Chadron Kiwanis

The next Kiwanis member we are excited to spotlight is Gabrielle Michna! Gabby currently serves the Chadron community as the Executive Director of the Chadron Chamber of Commerce: Nebraska.
Gabby joined Kiwanis in 2018 when she stepped into the interim role of her current position. Her favorite Kiwanis event is Trunk or Treat because the costumes are always so creative, along with the trunks!
When asked the question, "What is on your bucket list and why?", Gabby responded, "I have always felt drawn to a non-traditional path, choosing to live differently than how I was raised. By working hard to save and pursue my passions, I've been fortunate to explore the world and accomplish many of my 'bucket list' dreams early in life. Now, my greatest aspirations revolve around enriching the lives of those who are dear to me. Spending quality time with these special individuals is the most meaningful gift I can offer, creating lasting memories for them as my adventures have for me. My 'bucket' is now filled with wonderful people whose presence I deeply cherish making memories with!"

We love Gabby's willingness to chip in wherever she can (especially as our emcee for multiple events!) and positive attitude. Thank you Gabby for all you do for our Kiwanis club, and our community!

Next up for our member spotlight is TJ Jelinek!
Many of you may know TJ from Security First Bank in Chadron, NE. TJ had been a member of Kiwanis since 2017, and is an integral part of our Backpack Food Program (he consistently delivers food to schools and covers for any other member when asked).
TJ's favorite annual Kiwanis event is Trunk or Treat. When asked the question, "What is one item you can't live without?", TJ answered, "I can't live without my fishing rod!".
Thanks for always being there for our Kiwanis Team TJ, we appreciate you!

This week's member spotlight is highlighting a real gem of a human, Duane Gardener!
You may know Duane because he is a friendly face that works at Home Haven Furniture & Appliance.
Duane joined Kiwanis in 2006, and his favorite events are Trunk or Treat and the Kiwanis Regatta Race.
When asked the question, "What would you do if you won 10 million dollars?", Duane answered, "Travel and ride our side by side in all 50 states with my wife Carrie".
Let's give a big shout out to our friend Duane👏

Congrats again to Chris and Julie! Special thanks to our Kiwanis team! Thank you Bryan Linegar, Jeremy Anderson, and TJ Jelinek!!

Thank you to all that participated today!! Turned out to be a great day! Chris and Julie Garrett defended and retained their title! Very close times this year!

Don’t forget to come and join the Kiwanis Regatta race today!! Registration starts at 2pm and race is at 2:30. Hope to see you at the Lagoons at Chadron State Park!

Next up for our Kiwanis member spotlight is Bryan Linegar!
Bryan grew up in Hemingford,NE but resides in Chadron with his wife Malinda and two children. He loves hunting, spending time with family, and watching his two kids play sports.
Bryan gets to be his own boss in Chadron with Bryan Linegar, Farm Bureau Financial Services Agent . He joined Kiwanis a little over two years ago, and he says his favorite event is the Regatta Canoe Race held at the Chadron State Park during their anniversary celebration each Summer.
When asked the question, "If you could eat dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?"
Bryan answered: "I would eat dinner with Thomas Jefferson. I would love to hear one of the founding fathers philosophy's and expectations for the beginning of our nations constitution. His first hand information in his involvement with the revolutionary war would be an interesting conversation compared to the issues that face our nation today."
Bryan supports the Kiwanis mission with his constant generosity, and commitment to helping all youth succeed.

For this week's member spotlight, we would like to introduce Lacy Cleveland! Lacy works at Chadron Community Hospital & Health Services in the Human Resources Dept.

Lacy has been in Chadron, NE since 2020 after she moved to the area from Oregon, and joined Kiwanis shortly after.

Lacy's favorite Kiwanis event is Trunk or Treat along with Egg Your Yard. She says they are both so much fun, and her two kids love them.

When asked, "If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring 3 things with you, what would they be?", Lacy answered, "Solar powered speaker with downloaded music, picture of my family, a very large journal to write down my thoughts and experiences".
We love having Lacy as a Chadron Kiwanis member!

Wishing all the Alliance and Chadron graduates the best as they begin this exciting new chapter. Congratulations to the class of 2024!

NCAP Head Start Would like to congratulate former NCAP Head Start student, Taverra Sayaloune, as the 2024 R7HSA Award and Scholarship Recipient.

Embark on the ultimate adventure at Fort Robinson State Park! Join us for a day filled with thrills, spills, and unforgettable memories. Witness the heart-pounding excitement of a rodeo, saddle up for a scenic trail ride through rugged terrain, and unleash your inner explorer as we delve into the park's hidden gems.

But wait, there's more! Feel the rush as you zoom down the towering 200+ foot super slide, channel your inner marksman with archery, unleash your creativity with arts and crafts, and cap off the day with campfire activities under the starlit sky.

This official kickoff to summer camp promises non-stop fun and excitement that you won't want to miss! So grab your cowboy hat, lace up your boots, and get ready for a wild ride at Fort Robinson State Park! 🤠🐎🏞️🔥

Register HERE: https://www.norwesca.org/maincampsweek1

Chadron Kiwanis presents...🥁🥁🥁

👏MEET YOUR MEMBERS!👏

Let's kick it off with our current Chadron Kiwanis President, Chantel Merchen.

Chantel has been a Chadron Kiwanis member for 11 years, but has been involved in the organization since high school as a key club member.

Chantel currently works at Chadron State College as the Director of the Office of Academic Success.

Chantel's favorite Kiwanis event is Trunk or Treat, as it is the most fun and engaging in our local community.

When asked the question, "What’s the best thing you’ve read in the last five years?", she answered, "Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone. It's moving, very well written, and about Alaska which is a state I've always wanted to visit! I highly recommend any of her books."

Stay tuned for more member spotlights!

Chadron Kiwanis' Egg Your Yard event resulted in some extra funds that we were able to donate back to different clubs in our community.

Chantel Merchen is presenting Chadron High School's FCCLA Club with a $200 donation as a result. The were very excited as they will be traveling to Seattle for Nationals this summer, and this will help with those expenses.

Congrats Chadron FCCLA!

Chadron Kiwanis' Egg Your Yard event resulted in some extra funds that we were able to donate back to different clubs in our community.

Chantel Merchen is presenting Chadron High School's FFA Club with a $200 donation as a result.

Chadron FFA had students qualify for nationals this year, which will help the qualifying students on their journey!
Congrats Chadron FFA!

Kiwanis' Egg Your Yard event resulted in some extra funds that we were able to donate back to different clubs in our community.

Chantel Merchen is presenting Dawes County 4-H with a $200 donation as a result.

Congrats to Dawes County 4-H, keep up the great work helping local youth through amazing programs!

Congratulations to all of the students recognized in today's Kiwnais Honors Program.
You're all amazing and we cannot wait to see you next year!
This year we also invited our guest speaker, Jake Danielson to talk about the importance of mental health, resiliency, and taking care of each other.

We also awarded the Craig Conway Memorial Scholarship to two recipients this year, Morgan Schommer and Jaleigh McCartney.
🎉CONGRATS EVERYONE!!🎉

Jake will be the guest speaker for the Kiwanis Honors Program at CHS April 18th.
We are so excited to have him speak to our local students!

Happy Easter from Chadron Kiwanis!
We hope the families that signed up for "Egg Your Yard" are having a ball hunting for eggs, and the surprised families feel the love from the community.
We wish everyone a healthy, happy Easter!

We love giving back, and being involved, in our community. 🥰🐥🐰💙
We met up with Gabby, from the Chadron Chamber of Commerce, yesterday to purchase, and donate, the bike's for the 2024 Chadron Community Easter Egg Hunt!
*From Left to Right: Lacy, HR; Gabby, Executive Director of Chadron Chamber of Commerce; Cali, Marketing and Public Relations; Jennifer, Interim CEO*

This year's event will be held this Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Legion Baseball Fields (400 N Main Street) at 11am sharp! (If weather interrupts, meet us at the Dawes County Fairground buildings) There will be over 4,000 eggs, and will be split up between the age groups of 0-3, 4-6, and 7-10. Keep your eyes peeled, because two kids in each category will find the special golden egg with the bicycle voucher. The bicycle voucher allows you to win one of these bikes! You don't want to miss this event! See you all on Saturday!

As of this morning we are officially SOLD OUT of eggs!🎉🎉🎉
Thank you so much Chadron community for signing up and sharing the love around town.
We can't wait to do this again next year!🐰
If you haven't stopped down to pay yet, please drop off payment to TJ Jelinik at Security First Bank🙌

Another big CONGRATS to Runza of Chadron for winning the Best Trunk for 2023. They're enjoying donuts on us today!

And the Trunk Or Treat 2023 Best Trunk winner is.....
RUNZA!!! Great job Runza with your pirate ship! It was a huge hit! We will be in contact with you to present your award next week.
Happy Halloween🎃

Some amazing trunks are still happening in downtown Chadron!
Check it out before 7 PM!

Trunk or Treat is just a few days away! If you have not signed up, please make sure to do so and get your application in ASAP! IT IS FREE, FUN & THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!

*PSA:
There is NO line to get in Trunk or Treat. Feel free to move about the venue as you please. Pay attention to the # on your FAVORITE TRUNK so you can get your vote in! Voting booth at both ends of the venue!

If you see a line at Trunk or Treat it is probably because of the EPIC CANDY OR ACTIVITY one of our participants has planned for you! Otherwise, keep on moving and keep the flow of traffic moving through the venue for us to avoid any human traffic jams. :) THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

(FCCLA Puppy Pageant @ The Plaza 4pm, & City Annual Chili Cook Off Chadron Volunteer Fire Department Firehall 5-7pm)

2023 Harvest Moon Chadron Kiwanis Cookie Contest in the books!! 1st Place went to Sarah Schmidt! 2nd place went to Asher Cleveland!! Third place went to Debbie Soester!! Thank you to all who entered and our judges!! See you next year!

Kiwanis is holding its cookie contest this year at the Harvest Moon Festival in Chadron! 🍪
Please email our contact information below for access to our entry form, or print the image below.
We look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with this year!

Thank you to all that made it out to the Regatta on a damp Saturday afternoon! Thank you to Chadron State Park for the use of the Lagoon. Park looked amazing. Congrats to Chris and Julie Garret on their victory. This is the Garrett family 11th victory!!

Come join us this Saturday in the Lagoon at Chadron State Park for our Kiwanis Regatta!!! Registration is at 2pm. Races start at 2:30pm. So much fun. Hope to see you out there!!