Weekly Updates

Kristi, Michael and Jennifer enjoyed attending the Toledo Public School’s Celebration of Excellence program at the Toledo Club last evening. We got to meet and chat with three of our seven scholarship recipients. They are all worthy, grateful, and respectable. The evening kicked off with an inspiring and humorous message from Dr. Romulus Durant, the Superintendent of TPS. Wow is he a motivating speaker. He personally worked the room of 300 plus attendees and handed a business card to each student, saying that if they reached out to him via email, he would always write a letter of recommendation for them. He reminded them that their mentors should not be sports and entertainment figures, but those working, living, and attending college with them. They were the ones to turn to in times of need.

A recap of March includes deciding on seven worthy TPS scholarship candidates - a tough job considering there were over 100 to pick from. We are able to present each student with a $3000.00 scholarship. Attached to this article are the applicants we chose. This was a city wide portal so several philanthropic groups awarded scholarships. Pat Scharf your name was brought up as being the champion to start and head this wonderful endeavor.

Scholarships Granted To:

• Tamya Griffin
• Devon Hartford
• Deanna Lemons
• Danielle Nolasko
• Aiden Pierce
• Elizabeth Sanchez
• LJ Trowbridge

Then several of us attended a tour of the Boys and Girls Club on the Detroit Avenue campus to see all the wonderful changes and updates that are in progress. We then presented director Jim Ravas with a nice check for the Dave Wehrmeister Power Hour program. Lunch followed at Stubborn Brother.

It was a wonderful month of March - a great time to be a Kiwanian. For those members that can no longer attend meetings or join us, please share with friends and family what we do. You all contributed to securing these funds!

Hello,

Thought I’d post a few pictures of a Hocking Hills Winter Hike we did this past Saturday. We do this every year. It’s a seven mile point to point challenging hike. Half way through, the Kiwanis Club of Logan Ohio hosts a free lunch consisting of bean soup, muffins, and hot chocolate. They ask for donations. Usually about eight thousand people hike; however, with sub zero temps and lots of ice on the up and down stone steps and paths, the crowd was probably around four thousand. Check out the soup recipe. The whole town comes together to welcome us - including providing 12 school busses and the drivers to continuously shuttle us back to the start.

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Important message from President Greg…

Our luncheon for this Wednesday December 6^th is on for Noon as usual,  BUT the change will be that we are NOT in our meeting room and will be out in the main dining room.  Greg has to get a count of reservations by 4PM Tuesday as to how many will be showing up for lunch. If you are attending, please RSVP to Greg by calling or texting 419-265-0999.  Or can email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Also, an update of important dates:

December 18 we will be shopping at Sam’s Club in Holland to buy the stuff for the goodie bags.

December 19 we will be assembling the goodie bags at Sherman Elementary

December 20 we will NOT be having our normal luncheon but instead we need volunteers at Sherman Elementary to help serve pizza to the children.

Times to follow-up these dates as we get closer.  Also, there will be fellowship after each event for some holiday cheer.

Thanks,

Greg

On Wednesday September 20, 2023, we have the usual lunch at noon at Manhattan’s downtown.

Then we have the Football Challenge with the kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Toledo at the Glassbowl at the University of Toledo.  The kids will get there in waves beginning at 4:30PM.  If we can have volunteers assemble early to help set up at 4:00PM that would be great.    In the past we have parked on the northside of he stadium and walk in the stadium by the Rocket and near lot 10.  Should be a great time!

Thanks,
Greg

At the recent Kiwanis Youth Fishing Derby held at Olander Park in Sylvania, about three dozen kids learned one of the foundational lessons involved in America’s most popular outdoor sport – it is called “fishing” not "catching.”

Fifteen members of the Kiwanis Club of Toledo, along with a like number of student-athletes from the University of Toledo track and cross country teams and a contingent of adult staff members from the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo, were tasked with shepherding the kids through some of the basics of angling and keeping the hooks in the water on what proved to be a tough day for catching.

Toledo attorney and Derby master Gene Canestraro said it was a very stubborn bite on a warm August day with even warmer lake water and lethargic fish, but the educational aspect should put the young fishermen on a solid course for a lifetime of fishing fun, with an emphasis on the patience the sport demands.

“While the catching was difficult, I believe we taught the children who participated a new skill, improved on skills they have, and encouraged them to work cooperatively and charitably in tough conditions,” Mr. Canestraro said.

The local Kiwanis organization has been hosting an annual youth fishing derby for the past quarter century. After an instructional introduction to fishing, a prayer, and the distribution of fishing gear on loan from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, the fishing commences.

The group has treated kids ages 7 to 16 years old to fishing in area private ponds as well as the lakes and ponds located in the Sylvania and Metroparks Toledo park systems. A cookout and awards session follows the fishing for a day filled with laughter, smiles, and a few fish.

“It always fills my heart with genuine delight to witness the honest joy within these children’s eyes and the rounded cheekbones of a full-face smile, especially when believing our Kiwanis family [and guests] is the genesis,” Mr. Canestraro said, “and when we act in ways which announce to them that ‘You are important to me ... let us show you why.’ ”

He added the corps of “fishing chaperones” who spend the session baiting hooks, removing fish, and untangling lines are rewarded for donating their time with the unbridled joy in the air.

“To hear the excited cackle of our young fisherpersons is, for me, and I believe for most, a worthy and welcomed gift,” Mr. Canestraro said.

Happy Tuesday!

We are meeting at noon tomorrow for lunch at Manhattan’s Restaurant

Also, we are looking for volunteers for Saturday August 26th.

First event is the “Let’s Build Beds” (see sheet attached). I believe Don Starbuck and myself are signed up to help at this event.

Second event for the day is Bob Bollin’s Car Show. This event is a great event and thanks Bob for leading this great fundraiser for our Kiwanis Club. ( Included a sheet for this event) Bob needs6 volunteers, 3 for the shift of 11:30AM to 1: 30PM and then 3 volunteers for 1:30PM to 3:30PM.

Please let me know if you are interested in vo9lunteering at either event.

Greg Loeb

From Elizabeth Hoerner -

Good morning! It was such a pleasure connecting with the recipients of the Kiwanis Club of Toledo scholarships at last night’s award banquet honoring all TPS valedictorians, salutatorians, and TPS Foundation scholarship honorees.

Here are pictures of each student as they were individually recognized and congratulated by TPS Superintendent Dr. Durant, President of the Board of Education Sheena Barnes, and TPS Foundation Board member Adam Motycka (who is also a Leadership Toledo alum!).

Me and Maya, a member of Leadership Toledo’s youth programs. I am so terribly proud of her as she prepares to head for The Ohio State University in the fall. She is going to be a leader and game-changer in all that she does (truly, she already is).

I also noticed a story featuring Madison Glover (and her twin sister) that ran on 13abc yesterday. Check it out! https://www.13abc.com/2023/04/18/building-better-schools-twin-sisters-named-valedictorian-salutatorian/

Elizabeth Hoerner

Operations and Communications Manager

Leadership Toledo

316 Adams St.

Toledo , OH 43604

See you at Manhattan’s this Wednesday. Need a full house to celebrate 419 day.

419 Day, April 19th, is Toledo's officially-unofficial holiday.

Regular meeting is scheduled for 4-5-23 @ Noon at Manhattans.   Tomorrow! 

1. Covering 2023 Scholarship recipients
2. Division Meeting on 4-27-23 hosted by The Downtown Kiwanis Club of Toledo at historic Michael’s Restaurant.

Regular meeting scheduled for 4-19-23.  @ Noon at Manhattans.

See you next Wednesday at Manhattan’s at noon.