Region A Council Meeting and Governor's Luncheon

On Saturday, Jan. 12th, the Region A Council meeting and Governor's Luncheon was held at the Kiwanis Senior's Centre in London, Ontario.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the matters of the Region and District,  receive education from the Growth and Retention Team, hear from Kiwanis International Vice President Dr. John Button, hear from Gov. Peter Tudisco, elect a new Trustee for Region A and to have FUN!
The meeting was well attended with approximately 80% of clubs in Divisions 3, 4, 5 and 6 represented.  Many thanks to LG Doug Taylor from Division 4 who organized and hosted the event.  It was well run, informative and educational.
LG Doug called the meeting to order at 9am.  "O Canada" was sung and PLG David Thamer conducted a toast.  The invocation was done by DLG Jim Garey.  LG Doug introduced the Head Table and welcomed everyone.  LG Bud Orr lead the group in the reading of the 6 Objects of Kiwanis.  DST Jim Steele was unable to attend the meeting due to attending another meeting in Vancouver which was dealing with preparations for the 2013 Kiwanis International Convention and sent his regrets.  DLG Jim Garey gave an update on the ELIMINATE project and advised the group that another country has joined in eliminating maternal neo-natal tetanus.  Only 31 more countries to go!
Allen Ure, Region A Trustee gave his report and then conducted the election of a new Region A Trustee.  PLG Sheila Donald was elected to the position with a single vote being cast by Division 5 LG Jim Schwindt.  The attendees where delighted that Kiwanis International Vice President John Button was in attendance and addressed the group.  Following a 15 minute break, PLG Jim Scott and PLG Sheila Donald (Ontario Co-chairs for Growth and Retention) gave presentations on Retention, the Kiwanis web sites and New Member Orientation.   

 Barbara Thamer in discussion with Debbie Button

 Past Governor Joanne Murray

 Division 3 club members

 Kiwanis International Vice President Dr. John Button in discussion with a fellow Kiwanian

 Ontario Growth and Retention Co-chairs PLG Jim Scott and PLG Sheila Donald

 Governor Peter Tudisco reviewing the morning's agenda

Governor Peter challenged his LG's and requested that they review all the Kiwanians in their districts and bring forward a name that represents the true meaning of Kiwanis.  I am pleased to report that LG Bud chose Kiwanian Mary Alice Marchand from the Chatham-Kent Golden K as the person in Division 3 who best represents the heart and soul of Kiwanis.  Congratulations Mary Alice!

LG Bud, Mary Alice and Governor Peter after receiving her Governor's Pin.

 The Governor's Luncheon was held immediately after the Regional meeting.  Governor Peter gave a wonderful, touching speech during which there wasn't a dry eye in the place!  

All in all, the day was quite successful and enjoyed by approximately 85 Kiwanians.