David Maloney, Editor

July 2007

Official Governors Travel Schedule Calendar of Events Subscribe to CAPNET Locate a Club in Capital District Memoriams Capital District Website Monthly Club Standings Digital District Capital District Foundation Contribute to Capital District Foundation Capital District Guidelines for Club Monthly Reporting Kiwanis International Capital District Circle K Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Contact Capital Builder Guidelines for Submitting Articles

Club Standings — how did YOUR club do?? Find out here: May club standings (.pdf format)

June Video preview! Around the Capital District with Governor Bob and Nancy June Video preview!

This issue at a glance:

• Governor Bob’s Builders: “Happy Birthday, America!”
• First Lady's "Remembering Ryan" Project
• 89th Capital District Convention: Aug 17 - 19, 2007
• Summer Message from First Lady Nancy Cressy, R.N.
• Club Election Reports
• Candidates for Election at the 2007 District Convention
• Capital Growth Team Holds Retreat
• Inciter PR Newsletter Ready Online
• Bel Air Club Formally Chartered
• Meet the Candidate, Tom Ganse
• Communications Survey Results are In
• Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick Hosts Speaker on WWII
• Kiwanis Club of Waldorf Awards Scholarships
• Kiwanis Club of Mercury 64 Helps Keep Hampton Clean and Beautiful!
• West Richmond Kiwanis Club Celebrate Children Silent Auction and Dinner
• Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City Golf Tournament
• Ten-fold Increase in Community Support: If Tony and Bob Can Do it, Any Club Can
• Kiwanis Club of Loch Raven Awards Scholarships
• Kiwanis Club of Poquoson Recognize Students
• Colonial Heights Kiwanis Club Hosts Miss Capital Region
• Kiwanis By the Bay Helps VA, Special Olympics
• Williamsburg Kiwanis Club Hosts Historian/Preservationist/Author
• West Richmond Kiwanis Silent Auction and Dinner
• Wilmington Kiwanis Golf Classic
• Kiwanis Club in the Winchester Celebrates 1 Year!
• Local Clubs Need to Budget for Key Leader
• Kiwanis Club of Abingdon Sponsors Plumb Alley Days
• Kiwanis Club of Hagerstown Recognizes HS Students
• La Plata Club Recognized for Reading Program
• Kiwanis Club of Waldorf Builds Ramp
• Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City Exchange Blood for Pizza
• Kiwanis Club of Poquoson Donates to American Cancer Society
• Kiwanis Club of Old Town Serves Lunch to Needy
• New Kiwanis Club of Toano in Div. 23!
• Attention All Newsletter Editors
• Colonial Capital Kiwanis Club Busy
• Charlottesville Kiwanians Helps Salvation Army
• Kiwanis Club of Suburban Norfolk Celebrates 50th Anniversary, Honors Two Active Charter Members, John C. Compton, Jr. and J. Edward Gatling
• Sentara/Kiwanis Golf Tournament
• West Point Kiwanis Club Planning Golf Tournament
• The Spirits of Point Lookout — An Event of Historic and Supernatural Proportions!!!
• Staunton Kiwanis Club Activities
• Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City Distributes Funds
• Kiwanis Club of Old Town Helps Food Bank
• Kiwanis Club of Abingdon Sponsors Reading Program
• Winchester Kiwanis Recognize Builders of Year
• Kiwanis Club of Mitchellville Celebrates 12 Years
• Kiwanis By the Bay Donates Wheels

Greetings, Kiwanians and friends! At this writing we are ready to launch into summer with full force and we’ve begun with a birthday party for the United States of America, our 231st birthday. Many in the Capital District celebrated the July 4th in San Antonio at the 92nd anniversary of Kiwanis. And it was done in style at our Independence Day District dinner with a Texas style BBQ at the famous County Line restaurant on the River Walk downtown.

Click here for a brief overview of Convention activities. And take a look at the video recap of the great time we had in San Antonio! Wow!

It’s a festive time, to be sure, whether you are celebrating at home or away, but also a time to reflect and give thanks for living and thriving in the greatest country in the world. Let’s take a few moments to reflect on the freedoms, liberties and obligations we share.

From The Declaration of Independence, July 4th , 1776

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

From James Madison

“Happily for America, happily, we trust, for the whole human race, they pursued a new and more noble course. They accomplished a revolution which has no parallel in the annals of human society.”

The Sixth Object of Kiwanis

“To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which makes possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill.”

And on this Holiday and everyday, remember in your thoughts and prayers the men and women of the armed forces of the United States serving at home, abroad and in harms way for their service to you to keep us free. Remember, too, those veterans both living and those who have passed, and those who sacrificed their lives for yours. Thank those you can for their service to our country. Thank you for your service!

Now, Around The District

92nd Kiwanis International Convention – Capital District Hits A High

We delayed the July issue for a week so that we could include showing some of the many Capital District Kiwanians who attended the exciting 92nd Kiwanis International Convention in San Antonio. It was a festive time in a festive city. On the Fourth of July Birthday celebration, about 200 of us celebrated with a Capital District dinner at the famous County Line Tex-Mex Restaurant on the equally famous Riverwalk, less than a block from our Hyatt Regency district hotel. Check out the pictures! The dinner was the first in ten years and was a sellout for the place. Thanks go to First Lady Nancy who jumped on this opportunity very early and booked the County Line. There’s a lot of competition for space when a convention hits town. Good job! P.S. Let’s not forget Canada Day on July 1st, their celebration. That’s the first country that made Kiwanis “International” with a club in Hamilton, Ontario Province, Canada.

Of course, all the other important events and fellowship of an International Convention, like that of recent ones in Honolulu and Montreal, occurred with great fun and great entertainment. We had about 250 Kiwanians and guests for, I understand, the fifth highest attendance of all Districts. Since there are fifteen Districts larger than Capital, this is an especially good representation from Capital. Well done! More on the KI Convention in this issue elsewhere. Take a look.

Capital District Forms Its Third New Club of the Year – Kiwanis Club of Toano

One of the most exciting events in Kiwanis is bringing the Kiwanis opportunity to people who have not had that ability to join for the lack of a nearby club. Thanks go in great part to the leadership of New Club Chairman PLG Tom Ganse who has been a leader in forming all three clubs: Potomac in December, Bel Air in February and now a successful organizational meeting for the new Kiwanis Club of Toano, VA.

What happens at the ‘organizational meeting’? Well, in Toano’s case, the club has been forming for two months, soliciting for members, signing them up, being guided by their Williamsburg sponsoring club and other key people such as the LG Brian Wilson. It takes a spark plug to be a catalyst and this honor goes to PLG Carla Morin who has worked very hard to keep folks both motivated, on track and committed. Good for you.

By the June 19th meeting they had 31 members signed up with a target of 40+ by the time they’ll get to their actual Charter Night on August 25th. At this organizational meeting, they chose their club name, decided on the number of officers and directors, then held an election, established dues and the meeting times and place, and adopted the Kiwanis standard by-laws. Tom ran this meeting “by the book” … because it works. They have a fine group of officers, directors and members. Please see some highlights in the photos this month. I’m very proud of all of those involved and the new club. I’m sure you are too.

Other Important Issues – The Quest for Distinguished Club Status – Can Do!

I won’t reiterate the rules again for attaining “Distinguished Club” status as it has been in the last few issues, but you must review them. It is an important accomplishment to reach for, especially when so many clubs are qualifying now and others are so close. I will say a club must be at least a net + one member (now, that should be easy) and also your club needs to attend the DCON in Rockville. Look over the criteria. Don’t miss it by a hair. Hard working members deserve this recognition. Let’s do it !

The June 30th report (later than the May report enclosed) shows seven divisions positive and the others VERY close. Most every club that is short is within striking range being only literally a few members under a plus status. One can make a difference here, too. Make that extra effort now to recruit new members and retain current ones. Keep the back door closed. Eighty some days to go for Distinguished.

89th Capital District Convention is Next

The DCON in Rockville is August 17-19th, plus the 16th for some folks. THIS is the place for that district-wide fellowship, to help close your administrative year with a bang, and for new officers and chairs to tune-up for the upcoming year. There will be informative and entertaining speakers, important forums, good food and fellowship at the Hilton Executive and Business Conference Center.

Please see the information provided by the DCON Committee under Chair Charles Falck. He has an exciting convention planned for you. Remember, too, each club is required to have three voting delegates at DCON. We have important elections to decide for our Kiwanis International Trustee candidate and to elect our Governor-Elect, 2007-2008. Please take a few moments to register yourself and your club now. Thanks.

I’ll leave the rest to the photos and captions. June’s been another busy month … fun, too. And July has begun like a July 4th firecracker. We’re off to the KI Key Club Convention this week in Orlando! Did you know there are over 250,000 Key Clubbers in over 5,000 clubs internationally? You do now. We’ll see you real soon! I’m proud of who you are and what you do!

In Kiwanis Service,
Governor Bob

In case you did not know Building a Better Tomorrow Through Service is the theme of this year’s convention to be held August 17-19, 2007 at the Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Executive Meeting Center in Rockville, Maryland and hosted by the Potomac Region of the Capital District.

Educational Sessions Schedule

Our fellowship luncheon speaker, Col Gray Heppner, MD will speak on the number one killer in the world today that kills over 3,000 children every day! Information on Col Heppner, other speakers, the agenda and the rest of the convention can be found on the website www.kiwaniscapdcon.com including online registration and hotel contact information. Hope to see you in Rockville!! Registration forms are also available here.

And Growth Team Chairman, Jack White, adds:

"Whatever your interest — building a new club, growing your present club, or making folks in your community better aware of Kiwanis — the new District Growth Team will have one or more programs at the Bethesda District Convention to get you started on the right track.

Governor-Elect Art Riley and I have produced five club growth educational programs (the most extensive) for the District Convention, including a live demonstration of a new Growth Team program that will play in every club in the Capital District later this year.

Read about these programs and make note of the ones you want to attend. Times and places of all sessions will be available at the convention hotel."

“ASK AUS”

In the words of the late, great Nat King Cole, it’s time to “Roll Out Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer”. (For those of you born after 1965, Nat King Cole is Natalie’s father)! Of course, if you are a Kiwanian, summer is a time of “kicking it up a notch”. Of course, if you watch the “Food Network”, you’ll recognize Emeril’s mantra!

Whether it’s a baseball or golf tournament, a fishing event, or the annual chicken BBQ stand….summer is about Kiwanis. It is a great opportunity to get out the Kiwanis message and of course, have fun! For example, the Bridgeville Kiwanis Club in Delaware grosses over $56,000 in a year selling their famous BBQ chicken on summer week-ends to both locals and beach traffic. Thousands make this their traditional stop on the way to and from the great beaches of Delaware and Maryland.

Division 2 has an annual “Shrimp Fest”. It just might be the best deal for shrimp in the country!! Lt. Governor David Heppner drives two days round-trip to Buford, SC, to get freshly-caught shrimp (1,100 lbs of it) and the Lynchburg Club sells them as ONE of their fund-raisers. Bob and I had the pleasure of visiting Division Two in June and tasting the shrimp first hand. What a treat! There are now six pounds in our freezer and I am taking orders for next year from my co-workers! Get ready, Dave!!

Another one of Lynchburg’s BIG fundraisers raises $50,000 … at a huge pancake breakfast! That’s a lot of pancakes! Do you feel a food theme cookin’ here?

Summer is also the time for all officers and chairs at the District, Division or Club level, to evaluate whether you are achieving your goals this year. This is the time to lead your team to the realization of those goals and, as always, HAVE FUN while you do it!

I sincerely hope that you are reading this after having attended the Kiwanis International Convention in San Antonio. There were more than 238 registered from the Capital District making the Capital District the 5th largest delegation there! Thank you for your support ! I am proud to have represented the Bethesda Club as a delegate. Bob and I hope you enjoyed the District Dinner on July 4th at the famous County Line Restaurant on the River Walk. Ya’al that couldn’t join us and those who could, we’ll see you at the Capital District Convention in Rockville, August 17-19th. The DCON Committee, headed by chairman PLG Charles Falck, has planned a FABULOUS convention for you. There’s something for everyone! Every Club is expected to have its three delegates and I am sure that won’t be a problem when you see the great program! Until then….

Please have a safe summer and remember, “ASK AUS” (Always Sell Kiwanis & Always Use Sunscreen).

All Club Secretaries are reminded that the all Capital District clubs must now file their Club Election Reports through the Kiwanis One Reporting System. This file will automatically distribute the election information to Kiwanis International and the Capital District. There will no longer be a need for manual preparation of this report, and Forms will not be sent to clubs in the Capital District.

The new Capital District Growth Team met for its first strategy and planning meeting June 16-17 at Williamsburg, VA. Trustee Jack White, Chair introduced the current and new members of the New Club Building, Growth and Retention, and Communications Public Relations and Marketing Club Support committees indicating together, the committees constitute what was formerly, the TAG Team. Jack White said, “The Growth Team has the full support of the people in our top leadership positions. They are looking to us to help reestablish membership and club growth as part of the DNA of the Capital District. It has been a long time since that was the case, but we are encouraged about the prospects and very much enthused about our work.”

Jack then welcomed Gov Bob Cressy who stressed we need to “Get Back to Basics”, as the work these past few months is starting to show results with a net increase of plus 57 members, which includes two new clubs, both built above charter strength. Gov Bob said Capital District needs strong clubs to serve and added past leadership stands ready to provide advice and counsel. Gov-Elect Art Riley indicated his plan is for Growth in Service, Growth in Committee Involvement, Growth in Communications and PR, and Growth in District Service Leadership Programs.

Scott Zimmerman, Past President of the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club challenged the team to implement a strategy of Diversity, with the operative word, Inclusiveness, as we share our life of service with others use the opportunity the combined effort to solve problems. Jack White then explained the steps necessary to prepare a Club for Growth and invited panel members Tom Ganse and John Montgomery to discuss, ‘Why Clubs Get in Trouble”, and “What to Do When a Call comes for Help”. Factors affecting a troubled club include Poor Meetings, Poor Projects, Complacent Attitude, Cliquish Club, and a club Control Group. Someone observing the Club has to give constructive criticism if the club is to improve. The panel agreed, new members should have a mentor to help them grow into Kiwanis.

New Club Chair, Tom Ganse and Jacki Bledsoe, a SWVA Region Kiwanian and former Kiwanis International staff member for New Club Building, gave a crash course in New Club Building. Tom indicated the planning process must lay the proper foundation, assess the community needs, send invitation letters to prospects with a follow-up call, be ready to accept membership applications and checks, and use reasonable time parameters. Jacki advised Clubs to recruit members for leadership positions, have standard presentations, and have expectations, for example, a member will attend meetings, and a member will perform service. At the end of the evening, communications, Public Relations and Marketing members, Rosemary Cummings and John Montgomery explained, "What is the Message we communicate and how are we communicating our message." Kiwanis service is critical to a community and to our children. This is the message we must convey to the Public through the media. More importantly, every Club member must know and convey this message consistently to the public, and privately as they ask their family, friends, and business associates to collaborate in their Kiwanis service efforts. Look for a strong “Prescription for Success” PR campaign.

Jack White reviewed the District-approved DVD Closing the Back Door, and invited members to discuss procedures for taking this tool to the District Clubs to promote discussion and feedback at the Club level as a tool to retain members and revitalize their Clubs. The Growth Team members will be available in each Region as a resource available to all Clubs. The thee committees expect to have a strong presence at the District Convention to all District Kiwanians know the resources available to continue the growth momentum started under the past two Governors.

Click here for the July/August issue of The Inciter, the Marketing and Public Relations E-newsletter from Kiwanis International. In this issue:

· How we can do a better job of keeping everyone in our organization on brand message
· Little Things That Make Your Reputation
· Travel Bags for Your Kiwanis Convention Trips!

The Bel Air Club formally chartered in April saw many Capital District Kiwanis leaders in attendance to celebrate the important rebirth of a Club in the town of Bel Air, in the Mason Dixon Region. Previously, Bel Air had a club (Bel Air Road) as early as 1953 but stopped meeting in 1990. The new Club President, Carl Conway (a former Lion) recruited 20 of the new members, including many husband and wife teams, and other extended family members. Trustee Don Dudey served superbly as Master of Ceremonies introducing the new officers and members, following the protocol for the evening. William Presberry, a member of the former Kiwanis Club loaned the new Club the Bell and Gavel from the former Club, and President Carl returned the items to William after the Club received the traditional Gavel and Bell from the sponsoring clubs. The Club Banner, Tom Ganse presented to the Officers, is the first of the new design in light blue showing the children of the world. The Mayor of Bel Air, Terry Hanley attended and gave the Club a proclamation from the town and told of the important service the new Club can perform to assist the town and the children of Bel Air. In May, the Club had their first fundraiser, a golf outing which raised over $7,000 for the club service programs. The momentum continued into June when the Club approached Bel Air High School to discuss forming a Key Club. A faculty member and athletic coach and former Key Club member, jumped at the opportunity to start a Key Club and in September, the Club will initiate its first Service Leadership program. The latest statistics show over 35 members and still growing.

Meet the Candidate
Note: This is the sixth in a series of articles intended to help you learn more about your candidate for Governor-elect and his team’s platform. This month’s submission highlights Leg #3 from the campaign platform. Please visit www.vote4tg.comfor prior “Meet the Candidate” articles.

Restore and Increase District Support for Clubs and Members

Try this experiment: Go to your local convenience store and pick up a 20 oz. bottle of Dasani or Aquafina water for about a buck twenty-nine. Drink it until you have somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 a bottle left (note: this also will work with half a 12-oz. can of soda or a couple of ounces of designer coffee). Now hold the bottle up to the light and look deeply into the remaining liquid. What do you see?

I see Lieutenant Governors being reimbursed for all required club assist visits, along with critical Club Support Committee regional representatives. I see these people getting reimbursed for supporting required District functions, including their own training. I see teams of trained growth experts meeting with your clubs within a week of being requested. I see a world-class and professionally maintained web presence for our District and any club that can send an e-mail with an attached image, or even just fax text and mail photos. I see wide distribution of modern training materials such as CDs or interactive DVDs. I see newspaper and magazine ads for Kiwanis in targeted District publications. I see Kiwanis billboards alongside highways. I see TV ads and hear radio ads. I see restored reimbursement for District officers tending to official business. And no, I’m not wearing rose-colored glasses...read more

The CPR-M Committee has the task to “educate all Members about Capital District (CD) Communications and the resources and tools available to them”. Clubs share in this responsibility to let their members know about the media and electronic sites so Kiwanians know about their club, neighboring club events, and CD and Kiwanis International projects. The E-Builder announced the CPR-M survey and asked all Kiwanians to participate. Topics included questions about Club Newsletter, Club PR committee, Quarterly Capital Builder, Monthly E-Builder, Local Media News, Club Web site, District Web Site, and Kiwanis website. We thank all CD Kiwanians who completed the Communications survey and provided many helpful recommendations for improvements. We received over 200 replies, with all Regions participating, although some Divisions and Clubs did not send replies. Kiwanians at all levels completed the survey and indicated the CD Communications structure is good and well used. Many individuals from Clubs throughout the CD submitted the surveys via e-mail...read more

The Kiwanis Club of Waldorf, Maryland Foundation, Inc. awarded the first Robert A. Heier Memorial Scholarships on May 31. The winners were Eileen Buckingham and Kira Mohler of Henry E. Lackey High School. Each received $500 toward their college education. The scholarships are available for graduating seniors who are members of Key Clubs sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Waldorf, who meet the academic and community service criteria, and are enrolled at a college or university. The scholarship was formed in memory of the charter president of the Kiwanis Club of Waldorf, Bob Heier, who died of cancer in November 2006. Bob established Key Clubs in Charles County high schools, then Builders Clubs. He knew that matching service with leadership was the key to success.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Mercury 64 recently picked up litter in their "Adopted Spot" along a half-mile section of Magruder Blvd. in Hampton. Six large bags of trash were collected that included bottles, cans, fast food wrappers, tires, cigarette butts and empty grocery bags. Each of us needs to be conscientious about not creating litter. Unfortunately, when some of us are not careful, then we all need to pick up the dropped "ball". That's what the Adopt-A-Spot Program is all about-picking up the litter dropped by other people. It doesn't sound like fun, but amazingly enough, it is. And keeping your "spot" clean is one of the most rewarding volunteer activities in which you can participate. When you look back over the area you cleaned in the previous hour or two, you will feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. Not only will you feel good, but research by Keep America Beautiful, Inc. shows that regularly cleaning areas helps reduce the amount of litter that is dropped on the site. According to KAB, litter tends to accumulate where people feel no sense of ownership, when they think other people will pick up after them, and when litter has already accumulated. The Kiwanis Club of Mercury 64 is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Participating in community cleans ups like "Adopt-a-Spot" are just one of the ways we are working towards that goal. Pictured above from left to right are: Monte Correll, Frank Dulong, Heather Livingston, Bill Higgins and Amy Thorstad.

The First Annual Celebrate Children Silent Auction and Dinner has been scheduled, and we are very excited about the opportunity to help four organizations in the central Virginia community! Join us as we work together to support these organizations: the Central Virginia Food Bank, the March of Dimes – Central Virginia Chapter, St. Joseph’s Villa, and the West Richmond Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship Fund. Tickets will be on sale from June 15, 2007 through October 3, 2007 for the First Annual Celebrate Children Silent Auction and Dinner to be held on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the Sheraton Richmond Hotel starting at 6:00 PM. Advance Tickets are $40 which includes entrance to the silent auction, dinner, and presentations from the organizations being supported. The silent auction will be held from 6:00 – 7:30 PM with music, beverages, and networking. The dinner and presentations will be held from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Advance tickets may be purchased by contacting any West Richmond Kiwanis member. You may also make tax deductible, monetary donations to sponsor the Celebrate Children Silent Auction to help offset costs of the event. For additional information or to sponsor the event, please contact Judy Hackler (804-339-4075) or Jeanne Grady (804-317-6040). All proceeds will go to the March of Dimes – Virginia Chapter, St. Joseph’s Villa, and the West Richmond Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship Fund. We will be collecting nonperishable food items at the event to donate to the Central Virginia Food Bank.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City announces the 8th Annual Kiwanis Golf Tournament on Wednesday September 5th at the Ocean City Golf Club, Seaside Course, in Berlin, Maryland. Funds raised support the local Kiwanis Foundation from which scholarships for continuing education are awarded to deserving students in the local community. It's a perfect way to enjoy an afternoon of golf and enjoy a great dinner and awards ceremony while helping to support our deserving young adults.

Individual entry fee is $100 and includes Golf and the Dinner and Awards Ceremony. Dinner will consist of an Eastern Shore Buffet of shrimp, ham, and fried chicken, plus all the "fixings". Prizes will be awarded for men, women, low gross, closest to the pin, closest to the line, hole-in-one, plus many door prizes and a silent auction. For non-golfers, dinner only is $40.

The Tournament will begin with registration from 11:00 - 11:55 AM followed by the 12 PM noon Shotgun Scramble Kickers/Calloway Format and Low Gross. Cocktail Hour includes complimentary beer and wine from 5:30 until 6:30 PM followed by the Dinner and Awards Ceremonies at 6:30. RESERVATION DEADLINE is August 27th, so don't hesitate to signup N-O-W for this great community event. The number of teams will be limited, so sign up early. Contact Kiwanis Golf Tournament Chairman, Nolan Dove at 410-208-3088, or Jim Duke at 410-641-6451, or Corky Widerman at 410-208-6380 for reservations and/or information.

SPONSORS AND DONATIONS ARE ALSO NEEDED:
*Tee/Hole Sponsorship is available for $120 per flag.
*Corporate Sponsorships are available for $600 and include Tee/Hole flag and dinner for four (4).

All sponsorships and donations will receive prominent publicity. Make checks payable to: Ocean Pines/Ocean City Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. and mail to Nolan Dove at 11311 Gum Point Road, Berlin/MD 21811.

By finding the right people and asking good questions Charlottesville Club Past Presidents Tony Hastoglis and Bob Fehse multiplied our club’s impact by a factor of ten. Your club may be able to do the same. Here is the story.

As a result of its club analysis, the Charlottesville club decided to concentrate its charity funds on projects that met the following criteria:
1. Have an observable benefit to the children of this community
2. Engage the energies and imagination of the entire K-family
3. Gain recognition for our club, and
4. Be executable within the resources of our club

Selecting projects that met these criteria required a community analysis. To get help Tony paid a visit to the Charlottesville Albemarle Community Foundation. This $60 million foundation is well attuned to area needs. As part of its grant-making process it continuously evaluates both needs and the effectiveness of local projects...read more

On Wednesday, May 16, 2007, The Kiwanis Club of Loch Raven held their annual Scholarship Night at the Towson Golf and Country Club. Each year Kiwanis awards scholarships to deserving students from three area high schools and also to women returning to college in the nursing field or other health related field. Scholarships are based on service to the community and school, participation in Key Club, academic record, and/or financial need.

The recipients were invited to a dinner with members of their family and representatives from the schools, with the awards program following. President Paul Creamer and scholarship coordinator Kim Forthuber were pleased to award $1250 scholarships to Alicia Medina from Villa Julie College and Trudy Nadeau and Melissa Short from the Community College of Baltimore County at Essex. High school scholarships of $500 were awarded to Jennifer Oswald and Maria Zilberman from Carver Center for Arts and Technology; James Hollifield and Kenneth Mudrick from Loch Raven High School; and Catherine Darr and Yang Sun from Towson High School.

The Kiwanis Club of Loch Raven thanks all of the representatives from the colleges and high schools with helping to identify the most noteworthy candidates. Congratulations to all the recipients!

Heffrey Garnand-Royo was selected as the 2006-2007 Teenager of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Poquoson. Jeffrey, a senior at Poquoson High School, was selected from a field of applicants. Nominees were evaluated on their academic achievements, volunteer service, citizenship, and leadership performance. Mike Stinson, Scholarship Chairman of the Kiwanis Club presented the award to Mr. Garnand-Royo. In making the presentation, Mr. Stinson said, We are proud to recognize Jeffrey Garnand-Royo for his achievements, responsibility and leadership role in his school and the community. He exemplifies today's you people striving for excellence in their own lives, as well as contributing to the betterment of their communities. Jeffrey is the son of Kenneth and Maria Garnand of Poquoson. Jeffrey is active in cross country and numerous band activities.

At the annual Poquoson High School Awards assembly, Mike Stinson, Scholarship Chairman of the Kiwanis Club of Poquoson, awarded two $1000 scholarships to deserving high school seniors based on their high school achievements and recognitions, community service, and an essay. The recipients of this year's awards were Miss Melanie French and Mr. George Thomas. Miss French will attend study Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. Mr. Thomas plans to study biomedical engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is the son of George and Susan Thomas of Poquoson.

The Colonial Heights Kiwanis Club recently hosted Jordan Forbes, Miss Capital Region, to discuss her platform. She will enter the Miss Virginia and plans to enter the Miss America Pageant. Her project,“ I Care”, is an effort to combat the rising tide of apathy and cynicism pervasive in America’s youth. She speaks at schools throughout the Commonwealth and leads student to make individual declarations of support for government. This year the Miss America Organization has teamed up with the Children’s Miracle Network to raise funds for children hospitals. Pictures is Jordan on the left with Lt. Gov. for Div 18/24, Betty Bell.

Kiwanis By the Bay helped out at the recent VA Hospital Annual Fair for patients. Military active duty helped take patients out to games and booths set up for them in the beautiful site along the water. Five members of Kiwanis By the Bay manned a booth that featured a game which earned participants quarters they can use in hospital vending machines.

The club also helped with Special Olympics throughout the 2006-07 school year. Our Kiwanis club is one of many sponsors of this great community project. Many of the students from Hampton and Newport News schools are involved in a variety of sports events and are awarded medals for their accomplishments. Shown are from left to right counter-clock, Michael Karnes, Shawnya Langley, (Shooter) Charles Normandeau, David Smith, Jr. and Kevin Shaw.

John Quarstein, a well-known historian, preservationist and author who has served as the director of the Virginia War Museum since 1978, recently spoke to the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club about Fort Monroe and its future. Mr. Quarstein spoke passionately about his belief that Fort Monroe and its history should be preserved, either as a museum or historic park, because of its crucial role in numerous battles that have shaped our country's history.

The First Annual Celebrate Children Silent Auction and Dinner has been scheduled, and we are very excited about the opportunity to help four organizations in the central Virginia community! Join us as we work together to support these organizations: the Central Virginia Food Bank, the March of Dimes – Central Virginia Chapter, St. Joseph’s Villa, and the West Richmond Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are on sale through October 3, 2007 for the First Annual Celebrate Children Silent Auction and Dinner to be held on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the Sheraton Richmond Hotel starting at 6:00 PM. Advance Tickets are $40 which includes entrance to the silent auction, dinner, and presentations from the organizations being supported. The silent auction will be held from 6:00 – 7:30 PM with music, beverages, and networking. The dinner and presentations will be held from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.

Advance tickets may be purchased by contacting any West Richmond Kiwanis member. You may also donate items to the silent auction or make tax deductible, monetary donations to sponsor the Celebrate Children Silent Auction to help offset costs of the event. For additional information or to sponsor the event, please contact Judy Hackler (804-339-4075) or Jeanne Grady (804-317-6040). All proceeds will go to the March of Dimes – Virginia Chapter, St. Joseph’s Villa, and the West Richmond Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship Fund. We will be collecting nonperishable food items at the event to donate to the Central Virginia Food Bank.

In memory of
Pete Mahanna & Wilby Fletcher

Deerfield Golf Course
Monday October 1, 2007
Benefiting H. Fletcher Brown Boys & Girls Club
All members of the Club are on this important Committee
We need sponsors from the business community so ask your contacts if they will be a sponsor.
The Fee is $120 per player
($15/player is tax deductible)

Tracy Jewell of the Kiwanis Club of Old Town (Winchester, Va) cuts the cake on the first birthday of the Club. Formed with 30 members, the Club now has 37 members toward a goal of 40. This is the third Kiwanis Club in the Winchester, Va. area.

With support for Key Leader an important part of the monthly club reports, each individual club in the Capital District must consider financial support for this, the newest of the Service Leadership programs for the youth of the district.

Last fall, local clubs were encouraged to put aside at least half of the cost of a Key Leader Weekend for two participants to be sponsored by that club. With a cost of $160 per participant, that meant budgeting at least $160 for two students. There is a $25 scholarship paid by Kiwanis International Foundation for any Key Leader participant who is a current member of Builders or Key Club. However, the program is open to any high school students regardless of affiliation with Kiwanis.

Hopefully there are clubs who did comply with this request and who have successfully registered their first two student participants for the first Capital District Key Leader Weekend set for October 5 – 7, at Camp Letts near Edgewater, MD. These clubs will receive a special patch to be displayed on their banners.

There is still time to be able to check off support for Key Leader during the 2006-2007 Administrative year. Monetary donations for snacks and art supplies for Camp Letts can be sent directly to the Site Coordinator, Yvonne Holley. Snacks and art supplies may also be brought to the District Convention in Rockville in August. These contributions would be greatly appreciated and fulfill obligations on the club’s monthly report.

Suggested items include packaged snacks, water and soda bottles, markers and colored pencils, large sheets of newsprint, white paper lunch bags, masking tape, and medium-sized post-a-notes. Meanwhile, be sure to include in the club budgets for 2007-2008 a line item for sending participants to the next Key Leader Weekend which will be help in September of 2008. The cost per participant will remain at $160 ($135 for Key Club members). Again, a patch will be sent to first time sponsoring clubs, with a year patch for those sending participants for the second time.

It began 25 years ago as a quiet neighborhood yard sale in which residents could stroll the picturesque alley between Main and Valley Streets in the old and historic district of Abingdon, VA. But under sponsorship by the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon, it has become what a tourist magazine calls “one of the largest one-day festivals in the Southeast.”

On May 26, sunny weather brought 10,000 people to Plumb Alley, so named because it runs “plumb through town.” They came to browse the 160 booths offering yard sale goods, art, crafts, jewelry, toys, tools, antiques, and whatever professional vendors and community organizations had to sell. Other attractions were the sidewalk art contest for children, two musical groups and a dance company...read more

On May 24th, the Kiwanis Club of Hagerstown continued a long tradition of recognition of deserving high school students by awarding $5,000 in scholarships to young adults from Williamsport High School, North Hagerstown High School and South Hagerstown High.

The John R. Dayhoff Scholarship is given in memory of deceased member John R. Dayhoff, with the support of his widow, Kitty Dayhoff Fishel. It is awarded to a deserving high school student who will pursue an education in a medical field. The 2007 recipient of this scholarship is Javier Frank Mercado, from Williamsport High School. Mr. Mercado plans to study physical therapy at Hagerstown Community College, and later transfer to Fordham University. The Dr. Atlee C. Kepler Scholarship is awarded in recognition of Kiwanian Atlee C. Kepler's role in education in the area. The 2007 Scholarship was awarded to Erica Carolyn Hernandez, Clear Spring High School. Ms. Hernandez will attend Penn State University, with a major in journalism and broadcasting.

Each of these scholarships is for $1,500. The selection process involves an alphabetical rotation based on the names of the high schools in Washington County. Applicants are then reviewed, and a winner selected by the Kiwanis Clubs Scholarship Committee. Additionally, the Club recognizes members of the Key club programs at South Hagerstown High School, and North Hagerstown High Schools with individual $500 scholarships. Key Clubs are sponsored by Kiwanis Clubs at area high schools to provide opportunities for leadership development and community service.

These scholarships were awarded to Elizabeth Plume, Jill P. Shah, and Rebecca J. Lloyd, North Hagerstown High School Key Club; and Jessica Meagher, from South Hagerstown High Key Club. Ms. Plume plans to attend Hagerstown Community College before transferring to a four year program, and will major in early childhood education. Ms. Meagher will attend Virginia Intermont College to major in equine studies. Rebecca Lloyd will attend James Madison University specializing in neonatal nursing. Ms. Shah will attend the University of Maryland, College Park, and will focus on a career in medical research.

Our "Read Around The World" Committee Chairman, Emily Ferren, presents a gift from the Judy Center Assembly for our club's on-going volunteer reading to our member and Potomac Region Trustee, Jonnie Mann.

The Kiwanis Club of Waldorf recently built their 15th handicap ramp. Braving the June heat, club members constructed their largest ramp - 30 feet long with two landings. The recipient now can use his motorized wheelchair to leave his house. Previously, he had to be carried out. Funding for the ramp was provided by Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee and Charles County Christmas in April. Volunteer builders from the Kiwanis Club of Waldorf were assisted by volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of La Plata. Any club wishing to build an ADA compliant ramp may contact the Kiwanis Club of Waldorf for advice on design and building techniques. Contact Harry Kriemelmeyer, Jr. at 301-372-8766 or hkriemel@radix.net.

No, really! Members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City always provide the manpower for the recuperation snack table where people who have just donated blood spend a minimum of 15 minutes having snacks to make sure they are "recuperated" enough to leave.

The local Blood drives are held several times a year at the Ocean Pines Library where, on average over the last decade, 60 people show up to donate blood each time. June 8th was no different, except the Blood Bank of Delmarva Blood Drive experienced a first when honorary Kiwanian Bob Beck, owner of DeNovo's Trattoria, and his wife, Kelli, donated a new snack of 10 large pizza pies to supplement the regular snacks of cookies and soft drinks and juices. Thanks to DeNovo's for their generosity in support of a valued community service. Pictured: (L to R) Kiwanis Blood Drive Chairman, Joe Bagdon, Delmarva Blood Bank component lab driver, Don Bernard, recuperating donors, Terry Moody and David Justus enjoying the snacks.

The Kiwanis Club of Poquoson donated $1,000.00 to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Campaign June 8. The club raises funds primarily through its barbecue events, including the annual "Pig Roast" in May followed by a bulk-only roast in early June and the Poquoson Seafood Festival in October. The summer bulk roast has become a popular event and this year's roast, held on the same weekend as the Relay for Life, sold over 1400 pounds of cooked and packaged barbecue in one pound containers ready for table or freezer. Proceeds from the club's fundraising are applied to local, regional and international charitable causes, with the Kiwanis objective, "Young Children Priority One."

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Old Town (Winchester, Va.) prepare to serve lunch to 200 needy children at the Salvation Army Mobile Kitchen. The Club has signed on to do this Community Service project once a week at the local playground.

Congratulations to Division 23 and LTG Brian Wilson for the formation of the Capital District's newest club, the Kiwanis Club of Toano, VA, organized today with 31 members (and growing)! A special thanks go out to the sponsoring club of Williamsburg, President Larry Murphy, their New Club Building Team led by PG Hugh Siggins, and Hampton Roads Region New Club Building Representative PLG Carla Morin for showing us how it's done - six weeks from the start of recruiting to a fully organized and functional club! GREAT JOB!

The deadline for entry to the Capital District Newsletter contest is July 30, 2007. District winners will then advance to the Kiwanis International contest. Click here for the District Entry Form with instructions, and information about the Kiwanis International Newsletter Contest Criteria. The District Web site, Awards and Contests area, also has the Newsletter contest criteria and entry form for future reference. For more information, contact Vivian Tanzer Kruger vtan10@verizon.net.