Officers

President
Dave Maloney

Pres Elect
Bill Muffi

Vice President
Mick Hickman

Secretary
Terry Proescholdt

Treasurer
Debbi Matthews

Immediate Past
President
Phil Pople

Directors

2008-2009
Charlie Mertz
Eric Gatrell

2008-2010
Joe Vitanza
Larry Fellows
Christine Semon

Committee Chairs

Community Service
Debbi Matthews

Young Children: Priority One
Ed Crawford

Sponsored Youth
Christine Semon

Public Relations
Dave Maloney

Fund Raising
Joe Vitanza

Membership Growth & Education
Frank Parker

Interclubs
Brenda Edwards

Human & Spiritual Values
Mick Hickman

Feb 5 - Board Meeting

Feb 12 - Lt. Gordon Geesey, Fred. Cty. Sheriff Dept's Explorer Program (Hosted by Debbi)

Feb 19 -Sue Oehmig, Hope Alive (Debbi is host). Check presentation by Betsy Day CFFC

Feb 26 - Pat O'Brien on Emergency Preparedness (Hosted by Mick)

Dave's Corner by Pres. Dave Maloney

I'm pleased to report that the Capital District has a new publication designed to keep those District members not online informed of the more important issues affecting the Capital District. As you may recall, the quarterly printed Capital Builder newspaper has been discontinued. But doing so would have caused a bit of a communications vacuum for those members who do not make use of the Internet where they could otherwise have read the highly-acclaimed and award winning Capital District eBuilder! To fill that potential void, I was tasked with publishing an bimonthly 8-page MiniBuilder which clubs can print and handout to members who are not online. All information in the MiniBuilder is in the eBuilder, so for those who read the eBuilder, it has it all! But publishing two periodicals has put me a bit behind the 8-ball - thus this belated club eChatter.

Several of us are going to the Cub Pack 285 Blue and Gold Banquet this month on Feb. 24th. I will be presenting a $500 check to the Pack in support of their activities. Still not too late to sign up. I already sent in the names and addresses of those of you who signed up last week (Phil, Christine, Bill, Larry and Joe). If you wish to join us, email Cubmaster Karl Noah directly so he can send you an invitation. His email is pack285@gmail.com.

Remember the March 28th Mid-Winter conference, and our April 18th service project at Hope Alive in Sabillasville.

In these times of economic turmoil, Kiwanis International has some ideas to help us help ourselves. Here are some tips from a recent "Inciter" newsletter:

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 fundraiser 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!

And regarding the economic times, Gov. Tom Ganse added his thoughts:

"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."

Food or thought.

Guest speaker Dr. Len Latkowski from Hood College recently visited our club and gave us an incite into the political scene in Russia including the personalities of its leaders and some of the issues with which the country struggles such as a relatively low life expectancy and falling population. Pictured are Dr. Latkowski sharing some materials he brought to club members Frank Parker and Bill Muffi.

It's always great to have leaders from Cub Scout Pack 285 visit our club. The Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick is the sponsoring organization for Cub Pack 285 so the pack leaders make an annual pilgrimage to our meetings to give their "State of the Pack" report. As in year's past, Cubmaster Karl Noah did the honors. But Karl introduced us to his replacement, Paul Hinch, who will be taking over as Cubmaster. Pictured are Karl and Paul being thanked by club Pres. Dave Maloney.