GK Listeners Program, 2022

Like other Kiwanis clubs, Ames Golden K’s primary focus is service to children. In Winter 2014, Golden K leadership began considering a more direct outreach to students in Ames and proposed a new reading service project for elementary school students. In Spring 2015, Golden K contacted the Ames Community School District, Director of Raising Readers of Story County and other local educators to explore ideas. Dave Peterson, Edwards Elementary Principal, and Golden K leaders agreed to pilot a reading project with Edwards First Graders in September 2015. After 2 successful years working with Edwards First Graders and Kindergartners, the program expanded to Sawyer Elementary in 2017.  The project has continued at both schools except for a break in 2020 due to Covid.  All requirements {orientation, background checks, photo nametags, close interaction with classroom teachers} by Ames Community School District for participation in the Listeners program have been met each year.  There are currently 30 Ames GK members who help make this project successful.

In recognition of this partnership, three Edwards Elementary teachers {L to R, Brooke Dalen, Amy Simonson, Selena Montag} spoke recently at Golden K’s weekly meeting.

They enthusiastically endorsed and elaborated on the many benefits of the GK Listeners project, and how it plays a direct role in building positive relationships with First Graders while working on literary skills through reading books and playing games. A typical day includes GK Listeners spending 60-90 minutes primarily listening to the students read and not reading to them. They work on a 1-1 basis as much as possible either outside the classroom in the large hallway or in the classroom.  Brooke, Amy and Selena noted that Kids and Teachers simply adore the Listeners program.  Another Edwards teacher observed “It’s been a really good program. Honestly, I think there is a lot of academic gain that comes along with it, but , really, I think a lot of our kids just want someone, especially males because a lot of our kids don’t have a strong male role model in their life, so even just the mentoring that happens is really huge for them.” Golden K member Pete Peterson commented “As a Listener, I could tell that the 1^st Graders word pronunciation rhythm and expressiveness showed improvement as the school year went by. We gave the students an opportunity to practice reading out loud to a willing set of ears. It was fun for both the students and myself.” 

Ames Golden K is looking forward to continuing its partnership with Ames Edwards and Sawyer Elementary Schools, and perhaps expanding the program to other grade levels within these schools.      

Working at ISU Dining

To help fund our Charity Donation Program, 28 Ames Golden K Kiwanis volunteers have assisted the Iowa State University “Conversations” Dining Hall staff in preparing and serving mid-day meals to the hundreds of students who occupy the Maple, Willow, Larch dormitory complex. By late October, Golden K members had worked nearly 600 hours and earned $7,000 dollars for the Charity Donation fund.  Pictured are 19 Golden K volunteers clad in their ISU Dining attire.

Judy and AGK Team Leader Tom Peter together  worked over 120 hours, helping at the Salad Bar.

Alan Sponheimer, who has worked nearly 50 hours, cleaning and sanitizing dining tables.

L to R, Roman Lynch, Mark Lohafer, Dennis Senne helping prepare desserts.

And lastly, AGK President Tom Baas, preparing dining trays.

Roadside Cleanup May, 2021

Fifteen members of Ames Golden K recently performed Spring litter cleanup on their Iowa Adopt-A-Road two-mile segment of E. 13th Street/220th Street. Golden K has performed Spring and Fall cleanup on this stretch of road every year since 2002.  Pictured from the left, Team Organizer Dennis Senne, Wayne Hagemoser, Kent Ziebell, Norm Scott, Pete Peterson, Fred Lorenz, Dick Wilson, Bob Sperry,  Team Advisor Gene Pollmann, Team Organizer Mark Lohafer, Tom Baas, Jim Theilen, and Don Muff.  Not pictured: Tom Peter and Steve Johnson.

Cyclone Country AKTION Club Support, 2020

The Cyclone Country AKTION Club has as its mission to be a community service club for adults living with disabilities.  AKTION clubs are a sponsored learning program within the family of Kiwanis Clubs thru Kiwanis International.  The club allows its members to develop initiative and leadership skills in serving the Ames community while enabling its members to integrate into society.  The Cyclone Country AKTION club is sponsored by the three local Ames Kiwanis Clubs; Ames Golden K Kiwanis Club, Ames Noon Kiwanis Club, and Ames Town and Country Kiwanis Club.  The AKTION Club plans its own community service programs and has been actively involved in food collection drives, Kiwanis Pancake Days, assisting with TEEN MAZE, Miracle League Park, and many other projects.  Current membership is 15 members. Meetings are held twice a month with a program planned by the club members, their officers, and sponsors.  Pictured with Ed Gillott, AKTION Club Coordinator, are Larry Vallery and John Abrams who currently serve as representatives from Ames Golden K Kiwanis Club on the sponsoring advisory committee for the AKTION Club.

Kiwanians Dig for Miracle League Park

On September 4^th, 12 Ames Golden K Kiwanis members plus other Kiwanians from Division 11 Kiwanis spent the morning at Ames new All-Inclusive Park and Miracle League Field cleaning up the grounds and planting flower beds.  The park and field are nearing completion with all work expected to be completed within 2 to 3 weeks.  After construction is completed, the park/field will be turned over to the City of Ames and should be available for public use.  A dedication program will be scheduled later.  The Ames Golden K Kiwanis Club has donated over $35,000 to the park/field.  Combined with other donations from other local Kiwanis Clubs, the “home” dugout for the Miracle League Field will be named the “Kiwanis Dugout.”  A Miracle League program will be established at a future date. Pictured from the Left: Elin Herrman, Dick Wilson, Kent Ziebell, Tom Peter, Bob Sperry, Judy Peter, Larry Vallery, Tom Baas, Larry Trede, Jim Cornette, and Steve Olson. Not pictured, Janet Olson.

ACCESS Support, 2020