Message from Gov-Elect Tom

by Tom Varner

I am late in writing this month's article and as a result, I am watching a heavy and quiet snowstorm blanketing my world. It seems so quiet and peaceful, and it almost allows you you to escape from all that is going on around us locally and globally.

For all of us in the Capital District, we have an opportunity to join with CKI to celebrate their 50th anniversary. We can do this by registering for and attending the 2010 Capital District Midwinter in Chantilly, Virginia from February 26 -28. In addition to the celebration, there will be over 20 educational opportunities available for Kiwanians to learn more about operations and programs. I look forward to seeing many of you at his historical event.

This past weekend I attended the Service Leadership Programs Administrators' conference in Denver. Other than the travel, it was a rewarding and challenging experience. President-Elect Sylvester Neal informed the Governor-Elects that this was second part of our training. We in Capital are very fortunate to be able to meet and communicate with our administrators. In some of the Districts, this meeting was there only face-to-face meeting with the Service Leadership Programs administrators.

The meeting emphasized the importance of Kwianis is the lives of the young people we sponsor. I was also impressed to see some young Kiwanians getting involved. Still, as I looked around the room, most of the Kiwanians were older. In your club, encourage your new and younger Kiwanians to get involved with the Service Leadership Programs in your area. Probably some middle and elementary schools could support a K-Kids or Builders Club if you provide the opportunity.

Kiwanis International has announced the three finalists for the Worldwide Service Project. The final choice will be announced at the ICON in June. The three finalists can be accessed and you can engage in an online discussion forum by going to www.kiwanis.org/wsp. The three topics are Neglected Tropical Diseases, Malaria No More, and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus. Take this opportunity to become informed and involved in this important decision for Kiwanis.

One final item, we still need nine Lieutenant Governors to complete the 2010 - 2011 team. If your Division does not have a leader for the next Kiwanis year, please become active in getting you Division represented. The new leaders need to be able to receive information and to meet with their peers so that they can better serve you and the youth of our communities.

Tom Varner
Governor-Elect