Governor

The change in weather means the holidays are just around the corner. This is the time when we go shopping for Thanksgiving and Christmas. But we, as Kiwanians, know many families who are unable to celebrate the holidays. This is where we come in. This is what we do best: helping and giving to those in need so they will be able to celebrate holidays. I applaud you all for that. I wish you all great success in your holiday projects.
In the very short time of our new year, Kiwanis has already started to grow again. It is unfortunate that for one reason or another we  lost hundreds of members throughout our district during 2012-13. I must emphasize again, we need growth in our organization. Without growth our Kiwanis community will suffer. We must all do what we can to save clubs that are struggling or are in need of our support. You all know who is affected when a club closes. It is the children.
We in the New York District do not want this to happen. That is why the lieutenant governors and I are committed to bringing into our Kiwanis Family 1,000 new members this year. But we need your help to accomplish this task. That is why I have put together an incentive plan using a Marketing and PR team. You can find this program on the Kiwanis New York District website. Please take the time to view this information.
We have started planning our Mid-Winter Conference, it is my hope that we have made positive changes. Early Bird registration will give you the chance to win a new, 55-inch TV. We will have a contest for the best hospitality suite. We will continue to have a gift basket raffle for our attendees. The divisions, clubs or individuals who make a basket may make the basket in your own theme. We will have Kiwanis information, vendors, and other surprises for all who attend. We will have continuous workshops providing Kiwanis and relevant education. But most of all, I want everyone who attends to have fun. I urge you all to attend. It's time for some change. Lets have fun at our Mid-Winter Conference.
I also urge you to support our service leadership programs. These worthwhile programs are terrific and deserve your support. I also would like to remind you that the Governor's Project is on Autism, and the First Lady's Project is Treats for our Troops. We ask that each club do a project or a program for these two important causes.
I know we are volunteers and no one is obligated to do any of these projects. But think of the fantastic results we get from doing good things for others. I, myself, give my time and effort to this Kiwanis family and its beneficial projects because I know it is the right thing to do. Just to see a child smile when handed a piece of candy at Halloween or a gift at Christmas is well worth our efforts, or to see the gratitude in the eyes of a family when provided with a turkey and all the trimmings at Thanksgiving is a fabulously rewarding feeling. I know it's all worth it.
We, as Kiwanians, have so much to offer our communities. Let's get out there and spread the good word about our Kiwanis Family. Let's get a friend, relative, co-worker or neighbor to come and be a part of our great journey. Let's reach out to the corporate world and ask for members. They may not always be able to make meetings, but there are so many other ways they may be able to support our efforts.
I would like to thank you all for all your support and kindness. I am enjoying every minute of my visits to the clubs and divisions of our district. I support all the projects and events that you do to make your communities better. I attended one such project in the Niagara Frontier North Division. It was a program to promote an Anti-Bullying Campaign in their schools. How perfect. Children: Priority One. Remember, that is what we are all about. Let's build the Bridges for the Children to the Future. This is the greatest show in town. Let's not forget it.

K-Family Weekend

On November 15-17 we had our K-family weekend and also our Eliminate Walk. It was the time for Circle K and Key Club to bond with senior lieutenant governors. The weekend went off without a hitch. DPLG Kim Scharoff was the activity director for the weekend. She knocked it out of the park. Kim had everyone bonding and working together an having fun. Kim also had prizes for all the winners. Past International Foundation President Peter Mancuso won again. That's two years in a row.
Everything that went on all weekend was just great. The Circle K and Key Club sat with Joe's Jaguars during meals and after and shared ideas, they expressed wanting to play a larger part of K-Family.
I encourage all the lieutenant governors, presidents to take advantage of the ideas. These young adults are so motivated they can move mountains. They are our legacy! I request that the SLP's be invited to divisionals and club meetings. How about having them choose a fund raiser and you help them?
The Eliminate Walk on Saturday raised $20,000. Great job Sean O'Sullivan and all that got involved especially the sponsors. We saved 11,000 lives.
I want to thank all the administrators and staff for devoting their time and energy for the sponsored youth and Key leader.

To NEW MEMBERS

On behalf of the New York District of Kiwanis we welcome you to our Kiwanis Family. You have chosen an outstanding organization. Your club will guide you on your journey. I would like for you to express your ideas to the president and to your fundraising chairs. I want you to have fun doing projects and events. We want you to Build the Bridges to the Future for the Children.
We are having our annual conference on Feb. 21-24 in Albany. I cordially invite you to be recognized at our luncheon on Saturday. It would be my honor to have you attend. Also, the new members who attend will be eligible to win a television; you must attend to enter. I wish only the best to our growing Kiwanis family. if you have any questions please contact me at JOA9014@NYP.ORG.

Holiday wishes to all.

Column Posted on Web Site December 29, 2013