OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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November 18, 2008
Debbie Vandemark introduced our guest speakers School Librarian Paula Blythe (on right) and Second Grade Teacher Melissa Aguirre (on left). We read to Melissa's class every month as part of our Picture Book of the Month program. The books we read are then donated by us to the school library. Paula thanked the club for its support and appreciates all the assistance she receives from the community.
She said a good reading program helps increase test scores and thinks the kids are going to do fine. Melissa also thanked us for adopting her classroom. She says the kids really enjoy us coming in to read to them. Afterwards, the kids discuss the books we read. Paula encouraged us to also adopt a classroom at Edison School and help improve their library as well. Next Week: Susan Thompson will talk about how the Angel Tree Program benefits the children of families who receive the Christmas Food Baskets that Kiwanis has long helped with, and how both come together in one very busy Salvation Army Distribution Day.
President-elect Debbie Vandemark filled in for President Tim Moss.
We will vote soon on updating our club bylaws.
One additional possible change would be to establish an Executive Committee that would have the authority to fill-in for the Board of Directors and make decisions about club activities and funding requests.
Jeremy reminded members that "Breakfast with Santa" is December 6 at Macomb High School. Everybody's help is needed to help cook and serve pancakes and sausage. There's also two Christmas programs going on at the school that day. More details next week. Hassan Espahbodi has confirmed Kiwanis Christmas Shopping at K-Mart will be Saturday, December 13. We pick up designated kids, take them shopping and then help them wrap their presents. Pickup will be at 7:45. Hassan asked that members please call the parents ahead of time to let them know you're coming to pick up their kids. Each child receives $25 to spend on presents for their family courtesy of Kiwanis and Citizens National Bank. Lots of signup sheets are being passed around. In addition to helping out at "Breakfast with Santa" and "Kiwanis/K-Mart Christmas Shopping," we still have openings for Salvation Army bell ringing and will be helping pack Salvation Army Christmas baskets December 23. Here's the updated lists on everything as provided by Debbie. Ken Harp reported that the Membership Committee met last week and would like to emphasize our involvement in December activities as a way to introduce ourselves to potential new members. Ken encouraged all of us to constantly be on the lookout for potential members.
A retirement reception for Joseph (Joe) Vandemark, instructional materials specialist in Western Illinois University's Visual Production Center (VPC), will be held from 2-4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24 at VPC, 207 Tillman Hall. Vandemark will retire Nov. 30 after 28 years of service. Vandemark joined the Visual Production Center staff as an instructional materials specialist in 1980. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Eastern Illinois University. Vandemark is a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Kiwanis of Macomb and the Hancock County Gun Club Board of Directors. Following retirement, Vandemark and his wife, Deborah, plan to continue their extensive volunteer work. In that spirit, in lieu of gifts, individuals are encouraged to donate to the Macomb Salvation Army 2008 Red Kettle Fund.
 
For the second week in a row, the 50/50 Drawing was won by Gary Sash and he donated his share back to the club.
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