From left: Co-President Laith Alhamid; Co-President Risa Cidoni; Missouri-Arkansas of Key Club International Division 10 Lieutenant Governor Dima Layth and Secretary Mckinlay Loveless. (Not pictured: Treasurer Bethany Liao.)
Winter Wonderland 2023
Manning the ticket booths at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park has become a tradition for local Kiwanis Clubs. Each year, the St. Louis County Parks Department makes a monetary donation to participating non-profit clubs.
In December, Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC) members braved the cold collecting money from visitors who drove through the park enjoying the holiday lights display.
Pictured below (top photo) from left are: Jim Grant; Peggy Koenen; Paul Eckler; Steve Roberts and Roger Jespersen. (Not pictured are Kiwanis Club member, Glenn Koenen and Parkway West Key Club member, Anu Pidikiti.)
Photo (second photo): Key Club Advisor, Kathy Josephsohn (right) presented a Key Club donation check to Anu Pidikiti, thanking her for volunteering at this year’s Winter Wonderland. The Parkway West Key Club will use the donation to support its various community service projects.
Valley Park Safety Fair 2023
Steve Roberts, Jim Grant and Paul Eckler at Valley Park Safety Fair, 2023
Little Free Library in Ellisville
Ellisville gave us a nice write up in their 2023 Trailblazer newsletter. Thanks to Nancy Willimon and her team of installers for putting this together for us.
MV Kiwanis at Ellisville’s Hot Dog It’s Chili
October 14, 2022
Paul Eckler at the club tentRoger Jespersen tells about Kiwanis and offers a choice of a book or candyClub brochures and photos helped tell the Kiwanis story. Candy attracted the children and their parents.
Kiwanis Club rewards local amateur photographers
2022 Photo contest winners
The Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC) sponsored its first-ever Kids Cellphone Photo Contest for young photographers. First, second and third place cash prizes totaling $600 were awarded for winning entries in two categories, “Nature/Wildlife” and “Coolest Pet.” Local middle and high school students between the ages of 13 to 19 were invited to participate. Submissions were limited to photos taken from Jan. 1 to April 1 with one entry per student, per category. Photos were judged by local professional photographers Lois Ingrum and Ed Crim. Winners and their parents attended the club’s awards luncheon in May. The winning photos can be viewed on the Kiwanis Club of MVC’s website, mvkiwanis.org.
The following is the list of the winners: “Nature/Wildlife” – Middle School: First place – Julia Woody (Rockwood Valley), “Butterflies and Blossoms,” Second place – Caidyn Harris (Crestview), “Reflecting Water Under a Bridge.” “Coolest Pet” – Middle School: First place – Caidyn Harris, “Black and White Dog in a Basket.” “Nature/Wildlife” – High School: First place – Samantha Haney (Lafayette), “Shining Sunset Pebble Lake,” Second place – Faith Williams (Rockwood Summit), “Grand Tetons,” Third Place – Lydia Lehmann (Lafayette), “The Rose.” “Coolest Pet” – High School: First place – Faith Williams, “Barn Cat,” Second place – Alyssa Berens (Lafayette), “Naughty Cat in Flower Pot,” Third place – Lydia Lehmann, “Curled Up Sleeping Cat.”
School Board Member gives talk at Meramec Valley Kiwanis Club Meeting
In April, Paul Eckler (pictured left), secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC) invited Rockwood School Board member Tammy Rhomberg to the club’s regular membership meeting. Rhomberg has spent more than 25 years in education as a teacher, school administrator and volunteer. Rhomberg spoke to the group about the many programs that the Rockwood School District has in place to assist students with their career choices. She highlighted the A-Plus Scholarship Program which requires high school students to complete community service hours. Currently, the club supports a Key Club in Rockwood Summit High School.Steve Roberts, MVK’s newest member receives his pin from President-Elect Roger Jespersen
Holiday Party 2021 at the home of Nancy Willimon
Local Kiwanis Club supports St. Louis Youth
In 2021, members of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC) donated their time to and raised money for local organizations with the same purpose – assisting youth in the St. Louis area.
In 2021, club members volunteered more than 2,000 hours to Ronald McDonald House; American Red Cross; Oasis; Valley Park School District; as well as assisting Key Clubs in Parkway West & Rockwood Summit High Schools.
During the club’s fiscal year, October 1 to September 30, 2021, the Kiwanis Club of MVC donated a total of more than $4,000 to The Assistance League; Wyman Center; Gateway 180; Marygrove; St. Louis County Library; Missouri Girls Town; Beatrice Johnson Youth Camp; Earl Collins Foundation; Valley Park Education Foundation and many others.
Chartered in 2000, the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community is a local, non-profit service organization that focuses on the needs of children and young adults. The Club supports the South and West communities of St. Louis County.
Since 1915, Kiwanis International (KI) and its global family of clubs— more than 660,000 members strong—annually raise more than $100 million and dedicate more than 18.5 million volunteer hours to strengthen communities and serve children.
Kiwanis Club Secretary Paul Eckler (left) presents a donation check to Nancy Conners, Gateway 180.From left, members of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community, Kathy Josephsohn; Peggy Koenen; David Bertolino; Glenn Koenen and Paul Eckler begin preparing dinner for guests at the Ronald McDonald House, Creve Coeur, Mo.Wyman Center’s Alex Fruth (left) accepts a donation check presented by Kiwanis Club President David Green.
Installation of Officers 2021-22
Gov. Carla O’Brien and Lt. Gov. Jim Fritz install club officers. October 5, 2021President Elect Roger Jespersen, Treasurer Kathy Josephsohn, President Angie Oshia, and Secretary Paul EcklerA well attended meeting at Lazy River Grill in their meeting roomPaul Eckler and Kathy Josephsohn at Celebrate Wildwood, Sep 25, 2021
Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community had a booth at this annual Wildwood event. We show our colors to let the community know we are around. Children spin the spinner and then are rewarded school supplies, candy, and or books. Meanwhile, a club brochure and info is available to tell parents about Kiwanis.
Kathy Josephsohn, Peggy Koenen, Dave Bertolino, Glenn Koenen, and Paul EcklerKathy and Steve Josephsohn, Peggy Koenen, Dave Bertolino, and Glenn Koenen
Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community at Ronald McDonald House
Our crew at Ronald McDonald House, September 18, 2021. Service at Ronald McDonald House continues as a community service project for Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community. Covid restrictions have limited our participation recently, but now serving food cooked on site has resumed.
President Dave Green presents a check to Dusty Hosna, Valley Park City Administrator, for a Kiwanis paver on the new Valley Park pathway
Nancy Willimon enjoys birthday cheesecake as members look on at Lazy River Grill.
Snacks for Ronald McDonald House Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community collected snacks for Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Hospital. Due to virus restrictions serving at Ronald McDonald House is limited. We decided to supplement our food delivery with snacks. Members Glenn Koenen and Nancy Willimon inspect donated items.
Recently, the 2016-2017 officers of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community gathered for a group photo. From left, are Glenn Koenen, past president; Kathy Josephsohn, treasurer; Judy Gustafson, president; Pack Willimon, president-elect; and Paul Eckler, secretary. The following members will serve on the club’s board of directors: Mary Henricks, Peggy Koenen, Nancy Willimon and Past President Glenn Koenen.
Kiwanis International sends St. Louis Key Club Member to Japan
Sixteen-year-old Meghan Beckmann recently returned from a trip of a lifetime. In June, she spent two weeks in Japan thanks to a scholarship from Kiwanis International. During her first week Beckmann stayed with a host family in Kyoto, experiencing everyday life. Then, she traveled to Tokyo, spending her second week sightseeing and doing volunteer work.
This was Beckmann’s first trip out of the U.S. Recently, she presented a video of her entire trip at a meeting of her sponsoring club, The Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community.
Beckmann is a Junior and a Key Club member at Parkway West High School in St. Louis. She is the daughter of Glenn and Karen Beckmann.
The youth exchange program for Kiwanis family teens is known as K Corps. K Corps is operated in cooperation with PAX Laurasian Exchange.
Pictured from left are Mo-Ark Division 9 Lieutenant Governor Carla O’Brien; Judy Gustafson, president of The Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community; Meghan Beckmann, member of Key Club, Parkway West High School and Mo-Ark Division 9 Lieutenant Governor-Elect Rich Kircher.
Judy Gustafson receives Hixon Award from Gov. Don Leupold
Caroline Zupan of St. Joseph’s Academy receives a $100 donation from Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community for her personal service project to fund books featuring African-American characters or by African-American authors for the Ferguson Public Library. In the photo are (front) Kathy Josephsohn, Caroline Zupan, Charlotte Lehmann, and (back) Judy Gustafson, Glenn Koenen, and Paul Eckler. The check was presented on September 30, Kiwanis Peanut Day, at Dierberg’s in Fenton.
Judy Gustafson enjoys birthday cheesecake at an MVK meeting.
Glenn Koenen enjoys a birthday cheesecake at an MVK meeting. December, 2018.
Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community received both the MO-ARK and Kiwanis International Distinguished Club Awards for the 2016-7 year. President Judy Gustafson presented certificates to Past President Glenn Koenen and President Elect Pack Willimon.
President Judy Gustafson presented Certificates of Appreciation for efforts for the Formula membership program. Nancy Willimon received the Silver certificate.
Peggy and Glenn Koenen staff the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community table at the Valley Park Safety Fair, July 28, 2018
Club holiday party
Pack Willimon, President of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community, presents the Zeller Award to Glenn Koenen. Looking on is Past-President, Judy Gustofson.
Jeff Johnson, Lt. Gov. Kathy Josephsohn, Paul Eckler, Carl Moritz, and Nancy Willimon at a Division baseball event.
Valley Park Scholarship Winner
2021 Scholarship: Each year Kiwanis Earl Collins Foundation offers a $1000 scholarship to graduating seniors in Kiwanis Division 9. Applications are due January 15, 2021. The form is available
Photos
Kiwanis includes many fun times.
Parkway West Key Club Officers 2024-5
From left: Co-President Laith Alhamid; Co-President Risa Cidoni; Missouri-Arkansas of Key Club International Division 10 Lieutenant Governor Dima Layth and Secretary Mckinlay Loveless. (Not pictured: Treasurer Bethany Liao.)
Winter Wonderland 2023
Manning the ticket booths at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park has become a tradition for local Kiwanis Clubs. Each year, the St. Louis County Parks Department makes a monetary donation to participating non-profit clubs.
In December, Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC) members braved the cold collecting money from visitors who drove through the park enjoying the holiday lights display.
Pictured below (top photo) from left are: Jim Grant; Peggy Koenen; Paul Eckler; Steve Roberts and Roger Jespersen. (Not pictured are Kiwanis Club member, Glenn Koenen and Parkway West Key Club member, Anu Pidikiti.)
Photo (second photo): Key Club Advisor, Kathy Josephsohn (right) presented a Key Club donation check to Anu Pidikiti, thanking her for volunteering at this year’s Winter Wonderland. The Parkway West Key Club will use the donation to support its various community service projects.
Valley Park Safety Fair 2023
Steve Roberts, Jim Grant and Paul Eckler at Valley Park Safety Fair, 2023
Little Free Library in Ellisville
Ellisville gave us a nice write up in their 2023 Trailblazer newsletter. Thanks to Nancy Willimon and her team of installers for putting this together for us.
MV Kiwanis at Ellisville’s Hot Dog It’s Chili
October 14, 2022
Kiwanis Club rewards local amateur photographers
The Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC) sponsored its first-ever Kids Cellphone Photo Contest for young photographers. First, second and third place cash prizes totaling $600 were awarded for winning entries in two categories, “Nature/Wildlife” and “Coolest Pet.” Local middle and high school students between the ages of 13 to 19 were invited to participate. Submissions were limited to photos taken from Jan. 1 to April 1 with one entry per student, per category. Photos were judged by local professional photographers Lois Ingrum and Ed Crim. Winners and their parents attended the club’s awards luncheon in May. The winning photos can be viewed on the Kiwanis Club of MVC’s website, mvkiwanis.org.
The following is the list of the winners: “Nature/Wildlife” – Middle School: First place – Julia Woody (Rockwood Valley), “Butterflies and Blossoms,” Second place – Caidyn Harris (Crestview), “Reflecting Water Under a Bridge.” “Coolest Pet” – Middle School: First place – Caidyn Harris, “Black and White Dog in a Basket.” “Nature/Wildlife” – High School: First place – Samantha Haney (Lafayette), “Shining Sunset Pebble Lake,” Second place – Faith Williams (Rockwood Summit), “Grand Tetons,” Third Place – Lydia Lehmann (Lafayette), “The Rose.” “Coolest Pet” – High School: First place – Faith Williams, “Barn Cat,” Second place – Alyssa Berens (Lafayette), “Naughty Cat in Flower Pot,” Third place – Lydia Lehmann, “Curled Up Sleeping Cat.”
In April, Paul Eckler (pictured left), secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC) invited Rockwood School Board member Tammy Rhomberg to the club’s regular membership meeting. Rhomberg has spent more than 25 years in education as a teacher, school administrator and volunteer. Rhomberg spoke to the group about the many programs that the Rockwood School District has in place to assist students with their career choices. She highlighted the A-Plus Scholarship Program which requires high school students to complete community service hours. Currently, the club supports a Key Club in Rockwood Summit High School.
Holiday Party 2021 at the home of Nancy Willimon
Local Kiwanis Club supports St. Louis Youth
In 2021, members of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community (MVC) donated their time to and raised money for local organizations with the same purpose – assisting youth in the St. Louis area.
In 2021, club members volunteered more than 2,000 hours to Ronald McDonald House; American Red Cross; Oasis; Valley Park School District; as well as assisting Key Clubs in Parkway West & Rockwood Summit High Schools.
During the club’s fiscal year, October 1 to September 30, 2021, the Kiwanis Club of MVC donated a total of more than $4,000 to The Assistance League; Wyman Center; Gateway 180; Marygrove; St. Louis County Library; Missouri Girls Town; Beatrice Johnson Youth Camp; Earl Collins Foundation; Valley Park Education Foundation and many others.
Chartered in 2000, the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community is a local, non-profit service organization that focuses on the needs of children and young adults. The Club supports the South and West communities of St. Louis County.
Since 1915, Kiwanis International (KI) and its global family of clubs— more than 660,000 members strong—annually raise more than $100 million and dedicate more than 18.5 million volunteer hours to strengthen communities and serve children.
Installation of Officers 2021-22
Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community had a booth at this annual Wildwood event. We show our colors to let the community know we are around. Children spin the spinner and then are rewarded school supplies, candy, and or books. Meanwhile, a club brochure and info is available to tell parents about Kiwanis.
Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community at Ronald McDonald House
Our crew at Ronald McDonald House, September 18, 2021. Service at Ronald McDonald House continues as a community service project for Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community. Covid restrictions have limited our participation recently, but now serving food cooked on site has resumed.
Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community collected snacks for Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Hospital. Due to virus restrictions serving at Ronald McDonald House is limited. We decided to supplement our food delivery with snacks. Members Glenn Koenen and Nancy Willimon inspect donated items.
Recently, the 2016-2017 officers of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community gathered for a group photo. From left, are Glenn Koenen, past president; Kathy Josephsohn, treasurer; Judy Gustafson, president; Pack Willimon, president-elect; and Paul Eckler, secretary. The following members will serve on the club’s board of directors: Mary Henricks, Peggy Koenen, Nancy Willimon and Past President Glenn Koenen.
Kiwanis International sends St. Louis Key Club Member to Japan
Sixteen-year-old Meghan Beckmann recently returned from a trip of a lifetime. In June, she spent two weeks in Japan thanks to a scholarship from Kiwanis International. During her first week Beckmann stayed with a host family in Kyoto, experiencing everyday life. Then, she traveled to Tokyo, spending her second week sightseeing and doing volunteer work.
This was Beckmann’s first trip out of the U.S. Recently, she presented a video of her entire trip at a meeting of her sponsoring club, The Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community.
Beckmann is a Junior and a Key Club member at Parkway West High School in St. Louis. She is the daughter of Glenn and Karen Beckmann.
The youth exchange program for Kiwanis family teens is known as K Corps. K Corps is operated in cooperation with PAX Laurasian Exchange.
Pictured from left are Mo-Ark Division 9 Lieutenant Governor Carla O’Brien; Judy Gustafson, president of The Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community; Meghan Beckmann, member of Key Club, Parkway West High School and Mo-Ark Division 9 Lieutenant Governor-Elect Rich Kircher.
Judy Gustafson receives Hixon Award from Gov. Don Leupold
Caroline Zupan of St. Joseph’s Academy receives a $100 donation from Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community for her personal service project to fund books featuring African-American characters or by African-American authors for the Ferguson Public Library. In the photo are (front) Kathy Josephsohn, Caroline Zupan, Charlotte Lehmann, and (back) Judy Gustafson, Glenn Koenen, and Paul Eckler. The check was presented on September 30, Kiwanis Peanut Day, at Dierberg’s in Fenton.
Judy Gustafson enjoys birthday cheesecake at an MVK meeting.
Glenn Koenen enjoys a birthday cheesecake at an MVK meeting. December, 2018.
Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community received both the MO-ARK and Kiwanis International Distinguished Club Awards for the 2016-7 year. President Judy Gustafson presented certificates to Past President Glenn Koenen and President Elect Pack Willimon.
President Judy Gustafson presented Certificates of Appreciation for efforts for the Formula membership program. Nancy Willimon received the Silver certificate.
Peggy and Glenn Koenen staff the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community table at the Valley Park Safety Fair, July 28, 2018
Club holiday party
Pack Willimon, President of the Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community, presents the Zeller Award to Glenn Koenen. Looking on is Past-President, Judy Gustofson.
Jeff Johnson, Lt. Gov. Kathy Josephsohn, Paul Eckler, Carl Moritz, and Nancy Willimon at a Division baseball event.
Valley Park Scholarship Winner
2021 Scholarship: Each year Kiwanis Earl Collins Foundation offers a $1000 scholarship to graduating seniors in Kiwanis Division 9. Applications are due January 15, 2021. The form is available
Region IV Trustee Nancy Willimon honors Ed Kuhrmann of South County Kiwanis Club
Packing meals for Feed My Starving Children
Dick Bacon works the Speed Pitch Booth, Ballwin Days
The official Kiwanis Car in the Ballwin Days parade
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