NEXT MEETING DAY:  TUESDAY  - May 6  12:00 - to the End

MEETING PLACE:  Papapollino’s Mediterranean Bistro   2501 McHenry Ave  Modesto  CA   (Web-Site)

SPEAKER:    Jessica Coleman - Color The Skies, President

                            Children's Garden Director

President Kevin Scott

Modesto Kiwanis Club meeting of April 29, 2025 

A full table of members and guests blessed us this day. As we waited for the stragglers to be served club President, Kevin Scott rang the starting bell, and Harold Petersen led the pledge of allegiance. Don Ahrens began to lead “My Country ‘tis of Thee” in a low tone. Our voices struggled through the patriotic song. Bearable, barely. Don acknowledged the lesson to begin on a higher note.

Carole Thoming gave an invocation. 

Kevin introduced Marie, a visitor from the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Club in Southern California. Our Lieutenant Governor, Lori Rosman from the other Modesto K club, was also introduced.  

Kevin mentioned the upcoming bicycle giveaway that the club is supporting at Sylvan Middle School. Bikes will be given, one to a boy, one to a girl, to the winner of a drawing from among the kids with perfect attendance this year. 

Our speaker today was Jason Conway, (North Modesto Kiwanis Member) the CEO of Modesto Gospel Mission.

   He gave an impressively comprehensive report of the history and all the programs of the Gospel Mission. Jason was born and raised in Modesto and has been a staff member since 2008. He’s been the CEO for almost 8 years. The budget has grown steadily to 4.2 million dollars, 60 to 70 percent is from private donations. Administrative costs are held to 7 percent.

   This Saturday, beginning at 9am an open house will be held at the renovated office at 120 Kerr Avenue, just off Yosemite Boulevard. Chick-Filet will have breakfast offerings available. In addition to the traditional programs they will have a startup coffee service at 1010 Tenth Street beginning in May. We were impressed by his presentation of this public/private community service!

    Discussion began about the continuing struggle to deal with homelessness. The Mission provides 300 shelter beds per night and there is a chapel area for women and children who appear at night.

    Modesto City Council Member Jeremiah Williams informed us of several low-income housing developments existing or in construction by the public sector. A 54 unit project is at the west end of Needham and a brand new set of mini-cottages paid for by Federal HUD money is at 9th and D streets. 

Our visiting Kiwanian, Marie, said she is a retired Deputy Sheriff following her boyfriend's local employment. They are in the process of relocating. We would love to have her as a new member of Modesto Kiwanis!

Happy and Sad:

   Kevin is saddened by the death of a 45-year-old nephew. His heart stopped when impacted by a ski pole. He has previously mentioned the dire condition of his brother, who died Sunday.

   Bill Gordin said a member of his staff was in an auto accident and will be off work for several months. On a more positive note Bill was a winner on a visit to Black Oak Casino in Tuolumne.

   Generous Lori donated $10 while reporting that it's “a blessing” that she is caring for her 20-month-old granddaughter while her mother is at work.

   Marie said she is happy to meet us and learn about our community.

   John Hertle enjoyed seeing the SF Giants pull off a “little league home run”. He explained how this happens with assistance from the fielding team errors.

   Jeremiah expressed appreciation to Jason of the Gospel Mission for revealing to us “what true leadership is all about”. Well said! He also said he is now the proud grandfather of Zachariah. Michel is the happy father.

   Ron Freitas said they enjoyed a visit to the geographical center of California. There is no monument to the out-of-the-way location in the south San Joaquin Valley.

   Craig Haupt apologized for being late. He invited our guests to participate in our upcoming Shrimp Cioppino dinner fund raiser. He tossed in $10.

   Charlie Nguyen was happy to be back after missing several weeks.

   Harold Petersen was happy to hear “the best program ever” today.

   John Thoming told of a trip to LA and lamented the deteriorated condition of Interstate 5. They enjoyed dinner at Bingees Basque Restaurant. I think its in Bakersfield.

   Carole is happy with her, new to her, 2022 Lexus. John said it appeared immaculate but its already had a flat tire and the battery is old.

   Jerry Jackman was happy to be with his daughter’s family for two nights in tent cabins in Yosemite Valley. The boys, Zephaniah age 12 and Asa, age 8, were thrilled by the waterfalls. Jerry was surprised that the family may be moving back to “Cali” after 8 years on Martha’s Vineyard. They have never adjusted to the long, chilly winters. Lisa works from home and Daniel is a veteran designer and installer of solar systems. They are considering the small town of Sebastopol in Sonoma County.

   Don Ahrens said we can expect unsettled weather this week.

   Lori thanked the club for helping and attending the recent Lieutenant Governor’s visit. She will be attending the Kiwanis International Convention in Pittsburgh in June, following a vacation to Europe.

Lori said the extremely successful June car show event is in the top 10 of international competition in the Signature Project. They have been asked to tell about it at a seminar.

Marble Draw 

Under mysterious circumstances Paul’s ticket was drawn and he grabbed the winning “black” marble. He’s $75 richer. Congratulations! 

Jerry Jackman Scribe of the Day