Past Governor

Greetings, we hope everyone had a joyous and wonderful holiday season. Helene and I wish you a very Healthy, Prosperous and Happy New Year.
Winter is a wonderful time to check on our seniors, veterans and children. Do they have a warm coat, a warm meal or a warm place to sleep? Does that child in your community have boots that fit? Warm socks, a hat? Have you seen that elderly woman lately? Is she stuck in the house? Does she need milk or eggs? Does her sidewalk need to be cleared? Does that veteran need his medicine picked up or a ride to the doctor?
The members of our clubs are the heart and soul of Kiwanis and the difference that you make in your community is inspiring and the easiest way to attract new members. Your active and engaged club is a tremendous resource and source of pride in your city, town or village. Helene and I were told countless times when visiting throughout this district by your elected and community Leaders how vital you and your club is to the community, individuals and organizations you serve. Your commitment, your club's commitment, your division's commitment is quite possibly the only kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness that some in your community ever experience. On behalf of each of them THANK YOU for without you then WHOM?
Please remember this year to schedule Keith Cummings to come to your club or divisional to speak about anti-bullying. This is a plague on our children and grandchildren. No child should go to school afraid; no child should be harassed on Facebook or social media. The harassment continues 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This is unacceptable. These are our children. Let's protect them.
As you know Helene and I are from Staten Island and as you may not know Staten Island has the unfortunate distinction of being the single largest heroin and prescription drug addicted community in the United States. Unfortunately this affects every neighborhood in our district. Please contact the Massapequa Club in The Long Island South Central Division. They have put together a wonderful program and are more then willing to share it with you. This is an exceptional program and a great project for your club to work with Key Club, Circle K or various organizations in your district.
Finally, we ask you to please continue your baby shower projects. Check with your local hospital or mother-baby organization. What do they need? How can you help? Is there another organization that could use your help? This is a fantastic project that helped tens of thousands of newborns. Let's help thousands more!
We look forward to seeing all of you at this year's Mid-Winter Conference at Villa Roma in February. As always, if there is anything we can do for you or your club, please don't hesitate to call us.

Column Posted on Web Site February 4, 2017