Kiwanis Key  September 25, 2026                                                                           
Sayonara, Adios, Ciao, the reign of President Stephen has come to an end. Today was President Stephen’s final meeting in his illustrious role. He had a great year and we are a better club because of his leadership! Of course, he had the wisdom and foresight to call on the club’s resident professional musician to lead in singing and the Pledge (in Kirby White’s absence).
Cheryl Gleason gave a heartfelt invocation.
Please remember the following members in your prayers:
Charles T. Haigh, Robby Talton’s wife Deanna, Barbara Porter’s daughter-in-law Nicole, Kirby White (still recovering ), Sue Warren, Norwood Bryan, Rick Daniels, Tom Keith, Jack Watson and Grant Gabriel.
Guests: We welcomed Keith Miller, serving as lead for our YMCA.
 
Club News
  1. Golf Committee – This will be our best event in a very long time. The field is full and our revenue from the event will far exceed what we have generated in the past. We still need some door prizes, so ask your clients/patrons to contribute.
  2. Splash Pad Challenge – John “The Italian Stallion” Malzone reported that this year’s Challenge has come to an end. John is contributing to our endowment $100 for each person who participated.
  3. Membership – Cheryl Gleason reported that Keith Miller has submitted his application for membership.
  4. Terrific Kids – If you have not delivered the supplies to your school, they are ready for distribution!
Birthdays this week: Happy birthday to Gary “Coop” Cooper on September 19.
The Program
Actually, the Program today was the installation of and charge to our new Board of Directors and the Officers.
Prior to that, President Stephen gave a summary of his year of service that included:
  • Kiwanis International Convention
  • Carolinas District Convention
  • Division meetings
  • Board and Committee meetings
We continue to do the same work that we have in the past when our membership exceeded 200 members and that is attributed to the efforts of the entire club. Stephen commended everyone for their hard work on behalf of the children of the community. Additionally, her recognized a few members whose work and willingness to help was exceptional:
Secretary Bob Ervin, Treasurer Jason Poole, Former Treasurer Richard Everett and Past Present Jim Schaffer.
President Stephen also recognized the significant efforts of the Committee Chairmen: Lisa Childers, Mark Fisher and Bruce Brown, Felicia Smith, Garry Winebarger, Russ Jones, Cheryl Gleason, Shirish Devasthali, Hal Broadfoot, Roger Blackwood, Bob McAmis and Tricia Moreno.
He recognized those who are rotating off the Board: Felicia Smith, Kim Thomas, Bob McAmis, Shirish Devasthali and John Holmes.
Al Aycock provided and excellent charge to the new Board and the Officers.
Your new Administration: President Jay Gothard, IPP Stephen Wheeler, President-Elect George Hendricks, Treasurer Jason Poole and Secretary John Harbison. Board members – Roger Blackwood, Debbie Best, Alan Buffalo, Cheryl Gleason, Steve Stokes, Tricia Moreno, Al Aycock, Jim Ammons, Steve Brotherton, Kalli Ziegler and Mark W. Rice.
President Jay shared 2 challenges that we need to work on during his term in office.
1. New members
2. Being a hands-on, club of purpose
It was a very good day to be a member of the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club!
The Presidential Coercion Fund Activity (50/50 raffle) for $58 was won by Lee Warren. (Looks like Sue is going out to dinner tonight….)
Parting words:  You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.
Until next time,
 Mark W. Rice