Weekly News – Nov 6, 2024

Our speaker tomorrow is our own Laykenn Kennedy. Laykenn presented a while back but due to very low attendance during the County Fair, we’ve asked her to return, as she has a very interesting and important message. She is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor with Faith Works. Laykenn stated that approximately 600 New Mexicans die each year from drug overdoses. Fentanyl has a big presence in NM’s street drug market. Meth is also one of the top 5 substances in overdose deaths. Many people haven’t heard of Narcan or if they have, may not be sure what it is.  Narcan might help you save someone’s life. All New Mexico prisons now provide Narcan when a prisoner is released; it is actually safer than aspirin. Laykenn is also a presenter with the Don’t Meth With Us Program.

Last week Vince Moffitt gave an interesting and humorous presentation  about his recent trip to Peru.  He conducted River Rescue Training for local Fire/Rescue and Rafting companies. His goal was to help establish opportunities to build a program for all of Latin America.

Cody Cornyer, one of our newest members, agreed to take over Scholastic Books for Kids from Bob Lehmer. Cody said he and Bob are doing great with book tickets sales. Bob only has 11 tickets left and Cody has 8!  Wow!  This is amazing that we’ve had such great response.  Many thanks to everyone who has taken tickets. The menu and food at the Outback Steakhouse is well worth the $20 per ticket.

Our club is currently #1 in Membership Growth for the Southwest District, out of 82 clubs!   Just had to brag on our awesome club.

Lori Monteverdi recently visited at a recent club meeting and said she’s interested in becoming a member in the near future. Lori retires after the first of the year and plans to attend again soon.

Dennis McDaniel, Cody Cornyer’s business partner in the Hill Insurance Group, visited our club meeting last week and will fall under their Bronze Corporate membership.

Susan Furry, owner of Trip J Ranch, submitted her membership application. She is interested in being a Bronze Corporate Member. Susan will be inducted at her earliest convenience.

Would you like to earn a new Kiwanis pin?  When you bring in 5 new members you are eligible for a Ruby Award pin. Simply keep up with how many members you’ve brought in and then let the Membership chair or Club Secretary knows so your pin can be ordered and awarded to you.

Jill has recently been in contact with the Southwest District Governor, Dr. Sheila Barnett who resides in Bullhead City, AZ. Sheila plans to attend Dining With the Dead next Sept 6.  And has the date on her calendar.

At the last Board Meeting, the Board approved inviting the Barbershop Quartet (actually 6 to 8 gentlemen) to entertain us at our Sweetheart Valentine Luncheon on February 13. Be sure and invite your special someone or Friend to join you for the Valentine’s luncheon.

Update on Kiwanis Shoes for Kids:  The Board held a quick meeting and decided we will revisit the Shoes Program next spring to see what can be done a little differently.

Nikki got some great news! It’s posted on Kiwanis FB page (Rio del Sol Kiwanis) if you would like to see the 2024 Global Literacy Champions award that our club won!  The last shipment of books we packed for the African Library Project (in the spring) is finally on its way to South Africa. The ship “MMSC Coruna” is estimated to arrive in Durban, S Africa towards end of November. The books will then travel overland to Limpopo Province where they’ll be transported and distributed to the individual libraries in that area. Congratulations to Nikki and Kiwanis for providing literacy to children in South Africa!

More Volunteer Opportunities!!

Kiwanis Clothes for Kids is tonight and tomorrow night.  If you’ve volunteered to shop with a child and his/her family please come no later than 5:10.  Your help is so appreciated as Bob has about 300 elementary students coming on these 2 evenings.

Bob Brooks: rbrooks@slfcu.org

Photographer Nora Lujan will come to both events and take pictures.

Coats for Kids; If you’ve volunteered for Coats for Kids tonight or tomorrow night please arrive at Animas Valley Mall (by Dillard’s) about 5:45.

Email brian.turner@morganstanley.com.

SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGERS

This year the Salvation Army is introducing “Register To Ring” as a way to manage volunteers; it features scheduling either as an individual or 2 or more. You can then select the location, date, and time when you want to volunteer. Simply scan the QR code and viola! You are ready to select your day and time that works for you to ring a bell.  You can even bring your child to volunteer with you. The Salvation Army needs your help so please volunteer if you can. For information email:

Christopher.rockwell@usw.salvationarmy.org

A reminder…place your lunch order for tomorrow’s meeting BEFORE 10:00 AM Thursday.  Please Email your lunch order to:   Alyciaraney08@gmail.com