Governor

As we complete one half of the Kiwanis year, this issue completes 75 percent of the news articles of the ESK that you will receive in printed form. Likewise, we now have limitations as to how many words can be written per article. In today's technological super highway of knowledge, we should be freer to communicate and to do so more often rather than limit us to the amount and number of times we are permitted. I'm told that many miss the old ESK days. I have to admit, I do too. Just by this one paragraph, I'm already more than 20 percent of my capacity. Maybe not everything new is better!

It's been an extremely busy month, especially in the Albany region. We had more than 300 Kiwanians attend the Mid-Year Conference. I trust that you all had a great time and that you learned a great deal in the forums/workshops and that you made or renewed many friendships, for that is what we do best: educate, congratulate and celebrate. My sincere and heartfelt thanks to the many who helped in making it a success.

Speaking of success, it was rather clear to many that our Keynote Speaker, Victoria Ruvolo, AKA "The Turkey Lady" was a smashing success. She was so impressed with Kiwanis and what we do that I suggested we make her an honorary member of my home club. She was so touched that she started to cry. As a result, Club President Mike Siniski and I felt it was best to simply make her one of our own. I'm proud to sponsor her as the newest member of the Sayville Kiwanis Club. Welcome to the family Victoria!

Speaking of tears and Mike Siniski, during the awards ceremony on Saturday evening, a few were shed when we learned that Mike has been voted as the latest recipient of the Gerald Christiano Award. It is well deserved and it will be my honor to be on stage as the Past Governor's Council makes the presentation in August at district convention. Congratulations Mike!

Less than four weeks later, we were back in Albany to close out the 2012-13 Circle K and Key Club year and to commence the 2013-14 year. For those who have never participated in either the CKI Convention or the Key Club Leadership Training Conference, you are truly missing a significant and special portion of what the Kiwanis family is all about. The energy, enthusiasm and passion our young adults bring is infectious and inspires all Kiwanians who attend to want to become even more involved. It is my sincere hope that you will catch their passion by becoming more involved with your SLPs at the club level.

Speaking of SLPs, I want to take a moment to congratulate all of our SLP administrators. Each of our SLPs has grown by at least one club since October, with many more in the pipeline for additional growth. They are our future and what we do for them now will sow great rewards for us. While growth in the future is necessary, we also need to have Kiwanis growth today. In that regard, we have had one new club built thus far, but it's already a huge club: Bethpage Central Park, with approximately 65 new Kiwanians (no seed members), and growing still. My thanks to the Kiwanian who spearheaded this club's amazing growth, Lt. Gov.-Elect Ann Torcivia. If every division had just one Ann, Kiwanis would be unstoppable.

Soon, we will be leaving for the International Convention in Vancouver. For those who will be attending, it will be our chance to celebrate the year of the DeJulio's as Kiwanis International's 2012-13 leaders, while we elect a new Kiwanis International Vice President and slate of candidates for the position of International Trustee. If you can't make it to ICON to say farewell to the DeJulio's, don't fret, for they will be our honorees at the district convention, just six short weeks later in Henrietta, NY.
Finally, for those of you who are still experiencing the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy, our hearts continue to break for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are with you and if we can do anything to alleviate your pain, please contact us.

Column Posted on Web Site April 22, 2013