The Program Committee, led by Alexis Popovich, of the Kiwanis of Carefree “did a wonderful job pulling together a joyful and emotional first gathering in a long time,” meeting of the Kiwanis Membership at the Sanderson Pavilion on April 7. It was really special to have the opportunity to socialize with our fellow Kiwanis members again…even through our masks! A fine lunch with all the trimmings was also available.”
President Kimberly Jack introduced member Steve Morse who led the Invocation with the sad announcement of long-term member, Jim Shaw, had passed away on Good Friday, and we will be publishing an announcement of the celebration of his life on the Kiwanis website. Jim was a major contributor to our community over many years. We will all miss him.
Kiwanis Marketplace General Manager, Sandra Carrier, was introduced to strong applause to recognize her teams’ great efforts to continue to provide record breaking revenues at the Marketplace to support all the grants and awards Kiwanis provides the local community. She announced the expanded hours and that masks are now optional for shoppers and the restrooms and dressing rooms are now open.
President Kimberly Jack then introduced Dr. Cort Monroe, Superintendent of the Cave Creek School District, who spoke of looking forward to working closely with our Kiwanis Club and appreciating all the support we have provided.
Chair of the Wine Committee, Ed Edling, introduced Cait Huble, Executive Director of the Sonoran Arts League, and summarized the work they had done to have a jury select 30 renderings of the proposed new Kiwanis wine bottle label, which had made the final cut. Four submissions were on display for the Kiwanis members to vote upon and the winner will be announced this Fall. It was a tough choice amongst the excellent renderings. We greatly appreciate the support of the Sonoran Arts League.
Joyce Jordon, Chair of the Funds Request Committee, introduced the Committee and began to introduce the Awardees:
Laya Field accepted the donation to the Jubilate Conservatory of Music which provided scholarships to local students to attend an online lesson program. She said, “without Kiwanis support, these kids would not have had this opportunity to learn about music in their lives.”
Cait Huble accepted the donation to the Sonoran Arts League’s Veterans Program which provides a bridge between the United States Armed Forces and the art community and seeks to engage veterans and allow them to tell their story through creative expression.
Shelbi Schmidt accepted the donation to the Desert Foothills Family YMCA for the Children’s Spring Break Safety Around Water swim lessons. She said the generous support awarded to the YMCA by Kiwanis helps remove a financial barrier of access to these swim programs for many children to purse these lifelong skills.
Vince D’Aliesio, president of the Board of the Cave Creek Museum, accepted the donation to the Cave Creek Museum which will go toward the maintenance of the children’s gold panning program and the operation of the stamp mill. These programs help the museum continue to reconnect with the children of our community.
Chad Forbes accepted the donation to the Horseshoe Trails and Black Mountain Elementary for the replacement of the scoreboards which were gratefully appreciated by the players, fans, and scorekeepers.
We have also determined that the Scholarship Committee chaired by Janet Busbee, will be presenting the 2021 Kiwanis Scholarship Awards on May 4 at the Fine Arts Center to 22 outstanding local students. Kiwanis Members will be encouraged to attend. All attendees will need to follow the Covid 19 protocols.
President Kimberly Jack announced our key Annual Meeting on May 5, which will restart our Lunch Program at Harold’s. It was also announced that Kiwanis Board has amended our ByLaws to our Officer Program to allow the president to serve for two consecutive years if elected. Details will follow for the election.
About the Kiwanis Club of Carefree
“Serving the Children of the World” is the mission of Carefree Kiwanis, a 501 (c) (3) service organization, and the larger Kiwanis International. Locally we demonstrate our passion for helping children recognize and develop their full potential by giving scholarship and merit awards, sponsoring Key Club, “Bringing Up Grades” (BUGs), summer art programs, and mentoring to establish a thriving and supportive community in the Desert Foothills area.
