District Historian

As I write this, it is more than obvious that the world has changed and quite frankly, will continue to change in the weeks, months, and possibly years ahead. Like practically every other aspect of our lives, Kiwanis has been affected by an unprecedented and still evolving worldwide pandemic.  
One historic change for the first time since World War II: Kiwanis International and most of its districts are cancelling their annual conventions. As a Past International President, I will be one of only 70 representatives attending (virtually) an International Council on July 25 to adopt five memorial resolutions for deceased International Presidents and to elect next year's officers and trustees. No bylaw amendments will be presented; in other words, no lengthy lines of speakers at odd and even microphones to engage or agitate us.
Here's my point: like it or hate it, historic change is upon us and we Kiwanians have few other options but to "accept and adapt". Yet, the core Kiwanis value of serving the needs of others remains our constant. As a member of this Kiwanis Family for the past 54 years, I am hopeful we will lean into this historic moment and enlarge, but not necessarily replicate, our 105-year history of a family compelled, more than ever before, to make an impactful difference in one life for the sake of many.

Here are the answers to the quiz in April 2020 ESK, Vol. 2019-20, Issue 3, dedicated to the memory of two Kiwanis International leaders, 1976-77 International Vice President Stephen Hart and 1987-88 International President Anton J. "Tony" Kaiser:
1. In what years did Steve Hart serve as BWS LTG and NY District Governor?
Answer: Steve served as Bronx Westchester South LTG in 1960 and District Governor in 1968.
2. In what branch of the military did Steve Hart serve in World War II?
Answer: Steve was a WWII veteran of the Army Air Corp and a decorated pilot who flew Generals Patton and Eisenhower.
3. What was the Kiwanis International "Major Emphasis" theme in 1987-88?
(Extra Credit Question: What was its primary objective?)
Answers: Tony's International service theme 33 years ago was "Our Quest: Their Best" and focused on the social and emotional needs of children. (Do you think Tony's theme is equally relevant, if not more so, in 2020?)
4. What country did Tony Kaiser's parents immigrate from in 1923 and where in New York City did they settle and raise their two sons?
Answer: Tony's father Anton arrived in the United States at the age of 16 from Glogowatz, Hungary. Tony's mother, a garment worker, was four years younger. They settled in College Point Queens and raised two sons, Anton Jr. and his brother John, bequeathing to them the American Dream.
5. In what year were Tony and Mim Kaiser married?
Answer: Tony and Mildred Muldoon (a/k/a Mim) were married in 1950 after meeting in a Catholic parish grade school in Queens 80 years ago. They raised three sons, Eric, John, and David - making their education and the value of hard work their priority.
Congratulations to the one and only club winner with a correct "extra credit" answer: Key Club ADA Jason Steiner, NYCYP Kiwanis Club

Column Posted on Web Site July 20, 2020