Members of the Kiwanis Club of Winnfield gathered for their regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, featuring a recap program centered on the 108th Annual District Convention (DCON 2026). The convention was held from July 31 through August 2 at the Hilton New Orleans Airport in Kenner, Louisiana, bringing together Kiwanians from across the La-Miss-Tenn District under the theme “Laissez les bons temps rouler with Kiwanis!”
A delegation of five Winnfield members attended the annual convention, including Dr. Bill Gaddis, Margaret Coon, Ethel Howell, Club President Mary Lou Blackley, and Kim Futrell. A major highlight of the event was the formal installation of Winnfield’s own Kim Futrell as the incoming Lieutenant Governor for the district on Sunday morning.
During the local meeting, members who attended shared highlights and key takeaways from the weekend’s sessions:
Youth & Service Projects: President-Elect Ethel Howell highlighted her inspiration from the Key Club presentations, expressing a strong interest in establishing youth-focused service clubs, such as a Builders Club or Key Club, within the local middle and high schools. Margaret Coon reported on the convention’s hands-on service project, where attendees packed activity bags for the Ronald McDonald House.
Public Relations & Growth: Coon also summarized sessions on modern public relations, emphasizing the use of social media and AI tools, adhering to Kiwanis International branding standards, and keeping club engagement active.
Keynote & District Grants: President Mary Lou Blackley detailed the keynote address delivered by Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who spoke on state park preservation and tourism. She also outlined the updated two-step process for applying for Kiwanis Foundation grants, which begins with a letter of inquiry.
District Leadership & Records: Dr. Bill Gaddis summarized the district elections and noted that the convention’s annual gift basket fundraiser raised a record $9,016.
Looking ahead, the club confirmed details for its upcoming local events, including the annual Pancake Supper scheduled for September 24, 2026, Be sure to see a Kiwanian for tickets, followed by the Installation Banquet on October 5.