Welcome to a New Year in Kiwanis and the goodness of “Let’s Stay Together”. I am very humbled and honored to serve as your Governor of this great Florida District of Kiwanis International for the 2022 – 2023 Kiwanis Year.

I am so excited to have Governor-elect Prairy Riehl and Vice-Governor Jeremy Riehl as they bring their passion to the table along with our Past Governor Harvey White. Executive Director Melanie Winternheimer is always here to serve every member with her husband Tom beside her. I have the best group of outstanding Lt. Governors, Lt. Governor Liaison, Education, and other District Chairs ready to serve and stay together as a team.

I encourage each of you to engage with other Kiwanians as often as you can. Inter-clubs, growth, membership, new clubs, and Service Leadership Programs can be ways for us to stay together. “Let’s Stay Together”.

First grandson Denzel Singleton will lead my Governor’s Project Kiwanis ‘N Cops ‘N Kids Reading Together to promote Literacy and Community Trust in Law Enforcement. We would love for this to become a signature project.

To our Kiwanis Family who are experiencing the devastation of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, Denzel and I are praying for you and your family for a greater tomorrow. We all experienced these hurricanes in one way or another. If your club needs some emergency assistance, please reach out to the Florida Kiwanis Foundation by email at Info@FloridaKiwanisFoundation.org.

I hope to see some of you on the “Let’s Stay Together” Kiwanis Family Cruise on January 22-28, 2023. We will have a GREAT time and I know we are going to have a fantastic year!

“Let’s Stay Together,”

Sharon

That about sums up the 2022 Caring Corner. This annual fundraiser to support the Florida Service Leadership Programs culminated at the District Convention with one of the highest totals ever raised. Governor-Elect Prairy Riehl and Vice-Governor Jeremy Riehl recently presented the check for $49,533.79 to Florida Foundation President Tommy Mills. Thank you to the 103 clubs across the District that sent in donations; most of you earned a special banner patch for contributing over $250. We would love to get even more clubs to participate in the future, so add a line to your club’s Service budget for 2023. Hundreds of Kiwanians provided further support in the Caring Corner at convention in August. Dozens of Kiwanians went home with amazing baskets, raffles, or one-of-a-kind auction items as a thank you for their donation to support the children across the Florida District.

Do you love to lead?

We are seeking out dedicated Kiwanians with an interest in leading the great Florida District of Kiwanis. Please complete this form to let us know of your desire to serve above the club level. We will reach out to answer any questions that you may have and discuss the potential of you serving at the division or district level.

Please note that submission of this form does not require or guarantee you to serve in the role(s) selected.

Feel free to reach out to Governor Sharon Moody (sharonmoody91@yahoo.com), Governor-elect Prairy Riehl (prairy.riehl@gmail.com), or Executive Director Melanie Winternheimer (melanie.kiwanis@gmail.com) with any questions.

LT. GOV. LIAISON

The 2022-23 Florida Kiwanis year is shaping up to be an energized, high-achieving year for our entire District. Lieutenant governors are already working with their divisions in support of Governor Sharon’s goals and her District project, “Kiwanis ‘n Cops ‘n Kids Reading Together.” Congratulations to the clubs that are celebrating 20, 50 and 100 anniversaries of staying together and serving children. Governor Sharon has attended all these special events … plus many more.

Governor Sharon’s motto this year is “Let’s Stay Together.” She is committed to strengthening our Florida Kiwanis family and being readily accessible and helpful to her Florida District team.  My responsibility as Lt. Governor Liaison is to be a communication conduit between the Fl. District and Governor Sharon and Division Lt. Governors and District Chairs as well as manage Governor Sharon’s busy schedule. Her objective is to attend as many of your Kiwanis functions as possible. I also keep Division and Zone Membership Chair information and help with your questions.  

This year, you will find Governor Sharon on visits to every division from north Florida’s panhandle to a brand-new club in St. Croix. If you would like Governor Sharon to attend your club meeting, anniversary celebration, Division Council Meeting, project or special event … or you have information that you would like shared, here is how you can reach me:

Text or call: 813-294-5786

Email: info@dickandkarla.com

I look forward to supporting Governor Sharon in her mission and helping you and our Florida Kiwanis family have a successful year. 

Karla Nielsen, Lt. Governor Liaison

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Florida District Chair, Dr. Celia Earle

Kiwanis International (KI) is not only committed to serving the children of the world, one child and one community at a time, but is also very committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and has a Committee on DEI. I am humbled to serve on this important KI DEI Committee and I am now serving as your Florida District DEI Chair. In KI Bylaws, Article VIII, Section 10, KI’s commitment is demonstrated in this statement that was adopted in June 2022 by the KI Board of Trustees.

“Kiwanis clubs shall not discriminate based upon race, color, creed, national origin, age or sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, when considering membership or during any of their activities or operations and shall conduct business in compliance with local nondiscrimination laws”.

KI believes in embracing and welcoming everyone into the Kiwanis Family and, as such, it is important that we as Kiwanians follow suit. Below are KI’s definitions of DEI that can be found at the shortcut URL kiwanis.org/diversity

• Diversity: We commit to increasing diversity and celebrating the range of human differences. Kiwanis clubs shall not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, age, or sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, when considering membership or during any of their activities or operations.
• Equity: We commit to a policy of opportunity that promotes fairness, impartiality, and nondiscriminatory actions for all persons – no matter the criteria.
• Inclusion: We commit to pursuing efforts to ensure the dignity of all people is recognized, respected, valued, and empowered.

At the link above, there are also downloadable club resources. Kiwanis clubs are being encouraged to have a DEI Committee. I know that within the Florida District, we will see this in a positive light as it can only enhance the productivity of our clubs.

If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to the email inbox diversity@kiwanis.org. Of course, you can also reach out to me at cearle7@yahoo.com.

SERVICE

This Kiwanis year as Service Chair, I want us to unite as the Florida District and increase our service! During the months of February/March, the entire Florida District is conducting a Large Scale Service Project (LSSP) of making Duffel Bags for Foster Kids. These duffel bags will be filled with toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo conditioner, etc.) along with comfort items (toys, stuffed animals, blankets, etc). This will be done on different dates and all throughout Florida at separate locations in order to make and give out a duffel bag to all the Foster Kids in need. In total we will put together over 5,000 duffel bags! If you are interested in helping or have questions, let me know! 

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Hello Kiwanians, my name is Denise McDaniel of the Plant City Kiwanis Club, the home club of Sharon Moody, our 2022 District Governor. It is an honor to serve with Sharon and I'm excited to represent our District as the 2022 Parliamentarian. I've been a member for 22 plus years, served in all club executive positions, as well as Division 14 Lieutenant Governor in 2008. 

My goals for the year are as follows:

• To assist you  in regards to finding the most effective ways to lead your club, with club and District bylaws in addition to general policies and procedures
• To follow up when I do not know the answer
• To support you in any way needed
• To have fun

I am working on an information package with some parliamentary procedures to be shared. Watch for this update within the next 2 weeks.

Here are some quick tips to remember:

• Start and end meetings on time. Some of us are still on the clock 
• Keep the business of the meeting appropriate, avoid unnecessary and sensitive discussions non-Kiwanis related
• Be an available advisor to the President  
• Offer to present a parliamentarian
• Lecture to the club at least one time during the year

Looking forward to "Let's Stay Together in 2022" and supporting our Governor, Sharon Moody

My contact information:

Denise McDaniel

813.659.9620 (home)

den_mcdaniel@msn.com

I can’t believe how quickly time flies!

The new Kiwanis year is in full swing, and I am excited to serve as your K-KIDS administrator for a second year.

I’m looking forward to attending a training weekend in January, where I will connect with K-KIDS administrators and other SLP leaders. I can’t wait to bring what I will learn back to you so I can help serve you better.

I’m happy to report that as we have returned closer to normalcy, we have several K-KIDS clubs chartered this year. In addition, I am receiving inquiries from those interested in starting K-KIDS in their schools and communities. This is exciting because we are moving closer to pre-COVID numbers.

Throughout the Kiwanis year, I work hard to reach as many faculty and Kiwanis advisors as possible. I understand that many of you are inundated with emails daily, so I only send out messages when I really need to get the word out, such as a special event or breaking news.

Kiwanis International is implementing new promotions this year, such as a video you can share with schools thinking about starting K-KIDS. It’s great for parents to watch – the video is engaging and illustrates the value of K-KIDS. Click here for access to the video. They are planning new literature as well.

Please reach out to me with any questions. I will be happy to help!

Have a happy and joyous holiday season.

AKTION CLUB TAKES BIG KAHUNA CANOE RACE

SportsAbility Alliance, formerly Florida Disabled Outdoor Sports, started a fundraiser in 2019 called “The Big Kahuna Canoe Race in which services clubs, businesses and others paid a fee in order to participate in a canoe race on Lake Hall at Maclay Gardens State Park. In the 2019 race, Tallahassee Northside Kiwanis Club won. The 2020 race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tallahassee Northside Club won the 2021 race. The Tallahassee Northside Kiwanis Club’s Aktion Club won the 2022 race on November 2 with the Tallahassee Northside Club taking second place with the Maclay Key Club rowing the canoe.

Tallahassee Northside Kiwanis Club is an avid supporter providing snacks and beverages at their Thursday night sports activities at Miracle Field and providing hot dogs and lemonade at their Seminole Showdown on Thursday November 17, 2022.

RICHARD COMBS MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT COMING UP DECEMBER 2

The annual golf tournament named for the late former Assistant State’s Attorney Richard Combs will be held at the Golf Club of Quincy. It has been sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Quincy for many years in order to raise funds to provide college scholarships for deserving Gadsden County students. Combs, who died in 2019 was a former member of the Kiwanis Clubs of Quincy and Tallahassee Northside and was instrumental in starting the tournament for the purpose of raising funds to help the children of Gadsden County. In addition to loving his family, Combs had three other great loves, his Kiwanis Club, helping children and golf.

The tournament which had not been played since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic was resurrected in 2021 by the Quincy Club with the help of the Tallahassee Kiwanis Northside Club. It raised enough money to provide college scholarships for four Gadsden County students to go to the schools of their choice. This year, 2022, the Quincy Club is not able to sponsor the tournament. Therefore, the Tallahassee Northside Club, which Combs joined after he retired and moved to Tallahassee, is continuing the tradition and will sponsor the tournament on December 2, 2022. All proceeds of Kiwanis fundraisers go to charitable projects of the club. Club administration is paid for entirely by membership.

The tournament format will be two player teams; Select-A-Shot; A, B and C Flights. Entry fee for a two person team is $175 ($200 at the gate). The entry fees include: lunch, free practice balls, Prizes for: Longest Drive (Men and Women); Closest to the Pin; and Longest Putt. Prize Values are First Place - $300; Second Place - $150; and Third Place - $75.

Additional information or questions can be addressed to Gavin Boone at (850) 666-2647.

DROWNING PREVENTION

Did you know that drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death in children under the age of 4? Did you know that as Kiwanians, we can help? To date, there have been 82 child drownings in Florida, and our goal is to have ZERO drownings!

At our FL District Convention in August, I presented information to the attendees on how each club can take part in a drowning prevention and water safety program. I set up a committee, and many Kiwanians signed up. Last night, we had our first quarterly ZOOM meeting. In attendance were 8 Kiwanians from Pinellas Park, Cape Coral, Pasco Hernando, Clermont Ocala, Homestead South Dade, Bradfordville Tallahassee, and Sarasota. 

We had an excellent meeting with sharing of ideas and a report of all the drowning prevention efforts made by several clubs as follows:

1.      Pinellas Park – they have been running a swim program for at least 10 years for 2 sessions in May – they want to provide door alarms, and we will be discussing ways to make this happen.

2.     Clermont – Rick is on the Board of the YMCA, and the Y Foundation has run a swim program that included 200 children – he would like more information on Stewie the Duck and Life Jacket Loaner Program

3.      Bradfordville – Michelle would like more information on partnering with the State Parks. They already work with Sports Ability – advised that the Life Jacket Loaner program would be great in the state parks along the water. She will also be working with FSU Diving Club who wants to work through service.

4.      Siesta Key/Sarasota – is in its 3^rd year of providing swim programs – they are up to funding swim lessons for 100 children, they have 2 Life Jacket Loaner stations at 2 YMCAs in Sarasota, and will be ordering more life vests. They will be adding a 3^rd station and want to have one in each pool in the area. They partner for funding for water safety needs – lots of fundraising, running a Junior Lifeguard program.

5.     Homestead So. Dade – looking into Life Jacket Loaner Stations – great idea to fundraise for life jackets, and partner with others to have their logo on the station.

In one short hour, the brainstorming was amazing!!! I am so grateful to these Kiwanians for wanting to save our community’s children from drowning. Below are some links that any club can use to begin drowning prevention projects.

Information requested:

1.      Go to www.myflfamilies.com to find drowning statistics by the Florida Department of Children and Families

2.  For a Stewie the Duck costume, please contact Sarah Caro at SCaro@stewietheduck.org. Go to www.stewietheduck.org for more information and to purchase books or other Stewie items.

3.      Life Jacket Loaner Station – They cost approximately $1,500 per station, but if you get materials and labor donated, this will drastically reduce the cost. There is information on these stations online, but I can get more information for any club that is interested.

4.      www.ndpa.org – National Drowning Prevention Alliance – they have a ton of information as well as downloadable brochures – great resources

5.  www.poolsafely.gov – Pool Safely – is another great resource with downloadable brochures and PSA videos to add to your websites, Facebook pages, and more

6.      Jackie from Pinellas Park mentioned that Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has Water Watcher lanyards. If you go to www.allchildrens.org and go to the Health Library, there is a lot of information on drowning prevention and water safety.

If you have any questions or information to share with our group, please feel free to email me at terriballo@comcast.net or call me at 239-919-2001. And if anyone would like to be involved in our committee, please email me, and I will add you to our email group.



CLUB REPORTING

Hello everyone,

As we get into full swing with our club activities, projects and volunteerism for this 2022-23 Kiwanis year, all club officers should have established their Personal Kiwanis logins for access to Kiwanis International and Florida Kiwanis member information. Club secretaries please be reminded that your monthly club reports should be completed and submitted to Kiwanis International by the 10th of each month. The report can be found by logging into Member Resources on both the Kiwanis International and Florida Kiwanis websites then selecting the ‘ Secretary Dashboard ‘.

Annual Kiwanis International club dues and SLP dues are now due. All pending bills are located under the ‘ Finances ‘ tab on the Secretary Dashboard and can be paid online with a credit/ debit card or by mail-in check. Details are explained on the dashboard.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding club reporting, my contact information is below. Thanks for all you do for our children. Have a great year.

Walk good

Caroll Neita

Kiwanis District Chair, Club Reporting

President, FL District PLGA, 2022-23 kiwanisofmiramarpembrokepines@gmail.com

FINANCE

I would like to introduce myself as your Kiwanis District Chair for Finance. My mission is to assist your Kiwanis Club and Foundation with any financial questions or concerns that you might have. I want to hear from Club Treasurers and support them in their efforts throughout this Kiwanis 2022-2023 year.

Some important compliance dates to mark on your calendars:

• February 15, 2023 - Deadline for filing the 990 Series Tax Return with the Internal Revenue Service (most returns can be filed electronically)
• May 1, 2023 - Deadline for filing your Annual Report with SunBiz for both your Club and Foundation

I hope to hear from you so please do not hesitate to email me:

Mark D. Lightsey

mdlightsey@gmail.com

KIWANIS YOUTH PROTECTION

Kids need Kiwanis and kids need good protection!

Kiwanis Youth Protection diligently works with all Kiwanians who come into contact with youth on ways to protect both groups. As your Kiwanis Youth Protection managers, we want to be sure that you are knowledgeable and in compliance with the Kiwanis guidelines of working with youth. We appreciate having youth at our projects. We enjoy attending Service Leadership Program meetings, activities, and projects. We delight in mentoring our youth to become lifelong servant leaders.

It’s important that all Kiwanis members know what is expected and required when working with our youth. By now, all Kiwanis clubs should have presented the Kiwanis Youth Protection. Please visit the Kiwanis International website for complete information regarding club requirements.

https://www.kiwanis.org/clubs/member-resources/training/risk-management/youth-protection/yp-training-resources

Keep everyone safe,

Donna and Bob Parton

CKI MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

This is Your Opportunity to Mentor a CKI Member!

Did you know in the United States there are nearly 6 million youth, ages 16 to 24, who feel disconnected from both work and school? And one in three young people will reach the age of 19 without having an adult mentor of any kind. That’s where Kiwanians can play an important role in filling the mentoring gap with our CKI members. If you’re not familiar with CKI or Circle K International, it’s the branch of the Kiwanis family for college students. In fact, CKI has the highest per member service hour average of any Kiwanis family club.

The CKI Mentorship program is a program in the Florida District which will allow you to share your knowledge and experience, foster professional growth in a college student, and build a stronger relationship with another branch of the K-Family. This is also an excellent virtual opportunity, as the mentoring conversations can take place via phone or video call.

Once you sign up at http://bit.ly/KiwanisMentor, we will match you with a college student who is a member of CKI. We will try to match mentor and mentees based on career interests and geography when possible. Mentors and mentees will commit to at least one contact per month, but multiple contacts are encouraged. This contact can be via email, phone, online, or in person as determined by the mentor and mentee. A short orientation is available online with more information at http://bit.ly/MentorshipOrientation.

The program will begin in the fall and will run through May 2023. Once you sign up, you will be contacted by Committee Chair, Stacy Vu, who will match mentors with mentees. Questions about the program can be directed to Stacy Vu at stacy.p.vu@gmail.com or C. Todd Smith at todd@ctoddlaw.com.

PAST LT. GOV. ASSOCIATION

Greetings from your Past Lt. Governor’s Association,

Over 50 years ago our organization was formed by the Kiwanis leadership as a place for those of us who have served as Lt Governors to slow down and rest after a busy year of Kiwanis activities, while still remaining actively involved as leaders and building on our division and district friendships. We even have our own mascot, a Turtle named Rocky, which is ceremonially passed each year from the outgoing president to the incoming president.

As a part of our activities, we have committed to supporting our SLP leaders by awarding annual scholarships to the Florida Circle K and Key Club Governors. The scholarships are presented to them at our annual Past Lt. Governors breakfast meeting, held each year at the Florida District Convention. I am pleased to announce that we have established the LARRY TAYLOR Life Member Fellowship which, as it continues to grow, will ensure the perpetual funding of the annual scholarships we award to our SLP Governors.

This Kiwanis year, 2022-23, as the largest single networking group in the Florida District of Kiwanis, we are focusing on continuing the mission to ‘ change the world one child and one community at a time ‘ by Encouraging, Supporting and Mentoring new Kiwanians, older Kiwanians and our not so old Kiwanians to move beyond the normal. To step past that first level of service to our children and communities and become leaders in their clubs, their divisions, our district, and even beyond. Our goal is to share our knowledge and experience in order to strengthen and ensure the continuity of leadership succession within the Florida District way into the future and set the tone for others in the Kiwanis family to follow.

Please visit our page on the FL District of Kiwanis website for additional information. Have a great year and thanks for all you do for our children.

Walk good

Caroll Neita

President, FL Kiwanis PLGA, 2022-23

DECEMBER

5: International Volunteer Day

JANUARY 2023

2: Kiwanis float appears in the Rose Parade

21: Kiwanis’ 108th birthday

FUTURE KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL

CONVENTIONS

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA    June 21-24, 2023

Denver, Colorado, USA    July 3-6, 2024

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA    June 25-28, 2025