Holdeman attends international Kiwanis convention
Local business owner Feebie Holdeman recently returned from an international Kiwanis convention in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This was her fourth international convention that she has attended.
There were 1,984 Kiwanis clubs with 3,628 voting delegates from 96 countries who attended the convention which was held from June 29-July 1. Holdeman was a voting delegate and represented the Marion Kiwanis Club and Kansas District.
"I am always excited and inspired after attending these conventions," said Holdeman. "It reminds me that the Kiwanis organization doesn't stop at the Marion city limits. We're part of a worldwide organization."
Marion Kiwanis Club has more than 40 members and sponsors events like Old Settlers' Day and Punt, Pass, and Kick competition for youth.
The local club has been in existence for more than 80 years.
During that time, the service organization has become more diverse by welcoming women as members.
The organization's number one priority is to serve the children of the world by starting in the individual communities the clubs serve.
During the convention, international Kiwanis officers were elected. Nelson Tucker of Chatsworth, Calif., was elected international president. Holdeman said Tucker will continue the former president's goal of making Kiwanis the number one service club in the world.
In 2015, Kiwanis International will be 100 years old.
"We're now working to build new clubs," said Holdeman, "and the goal is to achieve one million members by 2015."
Kiwanis International currently has 600,000 members worldwide.
Past international projects of the service organization have been to raise funds to provide iodine to third world countries. Iodine deficiencies can cause mental retardation and other health concerns in children.
While at the convention, Holdeman attended informative seminars and performances by entertainers.
Among them were Art Linkletter, the Gary Musick Company that performed scenes from Broadway musicals "42nd Street," "Grease," and "Les Miserables," and pianist and singer Ken Medema.
Holdeman also attended the International Jazz Festival, toured old Montreal, old China Town, Bell Center, Notre Dame Basilica, and Quebec City.
There were 40 Kansas delegates also in attendance.
"The theme throughout the convention was 'one member at a time, we can make a difference'," Holdeman said, "and it's true. Alone I can't do much for my community but as a member of a group, we can do anything."
The international convention is held annually. Next year's convention will be at San Antonio, Texas.
Previous to the convention, Holdeman also was elected lieutenant governor for division V which includes clubs in Marion, Hillsboro, McPherson, Lindsborg, Emporia, Herington, and Council Grove. Her duties will begin Oct. 1. This is Holdeman's second term as lieutenant governor. She also will serve as a trustee on the board for the Kansas district.
Her duties will include assisting club officers within her district to recruit new members, provide viable service projects, and promote Kiwanis programs.
