Kiwanis Key                                           01/9/2026
 
On this first Kiwanis meeting of January, President Stephen got us started and called on Kirby “The Vintage Crooner” White who led us in singing and the Pledge.
Our own Farm City Chairwoman, Lisa Childers gave a beautiful invocation.
Please remember the following members in your prayers:
Robby Talton’s wife Deanna, Barbara Porter’s daughter-in-law Nicole, Tom Keith and family, Charles T. Haigh, Fred Cutter’s Father-In-Law, Kelly Taylor and her mother, Tim Dunn (complications from surgery)
Guests:  We had no guests today, so make it a point to invite someone to join us this week.
 
Club News (There’s a lot of info here, so pay attention!)
  1. The Kiwanis Social will be held on January 15 at North South Brewing 304 Williams St. Reach out to Cheryl Gleason if you have questions.
  2. Terrific Kids Program – Russ Jones asked committee members to reach out to their assigned schools and determine the amount of supplies that are needed. The Committee will pack bags on January 23 after the meeting.
  3. Committee of the Month – was none other than the Spiritual Emphasis Committee. Applause to Bob McAmis for leading the charge with that committee as they raised $$$ for the Salvation Army.
  4. Awards Night – The annual Awards Night will be held February 20, pm at Gates Four Golf and Country Club. Sign up via the email that PE Jay sent or at the meeting this Friday.
  5. Gary Cooper, Al Aycock and President Stephen were elected to attend the Kiwanis Mid-Year meeting, despite the overwhelming reluctance of the membership…
  6. Richard Everette announced an inter-club visit to the Hope Mills club on 02/24, pm at Sammio’s in Hope Mills.
Birthdays this week: While there were no birthdays this week to report, we did recognize Lisa Childers who had a birthday December 15. We also recognized Norwood Bryan who turned 91 on January 10. Norwood has been a member of the club for 60 years!
 
Guess the Kiwanian: President Stephen gave a laundry list of clues in an effort for us to guess his mystery Kiwanian. Among other things about him, it turns out that John Harbison does not have a birth certificate… Although he was not born in North Carolina, he got here as soon as he could.
 
New Member: We inducted Jessica Munch-Dittmar as our newest member. Jessica is the Executive Director of the Fayetteville Symphony and is looking forward to serving the children of our community.
 
The Program
John Holmes and Cheryl Gleason gave an interesting program on Fayetteville Trivia. They provided some very interesting tidbits about our history and the people who made it happen. This was an interesting and creative program.
The Presidential Coercion Fund Activity (50/50 raffle) for $59 was won by George Turner.
 
Parting words:  In an attempt to keep President Stephen’s string of really bad “Dad Jokes” going: I only seem to get sick on weekdays. I must have a weekend immune system.
Until next time,
Mark W. Rice