August 2025 • Newsletter • V 74 no. 11

Friday Speaker Programs


Meetings are held at Highland UMC in the Bradley Center. Lunch is served starting at 12 noon. Meeting portion will start around 12:40 p.m. Bring a guest!

1-August

Lee Lilley

Sec of Commerce

8-August -

Meet at White Memorial Presbyterian Church

Sandra Birkhead

Travels to Vietnam, Brazil, Africa & Peru

15-August

Barbara Still and Steve Puls

Project Enlightenment

22-August

TBD

29-August

No Meeting

Month of August
school_supplies_2.jpg

This Friday - Bring School Supplies Collection


for the


Annual Convention Service Project


One more Friday to donate!


Hugh Grist, Gina Bunch and April Blackwell are heading to Asheville the weekend of August 15-17 to serve as delegates from our club to the Carolina's District Annual Convention. They will go through leadership training, session geared at improving membership, fundraising and service projects for our club. It is also a great opportunity to network with members of other clubs. We expect that they will come back with exciting ideas to share with our members.


As part of the service project for the Annual Convention, clubs are collecting school supplies that will be given to schools in Asheville and surrounding communities that were directly impacted by Hurricane Helene. For the few Fridays in August, please bring new school supplies to but in our donation box at the meeting. FYI - Walmart is having a great sale on school supplies right now!


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Upcoming Events!


August 8 (Friday): Friday Meeting at White Memorial PC


August 15-17: Carolinas District Annual Convention: Asheville, NC


August 16: Crabtree Creek Trail Clean-Up - 8:30 a.m. - Family Event


August 22: Salvation Army Kitchen - Volunteers Needed, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.


August 29: No meeting (Labor Day)


September 20: Kiwanis Park Clean-Up - 8:30 a.m. - Family Event


September 26: Salvation Army Kitchen - Volunteers Needed, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.


October 18: Pancake Breakfast

Kiwanis Park Cleanup

was a Success!

The Kiwanis Club has adopted Kiwanis Park and a section of Crabtree Trail and would love for you to help! This is a PERFECT family service project!


We have bright Kiwanis safety vests and strong grabbers.


Cleanups will be held the 3rd Saturday of each month from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. during summer hours.


The next cleanup will be on August 16. Future cleanups will be held Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15 and on Dec 20.


For more information, please contact Hugh Grist.

 

Our recent cleanup was highlighted in the City of Raleigh’s newsletter as best volunteer opportunity!

Membership Welfare


Our thoughts are with Jim Wahlbrink as he continues to recover from heart surgery.


Prayers and best wishes to Buck Lattimore as he prepares for surgery this month.


Congrats to Keith Capps on his recent retirement!


Please keep Tarver Sammons in your prayers. He would love to receive a text from you!


Miss a Meeting?


Hugh has put many of our meeting on our YouTube Channel. Click below to see them. Pass the link along to friends and family as well!

Pancake Breakfast Committee met July 21!

 

Planning is underway for the 2025 Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, our biggest event of the year. 

 

The confirmed date for this year’s breakfast will be Saturday, October 18, 2025. The breakfast planning committee met at 6:30 p.m. on July 21 via zoom.


Please contact Jason Tyson at redstars1@gmail.com or 910.988.9923 if you wish to serve on the planning committee. 


Board Meeting Highlights



Highlights from our July 15, 2025 are as follows:


Two new members were approved. Janie Webb (sponsored by Frances Bobbie) and Tal Bone (sponsored by Robert Cooper). Resignations were accepted with regret for Richard Smith (time), Joe Turchetti (time) and Lucy Grist (moved). Our current membership status is 151 members (125 Active, 26 Senior). For the fiscal year through June 30, 2025, John Collar reported the following: operating income of $ 54,931.53, operating expenses of $ 82,479.98, service income of $ 25,106.00, service expenses of $ 31,408.18, net assets of $ 32,936.41. There was discussion on membership totals and the need to make the club more accessible for younger members. Discussion was held regarding the budget and the fact that the food costs are the main source of financial strain on the operating budget. The Pancake Breakfast committee is gearing up for the event on October 18. Our annual Food Drive will be held during August. President Hugh is eager to get our club committees re-vamped. He is asking members to let him know of committees they have worked on in the past. John Brantley's resolution is the only one left to do. The club can send 2 delegates to the annual convention (with our budget). The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 8, 2025 but will likely be rescheduled due to the change in meeting location.

Welcome New Members!

Dan Martin


Dan Martin's journey has taken him from the historic streets of Alexandria, Virginia, to the sandy shores of Sunset Beach, NC, all the way to New York City, Dallas, and now Raleigh—where he’s been proud to call home for nearly a decade.


A graduate of West Brunswick High School in Shallotte, NC, Dan made his mark early on as a student leader, serving as Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Class President. He also earned the Principal’s Leadership Award while balancing his time on the football and golf teams.


After high school, Dan headed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Political Science. A true Tar Heel, he made the most of his time at UNC as an editorial writer and columnist for The Daily Tar Heel, a member of the Dean’s List, a student congressman, orientation leader, and resident assistant. His involvement on campus laid a strong foundation for the leadership and communication skills he uses daily.


Post-college, Dan’s career path took him from the hustle of NYC to the heart of Texas before he settled in Raleigh. Today, he works as an Analyst for Abrams Bison Investments, balancing a fast-paced professional life with a vibrant family life at home. He and his wife, Stacy—who devotes her time to their family as a mother and homemaker—are raising two energetic children: Callan (11) and Caroline (9).


The Martin family attends Church on Morgan in downtown Raleigh. Outside of work, Dan dedicates much of his time to coaching youth basketball and participating in Y Guides, a testament to his passion for mentoring and community building.


One fun fact that Dan doesn’t mind sharing: he once accidentally called President Bill Clinton “Ma’am.” He’s never lived it down—but it makes for a great story.



Dan is sponsored by Andrew Perry.

David Clark


David Clark’s life is a blueprint of service, leadership, and hands-on impact—shaped by small-town values, professional drive, and a deep desire to give back.


Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and raised in the scenic town of Bedford, David excelled early on at Liberty High School, where he was a standout student-athlete and leader. He played tennis for five years, soccer for four, served as Student Government President, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and graduated as Valedictorian.


David went on to the University of Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. While there, he contributed to The Cavalier Daily student newspaper and published a first-of-its-kind architecture journal—a sign of his early innovation and commitment to thought leadership in design and sustainability. Though he didn’t pursue graduate school, David has continued to build a rich career in architecture and project management.


In 1996, David moved to Raleigh, where he now owns and operates E3. Sustainability, a project management firm that reflects his lifelong commitment to thoughtful planning and sustainable solutions.


David is married to Molly Clark, a Cloud Practice Development Executive for InSight Digital Development. Together, they have three grown children—Britney (36, adopted), Amanda (28), and Josh (27)—and three grandchildren.


The Clarks attend Summit Church, where David served in the Children’s Ministries for four years. Outside of work and worship, he enjoys tennis, occasional rounds of golf, woodworking, gardening, and home improvement projects with Molly.


With a family legacy that includes a father who was in a Key Club in West Virginia, David is proud to now step into a role of community service himself. He says he’s “looking forward to this opportunity to give back to my community and fellowship.”



Whether it’s coaching, creating, or cultivating relationships, David brings vision, values, and a steady hand to all he does—building stronger foundations, both literally and figuratively, wherever he goes.


David is sponsored by Sanford Bailey.

Janie Webb


Janie Webb’s life story is one of movement, connection, and a deep-rooted passion for people and the outdoors. Born in Macon, Georgia, Janie’s childhood was anything but stationary—she grew up in several states including Georgia, Texas, Maine (for six formative years), North Carolina, and Maryland before eventually returning to the Tar Heel State in 2024.


Janie graduated from Kents Hill School, where she was a well-rounded student involved in choir, drama, cheerleading, lacrosse, and soccer. Her creative and energetic spirit carried her into college, where she studied Speech Communication at NC State and Barton College, sharpening the skills that make her a natural at engaging with others.


Though not currently employed, Janie has spent much of her career providing in-home care and pet-sitting services—a reflection of her nurturing personality and trustworthiness. She thrives in roles where personal connection is key and where she can offer meaningful support to others.

Now back in North Carolina, Janie is embracing a season of rediscovery. Her hobbies are as active and varied as her life story—she’s returning to horseback riding and kickboxing, and still enjoys swimming, hiking, and walking along the beach.


She also has a heart for service. Janie finds joy in spending time with both the elderly and children and is always looking for ways to give back to her community. With a Kiwanis connection through Frances Bobbi, she’s excited about new opportunities to get involved and make a difference.



Janie is sponsored by Frances Bobbie.

Talbot "Tal" Bone


Talbot “Tal” Bone has lived a life defined by service, craftsmanship, and quiet strength. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, and raised in various towns across Pennsylvania—including Harrisburg, Emmaus, and Hummelstown—Tal’s journey has spanned states, careers, and generations, with each chapter rooted in commitment and character.


A graduate of Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg, Tal was a well-rounded athlete, participating in wrestling, basketball, cross country, and track. His academic and athletic discipline would carry him through a successful college career and well beyond.


Tal earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University, followed by a Master’s in Engineering from the University of Texas. While he jokes that his college sports involvement was “none worth mentioning,” his real achievements were in the classroom and in the service of others.


Tal dedicated 27 years to the United States Navy, a career that exemplifies his leadership, resilience, and global perspective. He also holds a pilot’s license, further proving there’s not much he can’t do.


After his military service, Tal enjoyed a career in engineering before retiring. Today, he and his wife Chris—also retired—live in Raleigh, where they are active members of White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Tal regularly attends the Men’s Prayer Breakfast, grounding his life in fellowship and faith.


Together, Tal and Chris have raised a loving family that now includes two children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His legacy clearly lives on through multiple generations.



When he’s not with family or at church, Tal spends time enjoying his hobbies—woodworking and fly fishing—which combine patience, skill, and a love for the outdoors.


Tal is sponsored by Robert Cooper.

Club Officers and Directors

2024-2025


President………………........… Hugh Grist

President-Elect……………….. Hugh Grist

Secretary……………………...… Courtney Allen

Treasurer………………………... John Collar

Immediate Past President.. June Small


Directors 2023-2025

Robert Cooper

Hampton Fields

Travis Wiggs


Directors 2024-2026

Nathan Brown

Cynthia Ball

Jason Tyson


Directors 2025-2027

Sanford Bailey

Clay Taylor

Robbie Wooten


Foundation Officers and Directors

2025


President……………….....….. Gwen Vass

Vice President……….....…… Wes Tripp

Secretary……………….....….. April Blackwell

Treasurer………………......…. Brian Bennet


Directors 2023-2025

Phil Kirk

Rocky Strickland

Gwen Vass


Directors 2024-2026

Tanner Crawford

Martin Green

Wes Tripp


Directors 2025-2027

April Blackwell

Ty Hartwell

Dick Heidgerd


Kiwanis Club of Raleigh

PO Box 12

Raleigh NC 27602

919-749-9675


Meetings

Fridays 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Highland United Methodist Church

1901 Ridge Road

Raleigh NC 27607


Newsletter

Editor: Jason Tyson



www.raleighkiwanis.org

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