After the Pledge of Allegiance the Kiwanis Pledge is recited to open monthly meetings. The latter states, “As our Country’s flag signifies purity, valor, and justice, may we, as true Kiwanians, exemplify these virtues as we serve the children of the world.” Members served children of Morrison, IL, on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, by presenting $200 to a pair of youth organizations.
Kiwanis representative Kris Bielema gave the first check to Ryan Decker, one of the coaches of Morrison Youth Baseball and Softball. The organization is an annual recipient. Boys and girls in grades one through nine are involved in these sports. Decker noted in 2013 there were 175 participants, before the Pony League (for ages 13 to 15) was added. In 2014, there were 221 players; in 2015, the number was 250.
“We’re growing,” Becker stated. As a coach, he encourages his teams to “try to get better every day; practice at home every day. Be a good teammate and root for [each other].”
Seven- and eight-year-olds play only at the Morrison Sports Complex. The Minors, ages nine and ten, and Majors, ages 11 and 12, travel to Albany, Erie, Fulton, Prophetstown, and Riverdale. The older Ponies also travel to play.
There are numerous costs to run this program: helmets, balls, catcher’s gear, umpire fees, insurance, background check fees, financial assistance to help individuals. MYBS pays Mark Pruis, owner of The Cage, so all teams can have indoor batting practice, beginning in April. Paint the Town buys team shirts.
“Opening Day is Friday, May 13, with a rain date of Sunday, May 15, at Morrison Sports Complex.” There will be “a parade of kids in uniform,” said Becker, “and they will play two- or three-inning scrimmage games.”
A check then was presented to Boy Scout Troop #96 Scoutmaster Eric Anderson by Kiwanian Denise Bramm. Anderson has served as Scoutmaster for 4.5 years, but he has been involved in Scouting for 35. “I really love it!” he exclaimed.
In the past he had “eight or nine boys,” but now there are 17. I think it is a terrific problem, transportation-wise.” The boys “are doing more camping,” he noted. This include primitive and winter camping experiences.
There are “three patrols, and the boys now lead the meetings.” He mixes the new and older boys, who work together. Anderson notes the rate of advancement through the ranks has increased. He has presented five Eagle Scout Awards and has a couple Scouts working toward the achievement.
You can find Morrison Boy Scout Troop #96 on “the sandwich corner” three times this summer.
