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I hope this past month has been as enjoyable and rewarding for you as it has been for me. I’m certain it has been a busy time, and as we prepare for the approaching holiday season, it will probably become even busier as we get into the swing of a new Kiwanis year.

The new Kiwanis year began for me with the honor and privilege of inducting a new member into Kiwanis.  For as long as I can remember, the Brooksville Kiwanis Club has had the tradition of calling the Kiwanis Governor at 12:01 on October 1 to induct a new member into their club.  I need to tell you, that as I waited for the call, I got really excited and a little apprehensive.   The enormity of my role as Governor was upon me.  As I began the induction, I became so excited and so proud.  I am the Governor of the Florida District of Kiwanis and this year I will “Make a Difference” in our district as I encourage members to serve and to “CELEBRATE being Kiwanians”.  This past month, I attended several Installation Banquets and each time inducted a new member!  And my excitement increased.  My excitement continued to increase as I met with the Executive Officers at our retreat at Treasure Island and saw my name and Kiwanis in lights on the marquee at the hotel as they welcomed our group. My excitement escalated as I learned of the many new clubs being planned for the district, the many new members inducted at MMMM, as I threw out the first pitch at the Miracle League Game, as I attended, spoke, and facilitated a workshop at our Florida District of Circle K IDEAS conference and worked with my club on our yearly fundraiser and service project.  It has been an awesome, memorable first month. I can’t wait for my second month!

Thinking about the month of November brings thoughts of one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving.  Just the mention of the word Thanksgiving brings warm and happy thoughts, feelings, and memories. It’s such a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends. During the month, students in my elementary school will be creating posters, decorating bulletin boards, performing skits, writing essays and talking about why and what they are thankful for. From the youngest kindergartener to the oldest fifth grader, students are typically thankful for family and friends, a nice home, toys and games, and great food. As you read this message, I encourage you to stop and take a few moments to reflect on all that you are thankful for.  For me, in addition to the comments from students, I am thankful that I am a Kiwanian and for the opportunity to serve.  And, I am most thankful for you and all that you do.

As we make plans to celebrate and be with family, remember that November is also K-Family Month. This is a time to celebrate the thing that makes Kiwanis a truly unique organization: our Kiwanis Family. We are fortunate to have such a large family with members in our elementary school group of K Kids, our middle schoolers in Builders Club, our high school Key Clubbers, our collegians in Circle K and our developmentally disabled adults in Aktion club.  During Kiwanis Family month and beyond please stay involved with K Family groups you sponsor.  Model and mentor community service and leadership skills.  The more we as Kiwanians interact and build relationships with our younger counterparts, the more likely they are to find a permanent service home with Kiwanis when the time is right and become lifelong community servants and leaders   Take time to work with and celebrate with these family members.  Make sure to add our Service Leadership Program members in your holiday plans for November and December and invite their parents to participate, too.  Expanding our pool of volunteers is always welcome and demonstrating to our parents Kiwanis' positive impact on their children will cement your relationship.  Imagine our children, joined by their families, collecting and distributing food, serving meals and providing clothing to the homeless.  Don't forget that much of today's homeless population includes entire families.

Enjoy the month of November. Enjoy your families.  Be thankful.  Celebrate being a Kiwanian!