News from Division 11

by Rosemary Cummings

Gov. Don Dudey (center) made a whirlwind visit to Division 11 in March. Starting with lunch at Wilmington Kiwanis Club, where PLG David Wilson presented the Police Officer of the Quarter Award to Patrolman Thomas Kavanaugh. After the meeting, President Lee Derr, Past Pres. Charma Bell, and Sec David O'Connell signed the charter agreement for the new K-Kids Club at Downes Elementary School in Newark, while Gov Dudey and Lt Gov Cummings observed. The following Monday, Principle, Denise Schwartz and the K-Kids Advisor, Donna Jeandell completed the signing with Charma Bell. Then, Sec Dave O'Connell led a small caravan to PLG Paul Miller's home where Past Pres Bell presented Paul with the Kiwanian of the Year award. Paul and his wife, Georgianna were delighted Kiwanis came to call on them. Next stop, the Pediatric Trauma Unit at Christiana Hospital where Gov Dudey and Lt. Gov Cummings presented Natalie Dyke, Special Awards Officer, a check for $3500 from the Capital District Foundation. The group went on a tour of the Pediatric Unit and in the hospital lobby saw the Memorial Wall where the Capital District had a prominent place with gifts totaling $62,000. Then on to Smyrna High School, where Dover Kiwanis President Joyce Thompson greeted Gov Dudey as he conducted the Charter installation of Officers and Induction of new members.

The ides of March saw the Charter celebration for Bridgeville Kiwanis Club with the induction of three new Kiwanians and recognition of Tom Carey as their newest Geo Hixson awardee. PLG Allan Kujala was on hand to present the Distinguished Club of 2008-09 Award to Past Pres Glen Bailey. More than 100 Kiwanians attended this special Interclub night. March also saw Presidents and Secretaries gather for Session 3 of the Club Leadership Education program. Key Clubbers from across the state attended the District Convention where they reported they met new friends, learned more about Key Club and how to improve Club in the future. Clubs prepared for Kiwanis One Day projects ranging from Food collections, and Beach Grass planting, to making dolls for sick children. Seaford Kiwanis and Greater Millsboro Kiwanis both plan Longaberger Basket Bingo events to raise funds for their community charities.