Blog – Page 8 – Ames Golden K Kiwanis

Kiwanians Dig for Miracle League Park

Last Updated: October 4, 2022 by Joe T Leave a Comment

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

Last Updated: October 4, 2022 by Joe T Leave a Comment

Ames Golden K Kiwanis recently donated $1,000 to the Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support {ACCESS}. Their mission is to address the roots and impact of sexual and domestic violence with services that enhance safety, empower survivors, and promote social justice and understanding within the community. There are 4 major ACCESS program thrusts–sexual abuse, domestic abuse, violent crimes, and housing.

Trained advocates are ready to help discuss options for the victim’s immediate safety and well-being through the operation of a 24/7 crisis line.. They serve as an advocate for victims and provide support when needed for reporting crimes or when medical treatment and assistance is needed. Golden K’s donation will be used to support the operation of the ACCESS crisis line.

Pictured from the left, Golden K’s John and Cheryl Abrams, ACCESS Development Coordinator Courtney Palmershein, and Golden K’s Tom Baas.

ISU Volleyball 2020

Last Updated: October 4, 2022 by Joe T Leave a Comment

Iowa State’s Head Volleyball Coach Christy Johnson-Lynch was the featured speaker at a recent weekly Thursday Golden K Kiwanis meeting which continues to be held virtually via ZOOM. Ms. Johnson shared the following:

All but one volleyball team member returned to ISU for preseason training shortly after July 4. The absent team member didn’t arrive from Argentina until August 8 due to travel restrictions. All team members were Quarantined for 1 week and tested for COVID prior to beginning their training regimen.
There are 20 players on this year’s team. The team has been divided in to “pods” consisting of 2 groups of 10 players, which minimizes the number of team members that may have to quarantine should any pod member contract COVID.
All players and coaching staff wear masks at all times while training–this can be challenging from a communications standpoint. Social distancing is strictly enforced.
Off Court behavior by players and staff to minimize COVID exposure has been successful.
All matches this Fall will be against Big 12 opponents–no non-conference matches will be played, until ISU qualifies for the NCAA tournament which will consist of 32 rather than 64 teams and be held in the Spring.
All matches are “Double Headers” rather than the “Home and Home” traditional Big 12 schedule. ISU’s first match will be the weekend of 9/25-26. There will be no admission charged for ISU home matches. Hilton seating will be ideal for social distancing by fans attending matches. A schedule for the season will be released in early September.
All players, including Senior team members, will retain eligibility whether they opt in or opt out to play.
With only one team member graduating last Spring, this ISU team is as talented and deep as any team Christy has coached at ISU.
There is great experience at every position. Outside hitters have been especially impressive in early workouts.
Baylor and Texas are the early favorites to win the Big 12, but ISU will certainly be more than competitive and will challenge for the title.
Biggest Challenge–Staying out of quarantine! 25-50% of scholarship players in quarantine could cause cancellation or possible forfeiture of a match. During the season, testing will be done on each player 2-3 times a week with one test within 12-24 hours before each match.

Golden K members were very appreciative of Ms. Johnson taking time from her very busy schedule to speak at their meeting. Iowa State University is very blessed with having a volleyball coach as caring for team and staff, knowledgeable and competitive as Christy Johnson Lynch.

Study Abroad Prog. in ISU Ag & Life Sciences

Last Updated: October 4, 2022 by Joe T Leave a Comment

Jodi Cornell, Director of Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences {CALS} Study Abroad

Programs, spoke at a recent Ames Golden K Thursday weekly meeting which continues to be held virtually via ZOOM. Study Abroad gives ISU students the opportunity to study and live in a foreign region of this world.

COVID-19 has curtailed many of the 2020-21 Study Abroad programs, but not completely. Mr. Cornell shared details/statistics which demonstrate how important it is for ISU students to enroll in Study Abroad, and the many benefits– professional, educational and personal each student will realize from their participation. The first international program for CALS students was in 1964, and all travel was to European countries. Beginning in 1980 the program was expanded to Asian countries, and now the program includes Central/South America, Australia, New Zealand plus Caribbean countries.

During 2018-19, 1,817 students studied abroad, 442 of whom were CALS students. In a recent survey, 96% of Study Abroad students agree that studying abroad is a good investment. The programs a student can choose are varied in content and length.

Most programs include a professor who travels with the students. Sometimes plans have to change if there is unrest, etc. in a country scheduled for Study Abroad.

Financial aid for studying abroad is available through scholarships/grants. Passport and other fees are reimbursed. ISU also has a donor program which offsets costs.

Ames Golden K members applauded {virtually} Mr. Cornell’s excellent presentation.

Posted: August 6, 2020 by Joe T Leave a Comment