The Kiwanis Club of Toano Charters With 48 Members! WOW!
By Governor Bob Cressy

When the spirit of Kiwanis and serving your community really catches on, it is an event that almost defies description. The new Kiwanis Club of Toano, Virginia, was chartered on Saturday, August 25th, at the Colonial Heritage Golf and Country Club in Williamsburg. Over 130 Kiwanians, guests and new Kiwanis members celebrated the forty-eight (that's 48!) charter members of the Toano Club. This was an elegant celebration by all the many well organized people involved in the process. It is a classic, by-the-book club building success.

Brian Wilson, Lieutenant Governor of Division 23, was Master of Ceremonies of this gala celebration. The new members were proudly led by President Elect Terry Sweaney in the traditional Kiwanis opening of the Pledge of Allegiance. Bill Wren led some of the best patriotic singing you've heard. After a delightful dinner, the program unfolded in order with introductions and recognition of the New Club Building team. Every new club must have a Kiwanis Club sponsor. The Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg was both motivated and organized to complete the task. Key to the Williamsburg sponsorship team was Past Governor and Kiwanis International Foundation Trustee Hugh Siggins, Past Club President Scott Zimmerman, current President Larry Murphy, and PLG Carla Morin. That by-the-book organization was led by New Club Building Chairman Tom Ganse who also did a great job at the pre-organizational meeting back in June. I was privileged to attend that meeting as well as Charter Night as Governor.

As Governor, I was most honored to present the Club Charter and Toano Club banner to President Gil Via. The new bell and gavel were presented and President Gil rang it with gusto. The pictures of Charter Night tell the story of a strong group of dedicated people who recognized the need for service projects that would benefit this suburb of Williamsburg. All charter members were introduced. Some good things take a little time. When there is a clear need for service as discovered by a "community needs analysis", the task of selling Kiwanis to a community becomes a lot easier. This group grabbed the reins and galloped to form the biggest new club in many years.

Charter President Gil Via exhibits the natural leadership qualities of a terrific president utilizing the business skills and experience that really typifies so many Kiwanians. "The secret is the people," is a more than just a phrase. It is the true basis for successful and high quality clubs as well as businesses. Our congratulations to the new Kiwanis Club of Toano. There are now five new Kiwanis clubs for 2006-2007 in the Capital District. Thank you, Tom Ganse, for your leadership role in each of them. Terrific job by all!