Friday October 9, 2026
President Jay, resplendent in a necktie (after a two- year absence of a presidential necktie at the podium), rung us in. Kim Thomas led us in song and pledge. Yours truly gave the invocation. This week’s prayer list includes Robby Talton’s wife, Deanna, Henry Tyson’s daughter, Darby Katherine, Barbara Porter’s daughter-in-law, Nicole, Charles T. Haigh, Sue Warren, Rick Daniels, Gail Brotherton, Tom Keith, Kirby White, Jack Watson, Grant Gabriel and the family of Richard Everette.
Guests today included Rangel McLaurin, Lindsay Smith and daughter Erin Smith from the Hope Mills Kiwanis Club, Mike Fowler, Larissa Via, Ashok Bahekar, and Waigui Kiundi.
Kiwanis Birthdays: No birthdays this week. The crowd wondered out loud what was going on 9 months ago to explain this anomaly. Tim Dunn correctly answered “NOTHING!”
Golf Committee-The tournament was held yesterday at Cypress Lakes We raised about $52,000 and had over 100 entrants, both of which are records. Congrats to all who worked to make this such a successful fundraiser!
Due to the Golf Tournament, the Board of Directors meeting will be held next Thursday October 15 sponsored by Al Aycock at Anchor Allies on the Boulevard.
Farm City- Lisa Childers and her committee are hard at work on the upcoming Farm City to be held November 20 at the Kiwanis Center. There will, of course, be lots of piiiiiiiieeeeesssss!
Membership Committee- Cheryl Gleeson announced that Keith Miller’s application will be considered by the Board next week.
John Malzone said he gathered $4000 in pledges to donate to the Endowment Fund due to this years’ splash pad participation by members. He said another $500 had been donated and that if you pull out your check book, write a check to Cumberland County Foundation and put “Splash Pad Challenge” in the memo line to keep this gift going.
Somehow, John kept talking and was unofficially, but verbally, voted out of the club. But when he threatened to not donate his portion of the Splash Pad challenge money, order was restored and John is still in the club (please keep your groans to a minimum…).
Al Aycock reminded us that he is spearheading the standing up a new club in Garner and is looking for volunteers to monitor a Facebook page for the club between October 19 and 22.
On October 16, 23 and 30 we will meet at Hay Street Methodist due to early voting.
Jay Gothard gave himself a warm introduction as our program. He gave a touching tribute to his recently departed mom, who was a well-traveled nurse for several Ohio hospitals, and for FEMA, and as a final gift, she donated her body to Wright State Medical School.
Jay then outlined his goals for this year: (1) increase membership by 10%, which is a goal that can only be accomplished if we talk up Kiwanis in whatever situation we find ourselves. Jay said this is an “all hands on deck” effort; (2) plan a joint program for all the Kiwanis clubs in Cumberland County to achieve something that any one club would not be able to tackle by itself; and (3) adapt to the times by recognizing and respecting tradition, but making it more relevant to the club and its mission—Jay has implemented having all the officers sit up front so that everyone, members and guests, knows who the officers are. Next year, kids will ALSO be recognized as part of Farm City, whether through 4-H, or some other avenue of recognition; and (3) the Christmas social will no longer be an Ugly Christmas sweater contest. Tim Dunn wanted to keep the trophy since he won the first year, but Jay pointed out that Tim’s ugly sweater was rented rather than owned, so he did not abide by the rules and could not keep the trophy. Details to follow on all of Jay’s goals. Jay also finished early, which is a great start to his presidency.
Guest Rangel McLaurin pocketed $61 in winning the 50-50 Raffle, which he may or may not use toward his first quarterly dues.
Jay also thanked himself for the program and gave and accepted a coveted pen set for his program and then gave it back to … himself. If this makes no sense to you, you had to be there. So, come next week.
Our program next week is Crissy Neville, husband of Kiwanian (and my law partner and friend) Thomas Neville, of Century Farms.
Until next week…
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