Kee-Notes

Weekly Newsletter of the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda, Maryland

Serving the Community Since 1945

Meeting Date: April 2, 2009 ______________________________________________________________________________

President Jeanne Smith led us in the Pledge and God Bless America and Bill Hague gave the prayer.  It was great to see John Ratnavale back again. Guests were Beverly Gough from the Carol Jean Cancer  Foundation and speaker Ayda Sanver.

Announcements:

President George Patterson of the Bethesda Kiwanis Foundation presented a  $4500 check to the Carol Jean Cancer Foundation for Camp Friendship. The check was accepted by founder and director Beverly Eiserer Gough. This camp located in Laytonsville, Maryland is the only camp in the area for children with cancer. The children are referred from local hospitals and get a chance to enjoy camping experience that otherwise they would not have. Our club supports them financially and we also help out each spring by removing leaves and debris from the grounds in preparation for the camping season.  Check out the foundation's website: www.cjcf4kids.org.

Jim Leder attended a meeting with Maryland National Parks and Planning Board about the Miracle League Baseball. The trustees are  still trying to locate a site for a ball field.  The process has been going on for over two years. Beverly Gough mentioned that it took her group about four years to finally win approval for their campground.

Happy Dollars:

Bernadeen Zivkovic HD for Camp Friendship and HD for Jim Leder and his tireless work with Miracle League Baseball.  John Ratnavale HD glad to be back, HD for Jim Leder. Ayda Sanver, our speaker, HD for Camp Friendship.  Debbie Van Horn HD for our speaker Ayda Sanver.  Beverly Gough HD for Jim Leder.  She encouraged him to have patience in dealing with the Montgomery County Planning board.  Pat Tiede HD for our speaker today and she hopes everyone will attend the meeting next week to hear a dynamic speaker Brian Germain.

Debbie Van Horn introduced our speaker whom she has known since grade school.  Ayda Sanver, Director of CSAAC (Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children).  Autism is a neurological disorder that impairs the individuals ability to communicate and engage in social activities.  Today it can be diagnosed as early as age 9-10  months and there is evidence that early treatment will help  maximize the functioning of the individual. The character played by Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man was an autistic individual albeit one who functioned at much higher level than most individuals with autism.  CSAAC provides support in Residential Services, Employment Services, Educational Services and Intensive Early Intervention Services. Ayda addressed a question as to whether vaccines cause autism.  She said there is no evidence that vaccines cause it. A great talk- she answered many other questions. One aspect of her talk is of special interest to Kiwanians. An Aktion Club (this is a Kiwanis Club for individuals with disabilities) was formed recently in Olney area.  Bob Cressy was very impressed with the enthusiasm of these new Kiwanians.

Beverly Gough won the 50/50.

George Patterson, editor-for-the day.

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Editor - GEORGE PATTERSON (301-652-7061, geopatersn@aol.com)
Website Editor - PAT TIEDE (301-493-6937, patriciatiede@comcast.net)

Website Advisor - BEN SCHLESINGER (301-951-7266, bschles@bsaenergy.com)