The official visit of Kiwanis International President Dave Curry and his wife, Eva, to the Capital District concluded on January 30th when they left Capital District for North Carolina and the beginning of their official visit to the Carolinas District. During his visit with us, Dave was able to speak to almost 1000 Capital District Kiwanians. The message he delivered contained four major points: 1) Kiwanis Clubs worldwide provide varied service based on the needs of local communities, 2) each club should examine ways it can increase the service provided, 3) clubs have the potential of accomplishing amazing things, and 4) the essential future growth of Kiwanis will come in many different forms. Each Kiwanian is responsible to determine how they contribute to the growth and increased service of their club. Personally, I had the opportunity to discuss a variety of Kiwanis topics with the International President to assist the growth of the Capital District.

Dave Curry's successful visit to our District was the result of a lot of work by many individuals. A tremendous thank you is extended to PG Jerry Peuler and the committee that planned and coordinated the five-day visit. Many other Kiwanians assisted in various ways such as PG Warren Kane who provided transportation from the airport and PG John Tyner who took the time to serve as "co-pilot and navigator" during the tour. Other major contributions were provided by the host clubs throughout the District (Bethesda, Eastern Branch, Ellicott City, Dulles Area, Roanoke, Staunton, Ashland, Petersburg and Chesapeake) who arranged the various functions that President Curry and Eva attended. A special thank you, also, to each club that arranged to inter-club to an event and to each Kiwanian who attended one of the events.

The Presidential visit was insightful and inspiring, but how do we translate this event into action? The first step is to attend a regional Mid-Winter Conference. During the seven remaining mid-winter meetings (the Mason-Dixon Region just completed theirs) there will be great opportunities to learn more about Kiwanis. Members can attend sessions on a variety of topics such as Service Leadership Programs, club growth, diversity, fund raising, club management, club promotion and strategic planning. Knowledgeable Kiwanians will be better prepared to lead their club, recruit new members, expand service, expand fund raising and build new clubs. When these steps happen, Kiwanis will continue to grow, Kiwanis communities will be better served and the children of the world and our communities will benefit most.

February through May is a critical time in the Kiwanis administrative year. Now is the time to translate the promises, aspirations and opportunities into action. I look forward to speaking with each of you at the upcoming regional Mid-Winter Conferences. Together we will continue to grow and strengthen the Capital District.