IMG_2696.jpg=All the KI Trustees ha a role in introducing the KI Board Members.  Capital District’s KI Trustee Jerry Peuler and Judith are at center stage duty.
IMG_2678.jpg=As we were in Switzerland, our host Jerome Hennekens Kiwanis International European Federation President welcomed all conventioneers and guests to Switzerland and Europe.
IMG_3212.jpg=Tysons Corners/McLean Kiwanis Clubs!  WOW!   That is recognized leadership!
IMG_2928.jpg=Service Leadership Programs are hitting record memberships, “All Time Records”!   (Key Club is bigger than all Kiwanis Club membership with 259,469.)  All time membership records this year for Key Club, Action, Builders and K-Kids clubs.  CKI is near an all time high.  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world;  indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  Margaret Mead.
IMG_2651.jpg=Remember working the entrances for our Capital District candidates for International Office?  CDK did not have one this time.  Well, the teams were out there again.  We were ‘intercepted’ by Candidate for International Trustee Jane Erickson from the Nebraska-Iowa District and some of her team just outside the entrance (you can’t campaign inside the hall).  Jane is very personable and has visited Capital several times as part of the KIF team and representing KI.  I won’t try to identify all people, especially those from other districts.  Jane is third from the left  … and the other person you’d know is PG Bob Cressy.
IMG_2930.jpg=Remember, for 2012, It’s “On To New Orleans”.  Jerry Pueler will be running … for reelection or perhaps a higher KI office.  Make your plans!
IMG_2954.jpg=Delegate Session:  Its nomination, presentation and voting for international candidates for a KI offices.  Alan Penn from Ohio was elected KI President, Tom Dejulio from New York elected President Elect.  These are uncontested, which is the normal course at these levels.
IMG_2699.jpg=As the host country (even there), the American Flag was presented and our anthem sung.  It's always moving for me.
IMG_2645.jpg=The 2011 Kiwanis Convention was truly International flavor for North American Kiwanians as it was held this year in Geneva, Switzerland form July 7-10th.  Most attendees took the opportunity to have an extended vacation in Europe as well.  This Photo Essay has the highlights of the convention itself. The weather was beautiful, the scenery terrific and the KICON was just great!  You’ll have to see everyone’s extended vacations photos another time … when you have four hours or so.
IMG_2730.jpg=She gave an impassioned plea to get involved and help protect the earth, its natural resources and habitats of chimpanzees and other endangered species.  She spoke from the heart from her decades of experiences.
IMG_2746.jpg=Division I and the Mitchellville Kiwanis Club … are everywhere!   Visiting with Nancy Cressy (Potomac Club) are left to right, Immediate PLG Rose McClyde, PLG Marie Quick, Audrey Johnson, Selena Anderson and Karlyn Franklin.
IMG_3126.jpg=In the Closing Session Saturday, the Key Note Speaker was actress Jamie Lee Curtis.  She has written seven or more children’s books for which she has received much acclaim.
IMG_2734.jpg=The new “Eliminate Project” was presented on irradicating maternal and neonatal tetanus our new international project partnered with UNICEF. The goal is to save and protect at least 61 million women and future babies.  The goal is to raise $110 million … much like we DID with IDD.
IMG_3227.jpg=Your new KI President 2011-2012, Alan Penn gave his message in closing the Convention.
IMG_3035.jpg=Clinton Green, At-Large Candidate, from the New Zealand District.  He really campaigned hard and effectively.
IMG_2757.jpg=If you plan ahead, especially on a long trip like this, you can get a Swiss Rail Pass (cash required) and use trains, buses, boats and more to sight see. This tour and dinner boat named ‘Sovoie’ is on Lake Geneva right downtown.\

IMG_2994.jpg=KICON Voting:  After some technical difficulties last year, its back to the hand checked ballot box this year while they resolve issues.  There were only two Proposed Amendments this year, both from the Blue Island Kiwanis Club in Illinois.  They concerned a new (1) “requirement to have all convention activities offered on-line in real time” and (2) “to require all clubs not present at the KICON to be allowed to vote on line in real time”.  They were withdrawn due to lack of a presented.  However, due to real-time in different time zones, language differences, and the potential costs of trying to establish the process, it would not likely get the 2/3rds vote.
IMG_2766.jpg=And see the downtown and old town with the trolleys …
IMG_3162.jpg=AND, President Sly being a Kiwanian who always does A.S.K. … Jamie Lee Curtis became a KIWANIAN on the spot.  She cried happy tears.
IMG_3283.jpg=Thank you for a great Convention!
IMG_2925.jpg=The Pilot Plans includes “club satellites, company based clubs, corporate memberships, family memberships and SLP alumni clubs.
IMG_2669.jpg=Capital District delegates representing their home clubs are Scott & Missy Zimmerman and Nancy Cressy (president of the Potomac, MD club) and Bob Cressy, delegate from the Bethesda, MD club.  The warm fellowship is everywhere.
IMG_2767.jpg=And try the restaurants … great food and bier (liquid vegetables) …
IMG_2712.jpg=Our 2010-2011 Kiwanis International President Sylvester “Sly” Neal who is from the State of Washington, Northwest & Pacific District, issues the “Call To Order” to begin the convention session to an official start.
IMG_2987.jpg=Canada presented Roy Bird for KI Vice President.  He is from Alberta and was a Royal Mounted Police Officer.
IMG_2968.jpg=There were three candidates for Vice President:  Ed Hutchinson from Cape May, New Jersey, Gunter Gasser from Austria, and Roy Bird from Alberta Canada. First, Ed declares is credentials and plans for becoming your VP.\

IMG_3150.jpg=For her work with children, she received the 2011 Kiwanis International World Service Medal.  She was delighted!
IMG_2924.jpg=Here is an attendee’s overall view of the stage with the three jumbo screens so all can see the charts.  This explains the KI board encourages new and innovative creation of many new types of clubs “Flexible Membership” for growth.  New types of clubs are permitted.  Think about it.  See more.
IMG_2724.jpg=One of the many highlights of the KI year was recognition of the Des Moines Kiwanis Club’s opening of a Miracle League Baseball Field there allowing challenged children to play baseball on a special rubberized field (for safety).  On August 1st, the first such field in Maryland will have its grand opening game with Kiwanians, SLP members, government dignitaries … and a major sponsor, the Washington Nationals baseball team!   The Bethesda Club through PLG Jim Leder initiated this from an idea which came from the Montreal convention.  More next month on that.
IMG_2876.jpg=Back to the Business Session – Reports On KI to the membership.   Capital District Tom Varner, Jen and Governor Elect Jeff Wolff are ready.
IMG_2674.jpg=The 96th Annual Convention of Kiwanis International begins with its Opening Session with greetings, pageantry and yes some introductions
IMG_3211.jpg=In the Eliminate Project two Capital District Clubs were named “Model Clubs for Contributions”.  This means they each averaged $750 per member in gifting to the Program.  They are the Kiwanis Club of Rockville, Maryland, and …
IMG_2814.jpg=And smell the flowers … everywhere!  See, make a vacation out of the conventions!
IMG_3007.jpg=Candidates for International Trustee (same as Jerry’s position now).  There were five candidates, including two at-large candidates.  The winners were: Jane Erickson from the Nebraska-Iowa District.\

IMG_2649.jpg=Let me give you just a taste, an outline of the events as the Convention unfolds with selected highlights.  Many of you have been to KICONs in North America or even abroad.  The convention was held in the Geneva Palexpo, a very large convention center with a large exhibit hall and many meeting rooms for workshops & special sessions.
IMG_2728.jpg=The session’s featured speaker was the famous British Conservationist Jane Goodall whose message was entitled “The Reason for Hope and the Way Ahead”.  She outlined the changes she has seen in Africa and many places around the globe and what we must do help save many habitats and animals.
IMG_2923.jpg=Kiwanis International reports its annual membership comparison.  For 2010-2011 it is 234,469, +228 YTD.  See also your April KI magazine.
IMG_2742.jpg=Xin Lee “Tony” Wang, Key Club International Immediate Past President presented a check from Key Club fundraising to the Eliminate Project for  $15,418 to KI President Sly Neal and the KIF.  The represents a great team effort and gift by Key Club toward the elimination of tetanus disease.
IMG_2707.jpg=Entertainment at the Opening of course included the sounds of the ‘Alps horn’ … in fact eleven of them along with a colorful twirling, tossing Swiss flag presentation.  Easy? Oh yeah?  You try it.  The Alps horns and about 12-15 feet long and comes in three sections for easy (?) handling.  Remember Heidi?  Nice.
IMG_2970.jpg=Each candidate draws a Kiwanis question from President Sly.  Ed is first.
IMG_3155.jpg=President Sly Neal was so impressed, he awarded her his “Light a Fire” of activity pin.
IMG_2671.jpg=As attendees move into the convention hall proper, you begin see the spirit, often a bit competitive (that’s OK).  The Taiwan District is always ready for fun and business, for photos and Kiwanis promotion.  They ARE organized !
IMG_3024.jpg=New Trustee Stephen Hill from the New England District, and …
IMG_3041.jpg=Your new Vice President is Gunter Gasser from Austria (sorry for the poor photo).
IMG_2657.jpg=Once inside the hall, you must check in at the Registration booth and pickup your package, and then go to the Credentials booth if you are a club delegate. Then its like old times seeing friends and meeting new ones.  Here Jen Wolff, soon to be our First Lady officially, is snapped with Immediate Past International Key Club President Tony Wang.
IMG_3044.jpg=Seating through out the delegate sessions is like a political convention; it’s by Districts so we can consult with each other.
IMG_2977.jpg=Gunter Gasser of Austria is next after his nomination and second.  He is from Spittal an der Drau, Austria.  He had a large delegation from Austria in support of him.