Vilonia to be potential site for Kiwanis Club
VILONIA The city of Vilonia has been the target, for several years, as a potential sight for a new Kiwanis Club, according to state officials. And, they plan to be in the area next week, with a professional recruiter.
"We see a need for one here, mainly because of the school system," said Jerry W. Martin, governor elect of the Missouri-Arkansas District Kiwanis International during a Vilonia Chamber of Commerce meeting held Monday night. "You've got over 3,000 students in your schools."
A member of Kiwanis for 32 years, Martin said he lives in Springdale. He shared that Kiwanis views their organization's role as primarily one of "serving the children of the world." Club service projects, he said, offer members an opportunity to make a direct impact on the life of a child or community.
"But, it's not all about children," he said.
The membership also participates in service projects helping the elderly, working against substance abuse, promoting literacy and responding to disasters. Commenting on the other clubs in the area, Martin said he is aware that Vilonia already has a strong Lion's Club.
"We are in no way in competition with the Lion's Club," he offered. "Don't think we want to take away from it."
Saying a site assessment has been completed, Martin said he was aware there were more than 60 businesses in the city. A prospect list, he said, is being developed and letters of invitation will be mailed. He also said three or four teams, two members each, will be making calls next week.
Also in attendance at the meeting was Tom Sullivan, former Kiwanis governor 2004-05, who lives in Russellville. The Kiwanis club membership is open to anyone 18 or older, he said. To charter a new club, he said, 25 members were needed. However, he said, he prefers to begin with 30 to 40 members for retention purposes. And, while clubs are only required to meet twice monthly, Sullivan said, the club that "does best," meets weekly.
For information, contact Martin at 479-871-8733 or e-mail jwm.esi@cox-internet.com. Or reach Sullivan at 479-967-3466 or e-mail tms1930@cox-internet.com.