Kiwanis Pioneers Host Prayer Walk for the National Day of Prayer
Loretta George
The tall deciduous trees give shade to walkers on the Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park.
The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation, according to its website, https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/about
The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold a Prayer Walk for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6th at the Riverfront Park, according to a press release. The park is past the orange bridge on North National Avenue. The walk will take place at the Belltown Walking Path between 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. The public is invited to stroll the loop and stop at each of the designated reflection points to pray.
On May 6th, Americans from all walks of life will unite to lift America in prayer for the National Day of Prayer, according to a press release. America has endured a year marked by tragedy and pain, but prayer has carried us through these days and the hand of God will move us into a brighter future. The theme for this year’s event is “LORD pour out Your LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY.”
Parking near the trailhead is limited but overflow parking is available at Twister Trailers across the street.
Millie Karleskint is the president of Kiwanis Pioneer Club, who is facilitating the event.
“We decided we wanted to do something with less close contact(public health recommendations for the pandemic of the past year),” Karleskint said. “Something in the afternoon.”
“Some of the club members will be on hand to explain the event and distribute National Day of Prayer information and free water,” Kelley Collins, secretary, said.
“There is no specific route but there are designated reflection points,” Collins said. “Each stop will be posted and include suggestions for prayer in keeping with this year’s theme.”
“There will be seven topics that are part of the National Day of Prayer theme this year,” Karleskint said.
The Belltown Trail information kiosk at Riverfront Park.
About the National Day of Prayer
It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, according to the website.
The task force behind the event is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation in the day of prayer and represents a Judeo-Christian expression based on an understanding that America was birthed in prayer and reverence for the God of the Bible.
About Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers
The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers has 24 members and meets on Thursdays at noon at the United Methodist Church, 301 South National Avenue.
Current members include Judy Wallis, Nancy Van Etten, Sylvia Trujillo, Gina Staudinger, Diane Spencer, Elizabeth Schaffer, Gayle Sackett, Aileen Pollock, Carol MacArthur, Millie Karleskint, Bernita Hill, Tammy Helm, Nancy Hart, Joyce Gobl, Sally Eckles, Dee Ann Davis, Kelley Collins, Susan Cole, Carol Clyde-Gallagher, Vickie Chaplin, Marlene Braker, Dona Bauer, Cheryl Basore, and Marlene Arndt.
“Contact one of our members if you are interested in learning more about Kiwanis or would like to join the club,” Collins said. “Millie’s number is 620-223-3311.”
Pictured are left to right: Diane Spencer, Immediate Past President; Millie Karleskint, President; Tammy Helm, member; Marlene Braker, Treasurer; Kelley Collins, Secretary; Judy Wallis, Board of Directors; Vickie Chaplin, member; Gayle Sackett, Board of Directors, Carol Lydic, Past Region Division 3 Lieutenant Governor. Submitted by Kelley Collins.
Pictured are left to right: Marlene Braker, Judy Wallis, Nancy Van Etten, Liam Karleskint, Ben Karleskint, Loren Karleskint, Millie Karleskint, and Nolan Karleskint. The group is getting the flower bed on Skubitz Plaza ready for this past winter. The flower bed is one of the community projects of the Kiwanis Pioneers. Submitted by Kelley Collins.
Projects of the club include their focus on children.
Sponsoring the Fort Scott High School K-Club, softball club, college scholarships, Healthy Start for kids, Christmas Adopt-A-Family, Care to Share Fall Festival, Fort Scott Police Department Emergency Kits for kids, Head Start, gift cards to the Washateria, and donations to The Beacon, Red Cross, Good Neighbor Action Team, USD 234 and 235”s reading programs, CASA, Keyhole Youth Center, Fort Scott Middle School Project Art and accelerated reading programs, FSHS student pantry, after-prom party, and SOS Party.
A recent project is in memory of Joyce True: a two-person swing to be installed at Gunn Park’s fourth shelter house playground.
All these are funded by the annual chili feed in the fall, Karleskint said.
