Club Meeting – October 6, 2016 John led the club in a discussion of club goals as a recap of the previous weeks’ review of the Kiwanis I-Plan as we Inspire current, new, and prospective members; participate in projects that provide meaningful Impact in the communities we serve; clarify and share our Kiwanis Image, and make responsible choices to Invest in our club and programs to ensure long-term success and continued viability of our club.
Club Meeting – October 13, 2016 We had a fantastic presentation by Denise Jimenez from Meals on Wheels Central Texas. She gave us an overview of their programs and services across Travis and surrounding counties. We have some opportunities to get involved in service and are looking forward to working with this great organization!
Board Meeting – October 13, 2016 During our first board meeting of the 2016-17 year, The board of Directors took the following actions:
Approval of July 15, 2016 board meeting minutes.
Approval of the administrative, service, and special account financial reports.
Approval of the 2016-17 administrative and service budget.
Recommendation of Ruth Ann Cossey to fill our one-year director vacancy and William Assamoi to fill our two-year director vacancy.
Approval of honorary members.
Approval of members on leave of absence.
Committed to register as a model club for the Eliminate Project.
Committed club funds as a memorial gift to the Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation in honor of Neil Hopkins.
Approved club service projects for the 2016-17 year.
Reviewed club goals to align with the 2016-17 distinguished club and member criteria.
Recommended a $40 annual increase in dues to fund renewal of the club’s tax-exempt status.
Winn Elementary Campus Advisory Council Meeting – October 17, 2016 At this month’s Campus Advisory Council meeting, President John Cano presented on campus beautification efforts and a partnership with Tree Folks to plant a fruit orchard in the currently neglected school garden. Attendees were receptive to the program and we hope to involve as many members of the community as possible in our efforts.
William was born in the village of Sapli-Sépingo in northeastern Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Once he finished his elementary school education, he was sent to middle school 40 miles from his native village to Bondouko. Since his middle school days when he was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church, he’s maintained a strong connection with his faith. After completing high school, he joined the Navy of the Ivory Coast and trained in Toulon, France. In February of 1992, William emigrated to the United States, studied English and Nursing, and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse. He has worked in several nursing homes in San Antonio, McKenna Memorial Hospital in New Braunfels, Gracy Woods Nursing Center, Saint David’s Medical Center, and Round Rock Medical Center.
Upon becoming a U.S. citizen in 2006, he returned to France to revisit areas where he spent his younger years. He’s also had the chance to travel to Europe again in 2011; this time visiting France, Italy, and England.
Since 2006, he’s worked as a home health nurse with Austin-based Gilead Home Health. He enjoys the home setting and the opportunity to develop friendships with some of his clients/patients.
William is married to Maria Corazon. She is from the Philippines and they share a home in Pflugerville with Maria’s son, Paul Viray. William has one daughter, Olga Boitenin, who has a son PRINCE Charles. A native French speaker, William is also moderately fluent in Spanish.
In his free time, William enjoys travelling, working out at 24 Hour Fitness, taking yoga classes, and when he’s not working on Sundays, attending mass at St. William Catholic Church in Pflugerville. Faith is important to the family and they enjoy the presence of the Lord in their lives.
On Thursday, September 29th, members and guests gathered at the Brick Oven Restaurant in downtown Austin to retire the 2015-2016 board of directors, install our 2016-2017 board of directors, welcome our newest member into the club, and celebrate the many accomplishments of the last year.
Perfect Attendance Awards: The perfect attendance tabs for members’ Kiwanis pins are awarded to members who attend all weekly club meetings, or make up a missed meeting by attending a board meeting, meeting of another club or SLP, or service project. This year’s honorees:
One Year – John Cano
Two Years – Raymond Miller
20 Years – Noel Roebuck
25 Years – Ed Randle
32 Years – Bill Gordon
Legion of Honor Award: The Legion of Honor Award is presented to members who have been members of Kiwanis for 25 years or more. This year’s 45 Year honoree joined Kiwanis on July 21, 1971. Congratulations to Phil Thomas!
Kiwanian of the Year: The Kiwanian of the Year Award was presented to John Cano for outstanding service to the club and community.
Outgoing Board of Directors:
President – Raymond MIller
Immediate Past President – Ed Randle
Director, One Year – Bill Gordon
Director, One Year – Ruth Cossey
Incoming Board of Directors:
President – John Cano
President-Elect – Bill Gordon
Immediate Past President – Raymond Miller
Secretary/Treasurer – Ron Kingsbury
Director, One Year – Kirby Cossey
New Member Induction:
William Assamoi is the newest member of the club! Check the previous news story for his full biography.
At our September 8th meeting, we were happy to have William Assamoi join us as a guest and prospective member! William is originally from the Côte d’Ivoire and works in home health.
Raymond Miller attended the Manor New Tech High School Key Club meeting on September 7th. He reported that over 100 students were in attendance – that’s about a third of the school’s total student population! We’re eager to see what these student leaders have in store for the coming year.
This month’s meetings are focused on the Kiwanis I-Plan as we plan for the 2016-2017 year. In line with the theme of our first meeting, Inspiration: Membership & Engagement, members shared their stories of inspiration. Here are a few excerpts:
Ron Kingsbury shared that he’s inspired by the opportunities that new and old members alike have to serve and lead at the club, division, district, and international level. The structure of Kiwanis provides incredible opportunities for individual growth.
Bill Gordon recounted his impressions of the club’s 50th anniversary in 2011. The celebration was held at Region XIII and involved the club members, as well as the larger community, AISD School Board members, school leaders, and UT’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. Past Governor Gene Jantzen spoke on the impact of Kiwanis from the international level and much discussion revolved around enhancing the quality of education in East Austin. The most impressive portion of the meeting was hearing the children’s’ choir of Pecan Springs Elementary. For many parents, it was their first exposure to Region XIII and to the service that Kiwanis provides.
Raymond Miller shared a recent story about our Kiwanis-family outing to the Round Rock Express baseball game. He loved the energy and excitement from the Austin Achieve Builders Club members as they told stories about how much fun they had at the event.
Phil Thomas, in recalling that we were approaching the 15th anniversary of the 9/11, recalled that the terrorist attack created an opportunity for the country to think about disaster readiness. Our club’s partnership in disaster relief operations with the Salvation Army allowed us to respond to the space shuttle Columbia crash. We formed our own training team that went on to do trainings with other Kiwanis Clubs. Disaster relief trainings eventually became a project of the Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis District and Kiwanis International. Phil fondly remembers disaster simulation trainings at the airport with recently departed member, Neil Hopkins.
Noel Roebuck has always loved our club’s Valentines banquets because of the conversations shared amongst friends that demonstrate the close bonds shared between members and friends.
John Cano didn’t have a moment of inspiration to share…yet. He says it’s in development.
(Pictured above: Members of Division 24 gather for a group photo at the convention.)
From August 10-14, Past Club President (and many other past destinations!) Bill Gordon, Club President Raymond Miller, and President-Elect John Cano attended the 98th annual convention of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International.
Raymond and Bill started their weekend on Thursday the 10th by attending the first annual Growth Summit, a full-day leadership training focused on providing experienced club advisors the necessary tools to strengthen clubs across the district.
The opening session on Friday consisted of updates from representatives of our Kiwanis Service-Leadership Programs, including notable addresses by CKI District Governor Miti Patel and Key Club District Governor Dianna Cardenas. They are both about halfway through their terms and progressing in directing the growing ranks of dedicated members in their respective organizations who will commit to thousands of hours of service to their communities over the coming school year.
Forums and sessions throughout the weekend were organized around four themes: inspiration, investment, image, and impact. We’re taking back the things we’ve learned in those sessions to renew our club, increase our membership, and expand the impact that our club has in improving the lives of young people in Austin.
Saturday morning’s breakfast included an inspirational speech. Following breakfast, a moving remembrance of Kiwanians in the district who’ve passed away in the past year was held. Our own Joyce Kingsbury, late wife of Club Secretary-Treasurer Ron Kingsbury, was included in the memorial.
On Saturday evening, the old District Board of Officers and Lieutenant Governors were retired. Our very own Raymond Miller was officially installed as Lieutenant Governor for Division 24. Under his guidance, we’re certain that our clubs and service-leadership programs in Travis, Williamson, and Northern Bastrop County will grow and achieve unprecedented success. For our own region, we’re thrilled to have pas Lieutenant Governor John Clifford beginning his 3-year term as District Trustee for the Hill Country region. The district is fortunate to have District Secretary Lee Shuey and District Treasurer Thomas Denney staying on for yet another year. Governor-designate John Sheridan and the new Governor-elect Patrick Schibi each spoke of a new era of growth for Kiwanis.
During Saturday’s closing session, we also heard touching remarks from outgoing District Governor Erby Eikner and his powerhouse wife, Francine Eikner. Erby’s term as governor was marked by his motto, Strengthening Our Future, and his tenure will surely be remembered as one in which the bonds between Kiwanis, CKI, and Key Club, and all of our programs were strengthened to ensure a new generation of service to communities across the district and around the world. First Last Francine has done an incredible job over the past —- years serving as regional campaign coordinator for The Eliminate Project, Kiwanis’ global campaign with UNICEF as our partner to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. At this point, only 19 countries have yet to be declared tetanus-free by the World Health Organization.
Stay tuned as we incorporate many of the things we learned during the convention in our club over the coming year!
At our March 3rd meeting, Immediate Past President Ed Randle won the Happy Dollars pot by picking the black marble! The past few months have been fun playing our little game of chance that benefits The Eliminate Project. Keep on playing, and maybe you’ll win next time!
On March 8th, members of our club visited the Kiwanis Club of Austin-Golden K at the Lamar Senior Center. President Raymond Miller and Past Lieutenant Governor Bill Gordon represented us well by speaking on the latest news of our club. One member from the Golden K club shared her appreciation of the vocal talents of our members when she visited us a few weeks ago.
At the March 10 meeting, President-Elect John Cano provided a recap of the 62nd annual convention of the Texas-Oklahoma District of CKI. Dozens of students from across the two states gathered to learn new professional and service-leadership skills, elect new officers for the district, and to celebrate their many achievements. Our club also received a new banner patch for John’s recent donation as a CKI alumnus to the district’s Legacy Fund, an endowed fund held with the Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation that, when fully funded, will provide ongoing financial support to the district.
Hope you’re ready for a new service opportunity! The Dottie Jordan Recreation Center in the University Hills neighborhood is hosting their first Teen Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. We’re pitching in by staffing the activity tables, hiding the eggs before sunset, and providing any other requested assistance. This should be a great opportunity to get engaged with the community!
Our next inter-committee meeting is scheduled for March 24th at 6:30pm at the H-E-B on 51st St in the Mueller Market District. We’ll be in the community room working out details of our activities related to our priority areas of service, membership, fundraising, and support for our sponsored service leadership programs.
Last week we had a great presentation from Dr. Eric Dieter, Executive Director of Pre-College Academic Readiness Programs, of the UT Division of Diversity & Community Engagement. He shared some great details about the variety of programs in Austin and across the state that are helping improve higher education outcomes for scores of youth.
This week we’re glad to welcome Erin Douglas, Membership Director of the YMCA of Austin, as our guest speaker. Erin has been part of the Y movement for over 11 years. She believes strongly that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. We are all in charge of our attitudes. In her spare time, she enjoys live music and singing.
March 4-6 is also the Texas-Oklahoma District of CKI’s annual convention. Members from colleges and universities across the district will gather to learn develop professional skills, vote on changes to district bylaws, elect a new district board of officers, compete for scholarships, and celebrate the service and leadership accomplishments of the members and chapters. Our own President-Elect and past Governor of the Texas-Oklahoma District of CKI, John Cano, will be in attendance and will provide a summary at our club meeting on March 10.
Don’t forgot about National Pancake Day on March 8th! Volunteer shifts will be posted very soon on our club site’s Club Projects page.
Sorry for the delayed update! We’ve got quite a bit to recap and more exciting things coming up!
On November 17th, we held our first social of the year at the Waller Creek Conservancy Creek Show Artist Talk. It was an entertaining and engaging night of art and design! All five design teams were on hand to discuss their installations in detail. The Contemporary Austin’s Andrea Mellard facilitated the discussion. Club members and friends had a chance to explore Waller Creek, experience the sights and sounds of the installed pieces, and envision a new future for Waller Creek. Check out the Facebook Photo Album.
Our guest speaker for the November 19 meeting was Tracey Edgar from Landscape Structures. Landscape Structures is a proud Vision Partner of Kiwanis International; meaning we work together to bring play and playgrounds to communities across the globe. They provide high-quality commercial playground equipment and services that reflect the high degree of integrity that Kiwanis demands. Tracey got us excited about the prospect of building a playground in the area soon!
Our guest speaker for the December 3 meeting was James Brown, Director of Worship and the Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Austin. In keeping with the theme of the holiday season, James shared his reflections and some historical information on the origins and traditions of Advent in the Christian faiths.
Other News
Our club forwarded our choice for the Walter Hurst Sophomore of the Year Scholarship to Lt. Governor John Clifford. Three other great students from NYOS Charter School, LASA High School, and Reagan High School were notified that their applications would not advance to this next stage, but were commended for their drive and thanked for participating. Special thanks to the scholarship review committee made up of John Cano, Bill Gordon, and Noel Roebuck for their help in reviewing the applications. Find out more about this and other scholarships in our Scholarships page.
Our flash-sale Pecan Sale is complete! Bill Gordon will pick up the pecans and gift baskets the week of December 10.
Austin Partners in Education is hosting a holiday read-a-thon in December 14-16 at the Pecan Springs Elementary library. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit their website ASAP so you can submit your information for a background check. Volunteer shifts will are available in our Club Projects page. Sign up today!
Join us on November 17th for our first social of the year at the Waller Creek Conservancy Creek Show Artist Talk. It’s sure to be a fun night of art and design! All five design teams will be on hand to discuss their installations in detail. The Contemporary Austin’s Andrea Mellard will facilitate the discussion. You can find more info on the Facebook event. A limited number of tickets are available for a recommended $5 donation to WCC and includes admission, light refreshments and drinks.
On November 19, please help us welcome Tracey Edgar. She’s representing Landscape Structures, a proud Vision Partner of Kiwanis International. In this partnership, we hope to work together to bring play and playgrounds to communities across the globe. They provide high-quality commercial playground equipment and services that reflect the high degree of integrity that Kiwanis demands.
Other News
John Cano picked up Walter Hurst Sophomore of the Year Scholarship applications around town last week. Two came from NYOS Charter School, one from LASA High School, and one from Reagan High School. A scholarship review committee made up of John, Bill Gordon, and Noel Roebuck will meet next week to select an applicant who will move up to the next round in the program. Find out more in our Scholarships page.
Our annual Pecan Sale is upon us! Orders will be placed on November 20, so it’s time to get the word out now! We’ll share more information, including the products and prices, at our November 12 meeting.
Austin Partners in Education is hosting a holiday read-a-thon in December at the Pecan Springs Elementary library. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit their website soon so you can submit your information for a background check. More details coming soon!
Applications for the Walter HurstSophomore of the Year, a scholarship program of the Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation in its 35th year, are now being collected. We shared the application with advisors at the following campuses: NYOS Charter School, LBJ High School, Reagan High School, Liberal Arts & Science Academy (LASA), and Manor New Tech High School. On December 4, our club’s candidate for the scholarship will be submitted to the Division 24 Lt. Governor.
To learn more about this and other scholarship programs, check our site: Scholarships
Last Updated: June 22, 2022 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Club News – Oct. 1-20
Club Meeting – October 6, 2016
John led the club in a discussion of club goals as a recap of the previous weeks’ review of the Kiwanis I-Plan as we Inspire current, new, and prospective members; participate in projects that provide meaningful Impact in the communities we serve; clarify and share our Kiwanis Image, and make responsible choices to Invest in our club and programs to ensure long-term success and continued viability of our club.
Club Meeting – October 13, 2016
We had a fantastic presentation by Denise Jimenez from Meals on Wheels Central Texas. She gave us an overview of their programs and services across Travis and surrounding counties. We have some opportunities to get involved in service and are looking forward to working with this great organization!
Board Meeting – October 13, 2016
During our first board meeting of the 2016-17 year, The board of Directors took the following actions:
Winn Elementary Campus Advisory Council Meeting – October 17, 2016
At this month’s Campus Advisory Council meeting, President John Cano presented on campus beautification efforts and a partnership with Tree Folks to plant a fruit orchard in the currently neglected school garden. Attendees were receptive to the program and we hope to involve as many members of the community as possible in our efforts.
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Member Profile: William Assamoi
William was born in the village of Sapli-Sépingo in northeastern Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Once he finished his elementary school education, he was sent to middle school 40 miles from his native village to Bondouko. Since his middle school days when he was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church, he’s maintained a strong connection with his faith. After completing high school, he joined the Navy of the Ivory Coast and trained in Toulon, France. In February of 1992, William emigrated to the United States, studied English and Nursing, and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse. He has worked in several nursing homes in San Antonio, McKenna Memorial Hospital in New Braunfels, Gracy Woods Nursing Center, Saint David’s Medical Center, and Round Rock Medical Center.
Upon becoming a U.S. citizen in 2006, he returned to France to revisit areas where he spent his younger years. He’s also had the chance to travel to Europe again in 2011; this time visiting France, Italy, and England.
Since 2006, he’s worked as a home health nurse with Austin-based Gilead Home Health. He enjoys the home setting and the opportunity to develop friendships with some of his clients/patients.
William is married to Maria Corazon. She is from the Philippines and they share a home in Pflugerville with Maria’s son, Paul Viray. William has one daughter, Olga Boitenin, who has a son PRINCE Charles. A native French speaker, William is also moderately fluent in Spanish.
In his free time, William enjoys travelling, working out at 24 Hour Fitness, taking yoga classes, and when he’s not working on Sundays, attending mass at St. William Catholic Church in Pflugerville. Faith is important to the family and they enjoy the presence of the Lord in their lives.
Welcome, William to Kiwanis!
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
New Year Celebration Recap
On Thursday, September 29th, members and guests gathered at the Brick Oven Restaurant in downtown Austin to retire the 2015-2016 board of directors, install our 2016-2017 board of directors, welcome our newest member into the club, and celebrate the many accomplishments of the last year.
Perfect Attendance Awards:
The perfect attendance tabs for members’ Kiwanis pins are awarded to members who attend all weekly club meetings, or make up a missed meeting by attending a board meeting, meeting of another club or SLP, or service project. This year’s honorees:
Legion of Honor Award:
The Legion of Honor Award is presented to members who have been members of Kiwanis for 25 years or more. This year’s 45 Year honoree joined Kiwanis on July 21, 1971. Congratulations to Phil Thomas!
Kiwanian of the Year:
The Kiwanian of the Year Award was presented to John Cano for outstanding service to the club and community.
Outgoing Board of Directors:
Incoming Board of Directors:
New Member Induction:
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Club News – Sept. 1-21
At our September 8th meeting, we were happy to have William Assamoi join us as a guest and prospective member! William is originally from the Côte d’Ivoire and works in home health.
Raymond Miller attended the Manor New Tech High School Key Club meeting on September 7th. He reported that over 100 students were in attendance – that’s about a third of the school’s total student population! We’re eager to see what these student leaders have in store for the coming year.
This month’s meetings are focused on the Kiwanis I-Plan as we plan for the 2016-2017 year. In line with the theme of our first meeting, Inspiration: Membership & Engagement, members shared their stories of inspiration. Here are a few excerpts:
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
98th Annual TX-OK District Convention Recap
(Pictured above: Members of Division 24 gather for a group photo at the convention.)
From August 10-14, Past Club President (and many other past destinations!) Bill Gordon, Club President Raymond Miller, and President-Elect John Cano attended the 98th annual convention of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International.
Raymond and Bill started their weekend on Thursday the 10th by attending the first annual Growth Summit, a full-day leadership training focused on providing experienced club advisors the necessary tools to strengthen clubs across the district.
The opening session on Friday consisted of updates from representatives of our Kiwanis Service-Leadership Programs, including notable addresses by CKI District Governor Miti Patel and Key Club District Governor Dianna Cardenas. They are both about halfway through their terms and progressing in directing the growing ranks of dedicated members in their respective organizations who will commit to thousands of hours of service to their communities over the coming school year.
Forums and sessions throughout the weekend were organized around four themes: inspiration, investment, image, and impact. We’re taking back the things we’ve learned in those sessions to renew our club, increase our membership, and expand the impact that our club has in improving the lives of young people in Austin.
Saturday morning’s breakfast included an inspirational speech. Following breakfast, a moving remembrance of Kiwanians in the district who’ve passed away in the past year was held. Our own Joyce Kingsbury, late wife of Club Secretary-Treasurer Ron Kingsbury, was included in the memorial.
On Saturday evening, the old District Board of Officers and Lieutenant Governors were retired. Our very own Raymond Miller was officially installed as Lieutenant Governor for Division 24. Under his guidance, we’re certain that our clubs and service-leadership programs in Travis, Williamson, and Northern Bastrop County will grow and achieve unprecedented success. For our own region, we’re thrilled to have pas Lieutenant Governor John Clifford beginning his 3-year term as District Trustee for the Hill Country region. The district is fortunate to have District Secretary Lee Shuey and District Treasurer Thomas Denney staying on for yet another year. Governor-designate John Sheridan and the new Governor-elect Patrick Schibi each spoke of a new era of growth for Kiwanis.
During Saturday’s closing session, we also heard touching remarks from outgoing District Governor Erby Eikner and his powerhouse wife, Francine Eikner. Erby’s term as governor was marked by his motto, Strengthening Our Future, and his tenure will surely be remembered as one in which the bonds between Kiwanis, CKI, and Key Club, and all of our programs were strengthened to ensure a new generation of service to communities across the district and around the world. First Last Francine has done an incredible job over the past —- years serving as regional campaign coordinator for The Eliminate Project, Kiwanis’ global campaign with UNICEF as our partner to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. At this point, only 19 countries have yet to be declared tetanus-free by the World Health Organization.
Stay tuned as we incorporate many of the things we learned during the convention in our club over the coming year!
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Club News – Mar. 3-17
What a busy two weeks it’s been!
At our March 3rd meeting, Immediate Past President Ed Randle won the Happy Dollars pot by picking the black marble! The past few months have been fun playing our little game of chance that benefits The Eliminate Project. Keep on playing, and maybe you’ll win next time!
On March 8th, members of our club visited the Kiwanis Club of Austin-Golden K at the Lamar Senior Center. President Raymond Miller and Past Lieutenant Governor Bill Gordon represented us well by speaking on the latest news of our club. One member from the Golden K club shared her appreciation of the vocal talents of our members when she visited us a few weeks ago.
At the March 10 meeting, President-Elect John Cano provided a recap of the 62nd annual convention of the Texas-Oklahoma District of CKI. Dozens of students from across the two states gathered to learn new professional and service-leadership skills, elect new officers for the district, and to celebrate their many achievements. Our club also received a new banner patch for John’s recent donation as a CKI alumnus to the district’s Legacy Fund, an endowed fund held with the Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation that, when fully funded, will provide ongoing financial support to the district.
Hope you’re ready for a new service opportunity! The Dottie Jordan Recreation Center in the University Hills neighborhood is hosting their first Teen Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. We’re pitching in by staffing the activity tables, hiding the eggs before sunset, and providing any other requested assistance. This should be a great opportunity to get engaged with the community!
Our next inter-committee meeting is scheduled for March 24th at 6:30pm at the H-E-B on 51st St in the Mueller Market District. We’ll be in the community room working out details of our activities related to our priority areas of service, membership, fundraising, and support for our sponsored service leadership programs.
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Club News – Mar 1
Last week we had a great presentation from Dr. Eric Dieter, Executive Director of Pre-College Academic Readiness Programs, of the UT Division of Diversity & Community Engagement. He shared some great details about the variety of programs in Austin and across the state that are helping improve higher education outcomes for scores of youth.
This week we’re glad to welcome Erin Douglas, Membership Director of the YMCA of Austin, as our guest speaker. Erin has been part of the Y movement for over 11 years. She believes strongly that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. We are all in charge of our attitudes. In her spare time, she enjoys live music and singing.
March 4-6 is also the Texas-Oklahoma District of CKI’s annual convention. Members from colleges and universities across the district will gather to learn develop professional skills, vote on changes to district bylaws, elect a new district board of officers, compete for scholarships, and celebrate the service and leadership accomplishments of the members and chapters. Our own President-Elect and past Governor of the Texas-Oklahoma District of CKI, John Cano, will be in attendance and will provide a summary at our club meeting on March 10.
Don’t forgot about National Pancake Day on March 8th! Volunteer shifts will be posted very soon on our club site’s Club Projects page.
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Club News – Dec. 3
Sorry for the delayed update! We’ve got quite a bit to recap and more exciting things coming up!
On November 17th, we held our first social of the year at the Waller Creek Conservancy Creek Show Artist Talk. It was an entertaining and engaging night of art and design! All five design teams were on hand to discuss their installations in detail. The Contemporary Austin’s Andrea Mellard facilitated the discussion. Club members and friends had a chance to explore Waller Creek, experience the sights and sounds of the installed pieces, and envision a new future for Waller Creek. Check out the Facebook Photo Album.
Our guest speaker for the November 19 meeting was Tracey Edgar from Landscape Structures. Landscape Structures is a proud Vision Partner of Kiwanis International; meaning we work together to bring play and playgrounds to communities across the globe. They provide high-quality commercial playground equipment and services that reflect the high degree of integrity that Kiwanis demands. Tracey got us excited about the prospect of building a playground in the area soon!
Our guest speaker for the December 3 meeting was James Brown, Director of Worship and the Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Austin. In keeping with the theme of the holiday season, James shared his reflections and some historical information on the origins and traditions of Advent in the Christian faiths.
Other News
Our club forwarded our choice for the Walter Hurst Sophomore of the Year Scholarship to Lt. Governor John Clifford. Three other great students from NYOS Charter School, LASA High School, and Reagan High School were notified that their applications would not advance to this next stage, but were commended for their drive and thanked for participating. Special thanks to the scholarship review committee made up of John Cano, Bill Gordon, and Noel Roebuck for their help in reviewing the applications. Find out more about this and other scholarships in our Scholarships page.
Our flash-sale Pecan Sale is complete! Bill Gordon will pick up the pecans and gift baskets the week of December 10.
Austin Partners in Education is hosting a holiday read-a-thon in December 14-16 at the Pecan Springs Elementary library. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit their website ASAP so you can submit your information for a background check. Volunteer shifts will are available in our Club Projects page. Sign up today!
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Club News – Nov. 12-19
Our guest speaker for the November 12 meeting is Cortney Ferris of The Settlement Home for Children. Cortney serves on the board of the Kiwanis Club of Northwest Austin, is an alumna of The University of Texas at Austin CKI, as well as a former Key Club member from Lockhart High School – always great to have a K-family member visit us!
Join us on November 17th for our first social of the year at the Waller Creek Conservancy Creek Show Artist Talk. It’s sure to be a fun night of art and design! All five design teams will be on hand to discuss their installations in detail. The Contemporary Austin’s Andrea Mellard will facilitate the discussion. You can find more info on the Facebook event. A limited number of tickets are available for a recommended $5 donation to WCC and includes admission, light refreshments and drinks.
On November 19, please help us welcome Tracey Edgar. She’s representing Landscape Structures, a proud Vision Partner of Kiwanis International. In this partnership, we hope to work together to bring play and playgrounds to communities across the globe. They provide high-quality commercial playground equipment and services that reflect the high degree of integrity that Kiwanis demands.
Other News
John Cano picked up Walter Hurst Sophomore of the Year Scholarship applications around town last week. Two came from NYOS Charter School, one from LASA High School, and one from Reagan High School. A scholarship review committee made up of John, Bill Gordon, and Noel Roebuck will meet next week to select an applicant who will move up to the next round in the program. Find out more in our Scholarships page.
Our annual Pecan Sale is upon us! Orders will be placed on November 20, so it’s time to get the word out now! We’ll share more information, including the products and prices, at our November 12 meeting.
Austin Partners in Education is hosting a holiday read-a-thon in December at the Pecan Springs Elementary library. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit their website soon so you can submit your information for a background check. More details coming soon!
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by John Cano Leave a Comment
Scholarships Available!
Applications for the Walter Hurst Sophomore of the Year, a scholarship program of the Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation in its 35th year, are now being collected. We shared the application with advisors at the following campuses: NYOS Charter School, LBJ High School, Reagan High School, Liberal Arts & Science Academy (LASA), and Manor New Tech High School. On December 4, our club’s candidate for the scholarship will be submitted to the Division 24 Lt. Governor.
To learn more about this and other scholarship programs, check our site: Scholarships
We wish the best of luck to our applicants!
Upcoming events
Winn Montessori: Campus Advisory Council Meeting
Quarterly Board Meeting
Monthly Kiwanis Meeting
Winn Montessori: Campus Advisory Council Meeting
Butterfly Festival
SOTY App Due to LTG
Monthly Kiwanis Meeting
Charter Anniversary for the Kiwanis Club of Austin-Northeast
RMHC Brunch (Service)
Winn Montessori: Campus Advisory Council Meeting
Monthly Kiwanis Meeting
Club News