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Thought For the Day
by Mike Winstead

A PIECE OF CAKE

Sometimes, we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?". Here is a God sent explanation!!!

A little boy is telling his Grandma how everything is going wrong--school, family problems, severe health problems, etc.

Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he does.

"Here, have some cooking oil." "Yuck" says the boy. "How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Grandma!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Grandma, those are all yucky!" To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Hope your day is a "piece of cake!

TODAY'S PROGRAM

Program Chairman Vincent Cox will introduce Millie Rocheleau, teacher at Bear Exploratory Magnet School, replacing Principal of Bear School, Elizabeth Hill, who had a last minute conflict.  Mrs. Rocheleau's talk will cover the purpose for such a school as Bear and its programs.  She will explain the selection of students and how they are placed in the school.  Bear School is one of the outstanding schools in the Montgomery school system and we look forward to her telling us about it.

LAST WEEK'S PROGRAM

President Wilkerson introduced Debbie Spain, a Montgomery attorney and spokeswoman for "Boundless Playground Program".  She began by saying she was a military brat and has been in Montgomery since high school.  She graduated from Auburn University, going on to complete law school at the University of Alabama.

She has enjoyed speaking to Kiwanis Clubs and other civic groups about Boundless Playgrounds.  She was presented with and started her involvement with the project a little over two months ago.  She became aware of it on Veteran's Day after seeing a spot on the "Good Morning America" show.  She also saw obstacles that a child of a friend had to face on playgrounds.  She did a lot of research, discovering the project started five years ago in Connecticut.  Playgrounds were built there for children with special needs.  She began to see the project through the eyes of the disabilities of children as she looked at the playgrounds.  The normal equipment is not readily usable by such children.

Boundless playgrounds nationally need to be built with smooth surfaces, not gravel, and equipment with ramps so children can move around freely.

Carl Moon was called and she learned that Kiwanis was trying to get five sites set up in Alabama.  One planned site in Prattville had insufficient interest, so it looked as if only four sites would be built... There was an opportunity for Montgomery to take on the fifth site.  If built, it would be the first of its kind for Montgomery.  An architect, a therapist, public relations people, and other dedicated people put together a plan for a Montgomery Boundless Playground.  A pitch was made to Mayor Bright and he provided a spot at the Perry Hill and Vaughn Road Park.  The plan is now to build on the north side of the present playground.  The city will provide the site preparation and long term maintenance.  The decisions on the type of playground apparatus needed will be decided by 16-20 children, ages 5 to 15 years.  They will brain storm on the type of playground they want.  The project was in the Montgomery Advertiser last Thursday afternoon giving some needed publicity to the project.

Construction of the project will be April 24-27 and a number of volunteers will be needed to build the playground.  Debbie Spain is the project's fundraiser and has had success with the Montgomery Kiwanis Club who donated $150,000.  The playground's total cost will be $250,000.  Firm commitments for monetary support are needed by February 27th.

Ms. Spain hoped that our club would donate some funds and individual contributions were requested as well.  All donations are tax deductible.  Debbie's main work is with the corporate side of donations.  A plaque will be put on each piece of playground equipment showing the organization which donated it.

A short video was shown of a playground in Massachusetts.  It showed the type of equipment that was in the playground and how it could be used by handicapped children.  Individual children talked about how they enjoyed and used the playground.  Debbie again repeated the deadline for getting the money to build the playground is February 27th.  Dick Bennett suggested after Debbie's presentation that our club donate to the Montgomery Boundless Playground project the money the Club makes from the Boston Butt Sale.

LAST WEEK'S GUESTS

George Wilson's wife, Linda, and her mother, Mrs. VanLandingham, were guests last week.  Linda's mother was visiting from out-of-state.

ENTERTAINMENT

Before beginning his song, Al McLellan said he and his partner would supply a living will to members free of charge.  He sang a Vicky Craig song, "Children, Go Where You Send Me."

BIRTHDAYS

Vince Cox celebrated his birthday last Thursday.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Mike Winstead gave us a one sentence thought.  It was, "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

OUR WEB SITE

John Burch said the web site shows statistics (See the link at the bottom of each page.)  He encouraged the members to check it out.  [Click here to see a summary by month, then Click the Month to see a breakdown of many interesting statistics.]

READING AT DALRAIDA SCHOOL

Ken Carrick gave the following dates for Club members reading at the school.  The dates are: Jan. 16th, Feb. 13th, Mar. 13th, and May 8th.  [Click Here For Calendar]  On March 13th, members will also monitor student's lunch, allowing the teachers to take a short break during lunch.  An April 17th, members will cook and serve a pancake breakfast to Dalraida students and staff.

BOSTON BUTT SALE

Dick Bennett reported that the Club made $250.00 so far.  He said that we need to push the sale for Super Bowl Day.  (At the January 13th Board Meeting, the Board approved continuing the Boston Butt Sale throughout the year.  The same tickets will be used until supplies are exhausted.  Explain to all buyers that they can pick up their Boston Butts from Choo-Choo's anytime.)

SPEAKER SCHEDULE

Program Chairman Vince Cox said that Club Programs are set for January 25th through March 3rd.  He passed around the speaker list for members to sign up.

NEW PATCH EARNED BY CLUB

President Wilkinson reported that the Club submitted $150.00 to Kiwanis International, earning us a new achievement patch for our banner.

PEANUT SALES

El Kidd reported as of January 9, 2003 that profits of the sale had reached $2,485.70.  There are five 20-lb. bags remaining at Jose's service station.  People owing for peanuts are requested to turn in the money as soon as possible.  The leading salespersons to date are as follows: