Kate Reynolds, Ames Area Director of ChildServe {pictured left}, Erica Axiotis, Executive Director, the ChildServe Foundation {pictured center} and Dr. Teri Wahlig, Chair of the ChildServe Board of Directors {pictured right} were featured speakers at a recent Ames Golden K weekly Thursday meeting, which continues virtually via ZOOM. Ms. Reynolds, a 15 year ChildServe veteran expressed her thanks on behalf of ChildServe for Ames Golden K’s $13,200 in donations since 2007.
ChildServe is a 92 year old organization formed in Des Moines/Johnston in 1928, and who opened care centers in Iowa City in 1981 and Ames in 2000. Their mission is to partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life. 15% {100,000} of Iowa children have healthcare needs. ChildServe’s staff of 1,400 serves 4,500 children currently, with a goal of serving 10,000 by their 100th anniversary in 2028. The Story County/Ames location began with 150 children in 2000 and currently serves 600 children.
Dr. Wahlig noted that ChildServe is not a hospital, but is focused on efforts such as Pediatric Rehabilitation Programs, Post Acute Services, Speech Therapy, Behavioral Health, and Complex Medical issues. Their recently drafted Strategic Plan will concentrate heavily on Program Growth in Child Health, doing better as an Organization, and establishing further partnerships with other organizations–profit and non-profit. All 3 speakers shared details on the challenges presented by COVID-19 and how ChildServe has successfully adapted.
Ms. Reynolds concluded the presentation by sharing a video “Believing in The Spirit of a Child” which illustrates how a parent can be positively affected by Childserve. She also noted that recent Ames Golden K monetary gifts have been used to purchase IPads and other classroom equipment, and some funds were also used to help finance a recent Playground renovation at the Ames facility. For more information about Ames Golden K, please see their website
www.amesgoldenk.org
Sustainable Fish Farming in Iowa
Last Updated: June 7, 2024 by Joe T Leave a Comment
Paul Skartvedt of Eagle’s Catch Fish Hatchery located in Ellsworth, IA, was the featured speaker at a recent Thursday weekly meeting of Ames Golden K, which continue to be held virtually. Mr. Skartvedt formerly owned Buckeye Fish, Radcliffe, IA, which was divested in favor of building a larger, better, and different facility in Ellsworth. Eagle’s Catch is family owned and includes 58 investors, 90% of whom are involved in agriculture. Their main product is Tilapia. Their mission is to provide American families with the safe, fresh, and sustainable seafood they need by engaging rural communities as providers.
Skartvedt explained that Eagle’s Catch is one of the largest on-land fish farms in the world, with Tilapia being the 4th largest U.S. seafood product by volume. He also noted that marketable “wild caught” seafood is unsustainable as most oceans are becoming overfished. Skartvedt stated Eagle’s Catch goals for the future include selling their product to live fish wholesalers located in large U.S. metro areas, building a new model of fish production that is forward looking, becoming more environmentally sustainable and advanced technologically. Mr. Skartvedt concluded his presentation by inviting Golden K members to a virtual and/or in person tour of the Eagle’s Catch facility in the Ellsworth Industrial Park.
[evp_embed_video url=”https://amesgoldenk.org/wp-content/uploads/Eagle-Catch-tour.mp4″]Cyclone Country AKTION Club Support, 2020
Last Updated: October 4, 2022 by Joe T Leave a Comment
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.
Many Donations 2020!
Last Updated: October 4, 2022 by Joe T Leave a Comment
Ames Golden K (AGK) contributed MANY donations in 2020. Because of the COVID-19 limitations, we did these “by delivery” instead of our normal in-meetings presentations to each agency. Here are some just some of the year’s donations:
Child Serve Managers at Ames Golden K Kiwanis
Last Updated: June 7, 2024 by Joe T Leave a Comment
Iowa Cattlemen’s Asso. 2020
Last Updated: October 4, 2022 by Joe T Leave a Comment
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