Kiwanians to join in celebrating national club’s 100th anniversary

Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh is celebrating a major milestone with the 100th anniversary of the international organization on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The Tecumseh club will celebrate its 60th anniversary on May 9, 2016, as well as its tradition of service to Tecumseh.Kiwanis was founded in Detroit on January 21, 1915, by Joseph G. Prance and Allen Browne, who originally named the organization the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers (BOB). The name was changed the following year when the organization adopted the Native American word meaning “service to others,” “nun kiwanis,” and the group became Kiwanis.By 1916, the first convention was held in Cleveland, and the Kiwanis Club became an international organization with a charter club starting in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.The organization’s longevity means Kiwanis is well known. Yet, although people recognize the name, the work done by members in the local community, as well as the state, nation and world, is often a mystery.Children are the focus of Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, as is clearly stated in its motto “Serving the children of the world,” as well as the international organization’s statement’s “We are a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.” The members come from all walks of life with backgrounds in business, education, and community service.The many service projects of Kiwanis International raise over $107 million a year. Recent international projects have been focused on Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) and the elimination of Maternal Neonatal Tetanus.In Michigan, Kiwanis groups support the children’s hospitals in the state, some financially and others with volunteer support. “We have taken dinner to help feed families staying at Ronald McDonald House,” said member and past president, Doug Bird. Scholarships for Tecumseh High School seniors is a priority for Kiwanis, supporting the community’s young people. In 2014, Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh gave out 12 scholarships totaling $9,500.The organization also supports the Tecumseh High School Key Club and Tecumseh Middle School Builder’s Club, as well as contributing financially to many different activities and organizations that support children and young people in the local community.Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh works to make the community a better place, in a variety of ways. The group commissioned the stained glass work “Trees in Four Seasons” by Richard Marks, for display in the Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) lobby.“We were the first program at the TCA with our travelogue,” said Bird. Members work with area service providers to assist in a variety of ways, helping Orchard Terrace, Hospice of Lenawee, Friday Food Pack, Tecumseh Service Club, and the Salvation Army.Douglas W. Bird Memorial Park is a gift to Tecumseh from the Kiwanis Club, and the organization continues to make improvements yearly at the park. At 23.7 acres, the park includes Evans Creek and was first developed by Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh in the early 1960s.Kiwanis members spent time clearing stumps and brush, installing picnic tables, grills and playground equipment to create a community park.The park name was changed in 1989 to recognize Douglas W. Bird, one of the early members of the organization who died unexpectedly on September 9, 1972. Park development continued in two phases during the 1990s and included the installation of a pedestrian bridge, more playground equipment, additional lighting, completion of an asphalt walkway, and plantings.In addition to funds raised by Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, the park received matching funds from a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Lansing. This year, Kiwanis will work to install at new trail system in the park with the help of students at Tecumseh Middle School.Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh is planning a few special activities this year. “For the 100th anniversary, our club is collecting 100 boxes of pasta for the local food pantry, and also 100 packages of band-aids for kids,” Bird said.Without fundraising, the organization would not be able to make its contributions in the community. “We are still able to raise funds through the Travelogue Program and by selling gourmet nuts,” said Bird. “Our primary fundraiser is working the infield at Michigan International Speedway (MIS), which we man for four days around the clock. It takes 150 people to fill 190 time slots. We still generate $44,000 to $45,000 a year with MIS.”One advantage to being part of Kiwanis includes the educational activities at the weekly breakfasts, planned and organized by members. A variety of speakers and topics are covered at the weekly 7 a.m. breakfast meetings, currently held at Tecumseh United Methodist Church.Tecumseh Kiwanis Club has approximately 50 members. Recently, Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh has had younger members join the organization. “We continue to look for younger people with an interest in helping and giving back to their community,” Bird said. “Kiwanis is always welcoming new members. Come and visit. Try us on and see if we fit.”More information about Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh can be found at www.tecumsehkiwanis.org. Information on the Michigan Kiwanis organization is at www.midistrict-kiwanis.org, and the national organization is online at www.kiwanis.org.