| Christine's
Connections by
Pres. Christine Semon
 Well,
since we had lots of April showers last month, I am really
looking forward to plenty of May flowers! I am sure everyone’s
flower gardens will be beautiful this year!!
A
review the last months activities: Unfortunately, I missed
our Board meeting and speaker from the YMCA; however, I heard
that the speaker was wonderful, that Phil kept everything
running smoothly, and that he even got everyone out at a
reasonable time — even with a full agenda. Thanks Phil!
I missed our
meeting because I was spending a long weekend with about
750 Key Clubbers in Richmond, VA, celebrating Capital District
Key Clubs 60th Birthday. It always amazes me what the Executive
Key Club Board, consisting of about 30 students, does to
create, plan, organize, and produce a 3-day convention for
their peers, during their one year term. They had forums,
contests, Key Note speakers, and 2 dances, caucusing with
about 15 candidates and elections for next years Executive
Board. I offer them a standing ovation for a job very well
done!
The
next week our club was informed of the services offered
by the Wellness Center, thanks to a referral
(and personal
reference) from Larry Fellows. I hope our club members are
taking advantage of the services they offer (for free!).
Over the following weekend, my family celebrated Easter with
joy and sorrow. Good Friday was the 5-year Anniversary of
the death of one of my most important role models, my paternal
grandmother. As she was born on Christmas, it was a very ‘appropriate’ date
for her to pass on Good Friday. She is missed and loved daily
by my family and myself. A few days later, I found out about
the passing of Division 9 Key Club LTG’s father, Mr.
Lenhart, on Easter morning. I attended the mass with Key
Club Administrator, Immediate Past Governor and Current Governor
of Key Club.
It was an amazing tribute to the passion and joy he lived
his life with. The one time I was able to meet Mr. Lenhart,
it was immediately apparent to me that he was a wonderful
father and husband and friend to his community. I know he
is looking down on everyone, out of pain now, and smiling
at their accomplishments. I know he will continue to watch
over his family and loved ones, just as he did in life.
On
April 20th, our club was honored to host Kiwanis LTG Jim
Jacobs Divisional Council Meeting, where 7 of 9 clubs
from our division attended . We heard from the new Key Club
LTG Ellen Huyun, Governor Elect candidate Art Riley, and
we elected a new LTG Elect from Hagerstown. In our club
meeting
before the DCM, we also presented Dave Maloney with
his Kiwanian of the Year plaque. Thanks again for all your
great work and commitment to our club, Dave!!
On
April 22nd, a few brave Kiwanians (thanks Phil, Ken and
Eric) and I helped clean up some local roadways.
We started
at one end of Cap Stine Road and cleaned for several hours
in the rain with our sponsored youth (Middletown Builders
Club, Walkersville Key Club and Tuscarora Key Club) on the
other end. This event was a part the Frederick Big Sweep
which was sponsored by Volunteer Frederick. I just heard
on Monday that over 15 tons of trash and recyclable items
were collected and also about 670 tires from the roadsides
in Frederick County. The event was a clean up day (in conjunction
with Earth Day) and a fundraiser for participating non-profits.
Our club, with Sponsored Youth Chair Jim Kryseik’s
advice, donated $250 to each of our sponsored youth clubs
participating to help with fundraising efforts.
The
last week of the month we had Elsie McKenny, representing
4-H Therapeutic Riding, come and speak to
the club about
the program and how it has affected her daughter, Emily.
If anyone in the club has Tuesday or Thursday evenings
or Saturday
(9am thru 2pm) available, they are willing to have volunteers
show up and help out. You will definitely be touching the
riders’ life and who knows, it might just change your
life. I know my starting to volunteer there a few years ago
literally changed my life and the paths I chose to go down.
As a club we have recently taken on a partnership with Special
Inspirations. President Mike Koval and Phil Pople have been
getting the word out about our special bond. They are now
starting to receive more requests for their Mothers Helpers
services and this is where our club can hopefully step in
and donate our time and skills to assist these families.
The families have a child (or sometimes children) with special
needs and are requesting assistance with household chores
or duties they just cant find the time to get to. Please
check your schedules and sign up whenever you can!!
As
we move into May, I know Jim Kryseik and Jim Wiggins have
a great program schedule lined up for
us. Just a quick
note that our Annual Middle School Appreciation Night will
be on May 11th this year. Frank Parker, Community Service
Chairperson, has been working very hard on organizing the
event this year. Please come, learn about our most improved
students (and why their schools chose them) and bring your
tissues. I know I will use them, if you don’t need
them…
I
will end this article with a quote I recently found that
I thought was very appropriate for our club
and me personally.
H G Wells once said “We must not allow the clock and
the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment is
a miracle and a mystery.” Please remember to enjoy
each day we are blessed to be here, take those long walks,
savor the moments with our friends and loved ones and smell
the flowers in your gardens and along the road side. Live
each day to your fullest and remember have fun along the
way. To Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick: Have a great
May!!
|
visited our club. She explained
that the mission of the Program is to provide
a
recreational
experience
and
therapeutic
regimen to Frederick
County citizens
with
medically
certified mental, physical and emotional disabilities, through
appropriate equestrian activities. Pictured is club member, Frank
Parker, who looks on as Elsie is presented a $250 donation to
the Therapeutic Riding Program by club President Christine Semon.