Governor

As our Kiwanis year continues, we look back fondly upon the milestone events we have enjoyed.
I have been enjoying the Divisional Governors Visits all across the state. Our clubs have been proudly detailing the fantastic projects they are involved in, and I have been speaking about our Centennial, the Formula, our Kamp, KPTC hospitals, Lyme Disease and of course, EliMiNaTe.
We recently returned from our 100th International Convention in Indianapolis, where Aktion Club, Key Club, Circle K and Kiwanis members gathered together in our "hometown" and headquarters city to reflect, celebrate and plan for the next 100 years. This convention saw the induction of our first female International President, Sue Petrisin of Michigan. President Sue is also the first female leader of ANY of the major service organizations. Indianapolis saw our Key Clubs and Circle K Clubs, Districts and individuals win many awards, including "Distinguished" status for our 2014-15 Key Club Governor Jacob Spencer and 2014-15 Circle K Governor Renee Girard. We also saw two International Trustees elected from New York for Key Club! Congratulations to Heather Farley and Clifford Young for their successful campaigns, and to retired Key Club International Trustee Laken Kelly and Circle K International Trustee Kelly Chan for their hard work and dedication to our K-Family.
We held an excellent event enjoyed by all at the Hard Rock Café, joined by the Nebraska-Iowa District and our Key Club Delegation. The Opening Session was stirring, with our current Key Club and Circle K Governors presenting the flags of the Kiwanis nations.
Throughout the event New Yorkers ran and attended many workshops and spent time getting to know Kiwanis family members from throughout the world. It was a true experience. I urge everyone to start planning NOW for International in 2016 in Toronto, where New York will present our own Peter Mancuso as a candidate for International Trustee!
Coming up next, as we continue our year and work to open Kiwanis Clubs throughout our great District, is our District Convention at the Desmond in Albany, August 13-16th. Make plans to attend, it promises to be an unforgettable event!
As always, contact me with questions, concerns or suggestions on how to improve our organization!

Column Posted on Web Site August 2, 2015