Newsletter - "The Pulse" Revealing the Heartbeat of Panama City Kiwanis  December 31, 2008

TRIVIA:  How many countries around the world have Kiwanis Organizations?

Last Week: At a rate of $1,000 per day, how long would it take to spend $1 billion?
Answer: If you had spent $1,000 a day, every day since the first Christmas, you would not yet have spent $1 billion. It would take 2739 + years!

FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE:    For your funny bone: Why is the word “phonics” not spelled the way it sounds? 
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Last week, Keith Forehand presented the wait staff with a gift of $248 dollars (from gratitude dollars) for their excellent service this last year.

 We will hold a meeting at the regular time next Wednesday, 12/31/2008.

 Board Meeting December 30^th – all members are invited to come (this counts as a make-up).

 Gulf Coast Community College is seeking volunteer host families for international college students that will be visiting for a two-four week period during the spring, 2009 semester.  Please contact Jim Sheetz if you are interested or would like to learn more about this opportunity.

PAYPAL is now available for those members who wish to pay with a credit or debit card for dues, donations, etc. Go to the website: www.panamacitykiwanis.org and click on “donate”.

New “BUTTON” on the website for members to click on for Kathy Adams (Human and
Spiritual Values Chairperson). If you know of a member or someone close to them who
is in need of a card or call for an illness or loss please contact her via this new tool.

KIWANIS ON-LINE: There is a world of great information about our Kiwanis club at our website: www.panamacitykiwanis.org and for a more international look at Kiwanis, check out www.kiwanis.org.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING:    

Kathy Adams – How to Manage Holiday Expectations
William Hudson – Living and Working in Pristina, Kosovo 

 Fellow Kiwanian, Kathy Adams, a licensed mental health counselor with over 25 years of experience, spoke to the club on the topic of holiday stress and recognizing the symptoms of those who may be overwhelmed. Holiday time can be difficult for everyone but especially so for those who suffer from depression. People suffering from depression may notice an increase in fatigue, weight gain, spend a lot time sleeping, withdraw from social situations and/or have thoughts of suicide.  If one suspects a friend or family member is having thoughts of suicide, it is OK to ask the person directly. Kathy provided several approaches that effectively open a dialog that may lead to intervention and help.  She stressed the importance of taking the situation seriously and to get medical and support group assistance.  Kathy also gave us some great suggestions to help with typical holiday stress such as getting enough rest, avoiding over eating or drinking, getting some exercise and saying “no” before your schedule becomes unmanageable.

 William Hudson (Bill’s son) took to the podium to describe for us his experience of living and working in Pristina, Kosovo.  He worked for the State Department and UN providing anti-terrorism support services.   He served five years overseas where three years ago, he met and married his wife. While there, he encountered planted-bombs in his apartment and dodged gun-fire on at least one occasion.  We’re glad he returned unharmed and took time to share his fascinating experiences with us.

 

NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM:   TBA