[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 8, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KIWANIS CLUB OF CHEYENNE

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne. This is a hands-on service 
organization making a profound impact on the development of Wyoming's 
youth. The club is committed in every way to the betterment of the 
community.
  On March 10, 2023 the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne will celebrate its 
100th anniversary at the Little America Hotel and Conference Center in 
Cheyenne. Seven years after the official recognition of Kiwanis 
International, the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne was formed on January 27, 
1922. The international mission to serve the needs of area children 
extended to Cheyenne. Sixty-five men gathered at the Plains Hotel, 
electing William Bradford Ross as their first president. Ross was 
elected Governor of Wyoming within a year from the club's charter date.
  One of the club's first major accomplishments was the creation of 
Kiwanis Park, a notable landmark in Cheyenne. In 1922, the city 
solicited help from local service clubs to build parks in the vicinity 
of Cheyenne's lakes. To this day, club volunteers care for the park. 
The Kiwanis Club remained involved in the lake area by helping to 
establish the Kiwanis Community House. This is a large, multi-purpose 
meeting space in what remains of the Cheyenne park system. The house is 
used for meetings, reunions, weddings, and small trade shows. The city 
opened a new park in east Cheyenne in 2021. The park was adopted by the 
Kiwanis Club, with members committed to both labor and financing. On 
June 27, 2022, the Cheyenne City Council voted to name the park 
``Kiwanis Park.''
  The Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne strives to ``develop by precept and 
example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship by 
providing World Class leadership development for the young people of 
our community.'' That dedication to Wyoming's youth encompasses a 
variety of programs. The Stars of Tomorrow talent show showcases the 
incredible skills of Wyoming's youth. Key Club provides adolescents 
with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build character, and 
participate in service projects within the community.
  The needs of Cheyenne's youth were also addressed with the 
establishment of a ``student's fund.'' For many years this scholarship 
program helped area high school students attend the University of 
Wyoming. The club participates in the Friday Food Bag program ensuring 
all Laramie County students have dependable access to nutritious food 
during weekends. Other youth organizations and individuals to benefit 
from Kiwanis Club support include the Future Farmers of America--now 
known as FFA--Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, the City's Youth Alternative 
Program, orphaned boys, and underprivileged children through the 
vocational guidance committee.
  Since their beginning, the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne has never stopped 
its charitable outreach. Their positive impacts on the community keep 
growing. While assisting youth is their main focus, the club helps 
other groups as well. Their outreach extends to those with 
disabilities. The Kiwanis Aktion Club, the only service club for adults 
with disabilities, helps members become ``competent, capable and caring 
leaders'' through service-oriented projects. The Kiwanis Club's 
financial support was pivotal in the early days of Magic City 
Enterprises. This company helps disabled individuals learn, develop and 
retain necessary skills to live successfully.
  A cornerstone of Cheyenne Frontier Days since 1952 is the delicious 
pancake breakfasts served to locals and tourists. This includes the 
famous ``chuck'' of the pancake over the cook's shoulder. This past 
year, Kiwanis Club members and volunteers dedicated their time to 
prepare 19,285 pancakes free of charge in 1 week. This level of sheer 
commitment to the community by the members and volunteers of the club 
exemplifies the strong character and selflessness of all participating 
club members. The club's outreach is expansive and impressive. Not only 
are the needs of Wyoming's youth met, but the needs of the Cheyenne 
community are guaranteed to be addressed with resolute dedication.
  The Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne is led by:

       Renee Brower
       President
       Laura Drake
       Secretary
       Debbie LaFaso
       Treasurer
       Margaret Cox
       President Elect
       Larry Walters
       1st Vice President
       Lisa Trimble
       2nd Vice President
       Pamela Freeman
       Assistant Secretary
       Kim Lovett
       Assistant Treasurer
       Samuel Weinstein
       Past President
       Rhianna Brand
       Board Member
       George Costopoulos
       Board Member
       Scott Royce
       Board Member
       Richard Russell
       Board Member
       Rich Wessenberg
       Board Member
       Patrick Brady
       Board Member
       Denise Newell
       Board Member
       Deborah Dancik-Paxton
       Board Member
       Melissa Stutz
       Board Member
       Travis Vogel
       Board Member

  It is an honor for me to rise in recognition of this significant 
milestone for the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne. Bobbi joins me in extending 
our congratulations to the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne on their 100th 
anniversary.

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