Community & Clubs:

The 91st annual convention of the National Exchange Club took place recently in Jacksonville, Fla., and Jerry Nininger, president of the Newport Harbor club, was one of the attendees. The Exchange Club is a national organization that promotes Americanism, community service, youth programs and our national project — the prevention of child abuse.

“Those in attendance were able to share the methods used by their clubs, as well as learn from other clubs regarding their successes in fundraising, student and teacher recognition programs, patriotic displays and a variety of service projects — some national in scope and some specific to each community,� Nininger said.

“One of the many highlights of the convention was the presentation of the National Youth of the Year award at the National Youth Recognition Luncheon. Academics are important in the selection; however, participation in a variety of other activities is equally important — particularly participation in service to others.

The luncheon also honors the Accepting the Challenge of Excellence award, which honors students who have overcome family, drug or alcohol, health or other major issues to succeed in graduating.

These two students progressed through a local, district and national competition, and as national award winners, each received a $10,000 scholarship. The Exchange Club hopes to instill in our community’s youth the importance of reaching out to help others.

“Exchange has long supported service clubs on the college level, and now will expand that support to service clubs at the high school with Excel Clubs and at the intermediate school level with Junior Excel Clubs to promote character development through service to others,� Nininger said.

“One of the most emotional activities at the convention was the presentation of a Healing Field. A nearby city park was transformed by the presentation of large American flags representing each of the 1,530 children that died from child abuse in 2008.

“Prevention of child abuse is the national project for Exchange, and no speech can emphasize the magnitude of the problem better than two acres of Star-Spangled Banners.

“Additionally, 158 ‘Prevent Child Abuse’ flags were included, each pole draped with a pink or blue ribbon bearing the name and age of a Florida child that died from abuse in the previous year.�

WORTH REPEATING

Thought for the Day as provided by Greg Kelley of the Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council . . . “When we do more than we are paid to do, eventually we will be paid more for what we do.�

— Zig Ziglar

SERVICE CLUB MEETINGS THIS WEEK

How are you giving back to your community? Help your community and the world through a service club!

For many, service club membership is an extension of our religious beliefs and congregation affiliation.

You are invited to attend a service club meeting this coming week to learn more about opportunity for service. Most clubs will buy your first meal for you as you get acquainted with them.

TODAY

7:30 a.m.: The 10-member Newport Harbor Kiwanis Club meets at Denny’s Restaurant, 290 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.

Noon: The 20-member Exchange Club of Corona del Mar meets at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club for a business meeting.

6 p.m.: The 65-member Rotary Club of Newport Balboa meets at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club for a program by Ann Muscat, president of the Catalina Island Conservancy.

The 20-member Irvine New Generation Club meets at the Daily Grill, 2336 Dupont Drive, Irvine. For more information, visit www.irvinenewgenrotary.org.

The 15-member Rotary Club of Costa Mesa meets. Call (714) 914-1078 for this week’s meeting location.

THURSDAY

7 a.m.: The 20-member Costa Mesa Orange Coast Lions Club meets at Mimi’s Café.

Noon: The 50-member Costa Mesa Kiwanis Club meets at the Holiday Inn, Costa Mesa. For more information, visit www.CostaMesaKiwanis.org.

The 45-member Kiwanis Club of Newport Beach-Corona del Mar meets at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. For more information, visit www.newportbeachkiwanis.org.

The 85-member Rotary Club of Newport Irvine meets at the University Club at UCI. For more information, visit www.ni-rotary.org.

The 95-member Exchange Club of Newport Harbor meets at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club for a program by Tom Naughton, “The California-Nevada Interstate Maglev.�

MONDAY

6:30 p.m.: The Harbor Mesa Lions Club meets at the Golden Dragon Restaurant.

TUESDAY

7:30 a.m.: The Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary Club meets at Five Crowns for a program by Homer Bludau, Newport Beach’s city manager. For more information, visit www.newportbeachsunriserotary.org.

COMMUNITY & CLUBS is published Saturdays. Send your service club’s meeting information by fax to (714) 921-8655 or by e-mail to [email protected] .