The Capital Crabs visited Portland, Oregon in August for the 52nd Annual Circle K International Convention and they left with great memories, new friends and a high percentage of the awards. Capital District CKI was well represented by a delegation of 35 CKI members and Kiwanians who had a great time at the annual conference this time hosted by the Pacific-Northwest District. In spite of having travel over 2000 miles to reach convention, Capital had the third largest delegation in attendance behind California-Nevada-Hawaii and the host district.

In addition to the usual International Convention antics of workshops, speakers, caucuses and the infamous eleven hour House of Delegates, the group embarked on a tour of the Columbia River Gorge and a district dinner as highlights of the event. Congratulations go out to now Immediate Past CKI Trustees Paula Chrin (American University) and Monica Price (Virginia
Tech) for a successful year on the International Board. Capital District's new International Representative is Kristen Reed of SUNY Potsdam in the New York District.

I offer a heartfelt thank you to all of the Kiwanis clubs in the district who financially supported their CKI clubs to attend this and all conventions as it truly offers the students an unmatched experience in fellowship, the celebration of service and the ability to help lead their organization with participation in the House of Delegates.

Capital District CKI is proud to announce its 2007 International Convention
recognitions:

Tomorrow Fund Grant - Christopher Newport University, $300 Outstanding Club Newsletter Award - Honorable Mention - The George Washington University Outstanding Club Newsletter Award - First Place - The College of William & Mary Traditional Club Scrapbook Award - Third Place - The George Washington University Traditional Club Scrapbook Award - First Place - The College of William & Mary Single Service Award - Silver Division - Second Place - The George Washington University Service Initiative Award - Second Place - Virginia Tech Club Achievement Award - Third Place - University of Mary Washington Club Achievement Award - Second Place - The College of William & Mary Club Achievement Award - First Place - The George Washington University Growth Enhances Membership Award - Ruby Division - Second Place - Radford University Growth Enhances Membership Award - Sapphire Division - Second Place - Christopher Newport University Jay N. Emerson Award for Distinguished Lt. Governor - Brinton Howerton Jay N. Emerson Award for Distinguished Lt. Governor - Anh Nguyen R.P. Reg Merridew Distinguished District Secretary/Treasurer - Sneha Bhat People Miles - Gold Division - First Place (77,022 miles) - Capital District.

We were also pleased to have our Kiwanis Governor-Elect Art Riley and First Lady Vickie with us in Portland this summer. If you have never been to a CKI convention, it's difficult to explain the wonderful experience you are missing. But your opportunity is just around the corner as the Capital Crabs take on the Mile High City of Denver in August 2008.