Thursday, December 8, 2011

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

May joy and happiness fill your year and bring you closer to your Kiwanis family.
I wish each of you a wonderful season!
Lt. Governor Sheila Donald
 

3 Life Memberships Awarded in Forest Kiwanis Club

November 14, 2011
A special night was enjoyed by the members, friends and family of the Kiwanis Club of Forest to recognize 3 of its members with the presentation of Kiwanis Life Memberships.  
Charles Woodward, Lloyd Harrow and Ted Boomer were presented with their "new" gold membership cards, a Life Member pin and commemorative plaque during the presentation ceremony.  All 3 members are past Lt. Governors for Division 3.  Each had family members present to help them celebrate this wonderful occasion. 
Ted Boomer and LG Sheila
Charlie Woodward and LG Sheila
Lloyd Harrow and LG Sheila
Life Member Pin
The newest 3 Life Members and their family members

Please consider recognizing those in your own club who have given generously of their time to support Kiwanis and the Children of the World by presenting them with a Life Membership.  No better gift of recognition can be given and mean so much.

LG Sheila 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Club Officer Installations Complete!

Nov. 1, 2011
I have visited the last club in the Division and have now completed the installation of all club officers.
I look forward to serving you as LG for 2011-2012.  Below are pictures from the Chatham Club installation dinner.
2011-2012 Club President Ron Robertson being "pinned" by LG Sheila
Past President and now Secretary Bonnie Morrison being "pinned" by LG Sheila 

Let's move forward and continue to grow Kiwanis!

LG Sheila

Monday, October 24, 2011

Club Officer Installations almost complete!

October 24, 2011
Isn't it amazing how fast time passes!  I have been busy traveling throughout our wonderful division and have almost completed the installation of club officers for 2011-2012.  It never ceases to amaze me how a group of complete strangers can have such a wonderful bond through the power of Kiwanis!  
Several noteworthy things have happened within the last month.  Windsor Kiwanis's Sunshine Point Camp staff entered an on-line KRAFT Peanut Butter video contest for $10,000.00 and they WON!!!  This money will jump-start the necessary repairs to the camp's main recreation facility, Mollard Hall, which has been non-functional all summer long.  
At the installation of club officers for the Leamington club last week, a personal donation in excess of $30,000.00 was received from a member's son to enable necessary repairs to the Leamington Kiwanis Boys and Girls Camp.
Because both of these clubs struggle to keep the camps functioning and their commitment to the children of southwestern Ontario is evident by the existence of these camps, I have decided to award both clubs with the 4th quarter LG Ribbon Award.  CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH CLUBS!!!! 
Another item of interest - the Division has had a tie for the most net gain in membership for the year 2010-2011 and so the "Al Mifflin Award" will be shared for the 2011-2012 Kiwanis Year by the following clubs - The Kiwanis Club of Forest & The Kiwanis Club of the Seaway.  CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH CLUBS!!!  
Below are a few pictures of my travels and club installations.
 Installation of Chatham Aktion Club President Bob
 Installation of Chatham-Kent Golden K Club President John Tole
 Installation of Forest Club President Martin Brunner
 Kiwanis Club of Leamington officers - left to right - PP Lloyd Honey, President Leo Smith, Secretary Elaine Mayer, Treasurer Charlene Vlodarchuk, Board member John Vlodarchuk, President Elect Chet Gilba, Board member Bill Hutchinson and in the front is Board member James Ives.
 Sarnia Club President Allan McPhee and LG Sheila 
 Sarnia-Lambton Golden K President David Murray and LG Sheila 
 Seaway Kiwanis PP Ken Machan and current President Ken Stothers
 Windsor Club President Ram Sridhar and LG Sheila 
 Windsor East President Betty Vollmer and LG Sheila
 Windsor-Roseland Golden K President Sarah Shklov and LG Sheila

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Kiwanis Leaders - Get Ready, Get Set.............GO!!!

Sept. 29, 2011
There are only 2 days left in the 2010-2011 administrative Kiwanis year which means new Leadership is about to take over in each Kiwanis Club.  This is a time for reflection, honesty, team spirit boosting and excitement.  As a member of your club you know what needs to be done.  Don't wait for "the other member" to get the ball rolling..........give that ball the push it needs to get started!!  
Everyone knows what the word "Passion" means.  Merriam Webster's on-line dictionary gives the following definition of passion - "A strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object or concept".  I think the dictionary should just have the word "Kiwanian" next to passion!  We are all passionate about the work that we do for the children of the world.  It is our passion and drive that binds us all together and keeps us focused on the true prize - serving the children of the world and seeing those precious smiles.
I am in the process of making my visits to each club for their Club Officer installations for the 2011-2012 year.  I wish all incoming Officers and Directors all the best for the coming year.  You have all set goals for your year as reported at the Division Council Meeting on Sept. 17th.  Do your very best to reach and possibly surpass your goals over the next year.  I am here for you, the members and leaders.  I will assist you in any way I can if asked.  I can't make miracles happen but you can!  Try something new.  Make sure that the service you are providing to your community is still relevant.  Think about doing a Community Assessment.  It takes time but may pay off in the end for your club.  
So, get ready, get set..........................GO!!
Welcome to the 2011-2012 Kiwanis Year!
LG Sheila

Friday, September 2, 2011

Kiwanis appeals to the Young and Young at Heart!

Recently the Kiwanis Club of Forest inducted 2 new members who's ages span about 70 years!  This goes to prove that Kiwanis appeals to both the young and the young at heart!  Let this be an inspiration to all clubs in Division 3 that nothing is impossible when it comes to gaining new members!  This club has projects that appeal to all ages which is the key to being a successful club and gaining new members!
Below is a picture of President Glen Starkey (middle) with the club's 2 newest members - Aaron Cassidy (left) and Monty Montgomery (right). 
Congratulations Forest Club!
LG Sheila 

Friday, August 12, 2011

Division 3 Clubs continue with their Summer Projects

August 12, 2011
I am happy to report that most clubs in Division 3 continue with their summer programs which also include many summer projects.  
The Kiwanis Club of Leamington continues to host many youth at their Boys and Girls camp just outside of Leamington.  The Kiwanis Club of Windsor also is providing excellent experiences and learning opportunities for youth at their Sunshine Point Kiwanis Camp near Harrow, Ontario.   This year has been particularly difficult for the Kiwanis Club of Windsor.  Mother nature has not been kind to them.  Their main lodge has been damaged due to excessive rain, creating a mold and water damage issue.  This prompted the closing of the building and the necessity to rent a very large tent for the summer.  Despite this set back, the camp counsellors and children put on skits for Kiwanians at their annual "Kiwanis Night".  I was pleased to attend this event along with supporters from the Kiwanis Club of Windsor East and the Kiwanis Club of Windsor, parents and friends.  We all left with a feeling of "this is why I belong to Kiwanis".    It makes me proud to know that the work that we do shows in ways we can sometimes never imagine. 
Many clubs are having BBQ's which are always great fun to attend.  The fellowship opportunities are bountiful.  I recently attended a BBQ hosted by Lois Mitchell of the Chatham-Kent Golden K club.
It was a beautiful setting and the food was delicious.
Another BBQ I attended was at the home of Martin and Annemarie Brunner, incoming President for the Kiwanis Club of Forest.  Again, another wonderful setting with great fellowship.
The Kiwanis Club of Sarnia hosted a BBQ for the Boys and Girls Club day camp attendees on August 9th at the Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre.  54 children and 6 leaders were served BBQ'ed hot dogs, chips and a drink.  I am happy to say that 75% of the club membership participated in this event. 
As recently reported, we are very close to our $1 million dollar goal for our district Children's Project.Please keep the donations coming!!!  Some of us can afford to dig a little deeper to save a child's life.
The Sarnia-Lambton Golden K members assisted with the Children's Funfest held recently at Centennial Park.  Many thanks to the membership for the volunteer hours put in on this project.
Members of the Sarnia Club and the Sarnia-Lambton Golden K shared time together at Hiawatha Rack Track on Aug. 10th.  A wonderful meal, great entertainment and fellowship was enjoyed by 17 members and spouses.  There were some "big" winners who bet on the horses, won and turned around and donated the winnings to the District Children's Project!  What a wonderful gesture!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Soon we will be back to our regular meetings and onto the ELIMINATE Project which was officially launched in Geneva in July.  The Lead for this project for the next year for our District is Mary Alice Marchand from the Chatham-Kent Golden K.  Mary Alice will be doing presentations to the clubs and encouraging all of us to do what we can to fund raise for this very worthwhile cause.  I look forward to introducing Mary Alice to all club members in the division.
Club Officer installations begin Sept. 20th and complete on Oct. 20th.  Gov. Designate Janet's tag line is "Serving with Passion".  Lets keep the momentum going and serve our communities and the children of the world with "PASSION" which I know is in every Kiwanian.  See you all very soon!
LG Sheila

Monday, August 1, 2011

Division 3 LG BBQ

Thursday, July 28, 2011
On July 28th the Division 3 LG BBQ was held at my home in Point Edward, Ontario.  40 Kiwanians and guests attended the event to share fellowship, food and to raise a bit of money for the EC&C District Children's project.  To prepare for bad weather, the Pergola and part of the backyard where covered in tarps.  As fate would have it, it sprinkled a bit but not the heavy rain that happened the night before or the morning of the event!  I would like to thank everyone for attending and supplying such wonderful food.  A total donation of $200.00 will be made on behalf of the clubs of Division 3 to the District Children's project.  This money combines money raised at the BBQ, personal donations and money donated at my last 2 DCM's.
I look forward to my continued role as the Division 3 LG and working with the clubs over the next Kiwanis year.
 Relaxing under the shade of the tarp!
 Watching the action at the "Washer Toss" game.
 Competitors discussing the finer details of how to play "Washer Toss"!

 Ted Fullerton demonstrates that accuracy is all in the throwing technique!
 Forest club and Sarnia-Lambton Golden K club members in fellowship.
LG Sheila

Monday, June 20, 2011

Division 3 Club Officer Training Day

Saturday, June 18, 2011
Incoming club officer training was held for Division 3 on Saturday, June 18th at the Victoria Ave. United Church in Chatham, Ontario.  26 participants gathered to share fellowship and to be educated by Divisional Trainers Debbie Button and Shelley Des Cotes.  4 participants where from Division 4 and Division 5. 
There was new content in the training this year which was taken over by Kiwanis International in an attempt to ensure that all incoming club officers where given the same information for their year as leaders.  It was extremely helpful that the trainers could show the Kiwanis One web site LIVE to the participants and could guide them through some of it's contents.  The trainers answered many questions that some of the repeating club officers had with regard to where something could be located on the web site.  All in all, the day was quite successful.
Below are pictures from the day.
Trainers Shelley DesCotes and Debbie Button




Many thanks to those that took the time out of beautiful weekend to participate.  For those that missed training, a make-up day will be set in early September.
LG Sheila 

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Elmira Kiwanis hosts LOBSTERFEST

May 28th, 2011
The Kiwanis Club of Elmira and President Ron Wagner have again successfully held a wonderful fundraiser in Division 5 - Elmira Lobsterfest.  This was the 30th year for this event held at the Elmira Lions Hall.  There were 2 sittings of a maximum 400 people at each.  The first sitting started at 5pm and the second one started at 6:30pm.  The late sitting also included the dance!  Each sitting provided you with a 1 1/2 lb. Lobster along with Prime Rib, baked potato, beans, coleslaw, roll, butter and ending with fresh homemade pie!  5 Kiwanians from Division 3 along with their spouses made the trip to Elmira to participate.
Below is future Lt. Gov. Bud Orr from the Kiwanis Club of Forest showing his skills at eating lobster!  Well done Bud!!
Stay tuned................maybe Lobsterfest will come to Sarnia!
LG Sheila

Monday, May 16, 2011

2011 EC&C Convention Pictures

Region A LG's and Trustee
Left to right - Allen Ure, Trustee, LG Terry Gracey, Div. 6, LG Sheila Donald, Div. 3, LG Shelley Des Cotes, Div. 5 and LG Jim Scott, Division 4
 Beautiful Blue Mountain Resorts
 Part of the portable Children's Safety Village which was on display
 Sarnia-Lambton Golden K Kiwanis member and accomplished pianist Ted Fullerton
 Sarnia-Lambton Golden K member Ivan Mater, incoming President David Murray and his lovely wife
 Mrs. Murray, Mrs. Lutz and Kiwanian Bob Lutz
 LG Sheila presenting Forest Kiwanis Club President Glen Starkey with the Quarterly LG Award for January to the end of March 2011 (while Lloyd Robertson looks on!)
2011-2012 LG Class President Sheila Donald and Governor Designate Janet Atkinson
 Division 20 LG Paul Chapman put his beard of over 40 yrs on the line for the District Children's Project.
The last time Paul shaved his beard was when he worked on an Oil Rig.  Donations of almost $700.00 where corrected and LG Sheila assisted with the shaving of Paul.
Believe it or not, this is the same person!  Smooth as a baby's bottom and appearing 20 yrs younger!

Kiwanians went to great lengths during this year's convention to help PLG Joanne Murray attain the $1 million dollar mark that we promised to UNICEF for the fight against HIV/Aids in the Caribbean.  I am sure we will be hearing an update very shortly about where we are now!  Thank you to those from Division 3 that have given personal donations and to those that are now considered "Champions for Children".
Thank you to those that took the time to attend convention.  Some have now discovered that the fellowship one experiences at convention as well as the education and heart felt messages of inspiration is what Kiwanis is all about. 
LG Sheila

EC&C Convention Activities - May 2011

Hello Fellow Kiwanians!
Well, it is finally here!  The 94th Annual Eastern Canada and Caribbean District Convention is upon us and happening in the beautiful setting of the Blue Mountains near Collingwood, Ontario.
All of the LG Designates are gathered together to take part in 2 days of education to prepare us for our year as your divisional LG.  We have had wonderful speakers.  Below are 2 pictures of the dynamic gentlemen I am speaking about who took time to come and share their knowledge about Kiwanis and Leadership.
 Past CEO of Kiwanis International Rob Parker Educating us on "Maximizing our Leadership Opportunities"
Kiwanis International Area Director Lanton Lee inspiring us on "How to Grow Kiwanis"
More pictures will follow during the week. Education sessions for convention attendees start on Thursday morning and the line up is very exciting.

LG Sheila

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Kiwanis Club of Port Huron hosts the Canada-US Goodwill Banquet

May 2, 2011
The members of the Kiwanis Club of Port Huron were this year's hosts for the 23rd Annual Canada-US Goodwill Banquet held in Port Huron, Michigan at the Black River Country Club.
Rev. Thomas Seppo, Past President of the Port Huron club was the Master of Ceremonies and guided us through a very enjoyable evening full of song and information and of course, good food.
In attendance was the City of Port Huron Mayor Pro Tem Steve Miller, Kiwanis Michigan Governor William Gohier and his wife Jean, Lori Stillwell, Lt. Gov. of Division 3 of the Michigan district, Gregory P. Smith, the Key-Club Administrator for the Michigan District, Jordan Dunlop, Key-Club Governor for Eastern Canada and Caribbean District (from Ridgetown) and Deanna Galer, Key-Club Governor for the Michigan District.
I would like to thank all the club members from Division 3 EC&C who took the time to attend this function.  5 our to 10 Division 3 clubs where represented and we made up 6 of the 11 tables. 
Below are pictures of the evening.
 Members of the Kiwanis Club of Forest - left to right - Bud Orr, Ann Marie Brunner, Martin Brunner, Angela Baarda, Ernie Butt and Sylvia Freeman
 Members of the Kiwanis Club of the Seaway in Sarnia - left to right - Jennifer McCullough, Jerry MacPhee, Paul Beaudet, John Moore, Art Smith (Kiwanis Club of Bluewater Area, Port Huron and Toby Bidtnes.
 Members of the Sarnia-Lambton Golden K club in Sarnia - left to right - Ted Fullerton, John Goodwin, Bob Lutz and Mac MacDonald.
 Members of the Sarnia-Lambton Golden K - left to right - David Murray and President Jim Brady

 Ladies from the Chatham-Kent Golden K
 Division 3 Lt. Gov. Sheila Donald and Michigan Governor William Gohier
 First Lady Jean Gohier and Michigan Governor William Gohier
 Michigan District Division 3 Lt. Governor Lori Stillwell and LG. Sheila Donald
EC&C Key Club Governor Jordan Dunlop, LG Sheila and Michigan District Key Club Governor Deanna Galer.
A wonderful time was had by all!  
LG Sheila