Recently, the Anna Kiwanis graciously invited our UCCEO team for breakfast to tour their building and learn more about this incredible community-centered organization.
Now, I like to think I make a pretty good biscuits and gravy…but I have officially been topped by 🌟 John Hughey 🌟! His B&G was absolutely delicious, and the entire breakfast spread was wonderful—complete with hash brown casserole, sausage links, and a selection of sweet treats. And honestly, who’s surprised? If you’ve ever had their famous BBQ, fried fish, or BBQ nachos during the Union County Fair, you know these folks can cook!
What many may not realize is that the proceeds from their food sales go right back into supporting local organizations. The Anna Kiwanis have been proud investors in the UCCEO program for several years, and they generously support groups such as the Anna Blue Dolphins Swim Team, AJ Wrestlers, AJ Cheer Team, and they host a massive annual Easter Egg Hunt. This Saturday, October 18, they’ll be holding a fish fry for the AJ Cross Country Team. Their dedication and hard work make such a meaningful impact, and we are so appreciative of all they do for our community!
Members in attendance included: John Hughey, Chris Boyd, Gene Hammer, Pete Barger, Kim Dillon, Evan Hughey, Tricia Overturf, Lance Meisenheimer, and Hunter Boyd. We were able to tour the facility and see their huge cooker, which can hold 100 pork butts or 1,000 lbs of meat—now that’s a lot of BBQ!
💬 Student Reflections
AJCHS student Jaylen Althoff shared:
“On Friday, the UCCEO team went to the Kiwanis Club of Anna to meet with John Hugney and various other Kiwanis members. John Hugney is the current Vice President, and he previously served as President for the past four years. John discussed all the ways in which the Kiwanis members are active in the local community. This was really amazing to me, as I never realized everything the Kiwanis Club did around the area.
We also talked to Pete Barger about the importance of service and how it’s necessary to study hard and work hard. The last piece of advice he gave us was to grow, change, and move forward in life but never forget where you came from. This was especially impactful to me as I plan to move on in life and go away to college very soon. Despite this planned move, it’s important to me that I never take for granted the life I’ve lived up to this point and all the great things the community has done for me over the years.”
Cobden High School student Mason Lyerla reflected:
“I really enjoyed today’s visit with the Kiwanis. I like being around friendly people who actually like to entertain others, and have really good goals that they would like to see come to fruition. I’m glad I was able to meet all of the nice gentlemen and the ladies who helped to make breakfast for us which was super enjoyable and delicious.
On another note, I hope to one day be a part of this organization. I like helping others, and I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to place myself in an environment that is centralized on helping others.”
Community organizations like the Anna Kiwanis are truly the backbone of strong, thriving communities. They fill critical gaps in funding and support for local schools, teams, and groups, ensuring opportunities for children and adults alike. Many of their members have served for years, and they warmly welcome new faces to continue their generous traditions.
🙌 Let’s make a point to support the wonderful groups in our community that give so much back.
Thank you, Anna Kiwanis, for your longstanding service, generosity, and community spirit. You are truly making Union County a better place! 💙
