It was a dark and stormy February afternoon and many (but not enough)Yakima Kiwanians gathered at their regular place. The food was pretty regular, although, I did hear some compliments which was not regular. Thinking fast on his feet was substitute invocator, JAY CARROLL, with some reference to the Camp Fire candy on the tables. He did brighten up the spirits and a good laugh was had (we hope God was laughing also!). Our guests were KELSEY DIX, daughter of PRESIDENT RUSS. She had the day off from school. AMY NEAL brought the new Camp Roganunda Director, Bob Mattiesen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

PAST PRESIDENT BARB GRECO reminded the past presidents that there is a meeting this week.

There was a successful even though the driving was questionable interclub to Ellensburg, Rodeo City, with AMY, CAMI LEONARD, PRESIDENT RUSS AND BARB.

LYNN SMITH announced there would be an interclub on March 3rd to CleEllum.

Congratulations were offered to our very own JUDGE, RUTH REUKAUF, who takes office March 1st as her duties expand to Superior Court. Ruth said that the appointment was a very great honor but the down side is that she has to run again for office this fall. JON ISON is one that is sorry to see her leave District Court which it seems he visited her there often!

RUSS ACKLEY announced and paid his fine in honor of his 76th birthday! Happy Birthday, Russ!

Program next week is Dave Edler on the city government.

Our program was our very own AMY NEAL, Executive Director of Camp Fire, who shared some great pictures of the 2003 Camp Roganunda Work Day. The Camp begain in 1923 and is on 16 acres of forest service land on Chinook Pass. One of our members, Judge Nichoson gave money to the Kiwanis Trust for Camp Scholarships and each year are used to help many kids get to Camp. Last year the funds helped 60 children go to Camp. Our club has supported Camp Roganunda almost from the beginning of the Camp. In 1971 the Kiwanis Club of Yakima was given the award of Honored Citizen. Member, DOUG COCHRAN, has also received the Honored Citizen award from Camp Fire. The club has been active in many projects over the years including, building the dining hall, the swimming pool, many cabins, bridges, roofs, John Sermon Memorial Shelter, power lines, pipes, painting, serving on the Camp Fire Board and donating over $95,000 (which doesn't include the labor costs)to projects at Camp. This does not include the donations made by the Kiwanis Trust which have been very large over the years.

Last year's projects included the painting of the dining hall, tin roofs installed, the Camp Store cleaned up and painted, new lights, brush removed, foundation vests, toilets installed and logs cut up for seating.

May 22 is the 2004 Camp Work Day and WENDY AGUILAR is the chairperson and JOE KENNISH is the 2nd in charge and ready to take over next year. This year we will be developing the new archery range under the leadership of MEL LIGHT; tree trimming with the help of MIKE WILSON, T-P's installed, more painting, cutting up wood, the last 2 tin roofs with RON ANDERSON head that up; Sherman Shelter painted with the help and talents of RICK LARSEN and a great project of starting to get all the screen doors uniform and JULIUS GLOVER and STEVE EMHOFF will be directing that job.

Amy said, "THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART". She said our club was the shining star over the years and has helped the camp be so successful. Amy makes sure that no child is turned away. The sessions are $275.00 per week and the kids can sell candy to help pay their way. There are 6 sessions from July 11 to August 21. Two sessions are all girls and the other 4 are co-ed.

The Camp Fire Fund RAiser is March 18, 2004. A casual evening with Young Life BBQ sandwiches and fun for all. Suggested donations are $50.00 per person.

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