Serving the children of the world

MiniBuilder the newsletter of the Capital District

Feb-Mar 2009 Dave Maloney, Editor

Now More Than Ever by Governor Tom Ganse

"Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
If one takes the time to read more critical and balanced trade publications, and looks past the mainstream media's sensationalism surrounding the current economic conditions, one could easily develop the opinion that we are experiencing a natural correction to the euphoric but unsustainable market conditions of the past decade or so. Some might even go so far as to say this correction is similar to the one this country experienced in the 1930s following what became known as "the Roaring Twenties;" a decade so named because of the devil-may-care disregard for economic fundamentals in favor of the get-mine-now lifestyle.
Whoops! Did I step on some toes with that comparison? The fact is, the Great Depression triggered many substantial financial reforms, as have the many minor recessions that occurred since then. Our economy is integrated into a broader global economy, and the conditions that led to the Great Depression have been thwarted. However, having said that, there is no doubt that the magnitude of this correction is the most significant we've seen in a long time, and many of our citizens are ill-prepared to deal with it. Consequently, children caught in the challenges are suffering disproportionate consequences.
The media blames the challenging economic conditions for just about every woe we face anymore. Imagine my surprise to hear a Kiwanian argue that Kiwanis is losing members because of it. Folks, we have members among our ranks that remember the Great Depression, and we have members among our ranks that understand the economics of then and now, and I’m willing to bet they will unanimously agree that conditions were far worse in the 1930s.
And yet Kiwanis membership grew throughout that decade. Why?
The answer is simple. Kiwanis is a service organization, and difficult times like today create a greater need for service. It’s what we do; it’s what gives our members purpose. Now more than ever, your community needs Kiwanis and more Kiwanians! Incidentally, our membership attrition here in the Capital District is in record low territory, both in terms of percentages and absolute numbers.
This should be no secret. Consider Kiwanis International’s “Now More Than Ever” campaign, begun last Fall:
Now, more than ever, Kiwanis
In these troubled times, people are hurting. Many children and families who a few months ago felt like they were doing OK today hang on by threads, and those who were already at risk face even greater hardships, harder choices.
For more than 90 years, Kiwanis has been helping children and communities, and we believe that now is not the time to hunker down. It’s not the time to retreat from responsibility and compassion. Now is the time to lead, to offer people an opportunity to help others.
We believe that now, more than ever, is the time for Kiwanis, and we invite and encourage people to join us, to be part of a global service organization where one person—you—can make the difference.
Kiwanis has numerous opportunities for people to get involved, and provides numerous benefits to members—friendship, fellowship, business networking—in addition to the service Kiwanis provides to children and communities.
We need your hands and your hearts to help those who cannot always help themselves. The more hands, the more children and communities we can help.
Please join Kiwanis as we work to change the world for the better, one child and one community at a time. For information about Kiwanis, call 1-800-KIWANIS, or find a club near you. Please do it today. The children cannot wait.
Don Canaday Kiwanis International President
(Note: International President Don’s plea is downloadable from the International website as a press release.)
As many of you may know, International President Don is a retired US Army General. Perhaps it is not a coincidence that another retired US Army General recently penned an article entitled “Let’s Renew America Together.” I invite you to read General Colin Powell’s article in its entirety at: http://davidmaloney.com/ebuilder/feb09/powell.htm.
Finally, I share with you an article from the December 10, 2008 edition of the Kiwanis Insider: Local club response to economic challenges Throughout our history, Kiwanis has always found a way to care for our members during difficult times. Many of our Kiwanis clubs and members have been impacted by the global financial crisis. Job losses, foreclosures, bankruptcies and other financial challenges place additional pressure on our members in both their professional and personal lives. During these difficult times, sensitivity to the individual needs of members should be a priority for club leaders. Following are some ideas that might jump start some thinking on how to respond in times like these:
1. Thank and praise club members for the difference they are making in the lives of others. During a time like this, members need to be reminded of how powerful their service in Kiwanis is, and how critically important their support is to those that are less fortunate.
2. Schedule speakers and other meeting programming that gives members access to advice and ideas about personal finance, budgeting, career advice and cost-saving measures.
3. Provide individualized support for those members that are experiencing personal difficulties and encourage them to stay involved in Kiwanis.
4. Consider temporarily waiving the local dues of those members who are unemployed and explore other ways to reduce the financial burden of Kiwanis, i.e., reduce meetings to two times a month, meet in a venue that allows people bring their own food, etc.
5. Develop club satellite meeting opportunities for those that currently have to travel long distances to attend meetings.
6. Focus on fun and fellowship. While Kiwanis should always be a positive place where members can laugh and enjoy themselves, it is especially important during times like these. With bad news all around, Kiwanis should be a source of joy for our club members.
7. Offer formal and/or informal networking opportunities for those that might be experiencing a gap in their career.
8. Support people in the community who are struggling with the basics of food, shelter and clothing. In addition to providing a great service, this also provides members a measure of perspective that they really have much to be thankful for.
9. Relieve the pressure to donate or fundraise on those members that are struggling financially.
10. Invite new members into your club and reject the notion that we should just hunker down and ride out the storm. New members bring fresh ideas and energy. Imagine the pride of your members when your club emerges from this recession larger and stronger than ever!
Now more than ever. Take a hard look at your projects and the dramatically changing needs of your community. Do you really need that park now? Or would food and clothing for pantries and shelters be more meaningful? Is a $1,000 scholarship for a single student important, or is it more important to buy $1,000 worth of books that will touch the lives of hundreds of children. I don’t know. It’s your community. Go find out.
And remember, Kiwanis grew during the Great Depression. It can, should, and must grow now to meet the increasing strain on the children of our communities. People in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia are looking for ways to lend a hand. Open the door and let them help us.
With a Kiwanis Servant’s Heart—Tom Ganse tganse@earthlink.net

Welcome to the premier issue of the capital district’s “minibuilder” - a bimonthly newsletter designed to keep those not online informed of important information regarding the capital district of Kiwanis.
Are you online? If so, be sure to check out our district web site where there is a link to the eBuilder—the monthly online newsletter of the capital district.

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New Aktion Club Chartered by Past-Gov Bob Cressy

As a Kiwanian, have you ever had the joy of working with fellow Kiwanians, agency professionals and prospective members to build a new Aktion Club for adults with disabilities? Well, the Montgomery Village Kiwanis Club in Division 17 sponsored and chartered the "Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children Aktion Club" ("CSAAC Aktion Club" for short) at a recent evening ceremony in Montgomery Village, Maryland. Aktion Club Kiwanis Advisor Kim Dennie (far left) is shown with eight of the thirteen charter members. They're an excited crew to be contributing to their community along side the sponsoring Montgomery Village Kiwanis Club.

VISIT
capitaldistrictkiwanis.org

Now More than Ever (cont’d from page 1)

in these troubled times, people are hurting. Many children and families who a few months ago felt like they were doing ok today hang on by threads.

The MiniBuilder is published six times a year in February, April, June, August, October, December by the Capital District of Kiwanis International
Dave Maloney, Editor dave@maloney.com P.O. Box 2049 Frederick, MD 21702 301-228-2279
Deadline email submissions to dave@maloney.com Last day of the month preceding publication
Capital District Kiwanis International
Organized August 23, 1918
Governor Tom Ganse P. O. Box 1074 Lusby, Md 20657 410-326-5117
tganse@earthlink.net
Secretary-Treasurer Ellis H. Stroup 7307 Coventry Drive P.O. Box 855 Middletown, MD 21769-0855 301-371-4650 ehstroup@comcast.net
Governor-Elect Don Dudey
1110 Kingsbury Rd.
Owings Mills, MD 21117
h-410-356-5707 c-443-794-1112 cell
ddudey@verizon.net
Immediate Past Governor
Arthur Riley 250 Uniontown Road Westminster, MD 21157 c-443-398-6148 h-410-857-0656
RxArthur@aol.com
Capital District Foundation
Executive Secretary Charles P. Adams 1601 Charrington Drive Midlothian, VA 23113 804-794-1019 govadams@aol.com

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Now More than Ever (cont’d from page 2)

Kiwanis grew during the Great depression. It can, should, and must grow now.

Key Leader March 27-29, 2009 by Nicole McDermott

Key leader is a leadership education weekend for high school students focusing on the concept of services leadership.

Key Leader is fast-approaching on March 27-29, in Millersville, Maryland, at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center. Every Kiwanis Club is being asked to sponsor at least 1-2 students to attend our event in March, and each club that does will receive a Key Leader banner patch! To register, students must have a nominator or sponsor (does not have to be the same person/group). Visit http://key-leader.org/participate/ and click "Register" next to the March 27-29 Arlington Echo listing – follow steps to register online.
The cost is $150/student for those in Key Club or Builders Club (thanks to KIF scholarships) or $175/student for those not in the Kiwanis Family. Meals, lodging, t-shirt, participant manual and more are included in registration fee.
Key Leader is a leadership education weekend for high school students focusing on the concept of service leadership and five principles: integrity, growth, respect, community and excellence. The weekend is casual and includes hands-on exercises; writing and reflection activities; cooperative, team activities; physical challenges and more. Students arrive between 4-6 p.m. on Friday and depart between 11 a.m.-12 noon on Sunday. Key Leader was created by Kiwanis International in 2005. This is a program every Kiwanian can feel proud of.
I want to remind you also that in addition to groups or organizations or schools sponsoring students to attend Key Leader, any individual can personally sponsor in full or in part students to attend. (I plan on doing so!) This can be someone you know, work with through Key Club or another high school group, or a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, neighbor, friend and so on. The only requirement is that the student is currently in 8th-12th grade. There is no limit to how many students can attend from the same school. With right-minded Kiwanians like you, we will reach our goal of bringing 60 (or more!) students together for a life-changing weekend of leadership development, March 27-29! Key Leader is so valuable, but it can only be impacting if we work together to find students to attend. For more information, please contact Key Leader District Chair Nicole McDermott at CapitalKeyLeader@gmail.com or 703-917-8877.

District Staff Position Available by Past-Gov Art Riley

The Board of Trustees is looking to hire a staff person who is interested in building new Kiwanis Clubs. This person will be working closely with the Growth Team, the New Club Building Committee and the Finance Committee while reporting to the Board of Trustees. To qualify the individual needs to have a good knowledge of the "Kiwanis Family," be available to work on new club building projects at least one day a week, possess excellent communication skills that will be utilized in selling Kiwanis and have the interest in approaching community leaders about Kiwanis. This staff member will also be expected to assist in developing criteria to evaluate the success of this position. Any person interested in working in this position, contact PG Arthur Riley, Chair of the Finance Committee at RxArthur@aol.com

Does a Pool Put You at Risk? by Mike Rind, Chair, Risk Management

A new law became effective on December 20, 2008, requiring owners of pools and spas used by the public to incorporate new safety features to help ensure that drains and suction outlets be covered in such a way as to prevent young children (and others) from drowning. Very specific requirements are imposed on anyone who owns or operates a public pool or spa. (See attached CPSC Guide to complying with the law).
In the October eBuilder, we alerted clubs that this law was about to become effective. There was little response, leading us to believe that few, if any, clubs in our District actually own pools used by the public. However, many clubs may work with local pools or Boys and Girls Clubs to give children an opportunity to swim during the hot summer months. Owners of all such pools or spas should be notified of this change, to ensure full compliance. To learn whether your public pool or spa complies, please review the attached summary of compliance requirements. Note that, if anyone has a pool that is not now open, you have until the pool is actually opened to ensure full compliance.
Kiwanis International has concluded that it is so important that these legal requirements be met that any accident that occurs when a Kiwanis Club or District owns or operates a pool that does not meet these standards will NOT be covered by the Kiwanis Policy of General Liability Insurance.
For further details, see the attached Frequently Asked Questions provided by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals. If you have any additional questions, please contact Mike Rind, the Capital District's Risk Manager, at 410 294 9423 or mrind@comcast.net.

Owners of public pools and spas must incorporate new safety features to comply with new regulations.

Capital District Mid-Winter Regional Conferences by Past-Gov Bob Cressy

January began with two Capital District Mid-Winter Regional Conferences. And five more are yet to come. What a great chance to get ideas to make mid-year course club adjustments, find new ideas and socialize with fellow Kiwanians.
This Regional Conference structure versus the single 'big tent' annual conference in a town distant to many attendees has worked very well. We have many more attendees, i.e., club officers and chairs, participating in workshops, seminars, club training and exchanging ideas with each other. We have sessions in the Regions where you live, so the travel distance is less, the cost is less, and for most there is no over night expense. Plus, regional and division leaders can tailor the event more closely to their club's needs. In addition, District officers and chairs come to you, to help you and you club. What could be better? (No, we're not coming to your house!)
Already we’ve seen two very successful conferences held in the Capital District. This past month the DelMarVa Regional Mid-Winter Conference was held in Ocean Pines while the Northern Virginia Mid-Winter Conference was held in Fairfax. Here are the five others coming to a town hear you:
Heart of Virginia 7 February Divisions 4, 18 & 24
Hampton Roads 7 March Divisions 13, 16, 21 & 23
Presidential 14 March Divisions 5 & 9
Potomac 21 March Divisions 1, 17 & 22
Mason Dixon 28 March Divisions 9, 12 & 14
Southwest Virginia 4 April Divisions 2, 3 & 8

Initiative for Africa by Raga Elim, Ch., Committee on Inter. Understanding

The need to save lives in Sub-Saharan Africa is extreme.

On behalf the Kiwanis Capital District Committee on International Understanding, I would like to invite all of you to become "Friends of the Initiative for Africa." I hope you will accept. We have been challenged by Governor Tom Ganse to raise $30,000 instead of our original goal of $25,000 in support of the Initiative. We have accepted his challenge knowing in advance that with your help we can meet the new goal. The need to save lives in Sub-Saharan Africa is extreme. It requires far more money than that we can possibly raise, but we are doing our best to make a contribution towards addressing a human tragedy. We are moved, somewhat angry, and frustrated that thousands upon thousands of African children are dying every day of hunger and malnutrition, under our watch, yet the world seems to be standing still. My experience in the past couple of months trying to raise funds for this project has been frustrating to say the least. We have in our Kiwanis district 7000 Kiwanians, and if every one of them donated $5 we would exceed Governor Ganse's figure! As of today, we have raised $7200. We still have distance to go, but with your immediate intervention and help, I am confident that we will make it. Please do whatever you can, in whatever way you choose, but let us beat Governor Ganse's figure.
Some donors have arranged matching funds from their employers. If your employer is equally generous, we ask you to take advantage of this arrangement. Attached are two items explaining the Initiative. One is a Power Point presentation you can use at a club meeting. The other is a Word .doc explaining the project. Please make the most of them. Thank you for being great humanists. We can use all the help we can get.
Make checks payable to: Capital District Kiwanis Foundation
On the memo line, write: Initiative for Africa Send your contributions to:
Capital District Kiwanis Foundation 1601 Charrington Drive Midlothian, VA 23113

In Memoriam

January 2009
Ernie Nasher (101), Frederick, Md. John Talton, Radford, Va. William Seabold, Reisterstown, Md.
December 2008 Jack Gove, Virginia Beach Combers, Va. Larry Weatherholtz, Prince Georges County, Md.

Capital District Convention Aug. 21-23, 2009 Dover, DE

The DelMarVa region is now accepting registrations for the Capital District Kiwanis 2009 Convention at Dover Delaware. We will be staying at the Sheraton Hotel. Please call early for reservation at 1-888-755-1450 or on-line at sheratondover.com. The reservation code is "Capital District Kiwanis Convention". Make payment to “Capital District Kiwanis” and send to Capital District Kiwanis 2009 Convention, Mary Anderson, Kiwanis Club of Greater Millsboro, P.O. Box 285, Millsboro, Delaware 19966.

MiniBuilder the newsletter of the Capital District

David Maloney, Editor P.O. Box 2049 Frederick, MD 21702
Phone: 301-228-2279
dave@maloney.com

We’re on the Web!
capitaldistrictkiwanis.org

Kiwanis International Convention Goes To Nashville June 25th - June 28th, 2009 by Nancy Cressy

HOWDEE!! It's that time of year again! It's time to make reservations to attend the 94th Kiwanis International Convention in "Music City", Nashville, Tennessee! It's the home of Country Music's Hall of Fame & Museum, our Kiwanis Night at the Grand Ole Opry, great BBQs, and line dancing just to name a few of the highlights. Music abounds from country, jazz, blues, classical to rock 'n' roll. And don't forget to take a side trip to Graceland, home of Elvis, in Memphis before or after the convention. Make it a grand vacation!
Do your Kiwanis' business by attending the delegate session and voting for Past-Governor Jerry Peuler, who is running for International Trustee. Four candidates are running for the three vacant positions on the Kiwanis International Board and Jerry needs full support from the Capital District to get elected. Every club must have two (2) delegates at caucus and voting at the Business Session. Suggested delegates are the current President and President Elect.
The beautiful Loews Vanderbilt Hotel has been designated as the official hotel for the Capital District. Save $55! Registration for the Convention is $195.00 before May 1st, after May 1st price goes up to $250, so register early. Also, the District Dinner is being planned for June 25th at the famous Wildhorse Saloon - home of the electric slide, deep fried pickles and great BBQ. Bring your appetite and your dancing shoes (boots?) for a full night of great food, fun and dancing.
Registration forms for the Convention and Events, plus the Hotel accommodation forms are now available. Go to the Kiwanis International "Convention 2009 Nashville" Web site at kiwanisone.org for forms, schedule, convention highlights, places to visit and complete information. "Sign up early!" Don't miss out - register now!!

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Gov. Tom Ganse with friends.

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