102nd Pilot Annual International Convention - Denver, Co. July 17 - 20, 2024
102nd PI Convention service project was for the Autism Society of Colorado. PI partnered with GloPals to proide their award winning sensory Glo Pals & other sensory toys to be placed in plastic bags. Each Pilot made one bag to keep and one bag to donate. Hundreds of bags were made & donated to the Autism Society of Colorado. This project aligns with our efforts to provide sensory kits to each sherriff, police and EMS vehilcle in Barton County.
Heartland District members with their bags of Glo Pals.
Rhonda Knudson and Betty Schneider at the Pilot Convention in Denver, Co.
Marla Brandon (PC of Manhattan), Dustin James (motivational speaker) and Betty Schneider. Dustin is a Top Corporate Energizer. His misssion is to elevate organization performance by building resilent, connected & creative leaders. His favorite word is “awesome.”
Great Bend Pilot Club & Sunshine PC of Bahamas received the most awards (4) at the convention. Great Bend received: 2nd place in Outstanding Club Visibility, Outstanding Pilot Club award, Outstanding Pilot Club Volunteer hours award and 3rd for their Pick Up Project.
Rhonda Knudson receives a kiss from Blake Hyland. Blake spoke at the convention. After a gymnastics accident left him severly brain-damaged, Blake brings awareness ad hope to people who have suffered a TBI. “Hi, I’m Blake” is an award winning documentary following Blake & his family on their journey to raise awareness for the brain injury community.
Rhonda Knudson accepting the awards Great Bend Pilot earned from President Holly Baker. Andrea Jones past Heartland Governor is on the right.
Great Bend Pilot Club Executive Board for 2024 - 2025
Seated: Marty Aldrich (treasurer), Betty Schneider (president), Joyce Beadles-Fry (president-elect), Chris Rippel (vice-president), Ros Neeland (recording secretary). Back row: Nancy Sundahl (corresponding secretary), Judy Fox (director), Jari Marietta (director), Barbara Watson (director), Marcia Johnson (director) and Daniel Watson (past president).
Youth Crew
Youth Crew is a drug & alcohol prevention program. It is available to youth in grades 6th - 12th that are in Barton County. There are 3 main objectives with the program: 1) Prevention Education, 2) Community Service/collaboration and 3) fun, substance free events for youth. The purpose of Youth Crew is to encourage youth-led action with the mission of helping young people in Barton County create healthy habits in themselves and the areas that they serve. Youth Crew is 1 of 6 task forces that make up the Central kansas Partnership.
Youth Crew hosted & celebrated the 2nd annual end of year celebration with their families, stakeholders, and supporters of the program. Youth Crew members were acknowledged for their work in the past year. Awards & prize were presented to attendees.
Marcia Johnson, Betty Schneider, and Vicki Richardson (Youth Crew Stakeholders) gave away “swag” items to members attending the celebration.
Looking Back at Events July 2023 - July 2024
Nancy Sundahl (corresponding secretary), Barbara Watson (past president), Daniel Watson (president), Betty Schneider (president-elect), Rhonda Knudson (vice-president), Jari Marietta (Director), Mary Cramer (Director), Judy Fox (Director). Not pictured: Ros Neeland ( recording secretary), and Marty Aldrich (treasurer).
Students with perfect attendance in School District 428 during school year 2023-2024 were presented with new bicycles and the Great Bend Plot Club fitted each child with a new helmet.
Gerardo - 5th grade Riley Elementary School
Brody, 6th grade & Rylee, 2nd grade - Lincoln Elementary School
Abigail, 6th grade & Madilyn, 5th grade - Eisenhower School
Kena -Little Panthers Preschool
Front Row: Joel, indergarden, Axel, 6th grade, Kayden, 5th grade, Avery, 4th grade,. Second Row: Braydon, 2nd grade, Nubia, 1st grade, Aubree, 5th grade, and Kaleb, 6th grade at Park Elementary.
Vicki Richardson fits a helmet on a girl.
5th Annual Heartland District Convention at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bartlesville, OK on April 19-21, 2024
Marty Aldrich, Marcia Johnson, Ros Neeland, Betty Schneider and Renee Johnson enjoy lunch, goodies from the bakery and shopping at the Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Bartlesville before going to the convention.
Members attending the convention in Bartlesville are: Betty Schneider, Renee Johnson, Rhonda Knudson, Marty Schloemer, Ros Neeland and seated: Marcia Johnson.
Barbara & Dan Watson receive the district Heart Award at convention.
Betty Schneider receives first place for her yearbook at district convention.
Andrea Jones presents Rhonda Knudson a certificate of appreciation for her 4 years of service as PIFF representative.
DAC 2024-2025: Cindy Burks - Treasurer, Patti Nelson - Secretary, Marilyn Sidener - Governor Elect and Sandra Horn - Governor.
Memorial Service for deceased members in Heartland District. Deceased members of our club are: Alease Dougherty, member ( 5-14-2023), Leona Delphine Haase mother of Renee Johnson ( 2-7-2024), Robert Wm Willesden ll husband of Dianne Willesden (4-25-2023), Tommy Eugene Gray brother of Dianne Willesden (1-29-2023), Dianne Willesden member (4-16-2024), Ethan Moorhead, Sr. father of Cristy Sucky (10-27-2023), Dwight Curry father of Myrna Schrepel (3-2000-2024), Alta Fry mother-in-law of Joyce Beadles-Fry ( 4-11-2024), and Clarence ‘Dick” Meitler husband of Cindy Meitler (9-14-2023).
Bunco dice and instructions.
Pilots enjoy supper and camaraderie before playing Bunco. Ros Neeland, Renee Johnson, Marcia Johnson, Marty Schloemer and Betty Schneider.
Awards Great Bend Pilot Club received at the Bartlesville Convention.
etty Schneider mans the Great Bend booth at the convention in Bartlesville.
Pilot club’s table at the Market Place at convention.
The baskets Great Bend Pilots made for convention to benefit PIFF.
In Remembrance of our Pilot Member Dianne Marie Willesden 2024. Dianne joined Pilot January January 2022. She was a vital member of our club serving as intermittent inspirational leader and PIFF representative. She brought two new members with her. This is a tribute to her.
Mary Doherty, Dianne Willesden, Vicki Richardson, Sandra Henry
Dianne with her friend and new Pilot member Sherri Williams.
Dianne at her initiation into Pilot Club.
Jar Wars Challenge Between Divisions: Fundraising Division Won the Challenge
Fundraaising Project - Jar Wars - a fun project within the club to raise money to support the brain related projects.
Marilyn Kopke, Co-chair of the Fundraising accepts a plaque for winning the Jar Wars Challenge. The plaque was disigned by Lynn Hogg who chaired the project. She brought her wagon to carry all the jars to every Pilot meeting during the challenge period. The jars got heavy with all the coins in them.
New Member initiation April 16, 2024
New members and their sponsors are Joyce Beadles-Fry, Dianne Call (new member, Marsha Gerstner (new member), Connie Cale, Chris Roberts (new member), and Marty Aldrich.
Hygiene Items are donated to GBHS Hygiene Closet by Great Bend Pilots
Pilot members taking hygiene products to the high school are: (seated) Marty Aldrich, Rhonda Knudson & Betty Schneider. (Back) Vicki Richardson, Barbara Watson, Daniel Watson and Amanda Staab. Pilot donate to the closet twice a year.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s Volunteer Kick-off at Great Bend Coffee
Pilot Club is a sponsor for the Walk to end Alzheimer’s and has been for several years. Pilot is $750 sponsor. The area volunteer kick-off event was held at Great Bend Coffee on February 2, 2024 from 9-11 am. Pilot members present: (front) Betty Schneider, Barbara Watson, Rhonda Knudson, Mary Doherty and Sharon Mauler. (Back) Chris Rippel, Mary Ann June, Marty Aldrich, Daniel Watson, Mark Bretchesand Mixxy Zimmer.
Ace of Hearts Fundraiser was won by Cristy Suchy.
Ruthann Friedman a member of the courtesy committee managed the Ace of Hearts drawing at each meeting. Cristy’s name was drawn & she drew the Ace of Hearts during a club meeting in January 2024. She received half of the money, $59.00 and the other $59 went to the Fundraising Division. The money was raised from previous drawings when the ace was not picked. Drawing the Ace of Hearts ended this fundraiser.
Craig Batchman - Winner of the $500 Ellinwood Packing Certificate
Pilot Club members sold tickets for a $500 beef bundle from Ellinwood Packing. The drawing was held December 5, 2023. All proceeds are used to support their programs for brain related disorders. Marilyn Kopke ( Fundraising co-chair) was in charge of the project. Funs raised exceeded our expectations. Marilyn presents the certificate for the $500 dollar beef bundle to the winner, Craig Batchman. Annette Troyer, office manage At Ellinwood Packing drew the winning chance.
Eisenhower 3rd & 4th grade students perform for Christmas
Several of the Eisenhower students played their flutes for Pilot members
Children from the 3rd & 4th grades at Eisenhower School perform a Christmas program for Pilot CLub members on December 19, 2023
El Sol Folk Dance Club from GBHS perform for the Pilot Club on November 21, 2023
The dancers change the color of their dresses as they progress in age. The sombrero costs around $500. The costumes were beautiful, the music invigorating and the dancing exceptional.
Warm Embrace Project for the Children in the Foster Care System
Pilots make 36 quilts for the Warm Embrace project for the foster care children. Holding some of the quilts are (front) Nancy Sundahl, Betty Schneider, Judy Fox, Joyce Beadles-Fry, Sharon Mauler. (Back) Marty Aldrich, Daniel Watson, Billie Bonomo, Barbara Watson, Renee Johnson, Marilyn Kopke, Nancy Schuetz, and Jari Marietta. Pilots have been making quilts for the Warm Embrace project for 17 years. Over 550 quilts have been sewn.
Great Bend Pilots perform the skit about the origin of Pilot Club to the Pratt Club
Mary Doherty (waitress), Betty Schneider and Marcia Johnson. The script was written by Rhonda Knudson (Great Bend Pilot member). This skit has been performed multiple times including at Pilot Internation Convention. The Pratt Club helped our club get started in 1987.
Great Bend Pilots attend a Heartland Workshop at Fort Smith, Arkansas
Members attending the convention were: (seated) Renee Johnson, Joyce Beadles-Fry, and Marcia Johnson. (Back) Betty Schneider, Thonda Knudson, Vicki Richardson, and Mary Cramer. Betty did a presentation on Leaadership and Rhonda did a presentation about PIFF and multi media.
Great Bend Pilots visiting with other pilot members. Renee Johnson, Joyce Beadles-Fry, Marcia Johnson, Betty Schneider, Mary Cramer, Vicki Richardson and Rose Hammerschmidt (Bartlesville Club).
Brats For Brains Fundraiser August 29, 2023 at the Kopke Backyard
The Fundraising event, Brats for Brains, was held at Matilyn and Larry Kopke’s backyard on August 29, 2023. All the pilots and their families enjoyed the brats & ice cream. This was an extremely successful event raising more than was budgeted. Over $550 was raised.
Marilyn Kopke our hostess & co-chair of Fundraising Division
Pilot members who were present for the Appblee’s Fundraiser on August 15, 2023 are Marcia Johnson. Betty Schneider, Daniel Watson, Barbara Watson, Chris Rippel, Marty Aldrich and Mary Ann June.
Great Bend Pilots receive a special thank you from the Public Library in appreciation for sponsoring the summer reading program
Pilot Club members were given small gifts from The Great Bend Public Library in appreciation for sponsoring the Summer reading program. Pictured from back left: Connie Cale, Mary Ann June, Sharon Mauler, Marty Aldrich, Daniel Watson, Chris Rippel, Marilyn Kopke, Nancy Schuetz. Front left: Ruthann Friedrich, Joyce Beadles-Fry, Barbara Watson, Nancy Sundahl and Renee Johnson.
Vicki Richardson receives 2023 Leadership Award from United Way
Vicki Richardson, a member of the Great Bend pilot Club, was awared the 2023 Leadership Award by the United Way for her outstanding contributions to improve the quality of life in the community of Great Bend. She serves as the co-chair of the projects division in Pilot club & is involved in numerous organizations in Barton County.
Installation of officers for 2023-2024 were: Rhonda Knudson, Vice-President, Daniel Watson, President, Betty Schneider, President-Elect and Nancy Sundahl, Coresponding Secretary.
Ceclia Wells was initiated into Pilot Club May 16, 2023, Ceclia was sponsored by Judy Fox (Director).
New Directors instaalled on May 16, 2023 are Judy Fox, Jari Marietta and Mary Cramer
GREAT BEND PILOT CLUB’S LARGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR TO SUPPORT THEIR PROJECTS in our community is the sale of geraniums. The club has been selling geraniums for over 25 years. Geraniums were purchesed from Northview Nursery in Great Bend.
Stacey and Christine (Marcia Johnson”s daughters), Marilyn Kopke, Marcia Johnson, Lynn Hogg, Marty Aldrich, Betty Schndider, Barbara Watson, Jack June and Mary June and Daniel Watson in back helped unload and sot geraniums.
A sea of beautiful colored geraniums that were sold to Pilot customers.
Pilot members Betty Schneider, Mary Cramer, Vick Richardson, Mary Doherty, Marty Aldrich, Daniel Watson, Barbara Watson , & (seated) Marcia Johnson greet diners at Perkins Resturant, Tuesday evening, March 23, 2023 to raise money for Alzheimer’s Walk and Autism.
Heartland District Convention in Overland Pak, Kansas April 22 &23, 2023
Betty Schneider, Renee Johnson, Barbara Watson, Marty Schloemer, Joyce Beadles-Fry, Mary Cramer, and Rhonda Knudson. In Back: Daniel Watson and Chris Rippel.
Heartland Appointees for year 2023-2024
Old & new DAC - Linda Beyer, Andrea Jones, Sandra Henry, Sandra Horn, Betty Schneider and Patti Nelson.
Pilot governors pass the gavel from the first governor down the line in order to the new governor (Andrea Jones).
GREAT BEND PILOT MEMBERS WHO COLLECTED OVER $500.00 FOR ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH are Ruthann Friedrich, Betty Schneider, Rhonda Knudson, Missy Zimmer and Sherri Williams.
New Member Initiation at Evening Meeting on November 29, 2022
Amanda Staab(reinstated), Rhonda Knudson (sponsor for Linn) Linn Hogg, Holly Bower and Vicki Richardson (sponsor for Holly)
WARM EMBRACE PROJECT
Front row: Ruthann Friedrich, mary Cramer, Marty Schloemer, Dianne Willesden and Sheri Williams. Middle Row: Nancy Sundahl, Joyce Beadles-Fry, Barbara Watson, Betty Schneider, Judy Fox, Renee Johnson,Billie Bonomo, Myrna Schrepel. Back row: Cindy Meitler, Naancy Schuetz, Marilyn Kipke, Ros Neeland, Daniel Watson, Marty Aldrich and Sharon Mauler.
Great Bend Pilot Club has made over 500 quilts or tyed blankets over the past 15 years and donating them to the Kansas Department for Children and Families in foster care.
Pilot members attending first evening Pilot meeting, Tuesday, november 29, 2022
Heartland Fall Workshop at Junction City October 15, 2022
Marty Schloemer, Renee Johnson, Betty Schneider, Mary Cramer, Barbara Watson, Rhonda Knudson, Daniel watson
Pilot International Convention at Rochester, New York, June 29 - July 2, 2022
Renee Johnson, Barbara Watson, Mary Cramer & Daniel watson at PI Convention, Rochester, New York
Barbara Watson (president Great Bend Pilot Club, Rona Espinoza (PI President), Daniel Watson (Presiednt-elect Great Bend Pilot Club at PI Convention.
Daniel Watson, Barbara Watson, Renee Johnson, Mary Cramer at Niagara Falls. Side trip while at the PI Convention.
New members initiated into the Great Bend Pilot Club during the 2021 - 2022 year and there sponsors.
Karen Schraeder and her sponsor Joyce-Beadles Fry.
Mary Ann June Sponsored by Joyce-Beadles Fry,
Joyce Beadles-Fry, Betty Schneider, ( Amanda Staab, Mary Ann June, Myrna Schrepel - new members), Barbara Watson (President), Dianne Willesden (new), Judy Fox, (Cristy Sucky, and Shari Williams - new members)
Renee Johnson Sponsored Brandi Rice to the Pilot Club. Joyce Beadles-Fry and Mary Lou Stewart (membershop cochairs) conducted the initiation ceremony.
Joyce Beadles-Fry sponsored Mary Dougherty for the Pilot Club.
Connie Cale and her sponsor Judy Fox.
Shari Williams, Dianne Willesden, Cristy Sucky and Myrna Schrepel. Dianne sponsored all three new members.
Amanda Staab sponsored by Betty Schneider.
$200.00 CHECK PRESENTED TO AMY MAYHILL FOR THE SUMMER REEADING PROGRAM. AMY SHARED READING A BOOK WITH EXCERCISES WITH THE GREAT BEND PILOT CLUB. BROWN BAG LUNCH WAS SERVED.
Vicki Richardson walked many times around Jaack Kilby Square in honor of the mothers & mother-in-laws of everyone at Our Families.
The only remaining charter members of Pilot Club of Great Bend are Nancy Sundahl, Sharon Mauler and Renee Johnson.
Pilot members participating in Alz Walk.
Janice Walker with her dog, Bella walking at the Walk to end Alzheimer, October 16,2021
Nancy Sundahl and Sharon Mauler, original members of Great Bend Pilot Club.
Nancy Rogers and Mary Cramer walkers at the End to Alzheimer’s Walk in Great Bend.
Cody Schmidt (mayor) signing the proclamation for PI’s 100-year Anniversary
Woman signing up for the raffle items at the Pilot Club Booth. Information about Pilot Club and its activities are explained to women who stop at their booth during the Women’s Expo September 21, 2021.
Judy Fox going over information about Pilot Club on the infromation cards.
Items sewn by Billie Bonomo that are available for sale at Heartland Fall Workshop
Barbara Watson, Marcia Johnson, Daniel Watson,, Renee Johnson and Rhonda Knudson at Fall Workshop - celebrating 100 years of Pilot International.
Items for fall raffle by Fundraising Division.
Barbara Watson looks on as Betty Schneider checks the fitting on the helmet on a praticipant in Devon’s Ride
Vicki Richardson fitting a helmet for a participant in Devin’s Ride
Joyce Beadles-Fry and Mary Lou Stewart (membership coodinators) stand behind their booth at the Chamber/USD 428 Showcase. Candy, games, pencils, information on bicycle helmets, Pilot information and Autism Worskhop were available to participants as well as several giveaways.
Vicki Richardson adjusts a helmet provided by Pilot Club on AAron Deason at the Youth Crew Zoo trash pickup. Aaron stated “this is the first helmet I have ever had.” Pilot’s Helmet Project is to provide helmets for all youth who need one.
Betty Schneider looks for trash while helping the Youth Crew pick up trash at the Brit Spaugh Zoo.
Mary Cramer, Renee Johnson (Great Bend Pilots), Deb Hayes (Past PI President) & Rose Hammerschmidt (Heartland Pilot Member) at the PI Convention banquet.
Renee Johnson and Mary Cramer in fron of the waterfall at PI Convention in Macon, Georgia.
PILOT CLUB OF GREAT BEND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS FOR 2021 - 2022 ON MAY 18, 2021
Daniel Watson installed as vice-president
Installation committee - Joyce Beadles-Fry, Mary Lou Stewart, & Sharon Mauler. Joyce Beadles- Fry was also installed as a director at a later date.
Rhonda Knudson installed as president.
Jari Marietta installed as a director
Nanct Sundahl was installed as corresponding secretary.
Barbara Watson installed as president-elect
PILOTS FINISH TYING QUILTS AT HOME INSTEAD OF AT A MEETING BECAUSE OF THE COVID PANDEMIC. 42 QUILTS WERE DONATED TO THE WARM EMBRACE PROJECT FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE IN OCTOBER 2020.
Barbara Watson tying a quilt.
Billie Bonomo with the quilt she sewed & quilted
Ruthann Friedrich showing the quilt she tied.
Betty Schneider tying one of the quilts for the foster care children.
Judy Fox tying her quilt.
Daniel Watson tying a quilt for the Warm Embrace Project.
A LIVING MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO NORMA WARD, A GREAT BEND PILOT, WHO WAS AN EMBODIMENT OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP AND SERVICE - WE WILL MISS YOU
Norma Jean Ward, age 89, left this world for her heavenly home on July 9, 2020 at Almost Home. She was a Great bend Pilot for 29 years, serving our club as president, treasurer and chairman of multiple divisions during her years in Pilot Club. Norma was in charge of geranium sales several times. She was also our club’s sweetheart in 2001-2002. She will be greatly missed by her Pilot Club.
On July 7, 2020, Ruthann Friedman was installed as a new Pilot member by her sponsor, Mary Cramer, who presented her with a Pilot pin, a yellow rose, and material from Pilot International.
Zoom meetings were held due to COVID-19 restrictions. Some of the Pilot Club members on the meeting are (bottom left), Billie Bonomo, (second row on the left), Jari Marietta, Vicki Richardson, Betty Schneider, (top left) Renee Johnson, Rhonda Knudson (facilitator of the meeting) and Sharon Mauler. Pilots joined the meeting on their computer or iPhones with or without their photos. Except for the business meeting, no in person meetings will be held until further notice due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. Zoom meetings will be scheduled.
Great Bend Pilot District Appointees met with Heartland District Governor, Shelia Evans, at Renee Johnson’s home for a meeting. Seated from left to right: Faye Kuhn (outgoing Governor), Renee, Shelia, Mary Cramer (Awards Jury), Betty Schneider (District Projects Co-Chair) Rose Hammerschmidt (Awards Jury), and Marcia Johnson (Past President, Pilot Club of Great Bend). Rhonda Knudson (PIFF District Representative) took the photo.
BARBARA WATSON RECEIVED THIS YEARS HEARTLAND DISTRICT CATEGORY III INDIVIDUAL HEART AWARD FOR 2020-2021.
Mary Cramer from the Heartland Awards Committee presented Barbara Watson with a gift from the district for winning the Individual Heart Award. When requesting a nomination from the club for the award, the only name given by the members was Barbara.No one was surprised by the nomination. She has dedicated countless hours preparing our living history scrapbook and she was instrumental in writing and getting the master course syllabus written and approved for the Autism Workshop. She has been involved in multiple projects throughout the year.
Mary Cramer presents Barbara Watson her certificate as winner of the Individual Heart Award.
SINCE the COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS WERE UPGRADED, SOME PILOTS MEET AT PERKINS, WHILE OTHERS CHOSE TO ATTEND THE MEETING VIA ZOOM , PILOTS PRACTICED SAFE DISTANCING OF 6 FEET. IT WAS WONDERFUL TO SEE SMILING FACES WITHOUT MASKS.
Billie Bonomo tells the Pilot group about the bears she dressed in scrubs & masks for the appreciation baskets. Rhonda hold one of the bears. She gathered and created the baskets for the nurses.
Bear with different scrub outfit.
APPRECIATION BASKETS FOR NURSES IN BARTON COUNTY
Billie Bonomo holds a C-19 bear who’s scrubs she designed & sewed for the nurses appreciation baskets.
Billie Bonomo made a cloth mask with an inside pocket for each member of Great Bend Pilot Club. She has made over 250 masks for nurses and nursing home employees.
One of the Mascot Bears clothed by Billie for the nurses. Each bear had on a different set of scrubs & colored mask. Message created by Rhonda Knudson for the nurse appreciation baskets.
GERANIUMS UNLOADED, SORTED & DELIVERED
Betty Schneider takes a cart full of citronella to unload.
Barbara Watson, Ruthann Friedrich and Don Schneider unload geranium baskets and sort into colors.
Beautiful baskets of colorful geraniums.
Pilots Volunteer with the Children in the Events at the GPS Kids Club’s Christmas Celebration and Fun Day.
Pilot’s own elf, Nicci Henderson helps with photos taken with Santa & the children.
Nancy Schuetz & Rhonda Knudson sell tickets for the fun activities & baked goods.
Betty Schneider and Ruthann Friedrich visit with Debbie Stephens, founder of GPS Kids Club. Pilots enjoyed a tour of the facility & playground.
Great Bend Pilot Members Serve the Holiday Meal for the Clients at Healthy Families
Santa gave presents to the children at the supper. He talks to a small child about Christmas.
Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) is dedicated to providing service & advocacy efforts that focus on preventing child abuse, strengthening families and enpowering parents and youth. Their mission is to protect and promote the well-being of children.
Raising a child can be a challenge, especially for parents who are experiencing pressures such as unemployment, illness or limited parenting kills. Healthy Families provides intensive in home parenting support for new parents of 0-5 year- olds. A Healthy Families home visitor meets with the family regularly, usually once each week. This process begins during pregnancy and continues until the child is 3 to 5 years-old.
At first, the home visitor will help you asses your families strengths and needs and then set goals. As you work toward your goals, the home visitor will provide: 1) coaching for positive parent-child interaction; 2) education on infant and toddler development; 3)developmental screenings of infants and children; 4)parenting tips and strategies; 5) assistance with acess to medical care; 6) community resources and 7) services in English & Spanish.
Usually, visits occur more frequently during the early stages of the program. As the parents become more knowledgeable and confident, home visits decrease.
Vicki Richardson (Pilot Member) & engagement coordinator for Healthy Families greeted their families at the supper and helped supervise the meal.
Betty Schneider (seated) Daniel Watson, Barbara Watson and Kathy Davis pose in front of the fireplace prior to serving the meal.
Pilots celebrate Christmas at Perkins Resturant on December 17, 2019 with lunch & gift giving.
At the Christmas Party, Pilots brought canned & packed food items to be donated to the food bank.
Handcrafted wooden advent candle holder, nutcracker, angel, and 3 wisemen on a table cloth embroided by Ingrid Bird’s mother.
Chris Sieker reads the book, The Night Before Christmas to Pilots.
Ingrid Bird presented a program on German traditions she enjoyed as a child and continues to enjoy today. She served two German cookies and several kinds of German chocolate to Pilots after her program. he told us about the advent wreath and how it is placed on a special tabe cloth, such as the one shown in this photo. Christmas trees are not decorated until Christmas eve. Saint Nicholas is celebrated on December 6th by placing candy, nuts & fruits in the children’s shoes that are placed by the front door. My family enjoys this tradition.
Daniel Watson, Nicci Henderson decorated the tables, and Ruthann Friedrich, our newest member, enjoy their lunch while geting acquinted. Ruth won the signed book, The Night Before Christmas that was read by Chris Sieker.
Pilot Club members enjoy a lunch catered by Perkins Resturant. Marty Aldrich (white shirt) is our inspiritual leader.
Mrcia Johnson, Presiden Great Bend Club, Dee Krier, and Faye Kuhn, Governor Heartland District Pilot Club enjoy lunch and catching up on Pilot and personal news.
Numbers were drawn for door prizes presented to Pilots. Daniel & Barbara provided items they canned this past summer. Marcia presented honey to all the Pilot members.
Table decorations were created by Nicci Henderson, Pilot CLub member. Each member was given a book of Marty Aldrich’s inspiritional messages from last year. The booklet was compiled by Rhonda Knudson
Tables were decorated beautifully for the Christmas Party
GREAT BEND PILOTS SHOW THEIR APPRECIATION TO CHISTY, THEIR WAITRESS.
Betty Schneider presents the completed fleece blanket to Christy.
Betty Schneider, Norma Ward and Marty Aldrich tie the remaining ties on the fleece blanket. Pilot members all worked on the fleece blanket by tying 3-5 strips until it was completed.
Joyce Beadles-Fry, Judy Fox and Carol Hawk help tie the fleece blanket for Christy, who does an outstanding job as their waitress.
PILOT INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES & KINDNESS WEEK NOVEMBER 3rd-9th TO SHOW UNEXPECTED AND RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS TO PEOPLE.
Logo for the gloves and Herseys candy bars were designed & printed by Rhonda Knudson who also purchased the gloves & candy bars.
Darlene Mathers places a sleeve with the Care & Kindness logo on a Herseys candy bar.
Marty Aldrich and Nicci Henderson add the Care & Kindness sleeves to the candy bars.
Daniel and Barbara Watson and Judy Fox place the sleeves on the cany bars and gloves.
Barbara & Daniel Watson talk with Body Venture representative.
Daniel Watson with Power Panther, who says “EAT SMART, PLAY HARD.”
Joyce Beadles-Fry, Sharon Mauler and Nancy Schuetz visit prior to doing the Body Venture presentations.
Marty Aldrich in her “bones” costume.
Pilot Members who participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 5, 2019.
Jari Marietta & Renee Johnson
Mary Cramer (co-captain of Pilot Club Team) and Joyce Fry
Marty Aldrich
Rhonda & Jay Knudson
New Member Initiation on September 3, 2019
Daniel Watson with his sponsor, Betty Schneider
Vicki Richardson with Mary Cramer (standing in for Norma Ward) her sponsor
Nancy Schuetz with her sponsor, Becky Dudrey
Pilot Club members played Pilot bingo. The cards were designed by Cindy Meitler. She called out such words as B - service, I - do more, N - volunteer, G - Pilot, O - care more, etc. instead of numbers that are located on traditional bingo cards. This provided an opportunity for Pilots to share companionship, gossip and lots of jokes and laughter. Note expressions on the faces of the pilots on the far right -fun, fun, fun & much laughter.
Pilot Club Members Tie Fleece Blankets for the Warm Embrace Project (Children in the foster care system)
Pilots tie fleece blankets for the “Warm Embrace Project” for the children in foster care at DCF. There are over 900 children in the foster system in a 40 county area that DCF serves. 20 fleece blankets of various bright colors and characters were tied after a business meeting at Perkins Courtyard. Working on the blankets provided a wonderful opportunity to do a community project and allowed the Pilots a chance to gossip and catch up family events.
Marty Aldrich and Cindy Meitler catch up on events while they tie a fleece blanket.
Mary Lou Stewart, Barbara Watson, Daniel Watson and Nicci Henderson tie fleece blankets. This project enabled Daniel, one of our newest members, to learn about Pilot Club & its projects.
Great Bend Pilot Club is sponsoring an event at KFC to raise money for Alzheimer’s on Tuesday, September 3rd. Event runs all day, don’t forget the flyer with your purchase.
Pilot club members attend Hearland District social at the Pratt museum.
Mary Cramer (Great Bend Pilot CLub), Flo Parson (Pratt) and Rose Hammerschmidt from GCPC Pilot Club in Bartlesville, Ok.
Betty Schneider visiting with Heartland District governor, Faye Kuhn from Pratt.
Renee Johnson, Marsha Johnson and Mary Cramer at the social at the Pratt museum.
Nine members of the Pilot Club of Great Bend attended the Heartland Leadership Conference in Pratt, Kansas on August 17.
Betty Schneider sells candles made by Arrowhead West (project chosen for the leadership conference). Marilyn Kopke and Vickie Richardson sell changes on a chocolate basket (items were donated by Great Bend Pilots).uled for April, 2020. Money raised will be used for upcoming projects.
Great Bend Pilot Club members present an origional play, Vision of Friendship and Service “THE BIRTH of PILOT.” The cast of characters are Janice Walker, portraying Elizabeth Leonard (founder of Pilot Club), Mary Cramer as Carolyn Smith (first president of Pilot Club), and Nancy Sundahl as the hostess and waistress. The play was extremely successful and presented several times to multiple pilot clubs.
