Congratulations to Valley Park High School Graduate, Allison Rugg!
In April, Allison (pictured in center) received the 2023 VPHS Scholarship sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC). Club Secretary Paul Eckler (left) and Kathy Josephsohn, Club treasurer presented the scholarship at Valley Park’s Annual Scholarship Awards banquet. Allison will be honored at the Club’s luncheon meeting in June. The Kiwanis Club of MVC has presented scholarships to Valley Park High School graduates for more than 22 years.
Book Distribution at Valley Park
Valley Park Elementary Specialist Classes
Just before Spring break we had a wonderful visit from the Meramec Valley Kiwanis Club! They purchased a brand new book for each Valley Park student, grades 1-5. The students couldn’t believe that they could all have a new book. They kept asking, “Can we keep it forever?” “Yes you can!” Thank you Meramec Valley Kiwanis! Happy reading! Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community
What a great day yesterday (Saturday, June 18, 2022) for our Kiwanis Camp Wyman cleanup day! Beautiful weather and a great group from South Stl County, Crestwood Sunset Hulls, Meramec Valley Community, St. Charles and Bridgeton! Great day!! Thank you for helping out!! Jim Grant and Roger Jespersen made up the Meramec Valley crew.Local Kiwanians are recognized by Global Organization
Kathy Josephsohn, treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC), presents honors to President-elect Roger Jespersen (right) and his wife, Susan (not pictured) for their generous contributions to Kiwanis International’s Kiwanis Children’s Fund. In addition to the support from the Jespersen’s, this year, the members of the Kiwanis Club of MVC have participated in the $365 Project ($1 per day) two-fold by donating the equivalent of $2 per day to the Fund.
In a letter to the club, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Kiwanis International and the Kiwanis Children’s Fund Pamela Norman said, “These members have amplified their Kiwanis impact. Their generosity helps feed hungry kids, empowers teens to become leaders and ensures that children have access to the education and supplies that they need.” Donations to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, a 501 c) (3) foundation, benefits children in all parts of the world and expands the reach of local Kiwanis clubs globally.Kiwanis Club of MVC supports Local Food Pantry Kiwanis Club President Angie Oshia (left) thanks Juliet Holden, senior director, resource development, Circle of Concern, for speaking at the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community’s first meeting of their calendar year. The Club recently donated money to the Food Pantry’s Thanksgiving Basket Program. Currently club members are purchasing gift cards for Circle’s Holiday Family Adoption Program. Located in Valley Park, Mo., Circle serves approximately 2,000 families per month. The Kiwanis Club has supported Circle of Concern for more than 20 years.Taslima Aktar, a 2021 graduate of Valley Park High School, currently attends St. Louis University, majoring in Health Science.Johanna Broten, a 2021 graduate of Rockwood Summit High School, received the prestigious 2021 Earl Collins Foundation Scholarship, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of MVC.Sarah Hall (left) is congratulated by her mother, Donna Hall at a recent Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community meeting.
Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community presents Three Scholarships
This fall, three young women begin their post-secondary education with the support of the local community through the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC). Graduating seniors from each of the following local public high schools, Valley Park; Rockwood Summit and Parkway West High School, received a college scholarship from Kiwanis.
Taslima Aktar, 18, is a freshman at St. Louis University. Majoring in Health Science, she plans a career as a Physician’s Assistant. While attending Valley Park High School, Aktar served her community by volunteering at a variety of local non-profit organizations, including Magic House, Project Downtown and Missouri Baptist Hospital. This year marks the 2oth year that the Kiwanis Club has made a donation to a scholarship for a Valley Park High School graduate. Aktar is the daughter of Kamal Uddin and Selina Aktar.
Johanna Broten is pursuing an undergraduate degree, majoring in International Studies and Spanish at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She plans to study abroad to prepare for a career working in a non-profit organization to help fight global poverty. In her senior year at Rockwood Summit High School, Fenton, Mo., Broten served as Key Club co-president. She received the prestigious 2021 Earl Collins Foundation Scholarship, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of MVC. Broten, 18, is the daughter of Derik and Kristin Broten.
Sarah Hall is the first-year recipient of the Kiwanis Club of MVC’s scholarship to a Parkway West High School graduating senior. Also, she received Missouri’s A+ Program scholarship. Hall is attending Webster University, Webster Groves, Mo. She is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Animation. Hall is the daughter of Scott and Donna Hall.
Kilians Dream to Walk
Kilian is Pediatric Cerebral Palsy patient sponsored by Kiwanis clubs in France for surgery in St. Louis. Donations were requested to assist the family while in St. Louis. Nancy Willimon offered to match donations received by August 16 up to $5000.
Nancy arranged a visit from Fredbird. Kilian attended a Cardinals GameKilian and family at the Arch in St. LouisKiwanis Children’s Fund awarded Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community a Today Club-Gold Certificate for contributions in 2019-2020. Roger Jespersen, MO-ARK Eliminate Advocate, presents the award to David Green, club President.
We make annual donations to Oasis to support their tutor program in local schools. Our donations are used to provide updated learning materials.
Oasis Receives Check for Reading Tutor Supplies
Mary Click of Oasis receives a check for $250 from Judy Gustafson, President of Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community. Looking on are members Glenn Koenen, Dave Green, Charlotte Lehmann, Angie Oshia, Kathy Josephsohn, and Pack Willimon. The check is for updated lesson supplies used by Oasis reading tutors in west St. Louis County schools.
First Responders
We recognize First Responders in the area and present them with gift certificates.
Meramec Valley Kiwanis Club honors Three Local Fire Districts
To broaden their service to the community, in 2019, the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community honored three local fire districts. Throughout the summer, officers of each fire district, Valley Park Fire Protection District (June); Metro West Fire District (August) and West County EMS and Fire (September) updated club members on their current programs at each of the club’s meetings. Kiwanis Club members honored each fire district for their dedicated service to the community with a framed certificate of appreciation and a tray of cookies. Following each meeting, officers invited members to tour their respective houses.
Judy Gustafson, past president of the club, commended the officers for their immeasurable service to the community. Next summer, the Kiwanis club plans to honor the area fire district officers at their other stations. Valley Park and West County each have two houses and Metro West has five stations. Protecting more than 88 square miles, the three districts serve the communities of Ballwin, Castlewood, Chesterfield, Clarkson Valley, Ellisville, Manchester, Sherman, Town and Country, Valley Park, Wildwood, Winfield and unincorporated St. Louis County. Photos:
Kiwanis Photo 1 In June, officers with the Valley Park Fire & Rescue, Station 2, receive a certificate of appreciation and a tray of cookies from the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community after a tour of their facilities located on Crescent Avenue in Valley Park, Mo. Pictured from left are Deputy Chief Jeramy Poleski & Assistant Chief Rolland Piotraschke, and Kiwanis Club members Kathy Josephsohn & Judy Gustafson. The District covers 10 square miles. This year the District is on track to run 2,300 calls.
Kiwanis Photo 2 The Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community honored the Metro West EMS & Fire Protection District at their August meeting. Pictured from left are Director of Community Health & External Affairs Matt Coppin; Kiwanis President David Green and Metro West Captain Minnie McCoy. Officers distributed “Vial of Life” Emergency Medical Information kits to each of the Kiwanis Club members.
Kiwanis Photo 3 Pictured above showcasing their newly designed “Safety House” are West County EMS & Fire Protection District’s Deputy Chief Kelly Grassmuck; Director of Safety House Kelly Cobb and Captain Brandon White. In September, the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community honored the District for their dedicated service to their community. West County’s Station #2, located on Henry Avenue, Manchester, Mo., houses a state-of-the-art “Safety House” for educating children and adults on home safety.
Camp Wyman
Kiwanis has a long history of working with Camp Wyman in Eureka, which has programs to coach inner city youths to get their diplomas and continue their education. Our club makes annual donations.
Student of the Year
Each year we recognize students from area high schools. We buy them lunch and give them gift certificates.
Scholarship Winners
2022 Scholarship: Each year Kiwanis Earl Collins Foundation offers a $1000 scholarship to graduating seniors in Kiwanis Division 9. Applications are due January 15, 2022. The form is available
Mr. Pack Willimon, President, Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community, presents the Kiwanis Earl Collins $1000 Scholarship to Miss Jessica Phung, 18, of Ellisville. Looking on are her mother, Mrs. Ha Kim Phung, Mr. Don Leupold, Earl Collins Foundation Trustee, Mr. Paul Eckler, Secretary, and Mrs. Nancy Willimon, Lt. Gov., Kiwanis Div 9. Miss Phung is a graduate of Marquette High School where she was a four year member and officer of Kiwanis Key Club. She plans to attend Missouri University of Science & Technology (MUS&T) majoring in Information Science and Technology.
Earl Collins Division 9 Scholarship to Meramec Valley Community Kiwanis Student
Judy Gustafson, President of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community, presents the 2018 Kiwanis Earl Collins $1000 Scholarship for Division 9 to Adrian Fedorko of Des Peres, MO. Earl Collins Scholarships are funded by the fund raising efforts of Kiwanis clubs throughout the Missouri-Arkansas District of Kiwanis International. Mr. Fedorko is the son of Donald and Sarah Fedorko. He is a 2018 graduate of St. Louis Priory High School. He plans to attend Northeastern University majoring in Electrical Engineering and Physics.
Circle of Concern Food Bank
We make annual contributions to Circle of Concern. We also participate in their “Adopt a Family” program for the holidays.
Charities
The list of charities we sponsor is long.
Valley Park Scholarship Winner
In April, Allison (pictured in center) received the 2023 VPHS Scholarship sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC). Club Secretary Paul Eckler (left) and Kathy Josephsohn, Club treasurer presented the scholarship at Valley Park’s Annual Scholarship Awards banquet. Allison will be honored at the Club’s luncheon meeting in June. The Kiwanis Club of MVC has presented scholarships to Valley Park High School graduates for more than 22 years.
Book Distribution at Valley Park
Valley Park Elementary Specialist Classes
Just before Spring break we had a wonderful visit from the Meramec Valley Kiwanis Club! They purchased a brand new book for each Valley Park student, grades 1-5. The students couldn’t believe that they could all have a new book. They kept asking, “Can we keep it forever?”
“Yes you can!” Thank you Meramec Valley Kiwanis! Happy reading! Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community
Kathy Josephsohn, treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC), presents honors to President-elect Roger Jespersen (right) and his wife, Susan (not pictured) for their generous contributions to Kiwanis International’s Kiwanis Children’s Fund. In addition to the support from the Jespersen’s, this year, the members of the Kiwanis Club of MVC have participated in the $365 Project ($1 per day) two-fold by donating the equivalent of $2 per day to the Fund.
In a letter to the club, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Kiwanis International and the Kiwanis Children’s Fund Pamela Norman said, “These members have amplified their Kiwanis impact. Their generosity helps feed hungry kids, empowers teens to become leaders and ensures that children have access to the education and supplies that they need.” Donations to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, a 501 c) (3) foundation, benefits children in all parts of the world and expands the reach of local Kiwanis clubs globally.
Kiwanis Club President Angie Oshia (left) thanks Juliet Holden, senior director, resource development, Circle of Concern, for speaking at the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community’s first meeting of their calendar year. The Club recently donated money to the Food Pantry’s Thanksgiving Basket Program. Currently club members are purchasing gift cards for Circle’s Holiday Family Adoption Program. Located in Valley Park, Mo., Circle serves approximately 2,000 families per month. The Kiwanis Club has supported Circle of Concern for more than 20 years.
Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community presents Three Scholarships
This fall, three young women begin their post-secondary education with the support of the local community through the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC). Graduating seniors from each of the following local public high schools, Valley Park; Rockwood Summit and Parkway West High School, received a college scholarship from Kiwanis.
Taslima Aktar, 18, is a freshman at St. Louis University. Majoring in Health Science, she plans a career as a Physician’s Assistant. While attending Valley Park High School, Aktar served her community by volunteering at a variety of local non-profit organizations, including Magic House, Project Downtown and Missouri Baptist Hospital. This year marks the 2oth year that the Kiwanis Club has made a donation to a scholarship for a Valley Park High School graduate. Aktar is the daughter of Kamal Uddin and Selina Aktar.
Johanna Broten is pursuing an undergraduate degree, majoring in International Studies and Spanish at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She plans to study abroad to prepare for a career working in a non-profit organization to help fight global poverty. In her senior year at Rockwood Summit High School, Fenton, Mo., Broten served as Key Club co-president. She received the prestigious 2021 Earl Collins Foundation Scholarship, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of MVC. Broten, 18, is the daughter of Derik and Kristin Broten.
Sarah Hall is the first-year recipient of the Kiwanis Club of MVC’s scholarship to a Parkway West High School graduating senior. Also, she received Missouri’s A+ Program scholarship. Hall is attending Webster University, Webster Groves, Mo. She is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Animation. Hall is the daughter of Scott and Donna Hall.
Kilians Dream to Walk
Kilian is Pediatric Cerebral Palsy patient sponsored by Kiwanis clubs in France for surgery in St. Louis. Donations were requested to assist the family while in St. Louis. Nancy Willimon offered to match donations received by August 16 up to $5000.
Eliminate
Kiwanis International working with Unicef is working to eliminate neonatal tetanus, a disease that kills thousands. Our club is a model club. https://k14.site.kiwanis.org/eliminate-model-clubs/
Earl Collins Foundation
Our club makes annual donations to this MO-ARK Foundation which in turn offers annual scholarships and supports Key Clubs.
Application forms for the 2022 Earl Collins Scholarships are now available. Applications are due January 15, 2022
Oasis
We make annual donations to Oasis to support their tutor program in local schools. Our donations are used to provide updated learning materials.
Oasis Receives Check for Reading Tutor Supplies
Mary Click of Oasis receives a check for $250 from Judy Gustafson, President of Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community. Looking on are members Glenn Koenen, Dave Green, Charlotte Lehmann, Angie Oshia, Kathy Josephsohn, and Pack Willimon. The check is for updated lesson supplies used by Oasis reading tutors in west St. Louis County schools.
First Responders
We recognize First Responders in the area and present them with gift certificates.
Meramec Valley Kiwanis Club honors Three Local Fire Districts
To broaden their service to the community, in 2019, the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community honored three local fire districts. Throughout the summer, officers of each fire district, Valley Park Fire Protection District (June); Metro West Fire District (August) and West County EMS and Fire (September) updated club members on their current programs at each of the club’s meetings. Kiwanis Club members honored each fire district for their dedicated service to the community with a framed certificate of appreciation and a tray of cookies. Following each meeting, officers invited members to tour their respective houses.
Judy Gustafson, past president of the club, commended the officers for their immeasurable service to the community. Next summer, the Kiwanis club plans to honor the area fire district officers at their other stations. Valley Park and West County each have two houses and Metro West has five stations. Protecting more than 88 square miles, the three districts serve the communities of Ballwin, Castlewood, Chesterfield, Clarkson Valley, Ellisville, Manchester, Sherman, Town and Country, Valley Park, Wildwood, Winfield and unincorporated St. Louis County.
Photos:
Kiwanis Photo 1
In June, officers with the Valley Park Fire & Rescue, Station 2, receive a certificate of appreciation and a tray of cookies from the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community after a tour of their facilities located on Crescent Avenue in Valley Park, Mo. Pictured from left are Deputy Chief Jeramy Poleski & Assistant Chief Rolland Piotraschke, and Kiwanis Club members Kathy Josephsohn & Judy Gustafson. The District covers 10 square miles. This year the District is on track to run 2,300 calls.
Kiwanis Photo 2
The Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community honored the Metro West EMS & Fire Protection District at their August meeting. Pictured from left are Director of Community Health & External Affairs Matt Coppin; Kiwanis President David Green and Metro West Captain Minnie McCoy. Officers distributed “Vial of Life” Emergency Medical Information kits to each of the Kiwanis Club members.
Kiwanis Photo 3
Pictured above showcasing their newly designed “Safety House” are West County EMS & Fire Protection District’s Deputy Chief Kelly Grassmuck; Director of Safety House Kelly Cobb and Captain Brandon White. In September, the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community honored the District for their dedicated service to their community. West County’s Station #2, located on Henry Avenue, Manchester, Mo., houses a state-of-the-art “Safety House” for educating children and adults on home safety.
Camp Wyman
Kiwanis has a long history of working with Camp Wyman in Eureka, which has programs to coach inner city youths to get their diplomas and continue their education. Our club makes annual donations.
Student of the Year
Each year we recognize students from area high schools. We buy them lunch and give them gift certificates.
Scholarship Winners
2022 Scholarship: Each year Kiwanis Earl Collins Foundation offers a $1000 scholarship to graduating seniors in Kiwanis Division 9. Applications are due January 15, 2022. The form is available
Mr. Pack Willimon, President, Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community, presents the Kiwanis Earl Collins $1000 Scholarship to Miss Jessica Phung, 18, of Ellisville. Looking on are her mother, Mrs. Ha Kim Phung, Mr. Don Leupold, Earl Collins Foundation Trustee, Mr. Paul Eckler, Secretary, and Mrs. Nancy Willimon, Lt. Gov., Kiwanis Div 9. Miss Phung is a graduate of Marquette High School where she was a four year member and officer of Kiwanis Key Club. She plans to attend Missouri University of Science & Technology (MUS&T) majoring in Information Science and Technology.
Earl Collins Division 9 Scholarship to Meramec Valley Community Kiwanis Student
Judy Gustafson, President of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community, presents the 2018 Kiwanis Earl Collins $1000 Scholarship for Division 9 to Adrian Fedorko of Des Peres, MO. Earl Collins Scholarships are funded by the fund raising efforts of Kiwanis clubs throughout the Missouri-Arkansas District of Kiwanis International. Mr. Fedorko is the son of Donald and Sarah Fedorko. He is a 2018 graduate of St. Louis Priory High School. He plans to attend Northeastern University majoring in Electrical Engineering and Physics.
Circle of Concern Food Bank
We make annual contributions to Circle of Concern. We also participate in their “Adopt a Family” program for the holidays.
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