Published 7-27-09 Notes from Last Meeting - Kathy Bonaventura-Wojkovich, director of the Regional Volunteer Center, presented the program on behalf of the Porter Co. United Way. Kathy talked about the wonderful things that are accomplished by the United Way. The United Way funds programs not agencies. Why not go to their website www.nwivolunteer.org and sign up to volunteer. Visit their booth at the fair and support the silent auction that will support programs throughout our community.

The following new members were inducted at the last meeting. Olga Granat and Chad Banker. The committees that they would like to work on are: Olga - sponsored youth and communications; Chad – Scouting/Boys & Girls State and Pancake Day. Also, Susan Scroggins a previously inducted member would like to be on chicken BBQ, citrus sale and scouting/Boys & Girls State committees. Chairpersons contact these new members.

Olga Granat

Chad Banker

Induction Ceremony

Porter County Fair Hog Wrestling – Wednesday, July 29th in the grandstand. Kiwanis Hoggers are: Pat “Pork Chop” McGinley; Steve “Porky” Ingram; Jim “Bacon” Hitz; James “Swine Flu” Tudor. Subs are: Paul “Italian Sausage” Sciarra and Doug “We, We, We, All the way home” McMillan.

Wednesday, August 5 – Every Kiwanis member bring a guest/prospective member to the meeting. 50/50 – Paul Jankowski Rollover pot now at $35.00+/- Secret Handshake – Garth Johnson Committee Meeting – August 5 - Planning meeting for the visit of the International President, Don Canaday. Dog Show – Tues., July 28, 2 PM, Sterling House, 2601 Valparaiso Street, Valpo, to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association and Porter Co. Animal Shelter – See flyer at end.

Inter Clubs – July 31 – Chesterton. Went to Portage on 21st and heard a presentation from NeighborLink Porter County. They are hoping to be a year-round “rebuilding together”. See flyer at end. Day of Caring – August 28 - St. Agnes garden project. See Jim Hitz for details. International President – Don Canaday will be visiting Sept. 23rd. WE WILL be inducting 10 new members.

New Kiwi – Tom and Rebecca Lazar will be traveling to China to pick up Maryn. Follow their journey by visiting their blog: http://givingrootsandwings.blogspot.com.

In Memoriam: Dr. Ahmed Sami El-Naggar, professor emeritus of engineering at Valpo University , passed away Sat., July 18th. Dr. El-Naggar retired in Dec. 1989 after having served on the faculty for 30 years. Sami was a long time member of Kiwanis and maintained his senior membership with our club, years after healath had forced him to no longer attend meetings. Although many of those in the club may not know Sami, he was a really neat guy and an active and supportive Kiwanian in days past. I remember one of my first meetings with Sami was cleaning the soot and smoke damage off the bleachers (by hand) in the “new” Valpo High School after the fire which occurred in the late 70’s. This was one of the first efforts of the Valpo Kiwanis Club, which made me personally want to join the organization so long ago. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice, 501 Marquette, Valpo. Please remember Janet Spinn and her extended family in your prayers as they mourn their loss. Thanks to Doug McMillan for sharing these memories.

Conventions – District Aug. 14-16, Indy. Valpo Hockey Club 1st Annual Golf Outing – Sunday, August 23, 2009. Contact Dan Bowker 219-477-8707 or golf@valpohockey.com. See flyer at end. Special Kids/Special Needs – Annual golf tournament, August 3, River Pointe Country Club, Hobart. This organization is an all-volunteer organization. Among activities sponsored are Special Olympics, scholarships for students to attend camp to go to special program and equipment such as talking computers, wheel chairs and handicap equipment for local playgrounds. New Valpo Website – A new website was launched to provide information on all the best that the City of Valparaiso has to offer. “ValpoLife.com” has been designed to keep Valparaiso residents updated on events that are happening downtown, festivals, school announcements and information on art and culture to be found within the city. Fun Committee Events – Aug. 18 Kiwanis night at the Chicago White Sox. (Sorry – sold out) Aug. 25 free fireworks at PNC, Westville. Hayride to be announced.

Ron and Joy Ellen enjoying recent Rail Cats Game

“Lu Wow” – Valparaiso Chamber Great American Cook Out – Friday, Aug. 7, Porter Co. Parking Garage, 7 to 11 PM. $25 per person. Contact Kurt Gillins 462-1105. See more info in K-Mail.

19th Annual Valparaiso Kiwanis Hot Air BalloonFest, Sept. 11 & 12 – See Lonnie if you can help. Hot Air Balloon launches at 5:30 PM followed by the glow at 8 PM (gates open at 4:30) See K-Mail for coupon. Buy your tee shirts this week - $12.00. South Shore BalloonFest posters are $35 each. See Nancy Barone for more info.

2009 $1 Off Admission Coupon Kiwanis Member Coupon

19th Annual Valparaiso

Kiwanis

Hot Air BalloonFest

Porter County Fairgrounds, Valparaiso, Indiana

(Highway 49 South & Division Road)

September 11 and 12 – Hot Air Balloon Launches at 5:30 pm followed by the Hot Air Balloon Glow at 8 pm (gates open at 4:30) Sept 12, Morning Hot Air Balloon Launch, gates open at 6 am

• Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides, Kids’ Games, and Food Vendors available.

Admission is only $8/carload! Only $7 with this coupon.

This is a family friendly, smoke-free event.

Serving the Children of the World™ ValpoKiwanis.org coupon

Honoring Veterans – Monday, Aug. 10 – 4-8 PM Applebees is giving 50% off a meal to any active or past veteran who wears a t-shirt, hat, lapel pin or something designating their branch of service. July Birthdays: 1-Patrick McGinley; 2-Melissa Benefiel; 3-Clayton Ingham; 5-Wm. Schnure; 7-Don Evans; 8-Ian Rock; 9-Michael Brickner, Mark Holder;10-Nick Arnold; 11-James Bedell; 12-Robert Lyon; 13-John Hunter, Robert Franko; 14-Myron Knauff; 16-Jerry Moe; 17-Joy Sexton, Wm. Vorwald; 20-Craig Phillips; 22-John Albers; 24-Clarence Albers, Charles Conover; 30-Shawn Wagoner.

2008 Fair Queen – Haleigh Yergler

and the 2009 Valparaiso Kiwanis Club Candidate – Abigail Walters

2009 Porter County Fair Queen

Contestants

Bring a friend to next week’s meeting! Help us reach our 210th

member.