Ann Stewart (left), Scholarship and Awards Chair for the Kentucky Head Start Association presented to the Richmond Kiwanis Club president Mark Calitri the Kentucky Head Start Association 2002 State Corporate Award for the Richmond Kiwanis Club support of young children at its April 30 meeting. The state head start leaders wished to recognize the outstanding work of the Richmond Kiwanis Club for its support of young children. During the past year the Richmond Kiwanis gave $5,000 for work with children. Phllis Adams (right), the Head Start Director for the Kentucky River Foothills and chairperson of the Kiwanis "Children - Priority One" committee said the club was recognized for its support included seed money for a wide variety of projects which included a Car Seat Give Away program, Wellness on Wheels vehicle support, Billboards on children issues, videos provided to parents on children's health and nutritional topics, literature promoting children's health issues and readiness in reading and writing skills, and matching funds for the Reading is Fundamental program Kiwanis also serves the Madison County Early Childhood Council's Fiscal Agent.

The 31st Annual Kiwanis Auction which was completed on April 27, was reported by Richmond Kiwanis Club treasurer Brenda Blankenship, to be a solid success as a result of the many businesses who contributed items to the auction and the many sponsors of the auction. She reported that while the final auction amount had not been determined, she indicated that it had met the clubs goal of $10,000. The auction is the principal fund raising activities of the club and is the primary source of funding a variety of club charities.

Mark Calitri, the club president, said the Richmond Kiwanis Club appreciates the support of Adelphia - Richmond and Berea and of WEKY- 1340 AM Radio and of local businesses who were sponsors at the following levels:

The Richmond Kiwanis Club greatly appreciates the work of Dr. Danny Britt, chair of the Department of Agriculture at Eastern Kentucky University, for his assistance in recommending and obtaining speakers for our April Agriculture Emphasis Month.

Danny McKinney the CEO of the Burley Growers Coop spoke to the Richmond Kiwanis club on April 16. McKinney was introduced by Dr. Danny Britt, chair of the Department of Agriculture at EKU, as "Mr. Tobacco in Kentucky ... and perhaps Mr. Tobacco in the U.S."

McKinney discussed the pros and cons of the Tobacco buyout. He indicated that this could be as much as $45 or $50 million in Madison county. He indicated that they buyout would perhaps be finance by a 10 cent surcharge on each pack of cigarettes. He indicated that sooner or later the FDA would come to tobacco to cap promotion and advertising. and that Phillip Morris went first to FDA (though other tobacco companies were opposed to doing so). He indicated that Phillip Morris, which controlled 52% of the cigarettes agreed to do away with ads (and perhaps as a result would retain a lock on the existing market).

McKinney indicated that there has been a major change in the marketing of tobacco. He indicated that there were 135 tobacco warehouses three years ago but that was down to 51 tobacco warehouses in 2002. This was partly the result of the way in which companies directly contract with the growers. He also briefly discussed the impact of genetically modified tobacco and how it might impact the future of the industry.

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Dan Brewer, the CEO of Bluegrass Energy was the April 23 Richmond Kiwanis Club Speaker.

Brewer provided a brief explanation on the history and nature of coops. He cited credit unions and the Southern States coop as examples. He noted that electricity was technically feasible in the early 1900's but that it was economically not practical to extend this service to rural areas. He said farmers in those rural areas not served got together and established a rural electric cooperative. He added that Franklin D. Roosevelt discovered that the rates for electricity in Warm Springs, Georgia, where Roosevelt owned a home, was two times as expensive as in urban areas. Consequently when he was president he created the REA.

RECC/Bluegrass Energy was created in 1937 under the REA and that by 1998, after several consolidations, it was serving 30,000 meters in 23 counties according to Brewer. He indicated that in 2002 Bluegrass Energy produced $65 million in revenue and the company had a value of $127 million dollars with 126 employers drawing a $5.5 million payroll annually. Bluegrass Energy's corporate offices are in Nicholasville and have full service offices in Richmond an elsewhere. Brewer indicated that Bluegrass Energy is locally run and that all board members live in the 23 counties served.

Brewer pointed out that Bluegrass Energy has one of the lowest electrical rates in the nation. And despite low rates they coop is dedicated to providing community service. Safety is one of the major concerns of Bluegrass Energy and the coop conducts electrical safety classes in schools. Another community focus of Bluegrass Energy is the sponsorship of the All-A Classic, Fishing Tournaments, and providing more than $10,000 in scholarships to children of coop members.

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Denise Nelson the owner and operator of Chrisman Mill Vineyards was the April 30th Kiwanis club speaker during the May focus on agriculture.

Althought she is a certified architect, she fell in love with the art and science of wine making. She said her husband Chris, an infectious disease speciaist at the University of Kentucky, is the scientific specialist who watches for potential pests and diseases in their vineyard. She said they got involved in winemaking as a hobby and will soon break open a bottle of wine they made for their wedding a decade ago.

She said they process their own grapesn and now have twelve growers under contract to provide grapes for their wine-making operation. She said their quantity is sufficiently small that they run out of wine quickly.

Kentucky has a history of wine-making but it hasn't lived up to its historic reputation in more recent years. She noted that the first vineyard in the United States was foundid in Jessamine County in 1798 and is so recognized by a plaque at the site of the vineyard placed by the Kentucky Vintner Society. She said by the 1880's Kentucky was the third largest producers of grame in the U.S.

She indicated their their first harvest was in 1997 which was produced from 330 vines of French American hybrids which are located in Nicholasville. She indicated that these are more resistant to diseases and molds often found in Kentucky. She added that they have six. These grapes are often smaller that typical Kentucky table grapes.

She indicated that they have found grapes and wine to be a viable alternative to traditional Kentucky agricultural crops. Currently they have eight wines available; Ensenble, Vidal Blanc, Terre Blanc, Sweet Jessamine Rose, Country Arbor, Kentucky Cabernet Sauvignon, Cambourcin, and Kentucky Honey Mead. She said they market their wines through Liquor World and Liquor Barn and they have a tasting room in Victorian Square in Lexington.

1.Why should my child be immunized?
Children need immunizations (shots) to protect them from several dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases have serious complications and can even kill children.

2.What diseases do vaccines prevent?
Measles
Mumps
Polio
Rubella (German measles)
Pertussis (Whooping cough)
Diphtheria
Tetanus (Lockjaw)
Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib disease)
Hepatitis B
Varicella (chicken pox)

3.How many shots does my child need?
The following vaccinations are recommended by age two and can be given in five visits to a doctor or clinic:
1 vaccination against measles/mumps/rubella (MMR)
4 vaccinations against Hib (a major cause of spinal meningitis)
3 vaccinations against polio
4 vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP)
3 vaccinations against hepatitis B
1 vaccination against Varicella

4.Are the vaccines safe?
Serious reactions to vaccines are extremely rare but do occur. However, the risks of serious disease from not vaccinating are far greater than the risks of serious reaction to the vaccination.

5.Do the vaccines have any side effects?
Yes, possible side effects can occur with vaccination: slight fever, rash, or soreness at the sight of injection. Slight discomfort is normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Your health-care provider can assist you with additional information.

6.What do I do if my child has a serious reaction?
If you think your child is experiencing a persistent or severe reaction, call your doctor or get the child to a doctor right away. Write down what happened and the date and time it happened. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form or call (800)338-2382.

7.Why can't I wait until school to have my child immunized?
Immunization should begin at birth and most vaccinations completed by age two. By immunizing on time, you can protect your child from being infected and prevent the infection of others at school or at day-care centers. The young are especially susceptible to disease because their bodies have not built up necessary defenses to fight infection.

8.Why is a vaccination health record important?
A vaccination health record helps you and your health-care provider keep your child on schedule. A record should be started at birth when your child should receive her first vaccination and updated each time your child receives the next scheduled vaccination. This information will help you should you move to a new area, change health-care providers, or enroll your child in day-care or school. Remem-ber to bring this record with you every time your child has a health-care visit.

9.Where can I get free vaccines?
The Vaccines for Children Program will provide free vaccines to needy children. About 60 percent of children are eligible, including those without health insurance coverage, all those who are eligible for Medicaid, and Native Americans/Alaskan natives.

10.Where can I get more information?
You can call the US National Immunization Hotline for further immunization information at (800)232-2522 (English)or at (800) 232-0233 (Spanish).

May 1-31: Arthritis Month - Increases awareness of the more than 10 diseases known as arthritis and increases support for the 40 million Americans with arthritis. Arthritis Foundation, (404) 965-7598

May 1-31: Better Hearing and Speech Month - To inform the 41 million Americans with hearing and speech problems that help is available. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, (301) 897-5700

May 1-31: Bike Month - 44th annual celebration of bicycling for recreation and transportation. League of American Bicyclists, (202) 822-1333

May 1-31: Book Month - Invites everyone to take time out to treat themselves to the unique pleasure of reading a book. National Book Foundation, (212) 685-0261

May 1-31: Breathe Easy Month - A campaign to educate the public about preventing lung disease, the dangers of air pollution, and how asthma can be controlled. American Lung Association, (212) 315-8700.

May 1-31: International Business Image Improvement Month - Your business' image sets the tone for how successful your company will be. The same is true for Kiwanis clubs. Allen and Association Consulting, (800) 359-4544

May 1-31: Older Americans Month - By US Presidential Proclamation.

May 1-31: Osteoporosis Prevention Month - Osteoporosis is not a natural part of aging and is a preventable disease for most people. National Osteoporosis Foundation, (202) 223-2226

May 1-31: Physical Fitness and Sports Month - Encourages individuals and organizations to promote fitness activities and programs. President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, (202) 690-9000.

May 1-31: Stroke Awareness Month - National Stroke Association, (800) 787-6537

May 1-31: Teaching and Joy Month - A month of celebrating the joy of great teaching and great learning. Thank a teacher for creating an atmosphere of joy. Jackson Community College, (517) 796-8488.

May 1: School Principals' Day - A day of recognition for all elementary, middle, and high school principals for their leadership and dedication to providing the best education possible for their students. (630) 232-0425.

May 4-11: Safe Kids Week - This week's mission is to prevent the number-one killer of children: unintentional injury. SAFE KIDS Campaign, (202) 662-0600

May 5-11: Be Kind to Animals Week - To promote kindness and humane care toward animals. American Humane Association, (800) 227-4645

May 5-11: Pet Week - To promote responsible pet ownership and public awareness of veterinary medical service for animal health and care. American Veterinary Medical Association, (846) 925-8070

May 5: Cartoonists Day - To honor all cartoonists in the industry: animation, magazines, comic strips, etc. Creative Comic Syndicate, (605) 336-9434.

May 5-11: Goodwill Industries Week - To call international attention to Goodwill Industries as a leader in job training and employment services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Goodwill Industries, (301) 530-6500

May 5-11: PTA Teacher Appreciation Week - PTAs conduct activities to strengthen respect and support for teachers and the teaching profession. National Teacher Day is observed May 7 . PTA, (312) 670-6782

May 5-11: Teacher Appreciation Week - A day for elementary through high school students to show appreciation to their teachers. National Teacher Day is May 7. National Education Association, (202) 822-7262

May 6: Melanoma Day - Also known as self-examination day. People are encouraged to examine their skin for moles or other growths. American Academy of Dermatology, (847) 330-0230

May 6-12: Nurses Day and Week - A week to honor the outstanding efforts of nurses everywhere to strengthen the health of people everywhere. American Nurses Association, (800) 274-4262

May 8: Receptionists Day - Day of recognition for frontline personnel in business. National Receptionists Society, (650) 328-6060.

May 10: Small Business Day - To honor entrepreneurs and small businesses. Impression Impact, (978) 287-0410.

May 12-18: Kiwanis Prayer Week - Encourages Kiwanis clubs to promote religious activities throughout their communities and to recognize individuals for their contributions to spiritual welfare. Service Programming Department, (800) 549-2647, ext. 212.

May 12: Mother's Day - Observed first in 1907 at the request of Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who asked her church to conduct a service in memory of mothers on the anniversary of her mother's death.

May 12-June 16: Family Month* - An observance to celebrate and promote strong, supportive families. Kids Peace, (800) 25-peace

May 12-18: Police Week - By US Presidential Proclamation. Peace Officer Memorial Day is May 15. Police Hall of Fame and Museum, (305) 573-0070.

May 12-18: Running and Fitness Week - Educational campaign designed to introduce more Americans to the pleasures and benefits of participating in a regular exercise program. American Running Association, (800) 776-2732

May 13-18: Etiquette Week - To recognize proper etiquette in all areas of life, from business to dining. Protocol Training Services, (212) 802-9098

May 15: Employee Health and Fitness Day - To focus on the importance of fitness and healthy lifestyles at the worksite. National Association for Health and Fitness, (317) 237-5630

May 17: Bike to Work Day - About 2 million participants bike to work in the US on this day, which is supported by businesses, city governments, bicycle clubs, and environmental groups. League of American Bicyclists, (202) 822-1333

May 17: Children and Police Day - A day set aside for the interaction of the local police with schoolchildren to build relationships that will increase children's appreciation for the police and other authority figures. B.J. Woods, (817) 910-2307, [email protected]

May 18: Armed Forces Day - By US Presidential Proclamation.

May 19-25: International Salute to Public Relations Day - Recognition of the positive role public relations practitioners play in disseminating relevant information to the news media and the general public. RGN Communications, (516) 773-0911

May 19-25: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week - Honoring EMS providers and a time for the public to learn about injury prevention, safety awareness, and emergency preparedness. American College of Emergency Physicians, (800) 748-1822

May 21: American Red Cross Founding Anniversary - Commemorates the 1881 founding of the American Red Cross by Clara Barton, its first president. Organization includes more than 1.1-million volunteers.

May 25: Missing Children's Day - To promote awareness of the problem of missing children, to offer a forum for change, and to offer safety information for children in school and community. Child Find of America, (845) 255-1848.

May 27: Memorial Day - By US Presidential Proclamation. Also known as Decoration Day because of the tradition of decorating the graves of service men and women. An occasion for honoring those who have died in battle.

May 29: Senior Health and Fitness Day - To promote the value of fitness and exercise for older adults. Mature Market Resource Center, (800) 828-8225,