Sept 8
Watertown’s Tobacco Free Coalition was the focus of Shari Wirkus’ program at the September 8^th meeting of Kiwanis Club.  Ms. Wirkus, the facilitator of the coalition, described her organization as representing education on and prevention of an addictive habit, to which quitting is a painful process – not an anti-smoker campaign as such. 
A “community readiness survey” will soon be sent to 600 at random households in Watertown asking questions on their perception, beliefs and thoughts on alcohol, drugs, gambling as well as tobacco use in the community.  The survey will provide the coalition with a basis for direction and hopefully answer the question “What do we need to target?” said Ms. Wirkus.  The tobacco industry, which promotes the use of it products, outspends the Tobacco Free Coalition in South Dakota by 18 to 1. Jeff Anderson, membership chairman, announced the launch of a new member campaign over the next several weeks.  President Karyl Somers announced that Kiwanis was to be recognized by the Watertown Soccer Association for its financial contribution for new lighting at the Anza soccer fields.  Kiwanis meets every Monday noon at the Elks lodge.

Sept 14
Codington County 4-H programs were reviewed by the county’s 4-H educator Jodi Loehrer at the September 14 meeting of Kiwanis Club.  More than 230 kids ages 8 to 18 in 10 different clubs participate in the many 4-H programs offered in Codington County.  Ms Loehrer said that 4-H is not just calves and cooking anymore; programs range from a focus on science and technology to the performing arts.  Members choose projects that fit their interests and group activities and events such as camps, trips, workshops, achievement days and conferences provide opportunities and learning experiences.  Activities include “Cloverbuds”, which is for kids ages 4 to 7, Camp Lakodia in Madison that was attended by 51 Codington 4-H members, a horse show, an exchange that featured Tom from Taiwan, dog obedience training and Achievement Days which had a theme this year of “Going Green”.
Jeff Anderson reported on the membership campaign, the October 24 Junior Achievement Bowl-a-thon that will include a Kiwanis team, and the recognition given to Kiwanis by the Watertown Soccer Association for financial support in procuring lights for the Anza Soccer Complex.  Installation of new officers will take place on October 5 and the Kiwanis family picnic is set for November 5 at the Boys & Girls Club.  Kiwanis meets every Monday noon at the Elks Lodge.

Sept 21
Healthcare reform’s impact on hospitals was the focus of Jill Fuller’s presentation to the September 21^st meeting of Kiwanis Club.  Ms. Fuller, interim CEO of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS), said that while we often hear about the impact reform legislation may have on consumers, little coverage is given to the impact hospitals will experience.  US hospitals have agreed to receive $155 billion less in Medicare reimbursements over the next 10 years, recognizing that the spiraling cost of healthcare cannot continue.  Ms. Fuller added that hospitals will be given incentives to provide more effective care rather than more expensive care and, there will be penalties for improper care if, for example, a heart patient has to be readmitted within 30 days of discharge.  PLHS is a recognized national leader in patient safety and quality and reforms will be compensating hospitals on the quality of care provided.  In addition to the quality factor, reforms will also focus on information technology such as electronic medical record keeping as well as cost reductions in an industry where 50% of costs are in labor.
 Jeff Anderson is organizing Kiwanis’ participation in Junior Achievement’s October 23^rd Bowl-a-thon.  Kami Canfield reviewed plans for the Kiwanis family picnic and silent auction on November 5^th.  Jody Driscoll attended as a guest.  Kiwanis meets every Monday noon at the Elks Lodge.

Sept 21
Watertown’s Junior Achievement (JA) program was detailed by Liz Christianson at the September 28 meeting of Kiwanis Club.  Ms Christianson, JA board chairperson, described the program’s purpose as to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy by using community business role models to bridge the classroom with business. 
Watertown’s JA, initiated in 1998, conducted programs in 44 classrooms with 1,043 students in 2008.  Focusing on second, third and fourth grades, JA expanded courses to the middle school and high school last year and will offer a new personal finance course in high school this year. Over 94% of SD teachers indicate that JA courses are beneficial to their students by helping them with critical thinking and problem solving skills.  Ms. Christianson reported that JA generates 100% of its funding from local businesses, individuals and through fundraisers and thanked Kiwanis for its annual financial support of JA and its participation in JA’s annual Bowl-a-thon fundraiser.

Kiwanis will again sport a team in the JA Bowl-a-thon on October 24.  The Kiwanis Family Picnic & Silent Auction is being organized for November 5 at the Boys & Girls Club.  The induction of the club’s new slate of officers is planned for October 5.  President Karyl Somers displayed the “Spinoza” bear that is being given to critically ill children by the club. Dennis and Jane Evenson and John Knight were visiting Kiwanians from the Clear Lake club and Jan Tate’s husband Tom was also a guest. Kiwanis meets every Monday noon at the Elks Lodge.