Some may wonder, “What’s a meeting like for the Ames Golden K Kiwanis?”  Glad you asked!   Most programs are similar in format and follow an order like this from the Dec. 5, 2013 meeting.

Actually things begin BEFORE the meeting, such as the Cookies and Coffee and Fellowship from about 9 to 9:30.  Here Sandy Fleck opens the cookie trays and Jack Riney helps himself.

And groups of folks chat and catch up with each other.

The President rings the bell at precisely 9:30 each Thursday.  Then, our song leader Roger Anderson leads us in the Star Spangled Banner,  followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.   Here’s Roger and group:

Then, another song or two.  President Don Muff checks on the welfare of the group (anyone on the sick list today?) and makes announcements.   Someone has a joke or two.  (Every day needs some humor!)  Here Muff welcomes new member Dennis Senne.

Vice-President Jim Cornett then introduces the guest speaker for the day.

Next comes the feature of today’s program, the presenter.  At this meeting Richard Johnson, Director, Iowa Legal Services Agency, Des Moines,  spoke on the topic, “How Our Iowa Laws Get Written.” Of course, a Q & A session normally follows our presentations. Here Johnson responds to a question:

How do we end?   The president usually has a thought for the day (more pithy humor) and we all remind ourselves and reaffirm the purpose of Kiwanis:

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.