Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time

Kiwanis Kapers Official publication of the Kiwanis Club of Fountain Hills, AZ

December 2012

We met the President — sort of Water

That

Garden Club Secretary Betty Pantuso continues to col-lect donations at each meeting for the Eliminate Project, which hopes to wipe out maternal and neonatal tetanus in 30-

plus countries.

And it’s working!

As of Oct. 8, it was an-nounced that between March 2011 and October 2012 that eight countries had eliminated MNT within their borders. The count r ie s in c l ud e d Uganda, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Timor-

Lestes and Tanzania.

Twenty African coun-tries remain with MNT, along with five countries in the Middle East — Af-ghanistan, India, Iraq, Pakistan and Yemen. Haiti still has MNT, along with six countries along the Asian-Pacific Rim: China, Cambodia, Indone-sia, Laos, Papua New Guineau and the Philip-

pines.

Six members of our club traveled Saturday, Nov. 3, to

Tempe, Ariz. to attend a special banquet organized by the

Southwest District as an official visit by Kiwanis International

President Tom DeJulio.

Those attending this special meet-and-greet banquet were

club President Ed Kehe and his wife Dolores, club President-

Elect Mike Scharnow and bride Brenda, club Secretary Betty

Pantuso and club Assistant Secretary and former President

Phyllis Horan.

Southwest District Governor Jim Courtright opened the ini-

tial meeting, explaining that there was a problem. That

“problem” was Superstorm and Hurricane Sandy, which

pummeled the East Coast Oct. 29. As we all know, Sandy

caused all kinds of problems from New York to Wisconsin,

downing homes, power lines, subways, airports and a way of life. Well, President De-

Julio works at Fordham University, which is located in New York City.

Needless to say, President DeJulio didn’t make it to Tempe Mission Palms on Nov. 3.

The SW District governor did conduct a Q&A session, however, allowing the various

clubs to boast about their current activities and projects. And then, during the ban-

quet, due to the wonderment of today’s technology, President DeJulio was able to ad-

dress the crowd via Skype, a large screen and a laptop computer. The building where

his office is located was constructed in the Bronx in 1841, and it withstood the forces

of Sandy. This devastating storm frayed nerves, created gas station lines longer than a

mile and added thousands to the homeless population.

As a result, Kiwanis International declared Nov. 27 as “Kiwanis Giving Tuesday,”

urging clubs and individuals to participate in one of many ways to help the victims of

Sandy. Kiwanis International intends to identify short– and long-term needs, with pri-

ority given to our Kiwanis-family members directly affected by the natural disaster.

“We live in a challenging time,” DeJulio told those in attendance at the SW District

banquet. “It’s almost become a cliché. And Kiwanis is being challenged every day to

do more. We can’t allow this self-fulfilling prophecy of gloom and doom….What ani-

mates Kiwanis is the enthusiasm of our members who are doing the daily work of Ki-

wanis. As an international organization, our service has no boundaries.”

DeJulio reiterated his common theme for the 2012-13 year: Connect. Inspire. Advo-

cate. He was elected in June 2012 at the 97th annual Kiwanis International Convention

in New Orleans, Louisiana. Previously, he served as president-elect, vice president

and as an international trustee from 2005-08.

“This is a year of participation,” the president said. “We’re in our third year of

Eliminate, and I know the Southwest District will keep up the good work. Go back to

your clubs and continue to do good things. Together we can accomplish a lot.”

A WORD FROM PRESIDENT ED KEHE:

‘Tis the season!

Fellow Kiwanians:

'Tis the season, and our Kiwanis elves outdid themselves, trimming what is to me the prettiest Christmas

tree for display at the Community Center. The holidays are a special time and kindle our desire to care for

the young and the needy in our midst. That is the true spirit of Kiwanis.

During November we indeed took steps to change the world, packing and delivering clothing to be given

on Three Kings Day to needy children in Nogales, Sonora; sponsoring a blood drive that will ultimately save

lives; serving a meal for the homeless at the Phoenix Rescue Mission; and continuing our collections for

Eliminate, the project to end global maternal neonatal tetanus.

We had interesting luncheon speakers from the Arizona National Guard and the Musical Instrument Mu-

seum. Our K-Kids and Builders took part in the local Thanksgiving parade.

Net proceeds from three fund raisers this fall approached $7,500. These monies, the product of dedicated

effort by membership, give us a great start toward assisting worthy causes in our community and beyond. If

you know of an agency that could use our help, let us know, and we will make contact.

Programs this month include Breakfast With Santa on December 1 , a performance by the High School Vo-

cal FX Choir on December 6, a presentation by Matt Dahlgren of Save the Family Foundation on December

13, our big Holiday Potluck Social on December 15, and Leah Bushmann of Energy Performance Services on

December 20. Enjoy the time with us!

Looking ahead a bit to January 3, the first luncheon meeting of the new year, remember to gather items

from your household for the planned White Elephant Auction. One person's stuff, no longer cherished, may

be another one’s treasure. Could be a fun program.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Page 2 Kiwanis kapers

Club President Ed Kehe has been recognizing members for ‘above and beyond’ efforts.

Members who have been singled out recently include Bill Wadsworth, who sets up for all

of our meetings; Jean Linzer, who coordinates e-mail blasts and membership roster; and

President-Elect Mike Scharnow, who has been coordinating fundraisers. At right, President

Ed recognizes Trailer Guru Dale Schultz, who worked hard to get the new auxiliary trailer

up and running for the Fountain Festival. Energizers or Light Bulbs — who will be next?

Kiwanis Kapers Page 3

Parade presence The Noon Kiwanis, Builders Club and K-Kids floats rolls down Saguaro Blvd. during the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Red and green elf costumes domi-

nated the float, coordinated by

Phyllis Horan of our club.

Page 4 Kiwanis kapers

Packing for border project The Noon Kiwanis Club once again is implementing the annual

Kiwanis Across the Border project. The first half of the two-phase

project was recently completed.

Club Vice President Alan Roselieb coordinated the collection of

used children’s clothing and stuffed animals through local pre-

schools and other facilities. With Noon Kiwanis funding, he also pur-

chased many “nearly new” items from the Salvation Army.

Club members then sorted, folded and boxed the items for trans-

portation to Nogales, Ariz. Roselieb singled out Creative Child Care

Preschool and its owner, Priya Ganapatphi, for their enthusiastic

support of this project and collecting children’s items.

Kiwanians Joseph “Pepe” Wise of the Nogales-Santa Cruz Kiwanis

Club and Ron Smith of Fountain Hills started the “Hands Across the

Border” Project to address the clothing needs of young children in

Nogales, Sonora, Mexico during the winter months of 2002.

Today’s project, renamed Kiwanis Across the Border, involves the

Noon Kiwanis Club, its youth organizations along with some assis-

tance from other clubs. The Noon Club also collects aluminum cans

on an ongoing basis, which helps to provide funds to purchase new

pairs of shoes. Paul “The Kan Man” Appeldorn does that work. He

reports $386.31 worth of cans were turned in for 2012, up more than

$100 from 2011. At 511 pounds of cans, that’s a lot of aluminum!

“Pepe” and Ramona Wise of the Nogales Kiwanis Club will again

be instrumental in expediting distribution of clothing, shoes and

toys at a Christmas party in late December at their home in Nogales,

Ariz. and a festive “Los Santos Reyes” party early in January in No-

gales, Sonora, Mexico.

“There will be many smiling faces of children this holiday season

on both sides of the border,” Roselieb said. “Everyone’s willing-

ness to participate is truly heart-warming and very much appreci-

ated.” The Noon Club will organize a delegation and travel to No-

gales, Mexico on Jan. 5 to help distribute items.

Roselieb said he also is grateful to Robin and Carol Schultz, new

general managers of the U-Haul Storage facility in Fountain Hills,

9264 Technology Drive.

They donated the use of a U-Haul rental truck so that the Noon Ki-

wanis Club could transfer all of the donated items to the Wises in

Nogales. Roselieb and Kiwanian Paul Appeldorn drove the items

down to Nogales. The Schultzes also donated clothing toward the

project and funds to apply for gas expenses.

Upper right: Think it will fit? Tom

Campbell isn’t quite so sure.

Lower right: Jo Nelson, Jean Linzer

(hidden) and Joan Pharr sort

through a pile of children’s cloth-

ing at the annual packing party.

Left: Paul Appeldorn and Jon Geller

put the finishing touches on a box.

Kiwanis Kapers Page 5

Kostumed Kiwanis Karacters The traditional group shot shows the merry Kiwanis elves just prior to opening the doors for Breakfast with Santa.

Annual Breakfast with Santa event proves a big hit with families

The Community Center was packed with about 250

folks Dec. 1 as they enjoyed the annual Breakfast with

Santa organized by our club.

Dr. Liz Smith did an outstanding job as event chair,

taking over for Donna Yordy, who initiated the ser-

vice project many years ago and chaired it ever

since. Hats off to Donna for her service through the

years, and congratulations to Dr. Liz for making a

seamless transition.

Lots of young families enjoyed McDonald’s break-

fasts, the entertainment and getting the chance to

meet Kris Kringle himself. The festive lobby atmos-

phere in the Community Center always adds to the

holiday ambiance. Not to mention Rudolph and

Frosty, two costumed characters that always draw a

crowd for photo opportunities.

Dr. Liz Smith, Debbie Fisher and Joan Pharr at Breakfast with Santa.

Plenty of balloon characters filled the Community Center ballroom.

Santa and friend

enjoy a moment

together during

t h e f e s t i v e

breakfast, al-

ways a popular

event for the

Noon Kiwanis

Club.

Page 6 Kiwanis Kapers

Best Trailer in Town The world-famous Noon Kiwanis trailer is a staple at the arts fairs at the corner of Saguaro Blvd. and Avenue of the Fountains.

Dolores Kehe, D.J. Lott, Jackie Miles and Bill Jaeger worked the

breakfast detail on Friday morning of the Fountain Festival. The club

made about $6500 during the three-day Chamber festival

Ice, ice, we all scream for ice! President-Elect Mike Scharnow

had to solicit the support of the Four Peaks Rotary Club to

hunt down some needed ice during the fair. The Rotarians

had fun kidding the Kiwanian about needing a ride.

Don Williams got

to experience his

first ever shift in

the trailer, taking

sausage and ham-

burger duty on

Friday morning.

The new member

said he loved it so

much that he

would like to work

all three days in

February.

Kiwanis Kapers Page 7

Kiwanis to the Rescue

Paul Appeldorn and Betty Pantuso, above left, get dessert ready; at above right, Jo Nelson, Paul and Phyllis Horan continue the job.

Group serves lunch to homeless at mission

Club Vice President Alan Roselieb

Six club members traveled to the Phoenix Rescue Mission Friday, Nov. 30, to serve

lunch to between 150 and 200 homeless individuals. Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO and

President Jay Cory visited our club earlier this fall to talk about the organization and

what it does. Club Vice President Alan Roselieb had volunteered at the mission before

through his church, so he organized a special trip for Kiwanis.

Roselieb, Mike Scharnow, Betty Pantuso, Phyllis Horan, Paul Appeldorn and Jo Nel-

son volunteered for this first trip to the mission. Roselieb plans to organize several

other volunteer trips this year, and his goal is to bring different people along for each

trip so our members stay engaged in hands-on service and outreach projects.

“Once again, our club has reached out to help others in our community,” Roselieb

said. “This is a trend we hope to continue with Kiwanis. Our community stretches be-

yond the borders of Fountain Hills. Our community includes the Valley, the state of

Arizona and throughout the world.

“We were able to experience the thankful faces and comments of appreciation from

the homeless men for taking some of our time to be with them. I want to thank every-

one who participated for their kind generosity. The Phoenix Rescue Mission is quite

organized, and they have staff and volunteers who prepare the food. We simply got

the desserts ready and then served lunch for about an hour and a half. It was a heart-

warming experience, and I encourage other members to get involved next time!”

Exciting news for

Adopt a Street!

By popular request, the club’s

Adopt A Street Day

is moving to TUESDAY

Next date will be January 8

Watch next newsletter

for time and place or

call Paul at 836-8213

December 6 Vocal FX Choir from FHHS under direction of Lynn Truby

December 13 Matthew Dahlgran, project coordinator, Save the Family

December 15 Holiday social at Sunset Kiwanis clubhouse

December 20 Leah Bushmann, Energy Performance Services

December 27 NO MEETING

January 3 While Elephant Auction to benefit admin fund

December 2012 Calendar

Page 8 Kiwanis kapers

Christmas social

Saturday,

December 15

6 p.m.

Sunset clubhouse

Bring a dish!

Club will provide

Main dish, drinks