Governor

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you New York District for making this year's Mid-Year Conference a huge success. I have received many calls and also many compliments as I have traveled around the district saying how much everyone enjoyed this year's conference.

Everyone was excited about the new forums that we introduced at the conference. Our forums on the use of Facebook, establishing websites for clubs and divisions and helping to start Internet clubs went over really well with our members. I want to thank all of the people who conducted the forums for a job well done.

One forum in particular that was well received was "How to Run a Proper Kiwanis Meeting", which was conducted by Lt. Governor-Elect Frank Romeo of the Genesee Division. When I walked in, it was standing room only. Even I could not get a seat. Good Job Frank.

As always, I want to thank Jack Roddy and the great staff of the Holiday Inn for the great job that they did. I would also like to thank our volunteer photographer Joel Harris of the County Seat, Mineola, Club for his taking photos that you have seen on our website. And as always, a special thanks to Rebecca and Herman Ovadia for the wonderful job they did with the Basket Raffle. We raised more than $5,000 this year from the baskets which was then distributed to both Kamp Kiwanis for military children and to our Pediatric Trauma/Hospitals throughout the district.

Our membership in the New York District is steadily growing. As I travel throughout the district, doing my Governor's Visits, I am delighted by the good news of new members coming into our Kiwanis Family. Also, I have enjoyed listening to reports on all the great projects that the clubs are doing. Keep up the good work.

One of the great moments for me as your governor took place on April 4, 2012. On that date I was very proud to present the charter to our new Kiwanis Club in Farmingdale. Congratulations to Charter President Georgiana Sena, who played a big part in organizing the club. Also to Lt. Governor Dr. Steven Perrick for all his hard work in helping to start this new club. And of course to past Distinguished Governors Joseph Corace and Joseph Eppolito for all their help with the new club. I am looking forward to more new clubs during my year as Governor. Also, let us congratulate Immediate Past Distinguished Governor Michael Malark and his team of "Maverick's" for leading the New York District to Distinguished status during the year of 2010-11.

Our next big event will of course be our International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year will be extra special for our New York District because our next International President will be our very own Thomas E. DeJulio and our next International Foundation Board President will be Peter J. Mancuso. I am looking forward to a large number of our New York District members attending this great event to honor two of our greatest Kiwanians to ever represent our District. We are also planning a huge celebration to honor Tom and Dr. Rosemary for their accomplishments and dedication to Kiwanis. New Orleans has a lot to see and do in the way of fun, music and education, and I know our New York District will want to take advantage of this.

Our own New York District Convention will take place this year in beautiful Niagara Falls. This will be held August 15-19, 2012. Please start making your vacation plans now. Our members are encouraged to stay at the beautiful Sheraton At The Falls hotel. This hotel is right in the heart of everything and has a casino directly across the street. The convention center is right next door. Our convention committee headed by chairperson Ron Parent is now in the process of setting up sightseeing tours and other entertainment to help make this a great week to remember. We hope to see everyone there.

In closing, I want to thank all of my Lt. Governors for their hard work and dedication and on behalf of myself and First Lady Dr. Lavonia, I want to thank all of the Divisions we have visited so far for our Governor's visits. We have been overwhelmed by the great hospitality and welcome we have received at each Division. Thank you so much.

Column Posted on Web Site April 22, 2012