Kiwanis Club of Orofino inducts new officers, salutes members

by Jeff Jones

The month of October was fast and furious as it began with a new president and many new officers to do the work of Kiwanis Club of Orofino, one of the finest clubs in Orofino.

The new officers were installed at a joint dinner meeting of the Kamiah and Orofino clubs hosted by the Knights of Columbus at St. Theresa's Little Flower Room Sept. 27. Outgoing President Guy Jurgens opened the ceremonies with introduction of guests that included District 56 Lt. Gov. Jim Walker from the Lewiston Orchards Club and Past Pacific Northwest Gov. Louis Regelin from the Moscow Club.

Incoming President Heather Sawyer was pinned and immediately told those in attendance her goal for a successful year was to help the club to become more visible. The club will sponsor a new Lumberjack Fun Run to be held in conjunction with the Clearwater County Fair and Lumberjack Days in September and a Kiwanis Peanut Sales event. Also installed were Vice President Dianne Cochran, Treasurer Steve Clack and Board members Stephanie Sweener and Evelyn Kaide.

Member of the Year Award was given to Dennis Harper for his tireless efforts leading the Clearwater Community Complex Committee. He tipped his hat to all the members for their work in helping to keep this huge endeavor rolling along. Jeff and Monica Jones were awarded the Kiwanis Distinguished Service award for work with the annual Radio Days Fundraiser, Christmas Express and the Community Clean-up.

Kiwanians were happy to host Lt. Governor Walker again at their Oct. 4 meeting as he shared his goals and visions for the district. He also applauded the efforts of the Orofino club for their membership increase and retention. He has also asked the members to consider taking the lead in building a new Kiwanis Club in another community.

The following Tuesday, Oct. 11, President Heather gave her Presidential address to the group. There she said that with careful planning, the club could possibly raise more funds in their many projects planned for the coming year. She also presented Past President Guy with a plaque on behalf of all the membership for his insightful leadership. Cindy Chaney, coordinator of the Clearwater Substance Abuse Working Group (CSAW) was our featured speaker Tuesday, Oct. 18. She spoke about the increasing abuse of drugs & alcohol amongst young people nationwide. CSAW works with community members to help curb the use of illegal drugs in the county and educate children on the hazards of methamphetamine, inhalants and a new stronger marijuana than what was grown in the 60s.

As is customary the last Tuesday of each month is designated as a business meeting. Tuesday, Oct. 25, is when the club accepted two new members to help with the good work of Kiwanis. Lessie Roughton comes to us from Clearwater Health & Rehabilitation. Her sponsor Trish Reynolds, said Lessie will make a great addition to the group and bring a wealth of knowledge. Also inducted was Julie Castle. While Julie has lived in Orofino just over a year, her sponsor Monica Jones indicated she will be a tremendous asset to Kiwanis because of her past volunteer work in Grangeville where she and Jones first met 26 years ago. Julie is employed at the State Department of Health & Welfare.

See's Candy Committee Chair Beverley Jurgens said the candy this year will be sold only as "pre-sales". Members can take orders and turn them in to her in time for Christmas delivery. Trish Reynolds, chair of this years Radio Days said the event will take place at the KLER Radio Studios Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Members are currently visiting with businesses and soliciting advertising. All proceeds benefit the Kiwanis and are used to help with college scholarships for local students and more. The ads are $35 and will be read twice by Kiwanians who become "DJ for a day". Businesses may also choose to have their ad read just once at a cost of $25. If you have not been contacted, call Reynolds at 208-476-5506 ext.3848.