Kiwanian New York

Empire State Kiwanian New York

April 2015, Volume 2014-15, Issue 3 New York District, Kiwanis International Centennial Celebration is June 24-27 The Centennial Celebration at this year's Kiwanis International Conven- tion in Indianapolis on June 24-27 is an event you are not going to want to miss. As part of the celebration, for the first time conventions by Kiwanis, Circle K, Key Club and Aktion Club will all take place in the same place and time. There will be several celebrations as part of the event. On Thursday there will be a public event serving pancakes Key Club Leadership Training Conference on Indianapolis' Monument Circle at Above, Outgoing Circle K Gov. Renee Girard, Gov. Eric G. Paul, outgoing Circle K noon time, and fireworks and dancing Executive Assistant Missy Keem, and Gov. Eric's son Joseph, who is helping form on Georgia Street that evening. a Key Club at his high school. See more pictures from the event on page 6. The district's event will be at the Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday, June 25, just before the convention's Opening Bring a Guest Contest Open until July 15 Session. Tickets for the event must be purchased in advance; an order form is Clubs in the district are urged to participate once again in a Bring a Guest available on the district web site. Contest which starts April 15 and runs through July 15. The district board meeting will be at How it works: Bring a potential member to a meeting and take a photo with 7 a.m. on the 25th, followed by the dis- that person to earn one entry into the contest; take a photo of you and a new trict caucus at 8 a.m. member being inducted into your club and earn five entries to win a grand The celebration will end with an Up prize. with People concert and Next Century Send your photos along with information on the division, club, member and Ball on Saturday evening. guest names to District Formula Membership Chair Julie Watterson by e-mail Online registration is open until May to [email protected] or by text to (631) 987-2442. Entries, which must include 15; on site registration also will be pos- a picture, will be posted on the district Facebook page. sible. For more information on membership, see pages 5 and 6. Washingtonville Club Chartered Hudson River West Lt. Gov. Gerda Krogslund has built the first new Kiwa- nis Club in the district this year. The Washingtonville Kiwanis Club conducted its first board meeting Feb. 23, and received its charter on April 10. The club has an initial membership of 24. Gerda thanked Super Distinguished Past Lt. Gov. David Morse and Past Lt. Gov. Jim Lawler for their assistance building the club. The charter president Circle K Convention Takes Place in Albany is Gil Lester and charter secretary is The annual Circle K Convention took place March 20-22 in Albany. Pictured above Debbie Lester. are, from left,Gov. Renee Girard, District Secretary Brian Kenny, District Secretary The Chester Kiwanis Club is the Walaa Ahmed and District Editor Holy Cheong. More pictures from the event are sponsoring Kiwanis Club. on page 9. had a CPR certification session that was Service Leadership Programs Confer- District highly successful. Thank you all for a ence and network at happy hour. Secretary/ great Mid-Year! Thursday, June 25. At 7 a.m. is the District Board Meeting. At 8 a.m. is the Treasurer 2015 Kiwanis Convention AND 100th District Caucus. Get educated at 30- Justin Anniversary Celebration minute round robins; enjoy the Monu- The New York District will party mental Pancake Brunch on Monument Underwood Thursday afternoon, June 25 at the Circle. At 4 p.m. the New York District Hard Rock Café from 4-7 p.m. Get your takes over the Hard Rock Café! And tickets now before they run out! then at 7:30 p.m. is the opening session. This is it. This is the year Kiwanis cel- Prep for the 100th Annual Kiwanis In- Friday, June 26. Have breakfast with ebrates 100 years of service! How appro- ternational Convention in Indianapolis the Kiwanis family, get down to business priate is it that Governor Eric's with this at-a-glance schedule preview, and explore Indy before the Birthday Governor's Project is to refocus our ded- subject to change. Get updates when you Bash on Georgia Street and Fireworks ication to our Service Leadership Pro- sign up to receive convention news: Night at Victory Field. grams (SLP). Now is the time for your Every day get fit with yoga and Saturday, June 27. Dedicate the Kiwa- club to celebrate the service you do in runs/walks on Cultural Trail. Tour the nis Playground, exchange ideas TED- your community. Kiwanis International home office and style and wrap up the 100th at the Up the Kiwanis World Showcase (formerly With People concert and Next Century Mid-Year was a success! Exhibit Hall). Ball. Thank you all for your participation Wednesday, June 24. The Formula If you have any questions at all, during our Mid-Year Conference. We Team meets at 9 a.m. Get on track at please do not hesitate to contact the Dis- had over 30 forums PLUS this year we pre-convention workshops, attend the trict Office or at ANY TIME! Chester Club Continues Program in Member’s Memory More than 30 years ago Larry Neeb Each year, Larry ordered the bulbs, had an idea. He thought he could help gathered the supplies and, with a few bring the joy of gardening to a group of Kiwanians, visited the school, which children who might not otherwise have grew into Inspire Kids. The children at had the chance to experience it, and Inspire Kids experience a variety of de- provide them with a Mother's Day gift velopmental delays or challenges, and for their mothers as well. receive special education and support- Through a bit of detective work and a ive therapies and services according to lot of arm-twisting, Larry found a local an Individualized Educational Plan bulb company that could supply 300 lily (IEP). bulbs that would be ready to bloom in This year the Kiwanis Club of six weeks. A local farmer was talked Chester was faced with carrying on the into providing soil and pots. The Kiwa- Bulb Project without Larry, who passed nis Club voted to fund the project and away this winter. Kiwanis members Larry's Bulb Project was born. stepped up to lead the project and found With a few other members in tow, that Larry had already placed the order Larry toted the supplies to what was for the bulbs. A former member was then called the CP Center in Goshen. ready to provide the pots and soil as he He delivered them to the classrooms, had done for many years. A group of Ki- stopping to help with the planting when wanians was ready to help carry on in he could. Larry's memory. their mothers for Mother's Day. Some- On March 26 the children of Inspire where Larry Neeb is smiling and the Kids planted oxalis bulbs, tucking friends he inspired at the Kiwanis The Empire State them into the potting soil in their lit- Club of Chester are making plans for tle pots, adding water and smiles to next year's bulb project, because it's make them grow. In six weeks they the one way they can be sure that Kiwanian will take blooming plants home to Larry will live on. Official Publication of the New York District of 2014-15 Events Kiwanis International May 1-3, 2015: Circulation...... 7,100 Key Leader Weekend, Camp Stella Maris, Livonia Publication Office: May 14-16, 2015: Martin Toombs Kamp Kiwanis Work Weekend and Open House 84 Bridge St. June 24-27, 2015: Seneca Falls, NY 13148 Kiwanis International Convention, Indianapolis [email protected] Circle K International Convention, Indianapolis Key Club International Convention, Indianapolis Aug. 12-16, 2015: Empire State Kiwanian District Convention, Desmond Hotel, Albany Page 2 This was especially evident this year. Key Club Governor Jacob Spencer We have been asking clubs to recognize and his board surpassed all of their a "rededication to our Sponsored Youth" goals of membership, service hours and Governor and pay attention to our interaction funds raised for charity. Congratula- with our Kiwanis sponsored programs. tions to all our recently retired District The Governor's Project includes two re- and Club leaders for an exceptional Eric G. Paul quirements of interacting with our service year. sponsored groups. I look forward to working with Circle As a result, 2015 has been a "Banner K Governor Walaa Ahmed and Key Year" with the largest Circle K District Club Governor Hanna Nichols, and As long as I have been involved with Convention in 30+ years and a "Sold their boards, as we begin the 2015-16 the K-Family, I have heard that "our Out" Key Club Leadership Training Con- Service year. I also congratulate Admin- Sponsored Programs (sponsored youth) ference, both held in Albany this March. istrators John Keegan and John Gold- are the very best things that we do". Circle K Governor Renee Girard and stein and their assistants for another These people are correct. her board had a fantastic year, with year of exceptional hard work and ded- Our brother and sister service organ- membership nearing 1200, huge in- ication. izations cannot hold a candle to our K- creases in reported service hours, and a Yes, they are the best things we do. Kids, Builders Club, Aktion Club, Key renewed spirit among our Circle K Not yet involved? Email or message me Club and Circle K programs. Clubs in New York. and I will tell you how!

dents are incredible would be an under- motivator, the gatekeeper, the teacher statement; to talk of their poise, moti- and sometimes the student. I've heard Governor- vation and desire to serve would be an both these gentlemen say that "every Elect injustice; they are so much more. To year they learn just how amazing these hear these kids talk of a former Key kids are," but how could they not; they Clubber (now in Circle K) who would get to see who these students were to Forbes spend $2.50 on transportation to a what they've become: outstanding Irvine meeting, and by doing so would have to members of the Kiwanis family. Again, give up a meal that day was inspiring please support them. and eye opening to say the least. Hopefully you are finalizing your There are certain times in life when These students performed well over plans for ICON and the celebration of you just know you got it right. Maybe 100,000 hours of service and raised our first century of service. Indianapo- you bought the perfect gift or shared in hundreds of thousands of dollars this lis promises to be a fantastic time. He- someone's milestone; maybe you volun- past service year. Why did they do this? lene and I were fortunate to be there in teered at a food drive or took someone That's simple WE give them the oppor- November for training, and it is great to an appointment; maybe you skipped tunity - the opportunity to serve, to convention city. buying that coffee and gave that money lead, to give back and to get it right and Speaking of great times, how about to Eliminate or Pediatric Lyme; maybe all they ask in return is our support - joining us May 16 at Kamp Kiwanis it was donating that coat you could PLEASE SUPPORT THEM. This is for the opening of Kamp. I guarantee have kept, but you knew it would keep what KIWANERGY is all about. you that the day spent cleaning, paint- someone else warm; maybe you shov- This article would be incomplete ing, raking will be a day well spent eled out a neighbor. Whatever your "got without talking about two individuals getting it ready for the kids. If you it right" moment is - We as Kiwanians and their respective staff - John Gold- can't make it, a couple of dollars in the get THIS right everyday -- our support stein and John Keegan, the administra- happy box for the Kamp or KPTC goes of our Service Leadership Programs. tors of Key Club and Circle K, a long way. Helene and I had the absolute honor respectively. The title administrator is Finally, please remember The For- of attending the Circle K and Key Club probably the wrong word. They are the mula - live it - share it - love it - always conferences held during the last two guardians, champions, cheerleaders, be proud of who we are, where we are weekends of March. To say these stu- protectors, confidant, the shoulder, the from and what we are trying to do. Oceanside Roller Skating Program is 52 Years Old For the past 52 years the Oceanside with the Oceanside Department of Roller Skating program. Kiwanis Club has co-sponsored, along Community Activities, the annual For months more than 100 children come together on the weekends at an Oceanside school gym to learn how to roller skate. This program ends in March with a show to show the parents what the children have learned. This year the theme was Candyland. The parents/grandparents sat back during the two shows on March 13th and 14th as their children took them to a world of sweets and goodies.

Empire State Kiwanian Page 3 We need to spread the word "LOVE face to face, by invitations to meetings, IT, SHARE IT, LIVE IT". service projects or fundraisers. Get on Formula Distinguished Past Gov. Joseph Ep- social media and share your experi- Chair polito put together a team of new club ences on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin builders and club counselors. Julie and Pinterest! Watterson, our membership chair, has "LIVE IT" - This is what happens Joseph put in endless hours contacting the di- when you share your experience of Aiello vision with new member leads. It's the being a Kiwanian. Wear your Kiwanis lieutenant governors' responsibility to pin or logo attire and engage in club follow up with them. activities, especially community serv- Spring is finally at our door step. If you are asking how you can guests ice. Be proud of being a Kiwanis mem- This is the time to "LOVE IT, SHARE to come to a meeting so you can partic- ber. I know I am. IT, LIVE IT" with an open house. ipate, this is where The FORMULA If your club is having a hard time There have been 361 new members comes into play… bringing in guests or potential new and one new club with a net amount of "LOVE IT" - Why do you love your members please don't hesitate to reach 161 members. Moving forward our Kiwanis Club? What drives you to go out for help. Julie has great ideas for goal for The Formula is to have 1,000 to meetings and events sponsored by membership drives and would love to new members and at least five new your club? You should be able to tell share these with you. clubs before Sept. 30. people your story. Who and what I made a commitment to carry the Our district needs to grow, our com- brought you to Kiwanis in the first torch for the next three years to The munities need Kiwanis. Our youth place and why did you stay? Every Ki- Formula. I promised our sitting gover- need our leadership so they can be our wanis member has his or her own nor that we will reach our goals for future leaders. If we don't bring our unique story! 2014-15. These can be met when you clubs to charter strength or build new "SHARE IT" - This is what happens have divisions leading the charge such clubs, what will happen? There will be when members love their clubs. It's as: Van Rensselaer plus 25, Suffolk no K-Kids, Builders Clubs, Key Clubs, human nature to tell others about East 16, Queens West 12, Hudson Circle K or Aktion clubs. We are con- great experiences we've had with prod- River 16, Hudson River West 11, Met- tinuing to lose members. Why? Even ucts or services - even Kiwanis! This ropolitan 22, Niagara Frontier South though we are the best show in town, part of The Formula lets us spread the 9, Finger Lakes 8, Chemung 7, Long we are the best hidden secret. word about our clubs by telling others Island North, 13.

ceive a grand prize to be announced at our district convention in August. April is Membership Now, you may be asking yourself how you can get guests to come to a meeting so you can participate. This is where Membership The Formula comes into play. Julie "Love it." Why do you love your Kiwa- Month Watterson nis Club? What drives you to go to meet- Welcome to April. The snow ings and events sponsored by your club? is gone, or receding. Temps are You should be able to tell people your going up. It is time for All Ki- It has been a terrific year so far for story. Who and what brought you to Ki- wanis Clubs to plan and carry the New York District and we are well wanis in the first place and why did you our an April Membership Ef- on our way to another banner year in stay? Every Kiwanis member has their fort! membership growth. I would like to own unique story! Have an Open House! Invite take this opportunity to announce our "Share it." This is what happens friends, Colleagues and Neigh- second Bring a Guest Contest begins on when members love their clubs. It's bors! Be ready to answer ques- April 15 and will run through July 15. human nature to tell others about great tions about Kiwanis and about It will run similarly to our last contest. experiences with have had with prod- what your clubs do! How it works: Bring a potential mem- ucts or services - even Kiwanis! This Growth is a necessary part ber to one of your meetings or to an part of the Formula lets us spread the of continuing the Kiwanis ex- event and snap a photo with that person word about our clubs by telling others perience. We need to open (a cell phone selfie is ideal). Send that face to face, by invitations to meetings, New Clubs, add new members, picture to me by email: service projects or fundraisers. Get on start new projects, make new [email protected] or text it to me at social media and share your experiences friends. 631-987-2442 with a note telling me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and There is plenty of informa- your division, club, name and guest Pinterest! Sharing what you do with tion available at www.ki- name. If that member joins, take an- others will inspire them to be a part of wanisone.org or from ANY of other photo of you and your new mem- what you do. our District Board or Formula ber and send it to me. For each guest, "Live it." This is what happens when Team members, listed in our the sponsoring member will receive one you share your experience of being a Ki- Directory or on line at www.ki- entry to the contest. For each new mem- wanian. Wear your Kiwanis pin or logo wanis-ny.org. ber, the sponsoring member will receive attire and engage in club activities, es- Let’s Grow Together! five entries to the contest. Please note, pecially community service. Be proud of valid entries to this contest must in- being a Kiwanis member. I know I am. members; please don’t hesitate to reach clude a photo and all photos will be Simply put, Love it. Share it. Live it. out to me for help. I have some great posted on our NY District Facebook is The Formula. This is how you will ideas for Membership Drives and would page. The winner of this contest will re- bring guests and new members to your love to share with you. Please call or meetings. email me. I am proud to be your Mem- Empire State Kiwanian Finally, if your club is having a hard bership Chair and look forward to help- Page 4 time bringing in guests or potential new ing you grow our District! mitted to work in their divisions to trict in Washingtonville. She was as- build new clubs along with their re- sisted by New Club Opener Super Past New Club spective lieutenant governors. Distinguished Lt. Gov. David Morse Opening Each division has two New Club and New Club Counselor Past Distin- Counselors who have been trained to guished Lt. Gov. Jim Lawyer. The club work with newly formed clubs for a received its charter on April 10. DPG Joseph time period to ensure their success in A few club sites are under way as the Eppolito operating. good weather finally comes to New The New Club Counselors are also York. If you have a site ... contact your available to clubs that are struggling Division New Club Opener. He/she will As part of the Formula team, I am as well. Do not hesitate to contact form a team to pursue the opportunity! the Chair for New Club Opening for them. The entire Formula Team can be the New York District. We have divided We need to grow. The Formula is a found on the district web site or ask the District into nine zones, with a five-year program (in its second year) your lieutenant governor. Zone New Club Opening Chair and Di- to grow Kiwanis significantly to meet If we do not grow Kiwanis now, we vision New Club Opening Chairs for all the challenges ahead of us for service will have dim future for our great or- divisions except Long Island South and fellowship. ganization. Let's grow together! Central and Suffolk West. Congratulations to Hudson River Feel free to contact me at (215) 449- These Kiwanians have been trained West Lt. Gov. Gerda Krogslund for 3000 x358 or by email: by Kiwanis international and are com- building the first new club in our dis- [email protected]. Builders Club Visits Nursing Home Residents The Monticello Middle School Builders Club recently vis- Jane Sorensen, Patricia Monteverde and Sheila Lashinsky. ited the Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) at Catskill Regional Medical Center. Last year they came bearing gifts of hand- made fleece pillows. This year the Builders Club members made beaded bracelets that will be used as Bingo prizes. The students mingled with the residents one-on-one, intro- ducing themselves and learning a little about each other. Some of the students entertained by singing songs with music provided by a Builders Club member playing the guitar. They also enjoyed singing Karaoke style, which was led by Nursing Home Activities Director Jeffrey Pryluck and Monticello Ki- wanis President Jane Sorensen. Eventually, everyone joined in and there was a lot of loud laughter and applause heard throughout the room. The students received a personal invi- tation by one of the residents to come back next year to help celebrate her 100th birthday. The Builders Club members were accompanied by their School Advisor William Oefelein and Kiwanis Club members Chester Serves 550 Dinners

On Feb. 20 the Kiwanis Club of Chester held its 8th annual First Fri- day in Lent Fish Fry at the Chester Academy. A record-breaking 550 dinners were served. Pre-sales are a must at this event, but we had over 85 tickets sold at the door for walk-ins. Assisting with the event were the Chester Key Club and Builders Club. Co-chair-people Frank Sambets and Sue Bahren marveled at the way all members of the 3 service clubs came together and worked in harmony. It was truly a great event for our group. The Builders Club assisted in the din- Minisink Valley celebrates in 1915 Style ing room and sold raffle tickets. All the money raised at this event will Many people dressed in 1915 dress when the Minisink Valley Kiwanis Club hosted go back to our community to serve the a gala reminiscent of 100 years to celebrate Kiwanis International's centennial. children of Chester and the surround- Pictured are, from left, (rear): Past Super Distinguished Lt. Governor David Morse, ing areas. Minisink Valley President Chip Lain, James Burtis, Kimberly Strieffler, Past Dis- tinguished Lt. Governor Ed Stoddard; front: Cynthia Ewanciw-Morse, Shari Lain, Empire State Kiwanian Past Lt. Governor EJ Szulwach, Elaine Flynn, Lt. Governor Gerda Krogslund and Norma Stoddard. Page 5 Key Club Leadership Training Conference The 2015 Key Club Leadership Train- training and to elect officers for the tendance with the awards they were ing Conference took place March 27-29 coming year. presented at the event. at the Desmond Hotel in Albany. Above left are members of the North Upper right are Key Clubbers during The annual event drawns Key Club Shore Key Club posing with a beaver; a general session, and at lower right are members from around the district for lower left is the club’s members in at- a group of attendees.

Division Raises $2,600 On March 21 a record 95 volunteers from K-Kids, Key Clubs, Aktion and Finger Lakes Division Kiwanis Clubs joined together at our annual Miracle Mile of Donations to raise approximately $2,600 in cash contributions from shoppers at Eastview Mall in Vic- tor. Combined with donations from Kiwa- nis Clubs, the total monies received at the event was over $8,200. The amount will be applied to the division's goal of raising $75K to help fund a waiting/re- ception area on the seventh floor of the new Golisano Children's hospital in Rochester, which will be dedicated to A Key Club at Auburn High School has been chartered with 25 members. It's the the Finger Lakes Kiwanis. 10th Key Club in the Ontario Division. Pictured, from left, are Janet Zane, Pres- ident of Auburn Kiwanis, the club's sponsor; Faculty Advisor Sarah Dautrich, Grace Traino, Lt. Gov.-Elect Henry Foresman, Key Club President Kenneth Vree- Empire State Kiwanian land and Ontario Division Lt. Gov. and PDG Joe Eppolito. The Kiwanis committee Page 6 representative, Brandon Wakeham, was not available for the picture. Mid-Year Features Training, Awards The 2015 Mid-Year Conference Feb. 20-22 at the Holiday Inn in Albany was an opportunity for those attending to learn about current Kiwanis projects including the Eliminate Project, and to get certified in CPR, as well as honor many individuals, clubs and divisions for their accomplishments in the 2013-14 Kiwanis Year. Above, left, Gov. Eric G. Paul listens as District Eliminate Proj- ect Coordinator Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse reports that the pledges from the district for Eliminate have surpassed $1 million. She urged continued effort during the last year of the project to com- plete the district's goal and urged every club in the district to participate. At left, Past International President Jerry Christiano gives Past Gov. Joe Aiello his pin honoring him as a Distinguished Governor for 2013-14. Applauding at left is Gov. Eric. Above, participants in the CPR class practice. Below, District Foundation President Sal Anelli updates the opening session on foundation activities. Information on the other awards passed out during the weekend can be found on the district web site, www.kiwanis-ny.org.

Key Club Raises $1,400 For Autism Awareness On Jan. 10 the North Shore Key Club With the buddy-up teams selected, bers and Key Club President Elias completed its single service project. Key Clubbers paired up with the Life Mastakouris leading the group, North This project was created to show Skills group and we had a "slam dunk" Shore High students took the court awareness for autism and to educate event with smiles galore. Kiwanis Past with 22 teams present and a 3 on 3 people regarding this affliction. So with Gov. Joe Aiello attended to show his tournament game was played. hoops down in the North Shore High support and presented trophies to all The outcome of that event was School Gym, the North Shore Key the Life Skill Program participants. $1,400 raised in two hours for Autism Clubbers and our students from the The Roslyn Warriors Aktion Club on Speaks. North Shore High School "Life Skills hand to assist. Program" took the court and played In game two that followed, also Empire State Kiwanian basketball. hosted by the North Shore Key Club- Page 7 K-Kids Support Eliminate Project

On Tuesday March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, district chair for the Eliminate Project, visited with Oceanside School 5 K-Kids Club. This club has raised in their two years of being chartered more than $4,000 to- wards the Eliminate Project and are looking forward to doing more. Both the club advisors and the K-Kids were excited to meet her and hear what she had to say about the project. The School 5 K-Kids club presented her with flowers, thank you cards and had several questions and great ideas on how to fundraise for the rest of this year.

Clubs choosing to pledge to become a Bronze, Silver, or Model Club have five Eliminate years from making the pledge to finish Project it. Clubs also receive 20 percent matching funds for the amount re- maining to become a Model Club. Sister Anne- Since the last issue of ESK, Hunting- ton, Amherst, and North Central, Marie Kirmse Staten Island have become Model Clubs. It is time for each club to have NY District EliMiNate Funds to equal These are exciting times for the EliM- a serious discussion about what they the cost of the Zeller. These matching iNaTe Campaign! We are drawing closer can do for EliMiNaTe. It is more im- funds come from money we have raised to our goal as we have raised $81 mil- portant than ever now for each of our as a District at conventions, the Craft lion worldwide, and now only $29 mil- clubs to pull together, work harder, Fair last year, as well as the remainder lion is left to reach our goal of $110 and stretch a little bit more. of the Stanley Trust donation. As these million. The Kiwanis world is working The Centennial Award is a surefire matching funds are limited, the diligently to reach $100 million by the way to boost our club totals. A pledge of Mother’s Day Zellers are available on a end of June for the 100th year celebra- $1,500 payable over two years will be- first-come, first-served basis. Another tion. stow a commemorative pin immediately incentive for purchasing a Mother’s Day Here in the New York District we and a shadow box presentation on the Zeller this year is that this is the last have raised approximately $1,150,000, completion of the pledge. This Centen- time that they will be offered. So don't thus saving over 639,000 mothers and nial Award will only be available until delay if you are interested! Information their future babies from MNT. In addi- June 30, 2015. Details about this award and forms will be posted on the New tion to achieving our goal of $1,796,314, and the Baby-A-Day Project can be York District website. my personal goal is to have 100 percent found on the EliMiNaTe portion of the A girl in the Oceanside #5 School K- club participation by the International Kiwanis International website, or you Kids said it all: "My mother is healthy Convention in June. So far 84 percent of can contact your division coordinator, and every kid should have a healthy our clubs have participated; now the re- lieutenant governor or me for further mother. So I am going to work for EliM- maining clubs need to come on board. details. iNate so that all mothers can be healthy Time is of the essence! The Mother’s Day Matching Zeller is and have healthy babies." How simple The best way that we can reach our back by popular demand! This means and yet profound! Let's all imitate her goal is by pledges--club and individual. that a gift of $625 will be matched by generosity. Govenor Eric Joins the Fun At Minisink Valley Pancake Day On Jan. 17, Gov. Eric G. Paul made many within the five towns that Min- the trip to Minisink Valley's Pancake isink Valley Kiwanis serves. Day. Gov. Eric jumped right in to help Hot pancakes off the grill are served serve the more than 1,200 hungry at- along with eggs made to order, home- tendees. made apple sauce, homemade sausage Minisink's Pancake Day started in and locally made maple syrup. 1959 and has been held each third Sat- The proceeds help with funding the urday in January ever since. It has be- high school scholarships to graduating come the social event of the winter for seniors from the Minisink Valley High School. Empire State Kiwanian Last year 20 $1,000 schomlarships Page 8 were awarded. Circle K Members Attend Annual Convention The Circle K Convention took place March 20-22 at the Albany Hilton. Members elected officers for the coming year, learned about current projects, and had some fun along the way. Attendance at the event was the largest in more than 30 eyars. Circle K Governor Renee Girard and her board had a fantastic year, with membership nearing 1,200, and with large increases in reported service hours, and a renewed spirit among our Circle K Clubs in New York.

Above, a group of Circle K members. Working with supplies they were given, the Circle K members had to create costumes during an activity Friday evening. See one of the entries above and one below.

The former New York District Circle K Governors who were in attendance posed for this picture.

Pictured are all the Circle K members at the convention who are former Key Club Empire State Kiwanian members. Page 9 Medical Center. lowship" programs have made our ef- While celebrating an idea born in De- forts possible, fruitful, helpful, and ben- KPTC North troit a bit over 100 years ago, those eficial to all of the beneficiaries of the Shore present also gave thanks for the efforts KPTC. of other Kiwanians, friends, sponsors, As president of the KPTC, I remain and families for their support of the not only thankful for the years of confi- DPG Joseph KPTC at Cohen's Children Medical dence so many have placed in me, but Corace Center. It is truly amazing what a ded- thankful too for the efforts of one and icated group of volunteers can accom- all. plish when motivated to help others; It is your efforts which deserve to be I was honored to be in the presence of many of whom are not in a position to celebrated in this Centennial year. It is so many Kiwanians and friends of the help themselves. your efforts to help others that have KPTC when we gathered Jan. 17 to cel- KPTC would not be able to execute seen such success to date. It will remain ebrate the 100th anniversary of Kiwa- our mission without our volunteers. our joint efforts into the future which nis International! Over 100 Kiwanians, Funds raised by various fundraising en- will see even more success as we help accompanied by family and friends, deavors by Kiwanis Clubs, Key Clubs, the Children of the World, and do so joined the KPTC at Lindenhurst's Circle K, K-Kids, Builders Clubs, KPTC through our shared efforts on behalf of Chateau La Mer to mark the donation Foundation, the Joey Foundation, along the KPTC at Cohen's Children Medical of $100,000 to the Cohen Children's with the "KPTC Pediatric Kit" and "Fel- Center!

test (twice), and the single service proj- for Earth Day. ect just this past year. Congratulations Lifetime Assistance Aktion Club has Aktion Club to the Brighton Aktion Club on that organized a food drive in conjunction honor. with the Brockport Kiwanis and the Our clubs are extremely active in Brockport Food Pantry. their fundraising for the Eliminate Proj- Members of the FEC/HRW Aktion Debra ect, as well as local causes, and we are Club along with members of a Bone Rothman just as busy with our service projects. Marrow Team, educated the public The East Meadow Aktion Club made about bone marrow transplants and en- bookmarks for the NUMC Kiwanis couraged individuals to sign up to do- One of the fastest growing Service Club Reach Out and Read Program, nate. Leadership Programs in Kiwanis is the made a banner for Lyme Disease Aware- The Jamestown Aktion Club assem- Aktion Club. ness Week and participated in a food bled hot chocolate and marshmallow In 2006 when I became the Aktion drive. packages to be distributed to the local Club administrator for the New York The Holland Aktion Club worked on a Meals on Wheels. District we had nine clubs. Nine years fish fry to help raise money for a local Photos of many of these activities can later we have soared to 35 clubs and Boys and Girls Club. They will be work- be found on the NY District Aktion just short of 800 members. The district ing on crafts and baked goods for the Clubs page on Facebook. Please like us has participated in the International yearly Tulip Festival. and share us with your members and contests and has won the top spots in The West Hempstead Court Aktion contact me if you have any questions the scrapbook contest, the speech con- Club will be assembling potted plants about sponsoring an Aktion Club. More than 100 Compete in Winter Sports Challenge More than 100 people participated in the 15th Annual Central Adiron- dack Kiwanis Club Winter Sports Challenge in Old Forge Feb. 14. The event was a part of the Old Forge Winter Carnival. The proceeds, estimated at over $7,000 will be used to fund continuing Central Adirondack Kiwanis children's projects. The top fundraising team was Town of Webb School Teachers Association, second was Town of Webb School Key Club. The awards will be presented April 27. The cooperation of Town of Webb Su- pervisor Ted Riehle, Steve Uzdavinis and his staff at McCauley Mountain is The McCauley Snowshoe Classic Country Ski trail network on groomed greatly appreciated. In-Kind Sponsors was a 6 km distance through well trails continued onto multiuse wooded were Nannette Shovea-Burke of groomed cross country trails and sin- trails onto single track forested hills. Mountainman Outdoor Supply, and gle track forest. Race Director Bill The course climbed past the historic Last Run Café who are all recognized Baumann stated "This snowshoe race 1939 era derelict equipment on Maple for their support in the success of this was a very professional race on a Ridge testing fitness levels as well as important community event. course utilizing the McCauley Moun- giving panoramic views of Old Forge tain Cross Country trails as a back- and McCauley ski area. The middle of drop for one of the most beautiful the race is on rolling trails through the Empire State Kiwanian snowshoe race courses in NY. The forest finishing near the start on the Page 10 course began at the start of the Cross wide groomed avenue". New York District Kiwanis Foundation

automatically a member of the Founda- tion, that makes you part owner. 2015 Kamp Kiwanis District Now that I have cleared that up, if you, Schedule Foundation do own a house, a car, an apartment or anything else of substance, you know that it needs to be maintained, well so Adult Week 1 June 21-26 Sal Anelli does Kamp Kiwanis, and since you're Adult Week 2 June 28-July3 one of the owners, you must come up and help maintain it, (Oh the power of deduc- Child Week 1 July 5-11 tion). Child Week 2 July 12-18 It's spring time, at least I hope it is by This was a very harsh winter and the time you get to read this because as many things at the Kamp need repair- Child Week 3 July 19-25 I sit here writing this article it is still in ing, if you decide to come up and help us, Child Week 4 July 26-Aug. 1 the low 30's out my window. None the we can use you. You don't have to be a less it is spring on the calendar and we skilled craftsman. If you are, we'll direct Child Week 5 Aug. 2-8 have to act accordingly, that means that you to tasks that are your strong suit, Child Week 6 Aug 9-15 preparation are on the way to get the otherwise we'll just use your talents of Kamp cleaned up and ready for the painting, raking, cleaning and anything Kamping season. else that you can do. Well it seems that this organization To that end, let me tell you about May I told you last year we were very was so impressed that they have decided 14th, 15th and 16th which is our Kamp happy that the organization "Lifestyles that they will do it again. We are thrilled opening weekend. That's when you, New for the Disabled" came up to our Kamp that they have chosen to come back and York District Kiwanian, can plan to come for two weeks after the children's Kamp- give those individuals more great mem- up, put on you work clothes and help us ing season, this was a great help to us ories, after all that's our motto, "Kamp get "YOUR" Kamp ready for June when and it was a great experience for them. Kiwanis, Where Memories Are Made". we start getting the first Kampers. We were able to keep some of our staff All of us at the New York District Ki- You may have noticed that I empha- the extra two weeks and along with our wanis Foundation want to thank all of sized the word "YOUR" because I still executive director and assistant director the clubs and individuals that helped think that there are many of you that we were able to provide them an experi- send all those children to our Kamp and don't realize that the Kamp is owned by ence that they are still talking about. Re- we certainly hope that you repeat or ex- the New York District Kiwanis Founda- becca, Luke and the staff of counselors ceed what you did last year. Have a great tion and you, as a member in good stand- provided two weeks of great memories Easter or Passover and spring. ing of New York District Kiwanis, are for those individuals. See you at Kamp. Ticonderoga Kiwanis Creates a New Signature Project On Friday mornings in Upstate New school year that is nutritious, shelf sta- provided very generous early support for York, a dedicated cadre of Kiwanis vol- ble, and easily prepared and consumed. the program which has enabled it to unteers meets to distribute backpacks Kiwanis partners with the local school serve more needy children. An initial filled with nutritious foods for needy districts in this effort. grant of $7,515 fueled the program's ex- children from low-income families. School staff who know the children, pansion in the 2013-14 school year. From Many of these backpacks are delivered their issues, and their backgrounds se- only one school in the program and 45 to the children's classrooms for them to lect the children to participate in the pro- kids at the end of the prior school year, pick up on their way to the bus at dis- gram. They also contact the children's with the Foundation's support, the pro- missal time while others are delivered to parents to explain the program and en- gram expanded to four local schools and other school buildings. sure that the parents are on board with 120 children. These children-in-need are excited to their children participating in the pro- Kiwanis International Foundation receive their backpacks full of food. "Oh gram. continued its generous support of the goodie, it's our backpacks! They're here," Kiwanis is responsible for the raising program with a second $7,515 grant for said one young student. funds for the program and coordinating the 2014-15 school year. With this sup- In 2012, Ticonderoga Kiwanis took a the volunteer efforts. port, the program today includes five serious look at the problems affecting Numerous studies document that chil- local schools and 170 children. At this local children. What it found was alarm- dren who suffer from under-nutrition level, the annual cost for the food from ing! Nearly 28 percent of local school- tend to have more health problems, have the Regional Food Bank is $28,500. aged children live in households poor attendance at school, have more be- It is important to note that this project struggling on incomes below the federal havior issues, and have poor academic continues every weekend throughout the poverty level. performance. school year. Kiwanis volunteers team up Most of these kids receive a major por- But how to tackle such a big issue? to accept the twice-a- month food deliv- tion of their nutrition from the free Ticonderoga was fortunate to identify eries and organize the food storage room breakfasts and lunches they receive at the Regional Food Bank of NE NY and in preparation for the weekly stuffing of school, Monday to Friday. its established backpack program. The the backpacks. The Ticonderoga Area BackPack Pro- Regional Food Bank plans the menus, At its present level of 170 kids, the vol- gram is designed to meet the needs of orders the food and delivers it twice-a- unteers will fill over 5,200 backpacks per these hungry local school children on month, and uses its tremendous pur- year -- the equivalent of 32,000 meals! weekends. chasing power to provide the food at 25 The program provides backpacks filled percent of retail cost. Empire State Kiwanian with food for every weekend during the Kiwanis International Foundation Page 11 Empire State Kiwanian PRESORTED New York District of Kiwanis International STANDARD 900 Jefferson Road U.S. Postage Wholesale #2, Suite P7 PAID Rochester, New York 14623 Seneca Falls, NY Permit No. 14

East Meadow K-Family Serves Breakfast On Sunday, March 8th, East Meadow Hempstead, NUMC, Levittown, Bell- high school seniors, sending kids to Kiwanis Club Members along with K- more and Farmingdale. Kamp Kiwanis, supports the Eliminate Kids, Builders Clubbers, Key Clubbers Profit from the event goes to the East Project and the many other community and Aktion Clubbers, had their Annual Meadow Kiwanis Foundation which and service projects of the East Meadow Pancake Breakfast at East Meadow supports scholarships for graduating Kiwanis Club. High School. Service Leadership Pro- gram members served the more than 250 people who attended. This year a special guest, Camren Bi- condova, who plays Selina Kyle (aka Kat) on TV's hit series Gotham, attended the breakfast. Camren not only came to sign auto- graphs and take pictures, but she also helped serve pancakes. Camren, her mother and her aunt, went out of their way to be very gracious and caring to all in attendance. In addition, Camren was named an honorary member of the East Meadow High School Key Club. Following the breakfast Camren tweeted "Pancakes with Catwoman". Seriously though, it was a pleasure to be there. Everyone was so nice. Be sure to support your local ?#?Kiwanis? club! http://kiwanis.org". Other honored guests and Kiwanis clubs attended the annual pancake breakfast including Merrick, West

Empire State Kiwanian Bowling Green K-Kids President Sophia Passariello serves pancakes with TV’s Page 12 Gotham Actress Camren Bicondova (aka Selina Kyle or Catwoman)