David Maloney, Editor

March 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: January club standings (.pdf format)

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

This issue at a glance:

• Governor Bob’s Builders: Building A Better World Through Service
• Special Recognition for Capital District
• 89th Capital District Convention: Aug 17 - 19, 2007
• Candidates for Office
• Teenager of the Year Information
• Kiwanis International Convention, San Antonio, TX July 3-7, 2007
• Governor Bob and 1st Lady Nancy Host Capital District Dinner at KI Convention on 4th of July
• Six Regional Mid-Winter Conferences Remaining
• As Easy as 1-2-3: New Member Program
• Cap. Dist. Communications, Public Relations and Marketing Committee Report
• Capital District Kiwanis Foundation Web Site Report
• Young Children: Priority One Information and Project Ideas
• Kiwanis One Day
• Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick Celebrates 35 Years of Service
• Meet The Candidate
• Member Produces DVD to Document Club History of Service
• Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro Recognizes Walter Schwab for 66 Years of Service
• Poquoson Club Provides Cookies for the Troops
• Safe Sitter® with the Kiwanis Club of Tysons Corner: Making a Difference in the Lives of Children
• Westminster Kiwanis Students of the Month for February
• Al Poppiti, Former Wilmington, DE Mayor and Distinguished Past Lt. Governor
• National Symphony Orchestra Quintet To Perform to Benefit Kiwanis Club of Alexandria
• Exxon-Mobil Provides Matching Funds
• Rehoboth Beach Club Supports Young Children
• Winchester Club to Hold 50th Anniversary Pancake Day
• Kiwanis Club of the Peninsula at Oyster Point Terrific Kids Program
• Bridgeville, DE Club to Celebrate 68 Years of Service
• Rehoboth Beach Kiwanis Club Police Recognition Program
• Sponsored Boy Scout Troop Celebrates Court of Honor with Kiwanis
• Kiwanis Club of Harrisonburg Update
• Blair High School Students Believe in Service
• Bethesda Kiwanis Celebrates 62 Years Helping Children
• Kiwanis Club of Grundy Celebrates 60 Years of Service
• Kiwanis Club of Washington Celebrates 90 Years
• Kiwanis Club of Potomac — First New Club in Capital District 2006-2007
• Kiwanis Club of Leesburg Educates SLP in Workings of Government
• Capital District Key Leader Program
• Presidential Region Clubs Showcase Service Success Representatives at Mid Winter
• Certificate of Appreciation for Kiwanis Club of Virginia Beach-Comber
• 47th Capital District Circle K Convention a Record-Breaker
• Kiwanis Club of Front Royal Supports Congregational Community Action Project
• Child Literacy
• Love of Books and Love of Children: Tabb Club Lends a Hand
• Charlottesville Kiwanis Hosts Miss Virginia 2006; Proud of SLP Members
• Blacksburg Kiwanis Club Helps Special Olympics
• Colonial Capital Kiwanis Club Activities
• Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club Activities
• Kiwanis Club of Waldorf Presentation to Civista Medical Center
• Staunton Kiwanis Club's Fitzhugh Elder Receives the Legion of Honor
• Kiwanis Club of Columbia Celebrates the Irish

It’s Mid-Winter – Time To Tune In, Tune Up, and BUILD UP Your Club’s Strength To Meet Your Community’s Challenges and Opportunities

Hello and Greetings to all of you! Nancy and I have been having a wonderful time traveling throughout the District. February has been another busy month and I’m very happy to say that a little bit of “global warming” has not slowed down any of you nor us. Ice and snow melts … eventually. As we get set for March (already!), we’re all looking forward to a break in the weather, daylight savings time and SPRING time! But let’s not rush it. We have lots to do!

We started our month in fine style with a Governor’s Official Visit to LG Joe Stankus’ Division 4 at “The Glen at the Crossings Resort” in Richmond. PLG Mary Murphy was the most gracious Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. The meal, an elegant seafood buffet, was exceptional. A most important aspect of these visits is a chance to meet with each division’s club presidents and the LG and discuss the progress clubs are making on their goals and objectives for this Kiwanis year. There is not enough space to highlight all the service club members are doing for their communities, both big and small projects. And it all adds up and counts!

We are truly “Building a Better Tomorrow Through Service”. Make sure you read through the monthly eBuilder to see the individual stories on club activities, and be sure to share your stories as well. Division LG John Beere and Fredericksburg President John Franklin presided over a combined “Division 10 Sponsored Youth Night” and Governor’s visit at the University of Mary Washington with about one hundred Kiwanis Family Builders, Key Club and CKI club attendees from the twenty-one Kiwanis-sponsored “Service Leadership Program” clubs, along with Kiwanians and advisors. Great evening!

CAPITAL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING HELD IN ABINGDON, VA

The first in recent memory Capital District Winter Board Meeting (right) was held in the Southwest Region’s Abingdon, VA, hosted by District Trustee Jack White. We thank Jack and Division’s 2, 3 and 8 for attending a social and meal prior to a productive two day meeting on February 7 & 8. We will now rotate a meeting each year around the District. The Capital District Kiwanis Foundation also had its Board meeting this month and all is well.

The two day meeting commits the Board’s undivided time and effort to do the District’s financial, administrative and management business. The Board meets four times per year and otherwise as required. (Pictured are back row: District Trustees Bill Roberson, NOVA Region; Don Dudey, Mason Dixon Region; Jonnie Mann, Potomac Region; Floyd Brown, Hampton Roads Region; Robbie Atkins, Presidential Region; Jack White, Southwest Region; Tom Varner, Heart of Virginia Region; and Walt Rudy, DelMarVA Region. Front Row: Tom Murphy, Parliamentarian; Gov. Elect Art Riley, Governor Bob Cressy, Secretary-Treasurer Ellis Stroup and Immediate Past Governor Yvonne Holley.)

KIWANIS KEY CLUBS HOLD DISTRICT CONVENTION ON APRIL 13-15TH

The Winter Board meeting for Capital District Kiwanis Key Clubs was held in February in Williamsburg, hosted by Key Club Governor Peter Simasek and Administrators Joe Stankus and Bill Hand. Next, all Kiwanis Clubs sponsoring Key Clubs should have the annual Capital District Key Club District Convention on their calendar for April 13-15th at the Marriott Hotel in Richmond. Over 800 people attend this event. Clubs should be helping to register and support Key Club delegates and members, AND have as many Kiwanis and faculty advisors attend as possible. Division 17 even charters a bus to take them together. This is a leadership development experience, not only for Key Club members but advisors as well. It’s worth it! Sign up on the web reservation form. See you there!

CAPITAL DISTRICT CKI ELECTS SNEHA BHAT GOVERNOR

Capital District CKI held its annual District Convention in Charlottesville on February 16-18th. CKI operates like a well-oiled machine. They are not only creative and innovative in putting a program together but they then prepare and rehearse all parts of the program before they ‘go on the air’. It certainly pays off. Governor Justin Sanders and CKI Administrator Jeff Wolff have events well planned and well timed. There is more than ample time for fun as well with talent and scrap book competition and many awards given at the elegant banquet dinner for the hard work and excellent accomplishments by actively competing clubs.

In a three-way contest, Sneha Bhat was elected CDCKI Governor and current Governor Justin Sanders was commended for his excellent term. Paula Chrin was endorsed as CD CKI candidate for the office of CKI International Trustee. That’s a wrap!

PRESIDENTIAL MID-WINTER AND OFFICIAL VISITS

The month was rounded out by two more Governor’s Official Visits, the first in Winchester, VA, with LG Dennis Grubbs and Division 19 with their ‘Service Leadership’ clubs and the Aktion Club in attendance. The next night it was Division 5’s Official Visit with LG Herb Ely and his clubs in Harrisonburg. Once again, the meetings with the club presidents were a highlight. We must now execute our plans to meet our goals of having more hands to provide the services we are not able to yet do. It’s growth for service, not growth for growth’s sake. We capped that two day event with the Presidential Region’s Mid-Winter Conference for Divisions 5 & 19 also in Harrisonburg. I wish I could attend all the sessions. The two on Key Leader with District Chair Babs Lee and the class of going after corporate grants by David Elswick, both at the Presidential M-W, were excellent! Thank you.

CONGRATULATIONS ON CHARTERING GEORGE MASON CKI CLUB

On February 24th, Nancy and I participated in the Chartering Ceremony and Installation of Officers for the new George Mason University CKI Club. At its start with 47 members, it begins as the sixth largest CKI club in the District. Thank you, as well!

“DISTINGUISHED” MEMBER AND CLUB ACHIEVEMENT IS IN YOUR REACH

Nancy and I have now completed twenty Governor’s Official Visits to Divisions and clubs (two visits were dual divisions, 7 & 11 and 18 & 24) with four more remaining. They are a highlight of our time in office. The number and scope of service projects done is awesome. Membership growth plans are in place. Most impressively, I see many, many clubs that can achieve “Distinguished Club” status IF they continue to execute their plan AND report what they are doing.

I KNOW there are clubs in years past which could have been distinguished if they had only completed their paperwork. It’s easier now with on-line reporting and the summary. But you still have to do the tasks and report them correctly. Club members work hard to accomplish this recognition and club leaders need to lead the club to that goal. NOW is the time to ensure your club is on track to be “Distinguished” … officially.

ON-TO-CONVENTION – San Antonio, July 3 to July 7, 2007. Ole’

Just a REMINDER; Each club should send two delegates to the Kiwanis International Convention. San Antonio is a great and fun city, as you see in the Kiwanis magazine and our Builder. Capital District has a quota of 360 people, which is very reachable. We are in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, a prime location near the convention center and the famed River Walk.

Go on-line or to the magazine to get the registration form. If you register for the KI convention before April 14th , you save $50 per registration. Register early for a room so you are not in Fort Worth.

Next, you will soon see tickets for the Capital District Dinner on July 4th at the famous County Line Tex-Mex BBQ on the River Walk (see below.) We’ll have just 200 tickets, first come, first serve. So jump on those, too! This will be GREAT! Nancy has set this all up. Great job! Come celebrate!

That’s it for this month! See ya’ soon!
Governor Bob The Builder

Be sure to mark your calendar for the 89th Capital District Convention which will be held the 17th through the 19th of August 2007. The theme for the convention is “Building a better tomorrow through service”. The convention will be held in Rockville, Maryland at the Doubletree Hotel which is currently under renovation and will be re-opening under the Hilton name. Click here for the preliminary schedule of events. For registration forms, click here. For complete Convention information go to www.kiwaniscapdcon.com.

Three Capital District Kiwanians have filed as candidates for the office of International Trustee for the 2007-2008 administrative year. They are listed as follows in the date order of their filing with the District Secretary-Treasurer:

• Past Governor Richard G. Feeser Greater Ocean Pines, Maryland
• Past Governor Charles P. Adams Chesterfield, Virginia
• Past Governor Jerome E. Peuler, Jr. Waldorf, Maryland

Candidates for this office will stand for election at the 2007 Capital District Convention to be held in Rockville, Maryland in August.

Capital District Governor-Elect Candidates

The Kiwanis club of St. Mary’s County, supported by all of the clubs in Division Twenty Two, presents Past Lieutenant Governor Thomas Ganse as a candidate for the office of Governor-elect of the Capital District for the 2007-2008 Administrative year.

• Suggested time line for Teenager of the Year; Idea sheets for Clubs and Divisions; Sample Press releases for Club Winners and Division Winners
  
• Form 1: Statement of Nominee; Form 2: Permission; Form 3-5: Recommendations; Form 6: Submission of Nominee by LTG

Questions? Email me at rogerdiehl@comcast.net!

Kiwanis International Conventions aren’t all business. In fact, they are a rich mix of business, entertainment, inspiration, education, and fellowship. The 2007 convention in San Antonio, Texas, July 3-7, will feature a wide variety of entertainment and inspiration. The opening session on Tuesday, July 3, for example, will feature a performance by The Second City, America’s premier improvisational comedy troupe.

The Second City (named after the group’s hometown, Chicago) has produced many star alumni, including Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Stephen Colbert, and Steve Carrell. Be prepared for an original, daring, and hilarious mix of satire and cutting-edge improvisation.

One of Texas’ brightest country singing stars is set to shine during a “Live on Stage” concert on Thursday, July 5. Clint Black (left) will headline the entertainment, bringing his famous black hat and Texas-roots country music talents up close and live during this exclusive concert for Kiwanians and their guests. Tickets can be purchased through the convention registration form and on site during the convention. For adults, tickets are US$25 with advance purchase or $35 on site. Tickets for youth, ages 12 and younger, are $15.

Fiesta Noche del Rio is a musical extravaganza that captures the finest in song and dance from Mexico, Spain, Argentina, and Texas. Set outdoors in the beautiful Arneson River Theater, this celebration of the city's Latin heritage offers a delightful way to spend a summer evening. Fiesta Noche del Rio has raised $2.5 million for children's charities. Two Kiwanis performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets are $10 per person, and seating is limited to 525 at each performance.

Inspirational speakers will include LaDonna Gatlin and Randy Snow. Each will headline a workshop or forum during the convention.

LaDonna (right) is sister to the famous Gatlin Brothers. She is an accomplished speaker who motivates her audiences to “find our own voice” and “sing our own song.” She grew up performing with her brothers but took a detour on the road to stardom – she married. At that moment, she realized success for her could be measured in a different way. She chose to follow her heart and “sing a different song” apart from her brothers. LaDonna combines her message with her vocal talents to entertain even as she educates, motivates, and drives home her point.

Randy Snow (left) lost the use of his legs as a teenager. Since then, he has become a business owner and nationally recognized sales associate, a Fortune 500 speaker, and one of the most successful wheelchair athletes in history. Drawing from his personal business successes, medal winning Paralympics competitions, and the lessons learned while accepting a spinal cord injury, Randy inspires audiences to embrace change, work together, and achieve extraordinary results.

Go to www.kiwanis.org/convention/ for a convention registration form and more information on entertainment, workshops, and other events planned for the 2007 Kiwanis International Convention.

Click to enlarge

Three have been completed, but five Mid-Winter Conferences for Capital District Regions remain scheduled:

• March 3, 2007 Heart of Virginia Regional Midwinter Conference, Appomattox Regional Governor's School, 512 Washington St, Petersburg, VA (Joe Stankus)
• March 10, 2007 Potomac Regional Midwinter Conference, Nyumburu Cultural Center, Univ. of MD, College Park, MD (Jackie Lowe)
• March 24, 2007 NoVa Regional Midwinter Conference, Marymount University, Arlington, VA (Tony Gee)
• March 24, 2007 Mason Dixon Regional Midwinter Conference, Howard County Community College (Bill Hand)
• March 30-31, 2007 Southwest Virginia Regional Midwinter Conference, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon, VA. (Lloyd Enoch). See flyer.

Beginning July 1, 2006, and running through June 1, 2007:

1. Recruit 1 new member and receive a bronze key lapel pin and one (1) entry in the random drawing.

2. Recruit 2 new members and receive a silver key lapel pin and an additional entry in the random drawing for a total of two (2) entries.

3. Recruit 3 new members and receive a gold key lapel pin and a total of three (3) entries in the contest.

1st Place: 2 winners: Trip to the 2008 Kiwanis International Convention (Hotel, airfare and registration)
2nd Place: 1 winner: Spend the day at the home of the 2006-07 International President
3rd Place: 1 winner : Spend the day at the International Office with the Executive Director in Indianapolis, Indiana
4th Place: 1 winner: Kiwanis International Life Membership
5th Place: 50 winners: US$100 gift card to the Kiwanis Store
6th Place: 100 winners: US$25 gift card to the Kiwanis Store

For more details, click here.

The Capital District Communications committee wants to ensure all District Kiwanians have access to up-to-date information at the Club, Division, or Regional levels. One tasking received from Gov. Cressy and the Board of Trustees is to “measure the effectiveness of the E-Builder, Capital Builder and District, Region, Division, and Club Web Sites to identify ways to increase readership and usage”. What reasons would keep a Kiwanian from using the web or reading the E-Builder — no computer?, no broad bandwidth connection?, no time?, no interest?, or too busy with Kiwanis service? What reasons would lead Kiwanians to use the web or read the E-Builder — to seek information?, to find out what is happening in other Clubs or Regions?, or to learn about Kiwanis service opportunities? These are all possible reasons for using or not using these valuable resources. While the committee discussed various ideas to bring about improvements, one question remained unanswered, what do our Kiwanians have to say about the District web site and the E-Builder? The committee wants each Kiwanian to have input in this process and has prepared a short survey, available at the remaining Mid-Winter Conferences, through District Lt. Governors and, yes, online at www.kiwanisdiv711.org/Survey.htm.

While we await the survey results, Kiwanians in every Club should consider telling their “story”. What brought a new member to join the Club? — a child’s life enriched in a Terrific Kids program, or children laughing at a story the elderly gentleman from Kiwanis read to them just the other day? This is the Kiwanis story — the story we want to share with Kiwanians and our neighbors in the communities where we live. If you need help writing or submitting an article, send an e-mail to stein@udel.edu and we will get in contact with you.

Keep Reading to the Children: Kiwanis International's annual worldwide service project, Read Around the World, wraps up on March 3rd but this is an important project that you can continue all year long, especially as part of a Young Children: Priority One project for small children. Reading is such an important tool for all children to have, especially when looking at it from the perspective if literacy in our society. Why should we bother with reading (literacy)?

Well, my International Chair counterpart recently sent me a note about literacy and referred me and my fellow district chairs to a web site called: Get Ready to Read. There was interesting statistics there. Now, statistics are not always easy to interpret, but in 2003, some reports came out which should make each of us sit up and take notice:

• 50 million Americans cannot read or comprehend above the 8th grade level.
• Existing literacy programs reach less than 10% of these people.
• The U.S. has a dropout rate of 29% compared to 5% in Japan and 2% in Russia.
• Illiteracy costs business in the U.S. $225 billion a year.
• 60% of prison inmates are illiterate.
• Almost 50% of adults who receive welfare are illiterate.
• Almost 75% of those who are unemployed are illiterate.
• Children of unemployed parents are 5 times more likely to drop out of school.

Something that you may never have heard but that is shocking is that at least one state predicts its need for jail cells on the basis of third graders' reading ability! Why should that be? Through third grade, children are learning to read. After third grade, they must read to learn! If they have not developed their reading skills sufficiently, they will not be able to assimilate knowledge through reading and will likely fall further and further behind in their schooling and often drop out; many then end up in the juvenile or criminal justice systems. After all, they cannot get a meaningful job.

Something else you may or may not realize is that the ability to read is enhanced or diminished by what happens with children prior to ever entering kindergarten or first grade. This is why we should seek involvement with preschoolers and place an emphasis on Young Children: Priority One.

If you wish to learn more, open up the Get Ready to Read web site and sign up for information at http://www.getreadytoread.org/.

Children's Miracle Network: Believe it or not folks, despite all the cold weather and snow, ice, other the dreaded wintry mix, it is time to start to think spring and get ready to support one of our greatest YC:PO partners. Now, some of our regions no longer have a television broadcast and telethons like many of us remember, but that should not stop us from helping these hospitals as we have in the past. Once again, CMN will have a banner patch recognition program for those clubs that contributes at least $500 to a local CMN hospital, but every dollar does make a difference. The support that we as Kiwanians provide a wide range of support services from emergency care, local burn camps, research, immunization programs and prevention. If you would like more information, please go to CMN's web site at: www.cmn.org or get in touch with your local CMN hospital and invite a speaker to your club or division.

Week of the Young Child - April 22-28, 2007: Now you may ask what is the Week of the Young Child. Ok, it is not a Kiwanis program, it is an opportunity for Kiwanis clubs to work with young children. The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association, with nearly 100,000 members and a network of over 300 local, state, and regional Affiliates. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life. The Week of the Young Child is a time to plan how we--as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation--will better meet the needs of all young children and their families.

NAEYC designates the Week of the Young Child dates and theme, but events are planned and implemented by local communities. The theme for 2007 is Building Better Futures for All Children. Celebrations are organized and coordinated by regional, state, and local NAEYC Affiliates, and by individual early childhood programs and community organizations providing services to young children and families. Local communities may tailor celebrations to meet their own needs. For example, while NAEYC traditionally designates a Week of the Young Child, some groups generate so much enthusiasm and support that they celebrate the "Month of the Young Child". Others have modified the dates of their celebration to coordinate with other community scheduled events. However adapted, the central purpose remains unchanged--to promote the needs of young children, their families, and the early childhood programs that serve them. For more information, please visit their web site at http://www.naeyc.org.

Has your club reserved the date of Saturday, April 7, 2007? That’s the date chosen for the first Kiwanis One Day, a major new Kiwanis service initiative. Click on the image to the right to enlarge.

On Kiwanis One Day, every Kiwanis club is urged to join with the rest of the Kiwanis family -- K-Kids, Builders, Key Club, Circle K, and Aktion Club -- for a day of united service. Kiwanis One Day will provide an opportunity to showcase the Kiwanis family and our commitment to service in each community.

All the support materials for Kiwanis One Day are now available via the Kiwanis International web site: the step by step plan for forming a committee and selecting a project, as well as promotional posters and a news media template release.

Everything is available in English, French, Spanish, and five other languages. For complete details, go to www.kiwanis.org/service/oneday.asp.

Recently about 60 Kiwanians and guests joined the Kiwanis Club of Suburban frederick in celebrating 35 years of service to the Frederick County area. We were honored that Division 9 LTG Fred Lohnes and Governor Elect Art Riley (and their wives) were able to join us. Highlights included the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation noting original date of membership to each club member; special recognition given to charter members (upper left, Pres. Christine Semon, Sec. Rob Summers, and charter members Eric Gatrell, Ed Crawford, ed Blumenauer and Charlie Mertz; not pictured is charter member Glenn Magaha); and presentation of special recognition to Leslie Bruchey for being a wonderful Treasurer, Charlie Mertz for being his wonderful resourceful self, and Phil Pople (right) who was recognized as Kiwanian of the Year. Then we all watched the premier showing of the soon-to-be world-famous and award-winning “History of the Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick- the First 35 years” (left), a 30 minute DVD video edited and produced by our own Vice President (and very humble) Dave Maloney. (By the way, copies of this 30-minute video are available for $20 payable to the club. All funds collected go to our club Admin. Account. Contact Dave.)

Last month I shared a little insight into my motivation for forging Kiwanis Family bonds. I am passionately committed to that goal, and that is why I spearheaded Kiwanis Family Service Projects like Tornado Alley Rallies, Hurricane Isabel Clean-up Projects, Scottie’s Place, Annie’s Playground, Camp Winona, etc. These projects certainly had a positive and lasting effect on those communities, but they were just as much about creating opportunities to bring Kiwanians, CKI and Key Club students together in service. Such activities foster lifelong friendships “vertically” through the Kiwanis Family and inspire Service Leadership Program (SLP) students to stay in the Family.

I have also served as a Kiwanis advisor to my home club’s CKI and K-Kids Clubs, sponsored “Career Days” for graduating CKI students, including visits with potential employers and other leaders in the chosen profession, promoted the Capital District Foundation’s Youth Outreach Program to raise awareness (and money) to support our CKI clubs, and worked to amend Capital District Bylaws to define roles specifically for CKI Alumni. And speaking of CKI Alumni, I am a member of the Capital District Circle K Alumni Association, where I recently submitted a proposal requesting that CDCKAA Bylaws be amended to expand the Association’s mission as follows:

“h. To inspire, through personal example, continued involvement with the Kiwanis Family.

i. To assist, support and mentor CKI members interested in joining Kiwanis Clubs upon conclusion of CKI membership.”

What a treat it was to watch the 30-minute DVD produced by member Dave Maloney in celebration of the Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick's 35 years of service to the Frederick county community. Premiering at our club's recently-held 35th Charter Night Anniversary, members and guests thoroughly enjoyed the slide show which included old newspaper photos dating back to the 1972 Charter Night with Charter Pres. Herman Hauver accepting the gavel, provided completements of the Taneytown Club. With enjoyable music playing in the background, members walked down a 35-year long memory lane culminating in a list of the scores of organizations which have benefited over the years from club donations in excess of $500K. Photos of all current members were also included. Maloney dedicated the DVD to those who passed away while a club member, and will be making a copy available to the Historical Society of Frederick County for posterity. Intrested in a copy? They are available for $24. All proceeds benefit the club Admin. account. Contact Dave.

Walter Schwab, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro for 66 years, was honored recently for his extensive and outstanding service to the club, and to the children and youth in our area. Walter is now 96 years old and although "creaky," he is able to get about in Summit Square where he is a resident.

The celebration of Walter's life was presented by his oldest daughter, Barbara Jesser, of Charlottesville, VA. Walter's other children include Ed Schwab, Sue Cale and Kay Dawson, and he has six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Dick Tomey, president of the Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro, honored Walter with the Outstanding Service Award plaque, the Distinguished Service Award (right) and also letters of congratulation from the president of Kiwanis International, the Governor of the Capitol District and the Lt. Governor of the Fifth Division. Schwab has previously earned the prestigious Hixson Fellowship Award and the Legion of Honor. Walter's wife, Elizabeth, was awarded the Kiwanis Certificate of Recognition, posthumously for her many years of Kiwanis support.

Walter was involved in most of the Kiwanis projects and fund-raising events over the years and remembers fondly the Minstrel Show (he was the "bride" in the all-male wedding skit), the work at Lake Kiwanis, the Kiwanis Travelogues, the creation of city parks and playgrounds, and many other events. His mind is sharp and he can tell many stories.

The term most often used to describe Walter is "a true gentleman". He will continue to support the club as an Honorary Member.

In the following letter, Gov. Bob Cressy recognizes Walter Schwab for his years of Kiwanis service:

Mr. Walter Schwab
Kiwanis Club of Waynesboro, VA

Dear Walter,

What an honor it is for me as Governor on behalf of Capital District of Kiwanis International to pay you the deepest respect and gratitude for your many years of inspiring service to Kiwanis and your community.

Sixty-six years of Kiwanis service represents a dedicated lifetime of memories and accomplishments. You have been building Kiwanis and "changing the world one child and one community at a time” for decades. You joined in 1941, a time of economic difficulty when the United States was being drawn into World War II.

This was a time of great worry for this nation and indeed the world, yet you and others like you took the step to join what has become the greatest community service organization in the world. You and your fellow Kiwanians have since led us proudly ever since.

Congratulations, Walter, for such a distinguished record of service. We wish you many more years of Kiwanis fellowship. Thank you.

Most Respectfully,

Robert N. Cressy, Governor
Capital District Kiwanis International

The Poquoson Kiwanis Club asked for the assistance of The Poquoson Woman's Club and Carol Rollins, president of the Club, to get the word out to bake cookies to be distributed by the USO to our Military personal at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport Center. The Poquoson Women's Club baked and delivered 24 dozen cookies for the month of February. Pictured right: Francis ‘Mac’ McCrane of the Kiwanis Club of Poquoson, (left) watches as Libby Kendrick, Director of the USO offers cookies to an unidentified soldier.

The Kiwanis Club of Tysons Corner is excited to announce that our first Safe Sitter® Course was a GREAT SUCCESS! It was held Saturday, December 9th at the Fairfax County Government Center. The facilities were perfect for the event, and we will have it again for our next course in the spring. (Shown right are instructors from the Kiwanis Club of Tysons Corner, Jeffrey Wolff, Jen Dugent, Nancy Miller, and Corey Jerome, with their students.)

Safe Sitter® is a program that was founded in 1981, that teaches adolescent babysitters how to handle crises, how to keep their charges secure, and how to nurture and guide a young child. In short, Safe Sitter® babysitters help children stay safe and sound while their parents are away. In the process, these 11-to 13-year-olds emerge as more confident, responsible and compassionate teens and adults, and essentially safe parents. Our club had taken the initiative to become a Safe Sitter® Site, and had 4 members, Jennifer Dugent, Corey Jerome, Nancy Miller, and Jeffrey Wolff trained to be instructors.

Despite the holiday season, we still had a great first class of 9 students, aged 11 to 13. The students all passed with flying colors, and the parents were very pleased and excited at the closing ceremony. All in all, it was a fun experience for the students as well as the instructors, and of course we had plenty of opportunities to plug our club with our t-shirts and talking about what Kiwanis is during the closing ceremony!

What has also made this such a fun project is that many members of our club were able to participate in some form or another to make it a success. Nicole McDermott and the Registration Committee (Maureen Frank, Nancy Miller, and Kristina Dlugozima) made the registration process for the kids and parents so easy. The Meals Committee also did a wonderful job deciding on the lunches and delivering them to the kids. Derek Dupuis lead the effort, with his committee (Corey Jerome, Carolyn Wine, Becky Katz, and Dave Lurie) Our Publicity Committee (Kristina Dlugozima, Jen Dugent, Nicole McDermott, Jen Street, and Amber Turner contacted schools and newspapers to get the word out about our program.

We are very enthusiastic about this program. This was an excellent opportunity for our club to connect with the community and make a difference in the lives of area children (and any children/adults the students happen to save in their lifetimes.) We taught them life skills and when they are grown they can look back at Kiwanis fondly. Our Spring Safe Sitter® Course is Sunday, May 6th, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Fairfax County Government Center. If you have any questions about the Safe Sitter® Program, or would like to enroll a child in one of our courses, please contact Jen Dugent, Safe Sitter® Coordinator, at jdugent@gmail.com, or 410-916-3538.

Westminster High School student Daniel Cremens (left side of photo) won the award for Business& Marketing. Daniel is in the top 7% of his class, active in sports and had honorable mention in the Maryland Distinguished Scholars. Sarah Dansberger (right side of photo) won the award for visual arts. She has been in the Westminster Art Show and Art Youth Month at Carroll Community College. Winters Mill High School Georgia Wells (center) won the award for Arts, Humanities, and Communication. She has been active in the school chorus and all state chorus for four years plus she has been in several select choruses. She is president of the chorus plus holds offices in other groups. Laura Bock (unavailable for photo) won the award for Instrumental Music. She has been a member of the band all four years of high school, has played in all county and all state band, plays several musical instruments and has been a drum major with the band.

Outstanding Kiwanian and public servant, Albert (Al) A. Poppiti died February 9 of congestive heart failure. He was 86. Poppiti's Kiwanis career was highlighted by his service as Wilmington, Delaware Chapter president and Distinguished Past Lt. Governor of Division 7 (1979-80), He was also a key figure in organizing the Wilmington West Kiwanis Club. Poppiti was Wilmington Public Safety Commissioner in the late 1960s during a period of social unrest in the city. He was named to the post by Mayor John E. Babiarz, a Wilmington Kiwanian, in 1966. During his tenure, a human relations office was established with the police department which brought together city officials and citizens groups with the goal of easing racial tensions. After leaving his post, Poppiti became director of the Delaware Contractors Association and was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Civil Defense. He also served in the Army Air Corps and the Delaware Air National Guard. As a Kiwanian, he is also remembered for organizing Armed Forces Recognition Day, a unique event now in its 47th year. Current Wilmington mayor and Kiwanian, James Baker called Poppiti “a great guy,” who was hard working, fair and honest. “He was very dedicated to the city ,” he said.

On April 15, 2007, the National Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet will perform its Eighth Annual Concert for the benefit of the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria. Again this year the John Adams Orff Ensemble will perform one-half hour before the Brass Quintet (3:30 - 4:00pm). The NSO Brass Quintet is readily recognized around the Washington Metropolitan area having played at the Kennedy Center, the White House and at television performances. The Quintet has also played at dozens of schools around the country as an educational effort. Previous concerts have received rave reviews and many of our attendees look forward to this performance each year. We have had an excellent response from our previous sponsors to help underwrite the event. This year we are trying to emphasize selling more tickets to increase the attendance. Tickets for adults are $25 each and for children 12 under are $12 each. The profits received from the concert are used for local charities benefiting children and adults in the Alexandria and Northern Virginia area. For tickets or more information, please contact: Alexandria Kiwanis Club, Perry Carvellas, 8417 Alyce Place, Alexandria, Va 22308, p.carvellas@cox.net, 703 360- 0656.

Through the Exxon-Mobil VIP Employer Matching Fund program, George Blacklock presented the Kiwanis Foundation with a check for $1000. This matches service hours George performed in 2006. The additional check brings Exxon-Mobil donations to a total of $6000 since George joined the Rehoboth Beach club. George asks Kiwanians everywhere to ask if their company has an employer matching-fund program. Pictured is club treasurer, Rosemary Cummings, receiving a check from George.

At a recent meeting, Rehoboth Beach club president, George Blacklock, presented a check for $2000 to John Mossel, of Lewes, a member of the board of directors of the Rehoboth Day Care Center. John thanked the club “for its generous support, allowing the center to continue to offer a safe, loving, and learning environment to our kids.” The kids attending the Center receive a nourishing break and lunch. Recent state guidelines have put a heavy burden on the Center, as it strives to keep up with operational costs for teacher salaries and mandated capital improvements. These changes required the parents, already making low incomes, to payer higher weekly fees to sustain the cost of operation. The center is a familiar landmark on Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach and depends heavily on grants and donations, such as those from Kiwanis. In an effort to lower energy costs, this donation is just in time to help defray the cost to purchase special energy-saving window drapes. Last year, the donation arrived in time to pay for replacement of refrigeration equipment. The Rehoboth Beach Club supports the center as part of the ongoing Kiwanis International “Young Children—Priority One” program.

50 YEARS OF PANCAKES ....The Kiwanis Club of Winchester Virginia will celebrate the 50th year of
" Pancake Day" on March 31, 2007. Started in 1957 as a fund raiser that barely broke even, it has grown into an annual social event. The club holds two events a year — one in the spring and the other in late fall. The community of Winchester/Frederick has grown over the years as has this event. Now held in the gymnasium of a local church from 7AM to 7PM, the club will serve over 6000 persons thousands of pancakes, sausage and good will to the community. The two events annually produce over $50,000 for the community service funds. It is a Kiwanis family affair with members from Builders, Key, Circle K, Aktion Clubs providing manpower for the event. Join your Kiwanis family for this special day on March 31 at the Mt. Carmel Family Life Center, 1317 S. Pleasant Valley Rd. Winchester, Va. Advance tickets $4.00 at the door $5.00. Come watch us FLIP....and meet the members who started it all.

The Kiwanis Club of the Peninsula at Oyster Point is a partner in education with L. F. Palmer Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia. It has a Terrific Kids program at the school which recognizes students with good citizenship who also have academic success. At the end of each marking period the club helps give out the school's awards for academic achievement and presents its Kiwanis awards to students who have met the criteria for Terrific Kids as selected by teachers. On February 7, 2007 Chinara Baraka, front, was recognized at the assembly. With her are Elizabeth Speigle, left, representing the Kiwanis Club and parents Jackie Baraka and Sekou Baraka.

The Bridgeville, DE Club will celebrate 68 years of community service during its Charter Night Program on Monday, March 19, 2007, 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall of Union United Methodist Church, 2 N. Laws St, Bridgeville, DE. Besides a delicious buffet dinner, gifts, awards, entertainment, door prizes, this evening will also include special guests Capital District Governor-Elect Art Riley and wife Vicky. Cost to attend this special affair is $12.00 each. Anyone desiring to attend, please make reservations by Wednesday, March 14, 2007 by contacting our club secretary, " Sonny" Hardesty at 302-337-7070, or e-mail gfba301nut@aol.com.

Inaugurating its Police Recognition program for the 2007 Kiwanis year, the Rehoboth Beach Kiwanis Club recognized Det. William F. Matt as Police Officer of the Quarter. Det Matt along with his administrators, Capt. Yeonas, Lt Cohee, and Lt. Willey attended the ceremony where the Club presented Det. Matt a Certificate of Recognitions and gave a donation in his name to the Camp Barnes Foundations to help care for children in the community. With over 19 years of service in the DE State Police, Det. Matt not only performs his duties investigating serious and complex crimes within the Troop 7 area, but also actively works within the local communities to improve quality of life issues for residents and deter crime, especially among the youth. Det Matt was instrumental in the construction of a new community center in the Pinetown area of DE and volunteers as a VITA EITC tax preparer and a CASA volunteer. Capt Yeonas described Det. Matt as a “can do” Officer, who is dedicated to duty, has a positive attitude and through self-sacrifice is willing to get involved to bring about positive changes. (Pictured left to right are Lt. Cohee DSP, Rosemary Cummings (Kiwanis), Lt. Willey DSP, recipient Det. Matt DSP, and Capt Yeonas DSP.)

The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon hosted a Boy Scout Court of Honor Ceremony for our February program. The entire Boy Scout Troop attended the ceremony and each boy received merit badge awards for their accomplishments over the past several months. One young man also received a rank advancement to his next Scouting rank. The event was well attended by parents and families of the boys as well as Kiwanis members. Our club hosted a dessert reception to help celebrate the Troop's achievements.

Our club has sponsored Boy Scout Troop 1851 for the past two years. The Troop is very unique as it is designed to meet the needs of boys with mental and/or physical disabilities. It is the only troop of its kind in our community and one of only a few in the region.

The Kiwanis Club of Harrisonburg members celebrated Kiwanis International's 92nd birthday on January 23 with a birthday cake, Kiwanis trivia game, prizes, and a program presented by long time member Dick Dickerson.

Past and recent Harrisonburg Kiwanis service projects include founding the Massanutten Regional Library, support for First Friday’s at the Harrisonburg Children’s Museum, painting and repairs for the Harrisonburg/Rockingham Child Day Care Center, sponsorship of Circle K at James Madison University, Key Club at Harrisonburg High School, and Builders Club at Thomas Harrisonburg Middle School. Most recently the Club collected 497 pounds of food and donations worth over $665 for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

Club officers and members made showcase presentations at the Kiwanis Presidential Region Mid-Winter Conference held at James Madison University Saturday, February 17th. Additional information may be obtained from Mary Sullivan, Publicity Chair.

A new Key Club was recently formed at Montgomery Blair High School, sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of Bethesda. Key Club members are taking their mission to heart seriously “providing its members with opportunities to provide service, build character, and develop leadership.”

Faculty advisor, Mary Ann Dvorsky, a computer science teacher in the magnet program, and Club president, Yoyo Jiang, are leading the members as they work on their first service project, Help the Homeless Walk, to be held in the fall. The money raised will be given to organizations in the Washington area that are working to prevent and end homelessness, with an emphasis on programs that help homeless people return to independent living. Other Key Clubs sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda include Walter Johnson and Whitman High Schools. Shown in photo from left: Blair Key Club officers Rose Fan, Baijia (Yoyo) Jiang, Lois Bangiolo, and Jung Han.

Their first gift, 62 years ago, was an iron lung to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda. Thankfully, a whole generation later doesn’t even know what that is. Today, the donors of that iron lung, the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda, continue to attract service-minded people who strive to make this a better world. From that first gift to Suburban Hospital in 1945, the Kiwanis Club, which was chartered on February 27, 1942, has expanded their reach by supporting a broad range of worthy organizations – with particular concern for those that are helping children.

“The newest project of the Club is support for the Montgomery County Kiwanis Miracle League,” reports Club President John Ratnavale. “Imagine a field that allows children with disabilities to feel the joy of hitting a ball, running a base, making a home-run, and hearing the roar of fans in the stands.” It’s a child’s dream made possible because in the Miracle League every player bats once each inning, all batters are safe, and every player scores a run before the inning is over. The Kiwanis Club is searching for a location for the field as well as financial funding to make dreams come true for these kids.