September 24, 2015 - Howard Dewald

Our own Howard Dewald was our speaker this morning. Howard spoke about the Boy Scouts of America - with special emphasis on their Youth Protection Program.  

September 17, 2015 - Gillian Berchowitz

Our speaker was Gillian Berchowitz of the Ohio University Press.  Gillian brought us up to date on functions of and facts about the OU press. Together with its trade imprint, Swallow Press, it constitutes the premier scholarly publishing program in the state. It has been in existence for fifty years and is the largest university press in Ohio. It has special expertise in the disciplines of African Studies, International Studies, global health, and Appalachian Studies, as well as U.S. history.  It also has some well-received works of fiction to its credit.

September 14, 2015 - KIWANIPALOOZA!

We had a great time at our joint Installation Dinner! The Kiwanis Club of Athens and the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Athens, along with members of the Athens High School Key Club, members of the Jackson Kiwanis Club and members of the Portsmouth Kiwanis Club came together to honor the outgoing Lt. Governor Richard Eubanks and outgoing officers and board members of both Athens Clubs, and to welcome in our new leadership! We were all delighted to witness the installation of our next Lt. Governor of the Mighty 9th Division - Rick Mayer of the Athens Club!  More pictures can be found below and on our website.

September 12, 2015 - Backpack Packing!

It was time to fill up a month's worth of backpacks with food for the Trimble Pride Pack Program. Thanks to Jed Butcher for caring about hungry children in Athens County and putting together this wonderful program!

September 10, 2015 - Andrew Dewald

We were delighted to hear from Andrew, a double physics/ chemistry major at OU, and his experience with the DAAD-RISE program.  Andrew spent time with this program at the Max-Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald, Germany.

August 27, 2015 - All About Bees!

Our guest was Mr. Jack Cantrell, a local beekeeper and vendor at the Athens Farmers Market, who told us all about bees and honey! 

August 20, 2015 - Dr. Jed Butcher!

Our speaker this morning was our very own Jed Butcher! In 1991, a catalyst was discovered, in Jed Butcher's group at Ohio University, that liquifies milk jugs and articles made from polyethylene.  This is important because 92% of the "stuff that cannot be recycled" in municipal waste is polyethylene.  The patent for the process has languished 20 years without being licensed by OU, yet it could produce jobs in Athens County to clean up waste plastic from here to the Pacific Ocean Gyre. 

August 13, 2015 - Christina Deidesheimer

We were happy to hear from Christina Deidesheimer, Director of Growth and Business Development for O'Bleness Memorial Hospital. 

August 7, 2015 - Delivery of Smart Start Kits

Members fanned out across the county to deliver the Smart Start Kits at every Athens County school system. Maryann Hartwick is seen delivering the kits to Athens City Schools. Judy Stanley, Secretary to the Superintendent, was happy to accept the delivery on behalf of the district.

August 6, 2015 - Smart Start Kits

We had a great crowd to pack up Smart Start Kits for every incoming kindergarten student in Athens County! Thanks to the Richland United Methodist Church (60 Pomeroy Road, Athens) for letting us use the space :)

July 30, 2015 - Sherri Sharp

We enjoyed hearing from Sherri Sharp, Director of the OhioHealth Home Care (formerly Appalachian Community Visiting Nurse Association). 

July 24, 2015 - Fun Night at the Copperheads Baseball Game

It was a Fun Night at the Copperheads Baseball Game this past Friday. The weather was perfect and the Copperheads won! Thanks to Phil Ploghoft from the Kiwanis Club of Athens for setting this up!

July 23, 2015 - Meeting on the Move

We enjoyed our Meeting on the Move at the Fairfield Inn and Suites (924 East State Street, Athens)! Breakfast was delicious and the hotel is beautiful! Our guest and speaker was Sam Clemons, Director of Admissions for Hickory Creek Nursing Home. Sam brought us up to speed on all of the new things happening at Hickory Creek. Plenty of pictures below.

July 12, 2015 - Mighty 9th Division Council Meeting

Members of the Might 9th Division gathered at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital in Room 010 at 2 PM for the quarterly meeting. There was a little infighting among the Athens clubs, but differences were settled and the meeting was very productive.

July 9, 2015 - Mark Seckinger

Mark Seckinger, newly named President of OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital was our guest and speaker. He brought us up-to-date on the plans for Nelsonville, and some new things happening around Athens regarding OhioHealth.

June 25, 2015 - Tami Wires

Tammi Wires of the Nelsonville Station of ACEMS, described the use of Broselow Pediatric Color Coded Tape.  AS the ratio of adult to child emergencies is about 100:1, a protocol was needed to aid first responders in dealing with child emergencies.  The Broselow color coded tape is laid out beside the victim or patient and the card segment matching the child's weight in kilograms is matched to the colored kit in the main supply pack, thereby saving precious seconds in determining drug dosages and related treatment. The club's YCPO committee provided a donation of $700 in support of the acquisition of more of this important tool.

June 18, 2015 - Chris Smith

Chris Smith, Assistant Wildlife Supervisor from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Division4, was our speaker. He shared with us a power point of the history of the Division of Wildlife, as well as the history of the wild fauna of Ohio.

June 11, 2015 - Mike Hunter!

Our own Mike Hunter talked about amusing anecdotes during his career with the Ohio Highway Patrol. He will be Race Director for the Swiss Team (Twisted Swissters) in Race Across America.  Look for them to roll through Athens on June 25th or 26th. Good Luck!!

We were also happy to welcome Christina Deidesheimer (guest of Candace) who is interested in becoming more active in the community. She is the Director of Growth and Business Development for OhioHealth - O'Bleness.

May 28, 2015 - Jack Pepper

We enjoyed spending some time with Jack Pepper, a registered sanitarian and Environmental Director with the Athens City/County Health Department. Jack described his job and how it impacts the citizens of Athens.  Jack is a native of Athens and a graduate of AHS and OU.  He has been with the Health Department for about 12 years.  The Athens City/County Health Department is organized in to three divisions: biostatistics (birth and death certificates), nursing (immunizations), and environmental health.  Environmental health works with 30 to 40 programs, including food service inspections, private home sanitation systems, private water systems, public beaches (think Stroud's), well head protection, landfills, and many more.  They make more than 200 nuisance complaint inspections each year. 

May 21, 2015 - Rita Snider and Rachel Esselburn

We were delighted to hear from Rita (volunteer) and Rachel (Executive Director) about the Athens Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC). The PRC is located up town on Court Street and primarily serves Ohio University students.  The PRC provides free pregnancy tests (confidential) and ultrasound testing as well as educational materials and emotional support.  There is a "baby boutique" which provides baby care products - coupons that can be spent at the baby boutique are earned by attending educational sessions.  The 2015 Annual Report shows that 2,531 community contacts were made in 2014 and 213 female clients were served - approximately one new female client per operating day. 

May 14, 2015 - Connie Davidson

We were delighted to hear from Connie Davidson! She gave a wonderful presentation on the Warren and Jean Wistendahl Native Plant Garden that is located at the Athens County Visitor Center on East State Street. It's a great time of year to watch the garden come back to life! She also recommended some books for those of us who would like to include some native plants in our gardens.

May 6, 2015 - Annual Rose Sale

Thanks to all for making our Rose Sale such a success! John Deno did a tremendous job as our leader for this fundraiser and he had lots of help delivering roses all over Athens.

April 30, 2015 - Bill Kottyan

We were happy to meet  Bill Kottyan of Athens Sport Cycles this morning. He brought over one of the beautiful Harleys and talked about the business, the bikes, and what's new in the motorcycle world.

April 24, 2015 - Special Olympics

We were happy to staff the running long jump again this year. These athletes are truly inspiring :) Thanks to Mike Hunter, Mark Porter, Jed Butcher and Maryann Hartwick for being there. More pictures can be seen on our facebook page.

April 23, 2015 - Andrew Chiki

We were happy to welcome back Andy Chiki. He talked about the plans for the new Athens City Aquatic Center. Looks like it is going to be awesome!

April 16, 2015 - Jack Bortle

We had a wonderful time with Jack Bortle. His story of how he came to be a hotel developer is an interesting one.  His development company has brought great places to stay throughout Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana. We look forward to the grand opening of his latest hotel on East State Street - the Fairfield Inn and Suites.

April 11, 2015 - KidsFest 2015

We had a great time at KidsFest 2015 at the Walter Fieldhouse this past Saturday! Thanks to Athens High School Key Club members Olivia Hoon, Cleah Prince, Olivia Harris, and Helena Petrick for helping us paint faces! And thanks to Sky Pettey for organizing us. More pictures from KidsFest can be seen on our facebook page.

April 9, 2015 - Jessica Cryders

We were happy to have Jessica Cyders, Curator of the Athens County Historical Society and Museum join us for breakfast. She brought some interesting artifacts along to help tell the story of a chapter in the history of Athens County.

March 26, 2015 - Carol Davey-Sayre

Carol Davey-Sayre was our guest. She spoke to us about UpGrade Athens which is a group that helps businesses and individuals with becoming more energy efficient.

March 25, 2015 - Pizza Night at Pleasant Hill Vineyards

There was a great gathering of local Kiwanians - both Downtown Athens Kiwanians and Athens Kiwanians - at the Pleasant Hill Vineyards this evening. Thanks to Sandy and the whole crew for some fabulous pizza, dessert, and (of course) wine! And thanks to the social committee for setting it all up.

March 19, 2015 - Tanja Kuhre

We heard so many wonderful things from Tanja Kuhre of Athens County Children Services. They have amazing programs, and we look forward to working with them on KidsFest 2015!

March 12, 2015 - Andy Ladd

Andy Ladd, manager of the Ohio University Recycling & Refuse program, told us about recycling efforts at Ohio University. They are famous for their recycling competition called RecycleMania!

March 7, 2015 - Mid-Year Education Day

Kiwanians from all across Ohio to gathered in Columbus (Crowne Plaza Columbus North Hotel, 6500 Doubletree Avenue, Columbus, OH 43229) for some informative seminars on club building, new fundraisers and service projects, and fellowship. 

March 6, 2015 - Ushering at the Ohio University Basketball Game

We were happy to help folks find their seats at the OU v. Miami of Ohio basketball game. Put a check mark in the win column for this one :)

February 26, 2015 - Michelle Decker

We were delighted to have Michelle Decker, Executive Director of Rural Action, as our guest and speaker. She talked about Rural Action's Programs and Activities.

February 19, 2015 - Rose Troyer

We were delighted to hear from Rose Troyer of the Ohio University Community Service Leadership Council about Athens Beautification Day (Sunday, April 19). Now's the time to sign up for this wonderful Town-Gown Service Project.

February 12, 2015 - Brooke Hallowell

We enjoyed hearing from Brooke Hallowell, along with graduate students Lindsey and Sarah, about the Ohio University Respite Volunteer Program. This is a free service for adults with disabilities and their caregivers. If you are in need of their services, please contact them at (740)593-1356.

February 7, 2015 - Southeastern Ohio Food Bank

Jed Butcher, and Mike and Carolyn Prudich spent Saturday morning packing commodity boxes at the Southeastern Ohio Food Bank! Thanks for giving up a Saturday morning for this wonderful service project.

February 6, 2015 - Chili Luncheon

Thanks to everyone for attending our Chili Luncheon! For $6.00 you got a bowl of our award winning chili (vegetarian chili was also available), a salad, a drink and dessert. All money raised will be used to support local children. Thanks for your support - we hope to see you next year!

January 29, 2015 - Maryann Hartwick

Our own Maryann Hartwick spoke about how she bacame a tax preparer (it was all Nancy King's fault). She spoke about the new Affordable Care Act impacts on the tax return this year. She also reminded everyone to keep track of those charitable miles (14 cents) and medical miles (23.5 cents). 

January 22, 2015 - Sandy Corder

Sandy Corder of the Pleasant Hill Vineyards  joined us for breakfast. The Pleasant Hill Vineyard is the newest boutique winery in our area. Be sure to check them out on a Wednesday for some gourmet pizza, or on a Saturday evening for a Saturday Night Pairings Meal. They have 9 wines and are looking forward to planting their first crop of grapes this spring. We hope to see Sandy again. She was a member of the Coshocton Kiwanis Club before moving to Athens and we would love to have her consider joining our group. Look for our next Fun Night to be at the Pleasant Hill Vineyard :)

January 15, 2015 - Tom VanDyke

Tom VanDyke of the Pub Bar and Restaurant joined us for breakfast and gave us a wonderful history of his time at The Pub! We were also happy to see fellow member Jane Means and new friend Mark Bryan.

Hats and Gloves Project Wrap Up

The Youth Services Committee (John Deno, Sky Pettey, Randy Leite and Maryann Hartwick) came up with a new service project for our group - providing gloves and hats to elementary school children in need in the following school districts: Trimble, Federal-Hocking, Alexander and the Salvation Army of Athens. They have already delivered 580 hats and 468 pairs of gloves to. The folks at the Athens Walmart have been amazing and we owe a special shout-out to Brenda! And, to date, we have received $320 in anonymous donations to help defray the costs of this very important service project.

December 30, 2014 - Ushering at OU Basketball Game

There was much ushering done at the OU Basketball game on December 30. ​During the first half of the game, the UNC-Wilmington Seahawk's were an albatross around the Bobcats' necks, leading 34-30 at the half.  However, after what must have been an inspiring halftime speech by Saul, the Bobcats came out with renewed vigor and plucked the Seahawks bald, ending with an impressive 72-53 win. 

Thanks to Mike Hunter, Mim Almquist, Merl Almquist, Jim Thomas, Kelly Moser, Jed Butcher, and Mike Prudich for ushering.  A special thanks goes out to Drew Ossakow for inviting us!!

December 18, 2014 - Ed Zatta

We enjoyed hearing from Ed Zatta this morning. He talked about his Palm 2 Palm cross country bike tour for the Paley Foundation. And, we were all very happy to meet the newest little Kiwanian this morning - welcome Gabe!

December 12 and 13, 2014 - Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army

We rang the bell for the Salvation Army in front of Walmart on the 12th and 13th. Thanks to John Deno, Maryann Hartwick, Cliff Houk, Dick Piccard, Mike Prudich, Mim Almquist, Mike Hunter and Jim Thomas for giving up some time for this special service project.

December 11, 2014 - Brent Hayes

Brent Hayes joined us for breakfast and talked to us about the Paley Foundation which "champions innovation in orthopedics to better the lives of children and adults around the world who suffer from rare congenital, genetic, developmental and post-traumatic orthopedic conditions." He recently participated in the Palm2Palm Cross Country Bike Tour to help raise money and awareness for the Foundation.

December 11, 2014 - Stuff a Stocking for the Salvation Army

We were happy to help stuff 35 stockings for the Salvation Army. These stockings really make a difference to area families struggling through the holiday season. Thanks to all who stuffed a stocking!!

December 6, 2014 - Southeastern Ohio Food Bank

We had a great time helping to pack commodity boxes at the Southeastern Ohio Food Bankin Logan. Thanks to Jed Butcher, Mike and Carolyn Prudich for giving up a Saturday morning.

November 26, 2014 - Thanksgiving Roundtable at Bob Evans 

We took last Thursday off to be with our families in celebration of Thanksgiving. We had a roundtable get together at Bob Evans Restaurant (357 E. State Street, Athens) from 8 - 9 AM on Wednesday, November 26. 

November 21, 2014 - Amesville Elementary

John Deno dropped off 200 hats and 200 gloves to Amesville Elementary. Accepting them on behalf of the school is Tammy Sisk, School Secretary.

Mark Brewer - November 20, 2014

Mark Brewer, Chief Operating Officer at WOUB and all around good guy, was our guest this morning. He filled us in on all of the wonderful programs being developed and produced locally. He also let folks who use Dish Network know that to get WOUB in the Athens viewing area, they will soon need an antenna to pick up the WOUB-HD channels.

November 13, 2014 - Gloves and Hats for Trimble

Mike Prudich, Jed Butcher and Maryann Hartwick representing our group, dropped off lots of hats and gloves to Trimble Elementary School. Mandy Wright of Trimble was delighted to accept the donation, especially considering the outside temperature was 35 degrees. Hats off to the Youth Services Committee for coming up with this timely service project!

Josh Boyer - November 13, 2014

Josh Boyer, Assistant Director of Marching and Athletic Bands at Ohio University, joined us for breakfast this morning. He showed us how he goes about writing the marching drill for Ohio University, several other colleges and universities, as well as some lucky high school bands. Josh (center) is pictured with President Mike Prudich and member Candace Miller.

November 9, 2014 - Mighty 9th Division Council Meeting

We had a great time at the Mighty 9th Division Council Meeting in Jackson, with Kiwanis of the Jackson Area. It was wonderful to meet our Ohio District Governor Diana Keplinger and to spend time with our own Lt. Gov. Richard Eubanks. The meal prepared by the Jackson Kiwanians was outstanding!! Thanks to Cliff and Evelyn Houk, Howard Dewald and Maryann Hartwick for giving up their Sunday afternoon to attend this special meeting.

October 23, 2014 - Amber Mendenhall

We were delighted to meet Amber Mendenhall, Director of Community Engagement for Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio. She talked about all of the wonderful things that Habitat is up to locally, including the Taste of Southeast Ohio fundraiser (there are still a few tickets available), and the Curtis Street build project. They are always looking for volunteers. Information for volunteer opportunities can be found on their website.

October 16, 2014 - Steve Noftz and Cindy Boyd

We enjoyed hearing from our very own Steve Noftz this morning! He talked about the Mental Health First Aid Training that he provides (along with Cindy Boyd). Interested in learning more about this training, or signing up for the course? Check out: 
http://www.317board.org/

October 16, 2014 - WOUB Pledge Drive

We enjoyed answering the phones from 7- 9 PM at the WOUB Pledge Drive! Thanks to Wendy Merb-Brown, Jed Butcher, and Mike Prudich for pitching in! Sorry about this picture - it is from a previous pledge drive.

October 11, 2014 - 40th Annual Athens Invitational Marching Festival

The 40th Athens Invitational Marching Festival was a success. Seven hundred students from all over our part of the state came to Athens High School to perform their competition show.

Thanks to our Festival Committee for attending the meetings starting last May: Larry Snyder (Chairman), Cliff and Evelyn Houk, Wendy Merb-Brown and Maryann Hartwick.

And thanks to all the members who prepared sloppy joe mix, donated water and donated their time at the Festival!

October 9, 2014 - Hixson Fellowship Award Presentation

Howard Dewald presented Mike Hunter with the Hixson Fellowship Award. Our club donated $1000 to the Eliminate Proejct in Mike's name.

October 9, 2014 - Keith Wasserman

Our friend Keith Wasserman, Director of Good Works, returned for another visit. We enjoyed catching up with him over breakfast, and learning all about the good works that he is up to!

September 29, 2014 - Installation Dinner

We had a wonderful joint Installation Dinner with the Kiwanis Club of Athens! Thanks to Wendy Merb-Brown for being our Master of Ceremony. Thanks also to the Kiwanis Club of Portsmouth, the Lucasville Kiwanis Club, the Kiwanis Club of the Jackson Area, and the Kiwanis Club of Chillicothe for joining us. We welcome new President Mike Prudich, and thank Secretary Howard Dewald and Treasurer Mike Wootton for their continuing service as officers of our club. We welcome new Board Members John Deno and Sky Pettey, and thank Board Members Jed Butcher, Wendy Merb-Brown, and Dave Vogt for their continuing service to our club.

A Hixson Fellowship was presented to Mike Hunter. Our club donated $1000 to the ELIMINATE Project in Mike's name :) 

The Downtown Kiwanis Award was presented to Alan Goldsberry by Cliff Houk. Alan was delighted to present a $1000 check to the Athens County Historical Society and Museum. Representing the Museum were Jessica Cyders and Lynn Newell.

Cliff Houk presented outgoing President Maryann Hartwick with a President's Plaque.

We had three lively rounds of Kiwanis Trivia! Leanne Allen's table won!

Thanks to Pat Light for some beautiful prelude music. And, thanks to Conor Hartwick for the photos and the music for Kiwanis Trivia!