A new Kiwanis year is upon us and your club executive is focused on service to our community and our kids. To start off the year, I have asked Stan Turnbull to lead a small group that will review our "projects" with a view to examining their relevance and to identify if there are new initiatives that we should be considering. If you have suggestions please pass them along. Next up will be a focus on membership retention and recruiting.
 
My reintroduction as club president has been a fun ride so far, beginning with the International convention in Nashville in June. Deborah, Kim, Richard and Wayne made the trip to the home of country music. The sessions were very informative and I left with a feeling that the organization was on a great footing with an eye on making Kiwanis relevant to members of all ages. In August the District conference was held in Regina. My week-end companions included Dick, Kim, Richard and Wayne. We have a strong and vibrant district that is focused on service through the addition of more members and a spirit of growth. Last week is was time to visit Dawson Creek for the induction of the local club board. There is a lively bunch of Kiwanis folks there that are committed to their community and their local kids as evidenced by their community arts centre and their business incubation centre. Lt. Gov. Richard conducted the ceremony but he was under the watchful eye of Kim and Wayne along with Gov. Dick Southworth and wife Donna.
 
A special thank you to Lt. Gov. Richard who inducted our new club executive at the Oct. 13th meeting. This is a seasoned crew that will be demonstrating not only their involvement but their commitment as well. At the same meeting, certificates of appreciation were presented to Brian Charanduk for his work with "Sponsored Youth" and to Gerry Young for his work with the Kiwanis "Music Festival".
 
I would like to thank our members who completed the "Achieving Club Excellence" questionnaire, either the on-line version or the paper copy. This tool is intended to assist your board to improving our club and leading the way to a stronger more vibrant club. Results will be shared at an upcoming meeting.
 
Finally, I would like to remind everyone that we have a unique opportunity to show prospective members what Kiwanis is all about. The lighting replacement project at Kiwanis Safety City is scheduled for Tuesday Nov. 10th and Wednesday Nov. 11th. Please bring along a guest to the dinner meeting and let's "light up the world" so to speak. Electrical skills are optional as training will be provided so everyone can participate.
 
Remember "The kids are counting on you"