April 2011 eBuilder Front Page
Gov. Tom's Message
by Gov. Tom Varner
This has been a productive and active March for your Governor. It was productive in a number of ways, but the first event and the most productive in terms of growth was the chartering on March 4 of the Kiwanis Club of Young Professionals of Tidewater, and, yes, that is their official Kiwanis name. At their organization in February there were 26 members, two joined during the month, and another two became Charter Members by turning in applications before I presented the Charter to President Alex Hazelwood. I congratulate Lieutenant Governor Amy and the Young Professional Educators who organized and supported this club.
President Hazelwood talked about the enthusiasm that young professionals have for doing group service in the community. At the same time, they are not thrilled with the formality of meetings and programs. The 3-2-1 Kiwanis Club is a great fit for anyone who desires to do service. 3-2-1 is three service hours, two social hours, and one business hour of "meetings" each month for each member. The business meeting serves mainly to insure that everyone is connected and knows what the service projects will be for the coming month or months.
This at least the third club of this type chartered in the Capital District - one in northern Virginia and two in Hampton Roads. It is a great format for those potential members who can maximize community service and minimize time away from family and business. Perhaps we should look more at this model when looking for new club locations.
A quick trip back to Ashland and then up to Leisure World for the Potomac Midwinter on Saturday. This was a great Midwinter. Past Governor John Tyner was elected to serve as the District Trustee from that Region. The committee planned and provided an exciting and information-laden program.
Wednesday, March 9, we attended the Division 10 Service Leadership Programs night in Division 10 at the Mary Washington. There was a great turnout and all of the Service Leadership Program clubs present gave a status report on their clubs and their activities.
Division 4 had its Council Meeting on Saturday, March 19 and then we drove to Bridgeville, Delaware on Monday for the 72nd Anniversary of the Bridgeville Kiwanis Club, or as they know it the throwing of the "Scrapple." During the evening, they honored Past President Jack Hassman with a Hixson Fellowship. In addition, George Hardesty, Jr. who has been the Club Secretary for over 35 years received with his 50 Year Legion of Honor award. Every club in the Division had representatives at the meeting.
Back home that night and on to Williamsburg for the 2011 DCON Committee meeting on Wednesday. The Committee is progressing nicely. Here is a link to the DCON Web Page. Information is already there about the DCON and more will be added as we get closer to the Convention dates.
We recently spent an enjoyable several days at the Key Club District Convention in Arlington. From the time the District Key Club Board under Governor Rachel Slotter's leadership met to set up the "get-ready" for convention plans to the closing on Sunday, it was an energy-filled weekend. On Thursday afternoon, individual Lieutenant Governors prepared for the arrival of their Divisions. A giant (ten feet by fourteen feet) scoreboard provided the backdrop to the dais for the main meeting room in the hotel.
Something very special occurred during the Thursday and Friday prior to the convention. At the hotel were many of the living Medal of Honor winners. Several members of the Board were able to speak with these heroes and some have autographs and commemorative Medal of Honor medals. It was a very impressive lesson in history.
As your Governor, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to Capital District Key club administrator Joe Stankus for not only this weekend but also for all of the work he puts into "taking care" of our high school age young people. He is tireless in his efforts and the results demonstrate how much he cares.
Thanks also to all of the many other adults who serve on the Adult Board and as Kiwanis and Faculty Advisors. They are all great and we thank them for working with this vital Service Leadership Program.
The new Board held their first meeting immediately after the adjournment and will be
joining with the Kiwanis 2011 - 2012 Lieutenant Governors and the District Board of Directors for the Lieutenant Governor Conference at the end of April. The new Capital District Key Club Governor is Caroline Morris from Division 10B.
The Capital District with strong leadership from our Lieutenant Governors has almost dug itself out of the growth hole that the automated system put us in on October 1, 2010. Our membership count starts with the membership on September 30, 2010; however, clubs can drop members from their roles until midnight on October 1. In that one day, the District lost 180 members. As of February 28, 2011, the District had grown by 163 members and we are only down 17. Great job by a great team.
Today, April 1st, marks the halfway point for this Kiwanis year - and that's no foolin'! For the next six months, everyone needs to continue with the same enthusiasm and can-do spirit they have had for the last six months. We have gotten to the edge, now let's all work to go over. Can we count on you to invite that special friend to become a part of the greatest service organization in the world? Remember 3-2-1 and the Service Leadership Programs. That is your incentive to do more.
March 29 Division 20 Official Visit Arlington VA
April 9 SWV Midwinter Wytheville CC
April 15-17 Key Leader Jamestown
April 29- May 1 Lieutenant Governor Conference Leesburg
May 5-7 Eliminate Briefing Indianapolis
May 20-22 Past Governors Shepherdstown WV
June 4 District Board Fredericksburg
June 11 HR Officer Training
June 18 HOV Officer Training Richmond VA
June 22 Waldorf club Waldorf MD
June 22-24 CKI ICON Virginia Beach
August 18-21 DCON Williamsburg VA
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