Governor

Happy New Year!
Welcome to the 100th anniversary of the New York District.
Our Centennial is cause for reflection and indeed celebration. I ask that you take a moment to reflect on those dedicated Kiwanians that have gone before us, to honor their memory and to embrace the future that they would have been so very proud to serve with us in.
The Rochester Club will celebrate its anniversary on April 29th followed by Buffalo on April 30th. If your schedule permits, please make every effort to attend. I am assured that both these events will be fabulous.
Helene and I would like to thank the members and their clubs for the generosity and spirit that was displayed this past holiday season.
So it's 2016 and you're thinking about the new year – What are your goals? What are your expectations? How about we all make a New Year's resolution. Let's re-dedicate ourselves to our club and our division; and let's resolve to all sponsor a new member, whether for our own club, a neighboring club or anywhere in this great district. Imagine the possibilities, if we all brought in a new member.
We have had the opportunity to attend most of the baby showers being held for the First Lady's Project, "Warm Beginnings," held so far; and please accept our apologies for the ones we missed. To say they were beyond expectations would be a gross understatement. Mothers and their newborns are extremely grateful for your efforts.
I have asked throughout this year to have certain conversations in your club and in your community; and I would like to ask that you continue to do so. Inform parents that they should have their child's heart checked before they take the field. Long Island North Lt. Gov. Jeanne Egan has been doing a tremendous job securing hospitals to provide this service. If you have any questions, I'm sure she would be happy to assist.
The Massapequa Kiwanis Club has done a sensational job in putting together a program and booklet regarding prescription drug and heroin awareness. They have agreed to do their presentation throughout the district. Ask them.
Keith Cummings from the Richmond County Kiwanis Club has put together an Anti-Bullying Program. He is also available to come to your club or divisional to talk about the horrors of bullying. He has witnessed it first-hand and knows the horrific results of what this constant torment can do.
All of these are designed to get your club, your Key club, your Circle K into the community working together to be a voice in the communities we serve.
In closing, please remember our foundations – Pediatric Lyme, KPTC, Emergency Disaster Relief and Kamp Kiwanis. I have asked each lieutenant governor to do a fund raiser for one of them and every club to do the same as well. They are OUR foundations. Let's support them!
Remember none of us are taller then when we stoop to help a child. Thank You. See you at the Mid-Winter conference.

Column Posted on Web Site January 17, 2016