” with her Pete
of my day organizing my questions for The Cat - I Love My White Shoes” book
Coop or the other Governors for the reading project. Again, because of
evening chat each month. It never failed COVID, Joy plans on continuing that
Well it finally happened. Joy and I that other issues came up and Coop al- same project during my second time as
were able to make it to North Carolina ways had the right answers to the dilem- governor.
last week to visit our old friends Gary ma or would get back to us as needed. I Coop will be retiring off the Board at
“Coop” Cooper and his wife Debbie. felt better after those calls because of the end of this Kiwanis year. We won’t
There are a myriad of reasons for the what I had learned from Coop and/or know who our next International Trustee
delays, but most of them start with the our discussions with the other two gov- Counselor will be until the International
now often-heard excuse, “well, because ernors. Convention in Indianapolis this coming
of COVID…!” On our trip to North Carolina I was June. However, if they are anything like
All of you may not recall the names, also able to meet up with Governor-elect Coop Cooper, I know my year will be
but most Kiwanians that made it to the of the Carolinas District, Mary Winfree, enjoyable and full of new experiences.
Memphis District Convention in 2019 and her home club of Robeson- Joy and I will be looking forward to that
that celebrated Past Governor Eva Lumberton, North Carolina. Mary is a first meeting. I know one thing. If Joy is
Abate’s year, or the Mid-Winter Conven- proud member of the Lumbee Tribe of asked about her “First Lady Project” we
tion in Memphis in the early part of my Native American Indians. After talking will now know how to answer! We hope
year as governor, do recall their many to her Club, we drove around her com- to see Coop and Debbie at our District
conversations with this friendly couple. munity and found out that in 1956, the Convention here in Baton Rouge in Au-
We first met International Trustee US Congress passed the Lumbee Act, gust.
Coop and his lovely wife, Debbie, while which gave them the recognition as Indi-
we were enjoying the Kiwanis Interna-
tional Convention in Orlando, Florida.
Coop had just been elected to the Inter-
national Board the day before and was
handed his first assignments a few
minutes later. He was explaining to us
that his first duty the following morning
was to meet face-to-face with the Gover-
nor’s-elect of the three Districts that he
would be counseling over his first year as
Trustee. Luckily one of those districts
included ours.
I remember that meeting as though it
was yesterday, and that is saying a lot
since I am first to say that my memory is
not the best. (Now, what was I saying?) Pictured are Interna onal Trustee Gary Cooper, Joy Hamma , Governor‐Elect Bruce
He indicated he felt really good when he Hamma , Carolinas District Governor‐Elect Mary Winfree, and Carolinas District Gov‐
ernor Joe Cros c.
APRIL 2022 5
LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Patrice Cusimano, Immediate Past Governor
We are all familiar with our defining report on books chosen by their teach-
statement that asks the question: er, he or she would participate in a
“What is Kiwanis.” But have you ever monthly pizza party. At the end of the
thought about “what is a Kiwanian?” I school year, each student who com-
have spent the last few weeks thinking pleted all of the assignments, would be
about that very question as I and my bussed to a nearby Barnes & Noble, be
fellow club members prayed for a dear treated to lunch (courtesy of B&N),
and good friend who lost his battle and be allowed to pick out two books
with COVID. Sam Catalanotto, a thirty of their own. Sam loved seeing those
-plus year member of the St. Bernard- kids begin to enjoy reading.
Arabi Kiwanis Club lost his fight and As an owner of a printing shop, Sam
gained his angel’s wings on Ash designed, printed, and copied hundreds
Wednesday, March 2nd. Sam became revelation brought a chuckle to those of documents, signs, invitations, etc.,
ill after receiving his booster shot, de- at his memorial service. for our club, often at no charge. These
veloped double pneumonia, and passed His love for coaching brought him selfless acts saved our club hundreds of
after 71 days in intensive care. He to Kiwanis. Sam coached Robby dollars over the years. Sam was the
fought the good fight and will now Showalter’s son, Brad, and a lifelong recipient of our club’s Kiwanian of the
receive his rewards in Heaven. friendship began. Robby was already a Year Award, a Walter Zeller recipient,
All of us have lost club members member of our club, and encouraged and a Kiwanis Life Member.
along the way – in 2020, our club lost Sam to join. Our club benefited for On a personal level, Sam was my
three. Recently, Richard “Woody” over thirty years from Sam’s dedication friend. I could drop in at his shop and
Woods, a past governor passed. What to Kiwanis. He served as club presi- we could talk for hours. He was opin-
do these people have in common? dent twice, but more importantly, he ionated, as am I, and sometimes we
They loved God, their families, their chaired numerous committees, always bucked heads, but we always hugged
communities, and especially loved chil- leading with that the same passion he and expressed our love for each other
dren. Sam started working with chil- had for baseball. Sam’s legacy will be a before parting.
dren over thirty-five years ago as a program he started to honor our parish Each of you has a club member (or
baseball coach. Over the years, he (county) police and fire heroes. The several) who fit the above description.
coached hundreds of young boys, Lifesaver Award was given out each We have all experienced that lost feel-
teaching them baseball fundamentals quarter by our club to persons chosen ing when you attend the first meeting
and good sportsmanship. Sam had no by the local police and fire leadership. after and look around for that special
time for meddling parents (spoken by a We will be officially naming the award person. Let’s honor and recognize
former baseball mom). He coached his the “Sam Catalanotto Lifesaver these folks while they are living. It
way and the kids were better for it. Award” in honor of Sam. doesn’t have to be a medal or a certifi-
Sam took countless teams to champi- Sam also was heavily involved in our cate – a hug or a heartfelt handshake
onships over the years. He coached his literacy programs – and our club has will suffice – just don’t miss the oppor-
daughter’s softball team a couple of several. He volunteered monthly to tunity.
years, but had no patience for the cry- visit one of our parish schools that had I will miss my friend, Sam. His
ing in the dugout over failed romances children struggling with reading. If a memory is my answer to “What is a
and typical teen-aged girl gossip. This child completed reading and giving a Kiwanian?” Be well my friends.
6 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORG
LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
Snap Shots from Mid-Year Regionals 2022:
How to Make Your Club a Better Kiwanis Club
Past International Trustee Greg Beard and Past International President Nettles Brown presented club leadership strategies
at this year’s Mid-Year Regionals. Also, in attendance at each regional, Governor Richard Latiolais gave his goals for the year.
Several clubs and Kiwanians were recognized by Intermediate Past Governor Patrice Cusimano for their outstanding efforts
during the 2020-2021 Kiwanis Year. The conference was exciting and was a great opportunity for catching up on the latest
programs and ideas for growing our local clubs. More than a few hundred Kiwanians attended the regionals in their club’s
Region.
Union City Kiwanis Club Member
and Region I Trustee John Fry
Governor Rick La olais thanks President‐ was honored by Governor‐Elect
Elect Gloria Spence and President Claire Bruce Hamma as Dis nguished
White for represen ng the Dyersburg Ki‐ Kiwanian and Dis nguished Sec‐
wanis Club at the Region I Conference in retary at the Region I Conference
Millington, Tenn. in Millington, Tenn.
Union City Kiwanis Club President Kendrick Hardin Pictured are: Region I Trustee John Fry, Division 1C Lt. Governor Oscar Brown,
along with members Cathy Crider Fry, John Fry Governor‐Elect Bruce Hamma , Region III Trustee Rogena Woods‐Mitchell &
and Lieutenant Governor Fred Hancock represent‐ Governor Rick La olais at the Region I Conference in Millington, Tenn.
ed Union City Kiwanis at the Region I Conference
in Millington,TN.
The Kiwanis Club of New Orleans was represented
by (from le to right) Rae Cote, President Steve
Beale, Past Governor Lenny Simmons, John Parau‐
ka, and not pictured Founda on Secretary Cathy
Simmons at the Region IV Conference in Metairie,
La.
Con nued on Page 8 . . .
APRIL 2022 7
LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
Mid-Year Regionals Continued . . .
Immediate past Governor Patrice Cusimano was presented the Dis nguished Kiwanis Award by Governor Rick La olais at the Re‐
gion IV Conference in Metairie, La. Governor‐Elect Bruce Hamma congratulated St. Bernard‐Arabi Kiwanis Club President Kris ne
Koepp and Moisant Kiwanis Club Secretary Jillian Wohlgemuth for stepping into the roles of 4A and 4B Lieutenant Governors for the
2022‐2023 Kiwanis Year. And the Kiwanis Club of St. Bernard‐Arabi had 8 members a end the Region Iv Conference.
Members of the newly formed Kiwanis Club of Tri‐Parishes in Region IV a ended their first Mid‐Year Regional. Governor‐Elect Bruce
Hamma keeping with the fun theme of the conference is seen photo bombing the Tri‐Parishes Club. Also, Club President Dayna
James shared the excitement of the club’s recent “Koffee with Kiwanis” membership drive. What a great start for this new club!
Broussard‐Youngsville Kiwanis a ended Region
VI in Lafaye e, La.
Congratula ons to Red S ck Kiwanis Club for being honored as Dis nguished at
the Region V Mid‐Year Conference in Hammond, La.
← Ascension Kiwanis Club members also a ended the Region V Mid‐Year Con‐
ference in Hammond, La. Con nued on Page 9 . . .
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LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
Mid-Year Regionals Continued . . .
Baton Rouge Kiwanis Club President‐Elect Bob Schmidt, Interna‐ The Kiwanis Club of St. Gabriel President‐Elect Ronald Grace,
onal Trustee Gary Graham, Immediate Past President Joy Ham‐ Secretary and Division 8W Lieutenant Governor MiLisa York,
ma , District Commi ee Chair Dorothy Kemp, Gary Haindel, Vice Treasurer Joseph BoBo, President Jesse Thomas, and Member
President Philip Qualls, and Governor‐Elect Bruce Hamma Randy Pistorius a ended the Region V Mid‐Year Conference in
a ended the Region V Mid‐Year Conference in Hammond, La. Hammond, La.
Zachary Kiwanis Club President Bruce Langley, Secretary Mike Alu, Governor‐Elect Bruce Hamma hams it up at the Region III
President‐Elect Bridge e Johnson, and Past President Al Philips Mid‐Year Conference in Ocean Springs, Miss. with Region III
a ended the Region V Mid‐Year Conference in Hammond, La. Trustee Rogena Woods‐Mitchell, Natchez Trace Kiwanis Club
President‐Elect Sherry Gill, Club Secretary Lori Alles, and Club
President Frances Cothren.
East St. Mary Kiwanis Club members have fun with Past Interna‐
onal Trustee and Presenter Greg Beard at the Region VI Mid‐Year
Conference in Lafaye e, La.
Congratula ons to Laura Gilliland for being elected at the Region V Mid
‐Year Conference in Hammond, La. as the 2022‐2023 Region V Trustee.
Region V comprises of Divisions 8E, 8W, and 13.
APRIL 2022 9
LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Tiffany LaPorte, District Bulletin Editor
Donna Leggett, 2020-2021 Division of reading by providing books for
8E Lieutenant Governor, was excited home libraries, and support the educa-
to receive two beautiful crystal glasses tion of Key Club and Circle K mem-
as a President's award from the Chil- bers.
dren's Fund President Norm Velnes These are just a few ways the Kiwa-
for her year serving as Lieutenant Gov- nis Children’s Fund makes a difference.
ernor. The gift was for the clubs in “I am so proud of the 8E clubs for
Division 8E increasing their giving to making the children a priority and in-
the Children's Fund. creasing their giving to the Children’s
Because of Donna’s hard work of Fund during the 2020-2021 Kiwanis
promoting the Children’s Fund in Di- Year! This was an especially challeng-
vision 8E, the Kiwanis Children’s Fund ing year with COVID and multiple
has helped Kiwanis clubs around the hurricanes, which lead to the cancella-
world reach more children. Gifts from environment for teens leaving foster tions of fundraising opportunities and
clubs and individuals from Division 8E care, build playgrounds that give chil- these clubs rose to the challenge,” said
helped: provide nutritious meals to dren of all abilities access to fun and Leggett.
hungry children, create a safe living physical activity, spark children’s love
Kiwanis International Education
and Leadership Conference
From ideas for service to innova ons in fundraising, you’ll find it all at the 2022 Kiwanis Interna onal Conven on.
The best leaders are learners. A end in person or virtually ‐ so you can increase your club’s impact in your community.
Register online no at www.kiwanis.org/conven on/2022. Registra on is open un l May 1st.
10 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORGLOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
By Jennifer Kelly-White, Foundation President
go towards community service
grants, disaster relief grants, AED
grants, SLP scholarships and leader-
ship trainings. There were 72 gift
baskets raffled, 18 garden flags sold
and 5 new Friends of the Founda-
tion welcomed. The Foundation
District Board is so grateful and ap-
preciative of your generosity! We do have openings for Board mem-
enjoyed spending time with fellow bers on the Foundation Board. For
Kiwanians and sharing our stories more information, please visit our
Hello and greetings from your of our purpose and how we help website www.lamisstenn.org/
District Foundation! The past cou- clubs achieve more in their commu- foundation or email jennifer-
ple of months have been filled with nities. white920@gmail.com.
Mid-Year Regional Conferences
If you are looking for a way to get Thanks again!
held around the District. This was a
more involved with Kiwanis and
great opportunity to learn more
giving back to our communities, we
Jennifer Kelly-White
about membership, fundraising, sig-
nature projects and networking with
other clubs in your area. At each of
these regionals, we had Foundation
members on hand to answer ques-
tions and facilitate the ever-popular
gift basket raffle.
I am excited to share that over
$5,500 was raised in total and will
APRIL 2022 11LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
So Far, This Year’s Grants . . .
By Cathy Simmons, Foundation Grants Chair
1. Disaster Relief Grants: $7,000+ in grants awarded to assist communities from Hurricane Ida
and the Tornadoes in Tennessee
2. Community Service Grant: $5,000 grant awarded to the Alexandria club for jackets for kids
3. AEDs: a $750 AED grant awarded for an elementary school and a $500 AED grant awarded
for a Church camp
What’s on YOUR project wish list? YOUR District Foundation can assist!
2
1
2
1
1
3
12 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORGLOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
Foundation Awards Scholarships
Congratula ons to the 2022 Circle K Leadership Scholarship Winners:
Madison Liner Madison Garay
Nicholls State University Louisiana Tech University
Thibodaux, La. Ruston, La.
$2,000 $1,000
Congratula ons to the 2022 Key Club Leadership Scholarship Winners:
Anita Zahiri Olivia DeGravelle Abigail LeSaicherre Olivia St. Germain
Benjamin Franklin High, N.O., La. E.D. White Catholic School, Ponchatoula High, La. Academy of Our Lady, Marerro, La.
Sharon & Charlie Ford Thibodaux, La. Anthony Simmons Jerome C. Ha er Memorial
Scholarship: $3,500 Jean Benoit Scholarship: $2,000 Scholarship: $2,000 Scholarship: $2,000
Meridith Bayard Gabrielle Carter Abigail Peck
Acadiana Homeschool, Opelousas, La. Mount Carmel Academy, N.O., La. Baton Rouge Magnet High, La.
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
APRIL 2022 13LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS 14 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORG
LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Lenny Simmons, District Chair · Email: leonarddsimmons@cox.net · Ph: 504/874-1279
The Children of the World Need Our Help Now!
Of all the positions that I have That amount was based on a per- next round of grants will be award-
held in Kiwanis for the last 38 years, centage of Annual Gifts contributed ed in October 2022. The first step
I am truly enjoying being your dis- … so the more clubs participate, starts with submitting a letter of in-
trict chair for the Kiwanis Chil- the more funds we raise; the more quiry any time before June 1st to the
dren’s Fund (KCF). Over the past we get back in the form of a District KCF and if approved, a full grant
several months I have been com- Grant. It’s a win-win for all! application must be submitted by
municating with the Clubs in our August 1st. The staff at the Chil-
Every Club in our District is eligi-
District telling the story of the Chil- dren’s Fund will work with you eve-
ble to apply for a KCF Club grant –
dren’s Fund and how your club’s ry step of the way. Good Luck and
no limit! So, DREAM BIG and call
contribution can impact the lives of remember the Children of the
1-800-KIWANIS, ext. 225 or email
children in your community, as well World Need our Help Now!
them at grants@kiwanis.org. The
as around the world. Many of our
Clubs have stepped up and have
already made a donation to the
KCF. Other Clubs are waiting to do
their first fundraiser in two years
because of COVID-19 before they
can make a donation. So where do
your donations go? How can our
District and your Club benefit from
the Kiwanis Children’s Fund?
The Annual Club Gift from clubs
and/or individuals go to fund 3
main causes of the Kiwanis Chil-
dren’s Fund: Health & Nutrition,
Education & Literacy, and
Youth Leadership Development.
This year, the LaMissTenn Dis-
trict has received a District Grant of
$5,360 to be used towards scholar-
ships for Key Club and Circle K.
APRIL 2022 15LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
Aspire to Inspire:
YUTES, YU-TSZ-TSZ-TSZ & YOU
By James A. “Jeems” White, III, Past Governor
In the hilarious movie, “My Cousin, imagine a world in which 80% (or
Vinny,” there was a funny scene in more) of Kiwanis members would reg-
which Vinny (Joe Pesci) was referring ularly step up to actively participate in
to his nephew and friend and called all the projects and programs. Imagine
them “yutes” (his Brooklyn accent pro- what we could accomplish for the
nunciation of “youths.”) The movie children in our communities. points directly at that person reflected
judge (Fred Gwynne) stopped him and “Kiwanis is a global organization of in your mirror. Shall we all add a little
asked, “What’s a ‘yute?’” Vinny ex- volunteers dedicated…” (Ever hear more of the “volunteer” and the
plained and the judge said, “From now that before?) Let’s select the latter two “dedication” to our Kiwanis participa-
on, pronounce it ‘youths.’” Thereafter words for elaboration. tion?
in the movie Vinny referred to the two VOLUNTEER = “a person who freely At the 2013 Kiwanis International
boys as “yu-tsz-tsz-tsz” for emphasis offers to take part in an enterprise or under- Convention in Vancouver the Keynote
…. and as a bit of sarcastic humor…… take a task.” “Volunteering is an act of an Speaker was John O’Leary who told
and it was also a comedic play on the individual or group freely giving time and the inspiring story of having been badly
defense co-counsel who had an exag- labor for community service.” burned as a nine-year-old youngster.
gerated stutter. So, with that we come DEDICATED = “devoted to a task or He was an avid baseball fan and as his
to YOU. purpose; having single-minded loyalty or integ- survival teetered in the balance, John’s
If you are reading this, likely you are rity.” parents appealed to the famous base-
a Kiwanian who serves youth in your In Kiwanis nobody makes anybody ball announcer, Jack Buck, who began
community in one way or another. do anything. We are all “volunteers” … making daily visits to the hospital to
Bravo! You are ‘making a difference’ but the “dedication” part covers a wide encourage and motivate young John.
and ‘improving the world.’ (Do those variation of devotion. Can we do bet- Jack became dedicated to the task of
phrases sound familiar?) But let’s take ter? Can YOU do better? helping John survive and every day
that “YOU” a little further. There is a famous poem entitled asked himself, “What more can I do?
We all know the 80/20 rule and it’s “YOU” written in 1927 by Edgar Al- What more can I do?”
true in Kiwanis. Twenty percent of bert Guest: That would be a fitting mantra for
members do 80% of the good works YOU us as Kiwanians … as we volunteer
for youth. The other 80% are well- You are the fellow who has to decide, and dedicate ourselves to the Yutes
intentioned, good-spirited folks who Whether you’ll do it or toss it aside. and Yu-tsz-tsz-tsz of the world and our
believe in the mission of Kiwanis, who You are the fellow who makes up your mind, communities.
pay their dues, maybe attend a meeting Whether you’ll lead or will linger behind
now and then, pitch in with programs Whether you’ll try for the goal that’s afar, P.S. If you are reading this, probably
sometimes, but just don’t step up often Or just be contented to stay where you are. you are in the “20%” … so maybe you
to roll up their sleeves and be active Take it or leave it. Here’s something to do! could pass it along tactfully to some of
participants in the various projects of Just think it over --- it’s all up to you! those in the “80%” and encourage
their clubs. That’s fine and dandy … There are three more stanzas, but them to ask, “What more can I do?”
and we love those members … but this first one says it all….. and the title
16 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORGLOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Linda Ramsey, Key Leader District Committee Chair of the North
Key Leader North is planned for
April 29-May 1, 2022 at Lakeshore
Camp and Retreats in Eva, Tennes-
see which is located just outside of
Camden, Tennessee along the side
of the Tennessee River.
Students can register online at
www.wtnkeyleader.org, and on the
website, they will find a packing list
telling them what they will need to
bring, a Medical Form and a Hu-
man Values Form, which need to be
signed by them and their parents lodge housing for students and students and chaperones for Key
chaperones who register early. The Leader North. On our website there
and brought with them to Key
Leader. chaperones in the lodge will have a is also a brochure with information
semi-private room with their own about what takes place over the
There will be a health pre- bathroom and linens will be provid- weekend, and you may print those
screening done upon arrival, and a ed for those chaperones. off and share them.
student may not be left if he/she
doesn’t pass the screening exam Registration begins at 4 p.m. and Students do not have to be in
runs until 6 p.m. on Friday, April Key Club to attend. This program is
which consists of answering a few
29, 2022. The program will official- open to all 8th graders going into the
questions and having their tempera-
ture taken. Masks will be required ly begin after dinner at 7 p.m. It 9th grade in the fall as well as 9th
will run all day Saturday and until through 12th graders. If anyone
for some of the activities, and they
will be optional for anyone who noon on Sunday. Parents, guardi- needs a scholarship or a sponsor,
ans, teachers, etc. will need to pick please let me know, and I can assign
wishes to wear them at all times.
up the students at noon on Sunday, one to him or her. If you have any
We also have plenty of hand sani- May 1, 2022. questions, please don’t hesitate to
tizing stations throughout the camp contact me at mramsey2@utm.edu
Online registration ends on April
and meeting spaces. We are offering or 731-225-7729.
24, 2022. Please help recruit both
APRIL 2022 17LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
Germantown Elementary School Facebook Page
In January, Germantown Elementary School K-Kids presented their principal, Ms. Johnson, and the school with a mu-
ral they created saying "Choose to be Kind!" K-Kids Rock!
LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Judy & Vic Couvillion,
Hammond Kiwanis Club
After a two-year absence without meetings due to concerns about the
spread of COVID, the Hammond Kiwanis Club welcomed back Ham-
mond AKtion Club members at a recent meeting. Pictured at that gathering,
from left, were Hammond Kiwanis members Terry King, Judy Couvillion and
Ed Gautier; AKtion Club members Brian Phillips and Chris Carr; Donald
Pierce, OPTIONS staff, and Carmen Clines, AKtion Club member.
Hammond Kiwanis members who regularly attend meetings of the Ham-
mond AKtion Club bring programs of interest and at a recent meeting of the
group, Kiwanian Terry King showed AKtion Club members a special walking
stick carved by his father about 40 years ago. Examining the unique messages
carved in the stick with King, left, was is Lance Foster, AKtion Club member.
18 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORGLOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Key Club District Administrator Judi Zimmermann, Algiers Kiwanis Club
The Key Club District Convention was held in conjunc- The following awards will be submitted to the Key Club
tion with the Circle K Convention the weekend of March International Convention from the LaMissTenn Key Club
18th, 19th, and 20th. Key Club had forums on Officer Train- District:
ing, joining Circle K in college, ACT test taking, Diversity in Poster Contest - Academy of Our lady High
our Clubs and even a Yoga session. While the Key Club part Video Contest - Academy of Our Lady High
was hybrid, the Key Club District Board did meet. The hope Scrapbook Contest - Academy of Our Lady High
is that they will get back to meeting together more frequently Single Service Contest - Benjamin Franklin High
in the future, especially next Year’s District Convention. Talent Contest - Ecole Classique High
Elections were held for the Governor and Secretary- Major Emphasis Contest - Academy of Our Lady High
Treasurer. The results of the elections were: Emerson Mor- Annual Achievement Award - Ecole Classique High
ris for Governor and Jennifer Huynh for Secretary-
Treasurer. We congratulate them on their new positions.
As usual, there were Contests and Awards. Here is the list:
Outstanding President - Anita Zahiri, Benjamin Franklin
High
Outstanding Vice President - Phillip Dinh, Southeastern
Louisiana Youth Council
Outstanding Secretary - Amy Liu, Southeastern Louisiana
Youth Council
Outstanding Freshman - Allie Marcel, Academy of Our
Lady High
Outstanding Senior - Olivia St. Germain, Academy of Our
Lady High
Outstanding Kiwanian - Danny Williams, Ponchatoula Special thanks to Judi Zimmermann for stepping up as the new
High Key Club Administrator.
Pictured at the 2022 Key Club District Conven on are the LaMissTenn Key Club Board Members
APRIL 2022 19LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club Facebook Page
Ecole Classique Key Club got together at school to at-
tend the 2022 Key Cub District Convention virtually. The
club was awarded the coveted Chris Holder Award for the
most Outstanding Service Project in the district and member
Joan Frilot won 1st place in the talent competition. Congrat-
ulations to the Ecole Classique Key Club for their outstand-
ing achievements! Also, during downtime, club members
wasted no time and got busy cleaning the classroom!
Vicksburg Handwrites
Birthday Cards
Vicksburg Kiwanis Club Facebook Page
Birthday Bash! In March, Vicksburg Kiwanis Club
members donated $400 to the Warren County Children’s
Shelter and $400 to Haven House Family Shelter for them
to purchase birthday presents for the kids. The Vicksburg
High School Key Club handwrote 250 birthday cards for
these shelters and other local shelters to give to the kids.
Twin Cities Kiwanis Club Facebook Page
To honor the South Fulton High School Key Club,
the Twin Cities Kiwanis Club recently made a donation
to the KenTenn Foodbank. The donation was made in
the South Fulton High School Key Club’s honor to ap-
preciate the members for the good work they are doing in
our community.
Pictured le to right are: Key Club Advisor Jessica Hightower,
Mayce Glasgow, Stewart Conner, Secretary Addison Stubblefield,
President Anna Robertson, Ken Tenn Foodbank Director Ginger
Bard, Club Member Will Hester and Board Member John Holzner.
20 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORGLOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT
By Madison Liner, LaMissTenn CKI District Governor 2020-2022
I want to begin by saying that this our District Award winners from our
year has obviously not been our convention this past weekend:
"redemption year" that we had hoped James A Smith II Kiwanis Family
for after the hard year we had with Award - Nicholls State University
COVID. In fact, some may say that the Best Web Presence Award - Nicholls
hardships this Circle K year brought State University and Fletcher Technical
were worse than the COVID year. We Community College
were still going through complications Robert E. Hudges Outstanding
of a worldwide pandemic, trying to Faculty Advisor Award - Jennifer White
have some sense of normalcy within Outstanding Kiwanis Advisor
our lives. Louisiana and Mississippi Award - Jennifer White
were hit devastatingly by Hurricane Ida John T. Roberts Outstanding Ki-
and caused many people to lose homes, wanian Award - Charlie Ford and Sid
Madison at DCON 2022
loved ones, and a sense of life. Our Guedry
members in Tennessee suffered similar years. I so wish I could stay for one Joe L. Pratt Outstanding Kiwanis
damages from tornadoes that hit their more term to really try and get a nor- Club Award - Kiwanis Club of Baton
hometowns. Our events were post- mal year, but like many of you are as Rouge, with special recognition to members
poned, rescheduled, and cancelled due well, I am graduating and moving on to Bruce Hammatt, Joy Hammatt, Gary Gra-
to multiple difficulties regarding mask- my career and next step in life. ham, and Dorothy Kemp
ing/distancing policies, and no longer Whether or not you think you had a Jay R. Broussard Outstanding Sec-
having places to meet. We have been great year, I am here to tell you that retary Award - Mark Hue
through it ALL, but I could not be you have all blown me out of the water Outstanding Club Vice President
more proud of how much this District with your passion and dedication to award - Hayden Rice
and your clubs have come together and service, leadership, and fellowship. I J. B. Guillory Outstanding President
still made this a successful year. can say something about each and eve- Award - Ashlyn Sutton
Even in the midst of a hurricane and ry one of your clubs, whether it was New Member of the Year Award -
its aftermath, we chartered two new about your recruitment, your passion- Gabrielle D'Antoni
clubs in two different states (Fletcher ate interest in rechartering, your nu- Continuing Member of the Year
Technical Community College in merous projects, your increase in mem- Award - Briana Stewart
Schriever, LA and University of Mem- bership count, and so much more. But Outstanding District Board Mem-
phis in Memphis, TN), adding over 30 what I’ll always remember most are the ber of the Year Award - Jacob Sanders
new members to our mighty district. members. Even though you might not LaMissTenn District Foundation
We have completed over 1000 service think so, I can assure you I know each Scholarship Winners - Madison Garay
hours and always made time to serve and every one of your names and your and Madison Liner
those in need through projects like gro- specific impact on this District, and Again, I cannot thank you all enough
cery and supply distributions, animal that is something I will never forget. for making these past few years some
shelter adoption awareness events, and That being said, I want to thank eve- of the most memorable of my life. I
bringing light to children into foster ryone who made this past District Con- will never forget the impact that each
care centers by having a fun day with vention possible. Even with 8 in at- one of you and Circle K International
them. You beautified your campuses tendance in person and 1 on zoom, I had on my life. Whether a District
and your communities from all the de- still believe it was a very successful cel- Board member, International Board
bris and trash left behind from count- ebration to the year we just had. I hope member, Club Officer, General Mem-
less storms and major events like Mardi everyone who came had a great time, ber, Kiwanian, or Faculty Advisor, I
Gras. You all did the MOST, and I and I hope those who weren't able to thank you from the bottom of my
could not be more proud to have are already planning to come next year! heart, and it has been an absolute hon-
served as your leader for these past two I wanted to take the time to recognize or working with you.
APRIL 2022 21LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT
Baton Rouge Kiwanis Club Facebook Page
That’s a long acronym but it stands for
Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee Cir-
cle K International District Convention.
The Convention was held the weekend of
March 18th in Baton Rouge as a joint virtual
effort with the Louisiana-Mississippi-West
Tennessee Key Club International District
Convention. Baton Rouge Kiwanis Club
Members Bruce (Governor-Elect) & Joy
Hammatt and Gary Graham made presenta-
tions to the college students. Joy discussed
her Pete the Cat First Lady Project, Bruce
gave his alligator talk, and Bruce & Gary
gave a talk on why Circle K International
members should continue on with Kiwanis
once they graduate. CKI District Governor
Madison Liner from Nichols State Universi-
ty and CKI International Trustee Jon Vera-
no were present.
22 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORGLOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Donna Leggett, Cortana Kiwanis Club
Every Child Deserves a Birthday Party!
New year, new project! Cortana Kiwanis members were excited
to hear about the good work that recent speaker, Kristina Dezen-
dorf, founder of The Baton Rouge Mom Network is doing to sup-
port our community. BR Mom Network is a community support
group with over 3000 members created to connect families with the
resources they need to be happy and healthy. Kristina mentioned
that she would like to give a birthday party each month for a local
child who would not normally have a party. Knowing that every
child deserves to have their own birthday party Cortana stepped up
to partner with BR Mom Network. Parties are held monthly at a
BREC Park. Cortana is supplying a cake, drinks, paper products, and Birthday cake from the February birthday party with BR
party favors. Mom Network
Special Delivery
Cortana Kiwanis showed some Valentine’s love to the faculty and ad-
ministrators of Broadmoor Elementary this year for Valentine’s Day by
sending personalized Valentines cards. Notes of appreciation and gratitude
were included in the cards. Patricia Anderson, Kristie Daspit, Donna Leg-
gett, Tammy McDavid and Brent Phillips sent cards. We look forward to our
end of the year BUGs Program with the students.
Donna Legge delivering Valen ne's Day Cards to the Broadmoor Elementary
Faculty with Joyce Turner, Office Clerk.
We Have Big Hearts for Brave Heart
In addition to collecting items for Brave Heart of Louisiana, Chil-
dren in Need, Cortana Kiwanis also volunteers our time. On Febru-
ary 23rd, we assembled school kits
for children of all ages. Brave Heart
is a nonprofit organization that fo-
cuses on improving the quality of
life for children who are experienc-
ing trauma of being removed from
their homes due to abuse and/or
neglect. Brave Heart serves children
in the foster care system throughout
the state of Louisiana. Serving are:
Patricia Anderson, Jim and JoEllen
Frederick, Donna Leggett, Keith and
Tammy McDavid, Wanda Magee
and Debbie Salvant.
APRIL 2022 Con nued on Page 24 . . . 23LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Cathy Burke, Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club
Sponsoring the New Kiwanis Club of the Tri Parishes in LaPlace, La.
The Dawn Busters Kiwanis (DBK) is the proud sponsor of the new Kiwanis Club of the Tri Parishes. Region IV Trus-
tee Marcel Lashover and Dawn Busters member Mike Haffner are working closely with the board members listed below to
make the new club a success.
Dayna James – President
Sandi Lambert – President-Elect
Melynie Wright – Vice President
Trina Brown – Treasurer
Marchelle Washington – Secretary
Lynett Hookfin – Membership Chair
Semi Wadhwa – Board member
Robert Tamplain – Board member
Ronnie Fiest – Board member
Monique McGee-Duronslet – Board member
Katie Long – Board member
Clubs in attendance at the organizational meeting other than the DBK were: 3rd District of New Orleans, St. Gabriel,
Thibodaux, Red Stick, Cortana, Acadiana, Gautier/Ocean Springs, Pascagoula and Vancleave. Con nued on Page 25 . . .
At Cortana, It’s All About the Kids Continued . . .
Cooking Jambalaya
On March 5th, Cortana cooked jambalaya for 300 people at the
One Book One Community Kickoff Party at the Main Library on
Goodwood. There was fun for the entire family with food, live music
from RJ & Kreole Smoove, crafts, and community organizations cele-
brating Louisiana landscapes, nature cultural heritage and more. Jeff
Wittenbrink served as our head cook with assistance from Mike Bald-
win, Jim Frederick and Abbas Momenzadeh. Helping serve were Jo-
Ellen Frederick, Donna and Richard Leggett, and Wanda Magee.
24 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORGLOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
Dawn Busters Make an Impact Continued . . .
Feeding the Homeless at Lantern of Light University of New Orleans Mardi Gras
For the first time since the Pandemic started, the Dawn The Dawn Busters Kiwanis supported the Universi-
Busters Kiwanis is back serving meals to the underprivileged at ty of New Orleans (UNO) Privateers at the Annual
Lantern of Light. Krewe of UNO Mardi Gras Parade.
Pictured from le to right: Sal LaRock, Lt. Dan McCormick, and Pictured from le to right: Tim Riley, Ann Riley, Cathy Burke,
Mike Haffner. Megan Steinmetz, and President Mark Dominick.
Flowerbeds and Fairgrounds
In appreciation for allowing the Dawn Busters Kiwanis
(DBK) to use the Foundation Room at Lafreniere Park, Sal and
Barbara LaRock did a fantastic job updating the flower beds in
Lafreniere Park. And, the New Orleans Fairgrounds requested
assistance from the DBK to help at two fun events, the Exotic
Animal Races and The Weiner Dog Races. The DBK assisted
guests with seating and admission. The New Orleans Fair-
grounds has been a partner of the DBK’s projects, and we are
grateful for the support.
A Small Step in the Right Direction
Mark Dominick, President of the Dawn Busters Ki-
wanis Club, built Mrs. DiGeorge, widow of long time
Dawn Buster Member Tony Di George, a small ramp to
help her safely enter and exit her home. A small step in
the right direction. The Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club
hopes to get back to serving people in the community
more since the pandemic is dwindling down.
Mrs. DiGeorge is very apprecia ve of her new ramp.
APRIL 2022 25LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Dave Meisburger, Gautier/Ocean Springs Kiwanis Club
During the 2021 holiday season, the accidents, or when caught in the mid- be given the highest priority, and we all
City of Gautier and the local Toys for dle of domestic disputes, and even look forward to both organizations
Tots organization partnered together. when being unwillingly displaced from maintaining an ever-strengthening part-
Santa, on behalf of the George & Jack- their home due to a fire or natural dis- nership during 2022 and beyond.
son County Toys for Tots Organiza- aster. In moments of crisis such as
tion, in conjunction with the Gautier/ those, and more, a first-responder be-
Ocean Springs Kiwanis Club, made ing able to gift a child a toy or stuffed
a gift presentation of over 100 toys, animal can create a comforting bond of
stuffed animals, and more, to the City friendship, which is a win-win for all
of Gautier to be utilized by members concerned, especially for the trauma-
of their police and fire departments as tized child.
free gifts for children of all ages. All Toys for Tots and the City of Gau-
too often children end up becoming tier believe the value of the lives, men-
innocent victims during such moments tal health, and well-being of the chil-
as when they're passengers in vehicle dren in our community should always
By Laura Gilliland, eLaMisstenn Kiwanis Club
The eLaMissTenn Kiwanis Club, Our club has sponsored SLPs at the
Baton Rouge, La., chartered October 2, following schools:
2017, is in its fifth year under the lead- K-Kids at Pickering Elementary
ership of Past International Trustee and at Vernon Middle
Dennis Oliver. During the 2021-2022 Builders Club at Leesville Junior
year amazing speakers have included: High
Immediate Past International President Two of our members, Past Kiwanis
of CKI Tana Early, Current Interna- International President and Treasurer
tional President of CKI Kyle Lank, of eLaMissTenn Nettles Brown and
LaMissTenn Governor of CKI Madi- Past Kiwanis International Trustee Service projects have been centered
son Liner, Indiana Governor Taka Judge Greg Beard have done countless around helping those victims of Hurri-
Ogata, Louisiana’s Lt. Governor Billy Mid-Year Regional Conference presen- canes Laura and Ida. Food, clothing,
Nungesser, Key Club International tations. Their 2022 presentation fo- and miscellaneous supplies have been
President Salma Eldeeb, and Kiwanis cused on: discovering new and proven delivered by members with the help of
International Vice President Bert West. ideas on how to find and retain new two grants from Kiwanis International.
In addition, the club has learned a lot club members, looking for ways to im- Even though we do not meet face to
about its members through member prove your club’s current fundraising face, we still find ways to do service for
profiles. projects or finding new ways to raise one child and one community at a
For the past couple of years our funds, and planning meaningful pro- time.
fundraiser has been Double Good jects - ones that your community auto- Come join us the first Monday of each
Popcorn. Having raised $1,650 last matically knows it’s your Kiwanis Club month at 5 p.m. central and enjoy
year, we’ve been successful with this that is making an impact for the com- speakers from around the world!
project and are selling it again. munity.
26 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORGLOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Judy & Vic Couvillion, Hammond Kiwanis Club
Trivia Night has proven to be a much a one-day effort. tion becomes more and more heated
profitable fundraiser for the Ham- Prior to Trivia Night, club members and friendly competition begins to
mond Kiwanis Club. At the most do participate in various ways. Some grow between the teams. The answers
recent trivia night, held in February, the members help recruit the six-member to many of the questions are greeted
club raised approximately $5,000 for its teams that pay a fee to play. Others with surprise and, frequently, laughter.
project account that funds community donate items for the silent auction that The Trivia Nights have been so suc-
enhancing programs. The idea for Triv- accompanies the trivia games. The cessful that the club’s directors recently
ia Night was first brought to the club prize for the winning trivia team is a voted to end participation in the Straw-
after some members learned about collection of gift cards and these are berry Festival. The club’s major fund-
staging such a fundraiser at one of the obtained by club members. raiser remains its annual Tour de
LaMissTenn District Conventions. Up- Tangipahoa Bicycle Ride but that activ-
on returning to Hammond, Kiwanian ity had to be cancelled for the past two
Patrick Coudrain proposed holding a years because of the threat of spreading
Trivia Night and the club’s directors the coronavirus. The club will resume
agreed to make his idea a reality. the Tour de Tangipahoa this year on
September 17th.
TRIVIA WINNERS REWARDED—Members
of the winning team at the Hammond
Kiwanis Club’s Trivia Night are rewarded
with gi cards that are donated by own‐
ers of local businesses. Perhaps more
important to the winners are “bragging
rights” for the remainder of the year. The
HEAVY CONCENTRATON—Members of a club recently decided to award a
team discuss an answer to a trivia ques‐ “travelling” trophy to the team that wins Hammond Kiwanian Sid Guedry and his
on posed during the Hammond Kiwanis the annual event. wife Anne, at le , try to answer ques ons
Club’s Annual Trivia Night. Contestants about Disney memorabilia (during the
Not only is Trivia Night profitable
are asked to correctly answer some fre‐ same me) affording members and
quently “far out” ques ons posed by the for the Kiwanis Club, it has proved to
guests the opportunity to join in a night
trivia master who directs the event. be a fun and entertaining evening. As of fun spiced with friendly compe on.
the trivia games progress, the comple-
The benefit of projects such as Triv-
ia Night is that it is, “weatherproof.”
For many years, the Hammond Kiwa-
nis Club had manned a booth selling
non-alcoholic daiquiris at the Poncha-
toula Strawberry festival. While that
source of funds did contribute to the
club’s project account, the profit mar-
gin derived from the effort was all too
frequently dependent on the weather.
The effort put forth erecting and man-
ning the booth stretched over five days WE GOT THAT ONE RIGHT!—Compe on gets fierce between the teams par cipa ng
while hosting a Trivia Night is pretty in the Hammond Kiwanis Club’s Trivia Night.
APRIL 2022 27LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Judy & Vic Couvillion, Hammond Kiwanis Club
Members of the Hammond Kiwa- Desmond and is on the National Regis-
nis Club teamed with students from ter of Historic Places. For the past sev-
Southeastern Louisiana University re- eral years, the Hammond Kiwanis Club
cently to spruce up the grounds and has set aside the day that The Big
make some improvements to the head- Event is scheduled to assist with
quarters of the Tangipahoa Alcohol & maintenance of the building and its
Drug Abuse Council, commonly re- grounds.
ferred as TADAC. The Southeastern Becca Abel, a Kiwanis Club member
students were participating in a special and executive director of TADAC said
day of community service known as of the day’s activity, “assistance from
The Big Event. Students volunteer to the Southeastern students and my fel-
assist various community agencies and low Kiwanians means so much to the
non-profits during this special day. mission we serve through TADAC.
The Kiwanis Club shares a special The educational programs that are pro-
bond with TADAC. The club holds its moted by TADAC are designed to
monthly board meetings at the facility bring awareness of the dangers that
and a number of Kiwanians serve on abuse of drugs, tobacco products and
the TADAC Board of Directors. The alcohol to the youth and others in our
TADAC Building, also known as the community. The assistance we receive
Miller Memorial Library Building, was from volunteers help us to better serve
designed by renowned architect John those entrusted to our care.”
Hammond Kiwanis Honored
Judy Couvillion and Terry King, members of the Hammond Kiwa-
nis Club who are active in directing the activities of the Hammond Ki-
wanis Aktion Club, were recently recognized by OPTIONS, an organi-
zation that offers premier service for people with disabilities, at the
group’s 24th Annual Legislative, Business and Volunteer Appreciation
Luncheon. The two were presented with OPTIONS’s Volunteer Special
Recognition Awards.
Pictured at the ceremony from le to right are: Alexis Sterling, Community
Outreach Director for OPTIONS; Judy Couvillion, Terry King, and Carrie
Mercke, president and CEO of OPTIONS. Also honored, but not pictured, was
Kiwanian Ed Gau er.
28 WWW.LAMISSTENN.ORGLOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT OF KIWANIS
By Lance Chancellor, Laurel Kiwanis Club
The Kiwanis Club of Laurel celebrated the organiza-
tion's 100 Year Anniversary on Thursday, February 24th,
with a gala at The Gables in Laurel. COVID-19 restrictions
in 2021, prevented the club from celebrating on the actual
anniversary date, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm
over surpassing the 100 year milestone at the gala on Thurs-
day night. The iconic civic club was founded in 1921 and has
operated continuously since that time. Over the past 100
years, the club has endeavored to live up to its motto "We
Build" by giving back to the local and even international
community.
Possibly best known for the annual Kiwanis Pancake Day
fundraiser which began in 1955, club members participate in
a number of philanthropic activities each year. The club pro-
vides fifteen $500 college scholarship awards to deserving
high school students each year at the five high schools in Kiwanis Club of Laurel President Randy Smith summed
Laurel and Jones County. In addition, Kiwanis club mem- up the 100 years of the club's history by saying, "Over the
bers annually provide every third grade student and their past 100 years, Kiwanis Club of Laurel members have com-
teachers in public, private, and home school settings with mitted themselves to literally hundreds of service projects
multiplication and division flash cards. Kiwanis Club of Lau- benefitting not only local residents, but also individuals
rel members also have donated $35,000 since 2010 to the around the world. We greatly look forward to this continued
Kiwanis International and UNICEF "Project Eliminate" service to mankind and what the next 100 years of service by
effort to end maternal and neonatal tetanus among the the Kiwanis Club of Laurel will bring."
world's poorest and most vulnerable populations.
Martin Brings Back Successful Pancake Breakfast
By Anna Clark, Martin Kiwanis Club
Here is a number for you: 1,875. breakfast was not held in 2021, but in team) were also served a pancake
That is the number of pancakes Fire 2020 the headcount was 539, so this breakfast before they volunteered in
Chief and Kiwanian Jamie Summers was indeed a successful event. Nine- clean-up efforts from the December 10
cooked at the Martin Kiwanis Club teen Kiwanis members participated in tornado that ripped through Dresden,
Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Febru- cooking and serving. They were joined Tennessee, and the surrounding area.
ary 26th, at Martin Elementary by one member of the Key Club, and
School. Many Kiwanis members have three members of the pleasant and effi-
cooked pancakes at the annual event, cient kitchen staff at Martin Elemen-
but Chief Summers may be the first to tary School. Steve Lemond, Kiwanis
stand at the grill for the entire time of treasurer, noted that all proceeds from
the breakfast--from before 6 a.m. when this fundraising event will be used to
he began until just before 11 a.m. when support community activities.
the serving lines closed. Members of the Martin Fire Depart-
A total of 508 persons were served ment were present to sample their
an ample breakfast of all-you-could-eat chief's cooking. More than 130 UT
David Sudberry presents Chief Jamie Sum‐
pancakes, sausage, and eggs. The Martin athletes (including the football mers with a spatula for se ng the record
in cooking the most pancakes.
APRIL 2022 29You can also read
