Friday, March 6, 2015

Division 3 Newsletter #4



Planning Ahead
I'd like to thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Lieutenant Governor for 2015-16.  As my predecessors tell me, the second year is even more fun than the first time through since you know the people, the clubs and the activities and are comfortable in the role.  I am really looking forward to continuing to build on our service together.

Having said that, we are searching for an LGE - someone who is willing to serve as LG in 2016-17 and who will work with me for the up-coming year to make the transition a smooth one.  There is a PLG committee working on this and we would welcome any nominations, volunteers or suggestions.  It is a great job - one with many rewards and benefits, the best of which is an opportunity to work with great people who work together to improve their communities.

Club Growth
We are now up to 18 new members with more applications in hand.  We continue to share the love or Kiwanis with our new members.  Our Key Clubs are growing with consistent member attraction and retention.  Key Club Leaders will benefit greatly from attendance at their convention coming up - and thanks to PLG Don Burnard for his mentoring of this group of young people.

Awards and Incentives
Congratulations to the Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent for achieving the LG Award for the first quarter.  Sarnia-Lambton Golden K was a very close second.  Both clubs had 4 new members in the quarter,  supported Service Leadership Programs and participated in numerous service projects during the first 3 months of the Kiwanis year.

We don't want to break down all the good work we do in Kiwanis into bits and points but the point is that items recognized on the monthly reports and awarded for the LG Quarterly ribbon represent good practice.  Our focus for each quarter is acknowledged and our completion of those activities is rewarded.  The recognition of club growth, member education (including modules and orientation) and service - Service Leadership Programs like Aktion and Key Clubs, Branded Service Programs like Bringing Up Grades and Terrific Kids, as well as ELIMINATE donations are all key components of an effective Kiwanis Club.

Also - remember that one club in each division will receive $750 to spend on two convention registrations for the 2016 convention in Hamilton Ontario for the highest member growth for the year.  Right now Windsor is running away with the lead.
More Kudos in the Division
Congratulations to the Forest Club  which has been recognized as the distinguished Club for 2013 – 2014.  And also to PLG Bud Orr and Jackie Orr who have both been named  distinguished members for 2013 – 2014.  What a well deserved honour!

ELIMINATE
Eliminate Coordinator Mary Alice Marchand and I would like to arrange to meet with your club members before the end of June to recap our work to date and to share additional information on the project.  Every member is aware of Eliminate but not everyone knows what is currently happening and what the plans are for the future.  We hope you'll be able to find a spot on your program roster for us.

EC&C Convention in Aruba - May 20-24
There is still time to finalize your reservations for the EC&C Convention.  So far we have 6 members of Division 3 signed up and we hope for more.  At some point we will have a Division 3 gathering while in Aruba.

KI Convention in Indianapolis - June 24-27
Are you in?  Remember to contact Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown secretary Alan Bloomfield: alanbloomfield6@gmail.com. to see if there is still room on the bus to save yourself the bother of driving to Indianapolis.  There's lots of information online about the program and activities to take place during the convention.  How special it is for us to be there to join Kiwanis International President Dr John Button in the 100th anniversary celebration of Kiwanis.

Caucus Meeting - April 11
We had a very successful Caucus meeting on January 17 with sharing of successes, challenges and next steps.  Thanks to all who participated and took this opportunity to share ideas.  The next caucus meeting is April 11, again at the Active Lifestyle Centre, 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham from 10 until noon.  The agenda will be sent two weeks prior to the meeting but one of the highlights is the introduction of Kiwanis Kiosks:
·        Membership Survey - CK                                                                               
·        Membership Growth - SL GK (recruitment breakfast),
·        Membership Growth - Windsor (call to service first, membership will follow)
·        Program ideas - SL GK, CK + ideas from participants
- how to get good speakers so members will come                                       
- bring 3 or 4 program ideas that have been successful in your club (with contact information if available)
·        Spirit and Service over the summer - open discussion about living Kiwanis while on holidays; club programs and meetings during the summer; Division 3 gathering

Thanks to the members who have willingly taken on the invitation to present some of the great work in their clubs.  Every Kiwanis member is invited to attend and this meeting will be of particular interest to chairs of membership and program. 

Yours in Kiwanis Service ~

Cathy Telfer, 2014-2015 Lieutenant Governor
Kiwanis EC&C Division 3 - St Clair Bluewater
519-351-4378
ctelfer@sympatico.ca

Monday, January 5, 2015

Division 3 Newsletter #3 - January 2015



100th Day
Thousands of people around the world know that 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of Kiwanis but not many know that January 8th marks the 100th day of this year's service to children in our communities.  In 100 days as Kiwanians, we have served as leaders, officers and committee members.  We have already completed dozens of projects and many hours of service.  We have registered hundreds of students in our music festivals, helped families in need and celebrated special occasions within our clubs.

100 Families in 100 Days of Our 100th Year
I hope you have read about the ELIMINATE plan to save 100 families with your donation of $200.  As we move towards the dateline for our global project, this unique idea provides an opportunity for those who have not yet contributed and also for those Zellers to further commit to making a difference in the lives of mothers and babies.

Club Growth
What a wonderful fall this has been for club growth!  In the first 100 days of my term as LG, I had the privilege of inducting a total of 15 new members.  What better way to show that you love your club than to share it - and we are certainly sharing the love with our new members.  Congratulations to Forest, Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton Golden K, Seaway and Windsor Clubs for sharing their love of Kiwanis with new friends.

Service Leadership Programs
How exciting to welcome a new SLP into the Kiwanis Family.  Sponsored by The Seaway Club of Sarnia, a new Key Club at Northern Secondary School will be chartered at a special evening on January 16.  This brings our Division total to 4 Key Clubs - 3 in Sarnia and 1 in Forest.  Sounds like a challenge to the other clubs to sponsor a Key Club and to enjoy the benefits of working with our young leaders as they develop a love for service.

Membership Satisfaction Survey
Completion of a Membership Satisfaction survey has been very helpful to President George Service in planning a year of distinction in the Chatham-Kent Club.  If you want to know more about how you could use this in your club, plan to come to the April 11 Caucus Meeting.  If you don't want to wait and are interested in doing one this quarter, contact George directly at: georgeservice27@gmail.com.

Awards and Incentives
The December reports are just about done and I will be compiling the summary for the LG Award for the First Quarter of the year. Also - a reminder that one club in each division will receive $750 to spend on two convention registrations for the 2016 convention in Hamilton Ontario.

EC&C Convention in Aruba - May 20-24
Have you finalized your plans to attend the convention on this wonderful island in the Caribbean?  The website is now live and I see that they have built time for a caucus meeting into the schedule.  Hope to see you there.

KI Convention in Indianapolis - June 24-27
Are you in?  How can you not want to see first-hand how Kiwanis celebrates such a momentous anniversary.  Remember to contact Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown secretary Alan Bloomfield: alanbloomfield6@gmail.com  to see if there is still room on the bus to save yourself the bother of driving to Indianapolis but still get there in plenty of time to enjoy the 100th anniversary celebration.

Caucus Meeting - January 17
This will be a working meeting where attendees will have an opportunity to share what is happening in each club, to talk about what they love about their club and to work together to brainstorm positive next steps for the next quarter.  Led by our very capable Club Counsellors - Bud Orr, Bill Blake and David Murray, participants will demonstrate "The Formula" at work.  It is hoped that each club will have a minimum of 3 people attending to contribute to meaningful discussion.

Crepe Dinner - March 18 in Chatham
For the third year, the Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent is organizing a make-your own crepe dinner as a fundraiser for Eliminate.  Tickets will be available from any club member but they sell out very quickly so mark your calendar for Sprucedale United Church in Chatham on March 18.

If you would like more information on any of these items, or have any other questions, please let me know.  Please let me know of any special celebrations or speakers and I will be in touch with you soon so we can plan my next visit to your club.

Yours in Kiwanis Service ~

Cathy Telfer, 2014-2015 Lieutenant Governor
Kiwanis EC&C Division 3 - St Clair Bluewater
519-351-4378
ctelfer@sympatico.ca

Friday, November 14, 2014

Division 3 Newsletter #2 - November 2014



Governor Serge Viau
We had a very successful visit with Governor Serge and I want to thank you for your hospitality and service during his time with us.  He was very impressed with our projects, our clubs and our members.  Each time he spoke it was with enthusiasm and positive energy and he was able to tour the two children's camps supported by Clubs in Leamington and Windsor and also the Children's Animal farm in Sarnia, the service project of Seaway.  Governor Serge reminded members of the goals for the year:  Rejuvenate, Celebrate, Eliminate.  This means 10 new clubs and 700 new members in the EC&C District.  He also encouraged all clubs to celebrate 100 years in Kiwanis, to participate in the kick off in Detroit January 23-25 and to continue the commitment to Eliminate in order for us to meet our goal of $110 million in the fight against tetanus.

Club Growth
What a wonderful fall this has been for club growth!  In the first 7 weeks of my term as LG, I had the privilege of inducting 8 new members in Windsor and 4 in Chatham.  In addition, two new members in the Forest Club were inducted by Governor Serge.  Within the next few weeks we will welcome 3 new members into the Sarnia-Lambton Golden K and know there are more to come.  Congratulations - and kudos to the sponsors of these new members.

Service Leadership Programs
Not only are our clubs growing but we are also adding service leadership programs to our Kiwanis family.  In addition to the existing Key Clubs at North Lambton SS (sponsored by the Forest Club) and SCITS in Sarnia, two new Key Clubs have been chartered - St Clair SS (sponsored by SL GK) and Northern SS (sponsored by Sarnia Seaway).  Nothing shows the health of Kiwanis like the addition of youth members - and we are all looking forward to the renewal of energy and commitment from them to us.

Distinguished Members and Club Awards
Criteria was sent out a few weeks ago but you are reminded that these are very attainable goals.  The club must have 6 stars out of 7 to be a Distinguished Club.  Distinguished Members must sponsor 2 new members and participate in 2 Kiwanis service projects.

District Incentive Plan
One club in each division will receive $750 to spend on two convention registrations for the 2016 convention in Hamilton Ontario. It will be a great place to be when the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton celebrates 100 years in Kiwanis. To qualify: the winner will be the club in the division with the highest percentage of net members on September 30, 2015. Specific details of this incentive plan were forwarded in an earlier email and I will be talking about this at future meetings.

EC&C Convention in Aruba - May 20-23
Details of the District Convention can be found on the EC&C website.  Reservations must be made directly with the hotel - Radisson Aruba Resort.  West Jet offers non-stop service from Toronto to Aruba but flights are limited so you need to book soon.

KI Convention in Indianapolis - June 24-27
Information will be coming out for this over the next few months but you need to know - and to share - with your members the possibility for transportation.  Rather than many drivers or flying, the Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown is considering the rental of a coach to take us to Indianapolis.  The contact is club secretary Alan Bloomfield: alanbloomfield6@gmail.com.  They need to know how many are interested before they can provide a cost or other details.  Please talk to your club members and notify Alan of your interest as soon as possible.

Caucus Meeting - January 17
Active Lifestyle Centre, 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham from 10 until noon.  Every Kiwanis member is invited to attend.  The agenda will be sent early in the new year.
 
MOST IMPORTANT!


Detroit Anniversary Celebration - January 23-24
During anniversary week, attend an event where it all started: Detroit, Michigan. Kiwanis International and the Detroit No. 1 Club invite you to an exclusive celebration.

Tickets:
Friday, January 23, 2015, 8 –9:30 p.m.
Dessert reception at the Detroit Historical Museum, $35.
US $50 after November 17.

Saturday, January 24, 6 p.m. to midnight
Dinner and concert at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, $75.
US $100 after November 17

All attendees will receive a commemorative pin specially designed for the event.



If you would like more information on any of these items, or have any other questions, please let me know.  I will be in touch with you soon so we can plan my next visit to your club.

Yours in Kiwanis Service ~
Cathy Telfer, 2014-2015 Lieutenant Governor
Kiwanis EC&C Division 3 - St Clair Bluewater
519-351-4378
ctelfer@sympatico.ca

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Newsletter for October 2014


Thanks Bud
We have been so fortunate to have Bud Orr as our Lieutenant Governor for the past 2 years.  With his good humour combined with genuine care for people, Bud has led us forward and made us proud to be Kiwanians.  We will miss you but know that you will continue to be very involved in the work of all of the clubs in Division 3.


Convention News
It seems a long time ago that 11 dedicated people attended the 97th ECC Convention in beautiful Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.  6 people from the Sarnia Lambton Golden K, including Trustee Sheila Donald and 3 from Chatham-Kent joined LG Bud and Jackie Orr from the Forest Club.  It was a very organized, informative convention kicking off the centennial slogan of "The Way Ahead".


2015 will be such an important year for us as we celebrate our 100th anniversary as a global service organization.  The kick-off will be during the 2015 Rose Bowl parade on New Year's Day, followed by a celebration at the Detroit One Club January 23-24, and highlighted at the 100th Anniversary Celebration at the Kiwanis International convention in Indianapolis, Indiana June 25-28.  If that isn't exciting enough for you, the EC&C convention will be in Aruba, May 20-23.  Both conventions will be very interesting and worth considering as a Kiwanis-focussed vacation.

ELIMINATE
Internationally, Kiwanis has raised $71 of the $110 million (cash and pledges – 64%) while EC&C has raised $1,932,000 (58% of its goal). Currently, we are 74 % of the way to meeting the pledges in our Division.  The Kiwanis Club of Forest is commended on their vote to become a Model Club.  Congratulations to the Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent for meeting their commitment as a Model Club and pledging to continue to fundraise to become a Gold Club. They lead the way for Zeller donations with 17 Zeller Fellows and 3 Diamond Zellers.  Also, congratulations go to Sarnia Lambton Golden K for completing their commitment as a Model Club by presenting a cheque to Kiwanis International President Dr. John Button during his visit to their club.  They continue to fund-raise for the Eliminate Project as do all other clubs in the Division. 

Service Projects
The fall brings a look-back at very successful summer programs for children.
Clubs from Leamington and Windsor provided unforgettable opportunities for children through their camps and rentals while Seaway enriched the experiences for children of Sarnia who visited the Animal Farm in Canatara Park.


Membership
After a decrease in members prior to the October 1 reporting, we have already gained 3 new members.  Kudos to Forest for increasing by 2 and to Chatham-Kent for adding one new member - and welcome to all 3.  We know that joining Kiwanis will be a rewarding experience.

Formula Membership Incentive Program
One club in our division will receive $750 to spend on two convention registrations for the 2016 convention in Hamilton where they will celebrate 100 years in Kiwanis.  The award is based on membership growth during the year.  Read the following to find out how your club can qualify.

The District is introducing the following Formula Membership Incentive Program:
One club in each division will receive $750 to spend on two convention registrations for the 2016 convention in Hamilton Ontario. It will be a great place to be when the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton celebrates 100 years in Kiwanis.  To qualify:

  •  the winner will be the club in the division with the highest percentage of net members on September 30, 2015.
  •  the percentage growth must be 15% or higher measured from October 1, 2014.
  •  clubs must achieve net growth above minimum charter strength level of 15 members.
  •  Clubs achieving growth of 15% or higher will receive a special Governor’s millennium Banner patch.
  •  the new members must still be in the club when the club pays its 2015-16 dues and club must pay prior  to December 31, 2015.
Governor's Visit
We are looking forward to hosting Governor Serge Viau in the Division.  Although he cannot get to every club, we hope you will take advantage of at least one of these opportunities to meet the Governor.  There may be a few changes, but for now the schedule is:

Friday, November 7                Arrive in Division 3
Saturday, November 8            Region A Meeting  - Active Lifestyle Centre in 
                                                Chatham - 10 - 12 followed by lunch
Sunday, November 9              Tour of camps in Leamington and Windsor
Monday, November 10           Have a Java with the Governor - Studio One at the 
                                                Chatham Cultural Centre - 10 - 11
                                                Forest Club - tour of Museum and Kineto Theatre 
                                                followed by club meeting at 6:45
Tuesday, November 11           Sarnia Lambton Golden K - 9:30; tour of the 
                                                Lochiel Centre 
                                                Seaway - 12:00; tour of the Children's Animal Farm

Region A Meeting
I need to know how many are coming from your club for the meeting and also for 
lunch ($15 payable at the door).  The agenda (sent by email) should be 
distributed to all who are attending.  
 Please email numbers for the meeting and lunch by November 1.

Budgets
All budgets should have been Board approved by now.  If you have not sent a copy to me, I'd really appreciate an email as soon as possible.

Monthly Reports
These are even more important this year since the LG Quarterly awards will be dependent on the information provided by the club secretary.  Thank you in advance for completing these promptly and accurately.

Appreciation
I want to thank all of you for helping me have such a great start to my year as Lieutenant Governor.  I have visited every club and received a warm welcome wherever I go.  It is interesting to note the culture and uniqueness of each club but we all share the common bond of love of Kiwanis and living a life of service to children of the world.

See you soon on The Way Ahead.
LG Cathy
Posted by Sheila Donald - Oct. 21, 2014