Governor Elect

As it is now July and we change to our summer gear and summer projects, I am looking back upon a half year of activity and looking forward to another half year of excitement and growth!
Following our Mid Winter Conference, I was fortunate to attend both our Circle K and Key Club District Conventions in Albany. As always, the excitement and dedication to community service at these events is contagious.
Congratulations to Circle K Gov. Kelly Chan and her board for a great service year, which was honored in Albany and again in Nashville in June with awards and recognition including Distinguished District, Distinguished Governor, Secretary, Lt. Governor and Committee Chair!
New York was also honored as the District raising the most funds for the Eliminate Project. Kelly Chan was elected as an International Trustee. Our own Past Lt. Gov. Alison Mandel from the Elmira Kiwanis Club was awarded the "Circle of Service" Award for her unending dedication to the organization. And, I was honored to receive the "Outstanding Alumni Award" from Circle K International.
Our 2014-15 Board had a great Training Weekend in May, with Rich Hall, Alison Mandel and Kiwanis International's Lanton Lee doing a fantastic job in helping our board define goals, strengths, responsibilities and what we will be all about as "Team Eric" heads toward our October 1 start.
It was a great convention week in Nashville where Circle K'ers performed 4,000 service hours in and around the city before the start of the official Convention. WOW.
As this goes to press our Key Club delegation is leaving for the Anaheim, California Key Club International Convention. All the very best to Administrator John Goldstein, Governor Jacob Spencer and their group on the way to California!
These next few weeks will include many visits, events, chicken and steak roasts and projects, which I enjoy visiting and meeting with all of the Kiwanians in attendance.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Albany at the Desmond in August, where we will have more educational forums than ever before, celebrate a great record breaking year with Governor Joe and First Lady Cookie, welcome International President Gunter and prepare for yet another great year. See you there!

Column Posted on Web Site July 26, 2014