A visit from Greg Wegrich of the Ferndale Kiwanis Club!

Greg, representing the Ferndale Club, presented several community initiatives in Whatcom County, emphasizing opportunities for engagement and support. He highlighted three key programs: the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Compass to Campus, and Wildbird Charities, alongside sharing insights from a recent Kiwanis convention and local club activities.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, managed by United Way in Whatcom County since 2022, provides free, age-appropriate books monthly to children aged zero to five. Approximately 4,700 children are enrolled, with each receiving 12 books annually at a cost of about $32 per child. The program, previously supported by a 50% state funding match, lost this support in April 2025, creating a $145,000 shortfall. The Ferndale Club has contributed funds and applied for grants, including a $5,000 grant to the PNW Kiwanis Foundation and a $3,500 grant from another Kiwanis Club in Southern Oregon. Greg encouraged participation, noting the program’s role in fostering early literacy by engaging parents and siblings in reading to young children.

Compass to Campus, initiated by Western Washington University in 2009, introduces fifth-grade students from Whatcom County to university life. Students visit the campus, attend classes, tour facilities, eat in the cafeteria, and participate in a cap-and-gown ceremony, receiving a certificate. For many, especially those from families without college experience, this is their first exposure to higher education. Mentors from the university continue supporting these students in their schools, enhancing academic performance and aspirations. However, limited stipends for mentor transportation restrict access to all county schools. The Ferndale Club supports this program and is exploring community fundraising to expand its reach, with Greg planning to meet university representatives to discuss further support.

Wildfire Charities addresses food insecurity by providing weekend food bags to students. Started four and a half years ago with 220 bags weekly, the program now distributes 1,000 bags, each containing two breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Volunteers, including Kiwanis members and community partners, pack these bags at Sophia’s Greek Church for distribution to schools. Greg noted the dual impact: while proud of serving more children, he lamented the growing need. Proper nutrition, he emphasized, improves students’ focus and academic performance, leveling the playing field.

Greg also shared experiences from the 2025 Kiwanis International Convention in Pittsburgh, where Terry Bradshaw replaced Martin Sheen as the keynote speaker. Bradshaw’s engaging speech, incorporating Kiwanis values, highlighted resilience, drawing parallels between his and other quarterbacks’ Super Bowl records. Locally, the Ferndale Club is preparing for the Old Settlers Parade, distributing 1,500 flags to children and seeking volunteers to assist.

To grow membership, the Ferndale Club, led by president Kathy Young, leverages community relationships, particularly through the chamber of commerce, increasing membership from 11 to 27