keystone kiwanian september 2015
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The Keystone Kiwanian Volume I, Issue 1
September 2015
The Official Publication of the Pennsylvania District of Kiwanis International
pakiwanis.org
District Convention Governor Bob’s Reflections The Keystone Kiwanian
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Fe
atu
res
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3 District Inbox: Final remarks from Governor Bob and reflections on the past year from Kevin.
5 District Convention 2015: Find out what you missed in Erie. Relive the highlights of District Convention through words, stories, pictures, and perspectives. Save the dates for Scranton 2016!
11 Keystone Kiwanian: Learn how you can access The Keystone Kiwanian online and how you can
become involved in the District Publication!
District Calendar: Governor Regional Visits have been scheduled. Be sure to check out those
and other important upcoming dates. 12
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Contents 3
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Hi Everyone!
Thank you for taking a look at my first
issue of The Keystone Kiwanian. I’m excited to
publish the activities, news, and
accomplishments of the Pennsylvania District.
If you would like to share a service project
or social event please feel free to send it my
way. I’m going to try and incorporate some
new technology concerning The Keystone
Kiwanian (outlined on page 11), but I will be
here to help all members contribute and
access it every step of the way. If you also
like writing or taking pictures, be sure to
check out the new Journalism Committee!
I have been involved with the Kiwanis
Family for thirteen years and am a past Key
Clubber from Danville High School and
Circle K member from Shippensburg
University. Some of my past leadership
positions include PA Key Club District Editor,
PA Circle K District Editor, and PA Circle K
District Governor. I love to travel and have
been able to extensively visit New Zealand
(right) and Australia. I am currently a
Financial Analyst at Geisinger Health System
in Bloomsburg.
Keep writing and reading! Yours in
friendship and service,
Brett Cutright
Pennsylvania eKiwanis
Pennsylvania District
Disclaimer: The Keystone Kiwanian is the Official
Publication of the Pennsylvania District of Kiwanis
International. This publication is supported by district
dues. members are encouraged to submit ALL
articles. They may be edited for length and clarity.
Please submit articles or questions to District Editor
Brett Cutright at [email protected].
Pennsylvania Kiwanis District Office 2793 Old Post Road, Suite 12
Harrisburg, PA 17110 Office: (717) 540-9300
Fax: (717) 540-1018
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Kiwanis International Defining Statement
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one
community at a time.
District Inbox: Conclusions By District Governor Bob Raub
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Putting the engine in the roundhouse might have
been the way for engineers to wind up their trip
steaming from one end of the line to the other. In our
case, as the Kiwanis year comes to a close, we still
have work to do; some of which may not be done by
October 1st. However, we need to turn our trains over
to the next crew in good condition so, if called upon,
they too can fire up the boilers and head out on the
various Kiwanis main lines in pursuit of stronger clubs
and to locate communities that need our Kiwanis
energy.
energy.
PA Kiwanis, to date, has grown 140 members with
about five weeks to go. I suspect clubs will be letting
off steam by deleting those members who
volunteered to leave the train early, before the work
was finished and yet others, unfortunately, got off the
train because of health or age reasons. I thank them
for their service and devotion to “serving the children”
of our communities.
As I turn the throttle over to our new “chief
conductor Jen,” I must remind everyone that it takes a
lot of people to sustain our service to our communities
and our children. Without continued growth and
strengthening, it would be like letting the boiler go
cold. With no fire, steam pressure fades away and a
once mighty locomotive moves no more.
Let’s maintain our pressure and maintain our will to
continue to “steam the way ahead” into a new
century of Kiwanis service. Let’s invite more
passengers to board our Kiwanis train bound for
greater service and an improved world. We’ve
eliminated MNT and we need to sustain that effort.
We must sustain our Formula - Love It, Share It, Live It.
Let’s stay on the right track and continue to “steam
the way ahead.” It has been my honor serving with
the best. Let’s finish the year stronger than we
started. Thank you for your service and support!
Above: Governor Bob as the conductor of the
Elizabethtown Kiwanis float for the Elizabethtown Holiday
Parade.
Above: Norlanco-Rheems Kiwanians and Governor Bob at
Seafood Fest.
Left: Governor Bob with PA Kiwanians at the Kiwanis
International Office during International Convention in
Indianapolis, IN.
4
District Inbox: Reflections By Executive Director Kevin Thomas
District finances remain a top priority for your
District Board. They are looking to reduce expenses
whenever possible and for ways to increase non-dues
sources of revenue. Our Administrative Secretary,
Robin Cook, will be retiring in the upcoming year and
we will be taking a look at that position to prudently
reduce expenses. Other examples of these measures
include the District Super Raffle and the Holiday
Party. Some have been more successful than others.
However for most of them to succeed, they require
the support of members and clubs; so please consider
supporting those efforts whenever possible.
Our District Conventions and Conferences continue
to operate in the black. Part of this is due to the costs
of meals and events that are being kept relatively
low through aggressive contract negotiation. Our
fundraising efforts in the areas of sponsorships and
ads have also greatly helped. For the Erie District
Convention, over $8,000 in program ads were sold
and there were over $6,000 in sponsorships; these
sums represent 25% of the District Convention budget
and were used in large part to subsidize meal costs.
Our great work in the area of early childhood
development remains strong. Kiwanis sponsored
public forums and education programs continue to be
held across Pennsylvania, including one at this
convention that had about 200 Kiwanians and Erie
County community members present. We are
establishing more new partnerships, such as the one
we have formed with the Pre-K for PA campaign,
which resulted in the first ever Kiwanis Day at the
Pennsylvania State Capitol. We are more actively
supporting the Nurse Family Partnership; particularly
with the efforts of the Kiwanis Clubs in Allegheny
County led by the Penn Hills Kiwanis Club. We have
added another guide to our series of early learning
literature, this one called, “Everyday I Learn Through
Play.” This brings the number of guides to three.
130,000 of these guides have been printed and
Kiwanians have distributed over 111,000 of them.
The Key Club District is coming on board to help with
our efforts.
Membership growth or the lack thereof, continues
many taki
to be a concern and impacts all we do, particularly
with services and finances. However, there are some
encouraging signs. One is that we are seeing in areas
former Service Leadership Program members taking
important Kiwanis leadership positions. It appears to
me that The Formula is beginning to work. However,
until all Kiwanians realize that most growth is about
positive approach and attitude, I am afraid that
growth will continue to be a challenge.
Some months ago I had a conversation with a
Kiwanian who is in a very struggling club. Frankly, it
was a depressing conversation. It went like this,
“We’ve tried everything. We can’t get new members.
Our community doesn’t care. What we do isn’t
relevant anymore.”
I pondered that conversation, particularly the last
point, “Is Kiwanis relevant anymore?” I quickly came
to realize we are, because we provide two things so
desperately needed in the world these days:
encouragement and hope. The hope of lives saved
and of a life continued; the encouragement of aid
given. The hope and encouragement of a scholarship
provided, of a student coming out of his or her shell
and becoming a leader, or of a Christmas that
otherwise wouldn’t happen being provided.
But just because we are relevant does not mean
that our existence is guaranteed. That requires real
leadership and real action. Not the leadership of
someone just holding a position, but leadership with a
bold vision of what could be and the willingness to
take the aggressive action to make that vision a
reality. It requires leaders that are willing to step up
and out of their comfort zone and inspire others to do
the same. Leadership that is willing to try new ideas
and projects without fearing failure, knowing that the
road to success has failure along the way. We need
leaders that know that they will get criticized by
those unwilling to lead and not willing to change. We
need leaders that are relentlessly positive and
unwavering in the pursuit of insuring that Kiwanis
remains an organization providing hope and
expectation for another 100 years.
5
District Convention 2015
The birthday celebration of Kiwanis’s 100th
Birthday did not end at International Convention
(ICON) in Indianapolis. Pennsylvania Kiwanians and
Kiwanis Family members, kept the party going at our
District Convention in Erie, PA! Convention began with
what Kiwanians do best, service! Early attendees
were able to help out at SafeNet, a local shelter for
battered women and their families. Kiwanians did
some general cleaning and yard work. Later that
evening, the Host Committee put on a kick off picnic
complete with birthday cake. The picnic took place at
Presque Isle State Park with some great food,
fellowship, and live music. The park also gave terrific
views of the city.
Friday started with the Summit on Early Childhood
Development and Breakfast. Former Pennsylvania
Governor, the Honorable Mark Schweiker, spoke
about important questions facing education and other
issues in the Commonwealth. After a short break,
Kiwanians assembled for the Heroes in Service and
Sponsored Leadership Luncheon. Kiwanians were able
to learn about our several service leadership
programs and what accomplishments they had made
in the past year. Key Club Governor Lindsey
MacGregor and Circle K Governor Melissa Campbell
talked about their experiences in the first couple
months of their terms and what they hoped to
accomplish by their District Conventions in March.
Speakers and Administrators from K-Kids, Builders
Club, Aktion Club, and Key Leader also spoke on
updates and goals for the new year. Kiwanians who
went above and beyond the call of duty were also
recognized during the lunch.
Friday business was wrapped up with a couple of
rounds of workshops. During these sessions members
could learn about The Formula, updates from the
Foundation, officer training, and the history of Erie’s
lighthouses. After workshops concluded, Kiwanians got
to enjoy a night out on the town by visiting a local
brewery, Brewerie, or vineyard, Arundel Cellars and
Brewing Company. Everyone regrouped afterwards
at the Hospitality Suite to meet the candidates that
were running for office.
Article continued on page 7.
Above: PA Kiwanians and Circle K’ers pose for a photo in
the recently groomed garden of SafeNet in Erie.
Below: Kiwanians enjoying the kickoff picnic on Thursday.
Above: Governor-Designate Jen talks to
former PA Commonwealth Governor,
Mark Schweiker, at the Summit on Early
Childhood Development on Friday
morning.
6
Above: PA Kiwanians at the
Detroit Kiwanis Club 100th
Anniversary.
Top Right: Governor Bob and
Judy visit the Honolulu Kiwanis
Club.
Right: Carlisle Kiwanis and
Governor Bob at Letort Park.
Far Right: Governor Bob and
President John.
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DCON 2016: Scranton
What a Bright idea!
Service kicked off Saturday with a walk and bike
ride for early learning. Later, the Foundation
Breakfast took place. Kiwanians learned what was
new with the Pennsylvania Kiwanis Foundation and
the Kiwanis International Foundation. After breakfast,
Kiwanians could go to various workshops. Topics
included how to make your meetings more fun, service
leadership programs, managing volunteer stress, and
a visit to the Erie Maritime Museum. During lunch,
members could sit and chat with President John Button
(of the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District) or our
2015-2016 Trustee Art Riley (of the Capital District).
The second half of Saturday was for business. The
Business Session started with rousing renditions of the
Canadian and American National Anthems, followed
by the Keynote Speaker John Barber, of the Barber
Institute. Remarks from President John, Trustee Art,
and Kevin were made, as well as elections and
remarks from the Pennsylvania Kiwanis Foundation.
The call to International Convention 2016 in Toronto
was made, concluding with the elections of the 2015-
2016 Governor and Governor Elect. Jen Vare of the
Kiwanis Club of Levittown-Bristol was elected
Governor, while John Gräb of the Kiwanis Club of
Hershey-Hummelstown was elected Governor Elect.
Above: 2014-2015 Kiwanis Heroes in Service after
Friday Lunch.
Below Top: Eliminate Chair Ethan, Governor Bob, and
President John present Eliminate Awards during the
Business Session.
Below Bottom: Erie City and Waterfront at sunset.
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Saturday
concluded with the
Governor’s Banquet.
Governor Bob gave
his reflections on the
past year after
dinner concluded.
Comments were also
made by President
John. Governor
Designate Jen then
made a motivating
speech on her plan
for the upcoming
year. 2015-2016
Officers were also
installed. The
banquet ended with
a crowd moving
performance from a
local comedy troupe.
A dessert reception
immediately
followed hosted by
Governor Designate
Jen.
The Farewell
Breakfast started
Sunday Morning.
lllllllll After breakfast, we remembered
Kiwanians we had lost over the past year
and Governor Designate Jen told us to get
ready for the new year! Gavin Jerome
concluded convention with a humorous,
motivating speech. Next year’s District
Convention city will be Scranton, PA. Be
sure to check social media, the website,
and The Keystone Kiwanian for news,
updates, and information from the
Convention Committee!
Top: 2015 SLP DCON Speakers and their
Administrators.
Above Left: Governor Designate Jen being
pinned and her partner Paul
Above Right: Governor Elect John, Past
Governor Sue, and their daughter Jen.
Bottom: Governor Bob promoting the PA Foundation Rose Sale.
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Key Words What did you
“I’m ready to take back
new ideas I learned
about to my club.”
“I learned how to
benefit my club and
community through
sharing ideas with
other clubs.”
Tim Meyers
Bald Eagle-Nittany Valley
Patricia Sherman
Conneaut Lake
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From Key People learn at DCON 2015?
“I learned how to energize our
meetings from the workshop I just
attended.”
“I learned a lot
over the past
weekend from
the service side
to the
administrative
side of Kiwanis.”
Jeanne Mesko
Glenside
First Timer
“I learned about
the positive
impact Kiwanis
has on
communities,
locally and
around the
world.”
Pictured with Division 2 LTG Bruce Peterson
Ivan Lopez
Hermitage
First Timer
Heather Marchek
Hermitage
First Timer
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The Keystone Kiwanian
We’re shaking things up around The Keystone
Kiwanian. Not only is it getting a facelift, but we want
to change how you submit articles and interact with it.
The most important aspect of The Keystone Kiwanian is
to promote and publish the activities, news, and
accomplishments of the Pennsylvania District, its clubs,
and its members. This means YOU play the most
important role in creating The Keystone Kiwanian. We
need you tell us what your club, division, or region is
up to! Click here to submit an article (or go to
http://goo.gl/forms/JnnDcrZLOd). This will take you
to a Google Form to fill out about your project or
event. Don’t forget to include pictures!!! If your
pictures are not published on social media you can
email them to [email protected].
Do you enjoy writing or taking pictures? The
Keystone Kiwanian is always looking for article
submissions and event pictures. But if you would like to
be more involved with the publication, then join the
Journalism Committee! Be the eyes and the ears on
the ll
the ground in your neck of the district. Write articles
on various Kiwanis related topics or your perspective
of divisional and district events. We also need
photographers to take photos of Kiwanians and other
K-Family members doing service or enjoying a social
gathering. Tell us or show us what your club, division,
or region has been up to! For more information,
please feel free to contact Editor Brett Cutright at
We’re also changing how you can access The
Keystone Kiwanian! You’ll still be able to download
The Keystone Kiwanian as a PDF from the District
Website and from our archives. However, we’ve
found a new way for you to access current and past
issues. Issuu.com is an online digital publisher. This
website allows users to view and read publications
like magazines or newspapers, instead of scrolling
through a document. It also allows the publisher to
highlight hyperlinks, insert important documents, and
insert comments to pictures.
Top: PA Key Club’s District Publication, The Keystonian, viewed on issuu.com. As we learn more about this site, we will be
sure to pass along our findings and tips!
TRIVIA
Name all 50 Kiwanis Districts (including
Districts in Formation).
District Calendar
12
Pennsylvania Kiwanis
Keystone Kiwanian
Pennsylvania Kiwanis
@pakiwanis
26 November
PA District Foundation
Board Meeting
Pittsburgh
3 October
PA District Board Meeting
of Trustees
Harrisburg
10 October
Region IV
Governor’s Visit
Danville
16 October
Region I
Governor’s Visit
Conneaut Lake
23 October
Region III
Governor’s Visit
Altoona
24 October
Region VII
Governor’s Visit
TBD
14 November
Region VI
Governor’s Visit
Scranton
26-28 February
Midwinter Conference
Nemacolin Woodlands
Resort
Uniontown
31 October
Region V
Governor’s Visit
TBD
