April 2024 (Issue NO. 34)
A Publication of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International
KI-NOTES
Empowering Future Leaders
DCON 2024 Special edition: Agenda & Registration Included
Contact us
Governor: Dr. Kathy Culbertson Governor-elect: Bobby Quinten Immediate Past Governor: Patrick McCage
KI Notes Staff
The first Kiwanis Club in what is now the Texas-Oklahoma District, was officially completed February 10, 1917, at Dallas, Texas, with a membership of 200. Due to the increasing number of clubs across the country members realized the need of setting up the District organization. In October 1918, the Dallas Club selected one of its members to serve as interim Governor of the Texas-Oklahoma District until an organization conference could be arranged. The first meeting was in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and on February 10, 1919, the Texas-Oklahoma District was organized.
4 Governor's Message 8 DCON 2024 18 Events 20 A Look at Clubs 26 Dollar Days 28 ICON 29 Hosting DCON 2026 30 In Loving Memory 31 Editor's Message
www.instagram.com/texas.oklahoma.kiwanis/
Contents
www.txokkiwanis.org
https://twitter.com/txokkiwanis
23-24 District Officers
Editor: Evelyn Herrera District Marketing Chair: Marshall Kregel
txokdist@swbell.net
P.O. Box 13160, Arlington 76094-3160
817-640-7711
OUR STORY
Support in style
texas oklahoma district
Women in Kiwanis shirts now available for men.
www.facebook.com/texasoklahomakiwanis
Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District Governor's Message Dr. Kathy Culbertson
Hello Mighty T-O District! Can you believe that my year as your Governor is already half over? Wow! And, yet there is so much to do and so little time to get it done! Yes, I realize I was incapacitated for over 2 months, and I feel I am playing “catch-up”, but we WILL get things done! You have truly been amazing as you have stepped up when I have been unable to step out. For that, I am truly grateful. What an amazing group of Kiwanians – club officers, Lieutenant Governors, Trustees, District personnel, but most of all, to the “just member” category. All of you are quick to deemphasize the important role each of you plays within our wonderful organization, but, trust me, each of you is valued! Thank you, thank you, thank you. During the month of March, I returned to club visitations, Division Council Meetings, and Governor’s Visits with a vengeance, and I have many more to make. I am so thankful we do not have “cookie-cutter” Kiwanis clubs. You have enriched my life in so many ways, and you have made my treks across Texas and Oklahoma so enjoyable because of your differences. It doesn’t matter if your club is large or small, each one of you makes a tremendous impact on our children, our communities, and our schools. Keep up the great service you render within these categories. I would be remiss if I didn’t give a recap to what we have accomplished so far and what we are continuing to work on. K-Family We brought back the K-Family focus last August at the District Convention in Granbury, Texas, by offering our spouses events over the three-day period. They were treated to a luncheon, tours of Granbury, tours of museums, shopping opportunities, and afternoon snacks in the August heat. This year, we are working toward making the District Convention in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, a family occasion, expanding events to include not only our spouses but our children and grandchildren. Moving DCON to the last weekend in July now allows our teachers and students to participate in our convention, so take advantage of the timeframe and schedule a vacation prior to or immediately after the convention. Float down the river and enjoy some family time. Women in Kiwanis This initiative has been revived from thirty-five years ago when Susan Hennum and Colleen Biggerstaff were T-O Governors. I am honored that they have encouraged me to pursue this venue for raising funds for our Key Club and our Circle K students. All of our clubs have amazing, special women. Honor these ladies by ordering my red glass teardrop trophy and red “Women in Kiwanis” t-shirt. All proceeds, after expenses for the trophy and t-shirt, will go toward scholarship funds for these two organizations. Go online to the Texas-Oklahoma website and fill out your order. Long-Range Planning Committee Because we need to intensify our focus on our mighty T-O District, I appointed a committee to take a serious look at formalizing a long-range plan covering the five areas within our Strategic Plan. I am excited that they are giving all clubs tools to address each of the five areas. This plan will be available for all clubs by DCON in Tahlequah. 1. Membership & Engagement—We need to take a very serious look as to how to grow our membership beyond 7,000 and how to be actively engaged through our service projects. 2. Leadership & Education – We must have a plan for growing strong, dynamic leadership so we will always have a full slate of Trustees, Lieutenant Governors, and club officers year after year. 3. Community Impact – All of our clubs need to be actively involved so that the schools and communities know to turn to Kiwanis members when there is a need within their organizations. 4. Financial Viability – We need to ensure all of our clubs are financially sound – through dynamic fundraising efforts – in order to support our service leadership clubs and broaden our leadership by opening additional SLPs. 5. Branding and Image – At all times, we need to show our Kiwanis brand by wearing our Kiwanis shirts, hats, lapel pins, updating our social media, posting signs in our communities showing when and where the Kiwanis meetings are being held. Membership At the Granbury DCON in August, 2023, I challenged all of us to increase our membership throughout Texas and Oklahoma to 7,000 members by the end of my term, September 30, 2024. In order to do that, we must be intentionally committed to growing our clubs, providing more hands for service for our children and our communities. I suggested two possible ways to reach this ambitious goal: A. Increase our current membership by only ONE new member per club per month. Now that we have only six months remaining in my term, perhaps we need to increase that to TWO new members per club per month. B. Increase our membership by “finding our one” – each current member recruiting one new member Both of these ways are very attainable, but it will take each of us inviting, encouraging, and pursing individuals to join us. Be passionate, be persistent, be positive, be intentional. And don’t overlook our corporate members. Let’s grow our Kiwanis greatness! Opening 10 New Clubs in TO District At the first District Board meeting of my term, I challenged our 10 Trustees to open a new club in each of their regions throughout Texas and Oklahoma. This, too, was a very “doable” challenge – just open a new club monthly. With six months remaining, we must now make up for lost time. Please help your Trustees pinpoint prime locations for serving our children better, our communities better, and our schools better. Then volunteer to serve in opening that club within your region. F.L.A.G. Program Even though this initiative is a carry-over from Past Governor Patrick McCage’s year, it is well worth pursuing for another year. Patriotism is stated in Object Six of the Objects of Kiwanis International, and we should continue to educate our children about the importance of patriotism for our country. Many Kiwanis clubs are supporting his efforts to instill pride and respect among students toward the United States flag. If you haven’t already scheduled Jim Rodriguez to visit your club and/or your schools, please contact him today. As you know, my Governor’s slogan is “Serving with Passion and Compassion.” Now consider taking your PASSION and turn it into a service project for others. Use your uniqueness to minister to others. To me, PASSION stands for: P – PURPOSEFUL – Have a plan and work that plan strategically to address each of the 5 areas found in our Strategic Plan. Consider forming a committee for each of the 5 areas. A – ACTIVE – Take your interests and let it guide you in your projects. Be a club that is engaged. S – SERVICE – Service is at the heart of our Kiwanis mission, centered around one child and one community at a time. Again, be intentional and aim for having a service project monthly. S – SATISFYING – Do things that are enjoyable, to you as well as to the children and community. When we find satisfaction, we are more willling to be involved. I – INCLUSION – Get the K-Family together; include all your SLPS in every aspect of your club – service projects, fundraising, play days, recruiting, socials. O – ONGOING – Provide constant activity, leadership through service, update your activities that reflect the current needs of your children and your communities. N – NURTURING – Show your Kiwanis goodness, your caring and your commitment. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Don’t hesitate to let them know you care. As always, KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING! One child and one community at a time! If we take each aspect of PASSION, our clubs, communities, and schools will thrive. Let’s make this happen! Serving with passion and compassion, Governor Kathy Culbertson
Support Women in Kiwanis today! For more information visit: https://www.txokkiwanis.org/wik/
Award Order Form
Shirt Order Form
DCON 2024
Governor Dr. Kathy has named Women in Kiwanis the theme for the convention this year. There will be a special reception for all recipients of the Women in Kiwanis Award on Friday afternoon. Help us support all the female members who make our clubs great! Be sure to get your official Women in Kiwanis shirt when you register for this year’s DCON in Tahlequah. If your club would like to honor a female member, our application is located on our district website: https://www.txokkiwanis.org/wik/ No worries guys.... We have you covered too! Our men's WIK shirt is now available for order as well.
This year's theme:
The next TX OK District Convention is coming up the last weekend in July! This will be an awesome convention with music, adventures, gaming, great speakers, amazing food, and perfect hotels. We’ve got 4 different hotels, all within $120 per night (plus tax) and free breakfast. We have transportation arranged for some fun events and tours for spouses during the convention. The countryside is really gorgeous and worth coming early to spend a few days camping or in the RV before the convention starts. Check out the link below to register now! Registration begins NOW, and we have 4 months to complete registration and then go have fun!
Photo by Tahlequah Trails Association
Register
Registration
Agenda
If you are as excited about the convention as we are, we know you must be dying to know what we have in store. Well, lucky for you, we have our agenda available to view! Take a peek ahead of time to plan out and schedule a day full of fun. Join some workshops, check out our guest speakers, and get ready to mingle. Our convention is a great place to not only grow as a Kiwanis member but also meet great others on their journey of servitude to their community.
DISTRICT CONVENTION 2024 Tahlequah
This year, our convention will be in Tahlequah, OK. The convention will be held at the Chota Conference Center. There will be four hotels available for reservations: The Tru Hotel by Hilton The Holiday Inn Express Best Western NSU Days Inn You can now book hotels through the above links. You can find out more about Tahlequah, OK by clicking on the image below.
July 25,2024 - July 27, 2024
Location
save the date
A Peek
View Agenda
Paul Palazzolo
speakers
Captain Charlie Plumb
This year's guest speakers are Paul Palazzolo and Captain Charlie Plumb. Paul Palazzolo will be our guest speaker on Friday, and Captain Charlie Plumb will be our guest speaker for Saturday's lunch.
Captain Charlie Plumb has lived what he believes to be the American Dream. As a farm kid from Kansas, he fantasized about airplanes, although he felt certain he would never have the opportunity to pilot one. It would be the United States Navy who afforded Plumb the opportunity to live out that dream. After graduating from the Naval Academy, Plumb completed Navy Flight Training and reported to Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego where he flew the first adversarial flights in the development of what would be called The Navy Fighter Weapons School, currently known as “TOP GUN.” The next year, Plumb’s squadron the Aardvarks launched on the Aircraft Carrier USS Kitty Hawk with Fighter Squadron 114 to fly the Navy’s hottest airplane, the F-4 Phantom Jet. Code named “Plumber,” Charlie Plumb flew 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam and made over 100 carrier landings. On his 75th mission, just five days before the end of his tour, Plumb was shot down over Hanoi, taken prisoner, tortured, and spent the next 2,103 days in North Vietnamese Prisoner of War camps. His first prison cell was 8 ft. long and 8 ft. wide. During his nearly six years of captivity, Plumb distinguished himself as a pro in underground communications. He was a great inspiration to all the other POWs and served as chaplain for two years. Following his repatriation, Plumb continued his Navy flying career in Reserve Squadrons where he flew A-4 Sky Hawks, A-7 Corsairs and FA-18 Hornets. His last two commands as a Naval Reservist were on the Aircraft Carrier Corral Sea and at a Fighter Air Wing in California. He retired from the United States Navy with the rank of Captain after 31 years of service. Since his return home, Plumb has captivated more than 5,000 audiences in almost every industry around the world with stories that parallel his POW experience with the challenges of everyday life. To this day, Captain Plumb continues to fly left seat at every opportunity. The most treasured plane he owns and flies is a WWII PT-19 Open-Cockpit antique which is currently on loan to the Palm Springs, CA Air Museum. He also owns a Rutan-designed experimental single-engine Long-Eze. Link to Captain Charlie Plumb’s website. https://charlieplumb.com/
Paul Palazzolo is executive director of Kiwanis International and all its subsidiaries. Prior to starting in that role in February 2024, the Springfield, Illinois, U.S., native served as a public official — beginning in 2001, when he was elected to the Springfield Park Board. He also served as Sangamon County auditor, treasurer of the Springfield Airport Authority and circuit court clerk. Palazzolo served as the 2009-10 Kiwanis International president and has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield-Downtown since 1984. His introduction and involvement in Kiwanis started in the early 1980s while attending Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, where he was active in Key Club, the student-led service organization for high school students that is part of the Kiwanis family. Palazzolo was inducted into the Sacred Heart-Griffin Hall of Fame in 2013. He also was awarded the Key of Honor, the highest recognition presented by the Key Club International board, for making a lifelong positive impact. Palazzolo has also served as chair of the Kiwanis International Youth Programs Board. His local civic engagement includes serving on boards such as Salvation Army, Springfield Urban League, Hoogland Center for the Arts and other organizations. Palazzolo holds a degree in finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is married and has two adult children.
Guest Speakers
even more
Have you been collecting the TX-OK Kiwanis convention shirts? Are you a fan of this year's convention theme? Well boy do we have news for you. This year's convention shirts are the WIK T-shirts. Not only do we have some to empower our female membership, but we have new ones for men too! To order your shirts please make sure to check off on the registration page the necessary information.
Dr. Kathy Culbertson
Morning Coffee
Governor Kathy will be rolling out a morning coffee and networking event on Friday and Saturday mornings before the day begins. Come out, share, and gather information on successful projects and fundraisers from other clubs. Hosts include Governor Kathy (Friday), Governor-Elect Bobby Quinten (Saturday), and KI Central Director Brad Boyd (Saturday). Make sure to sign up for this networking event on the registration form!
SPECIAL GUESTS: GOVERNOR -ELECT BOBBY QUINTEN WILL HELP YOUR CLUB GROW AND BE ABLE TO PROVIDE MORE SERVICE AT OUR UPCOMING DCON. Brad Boyd, Kiwanis International Central Area Director will be bringing all of his Kiwanis Goodness to Tahlequah. Brad will be helping with Lt. Governor Training and giving presentations during the Membership forums. We are so excited to have him join us this year! We will be focused on 8 main topics at our convention workshops this year. We will be brining in multiple speakers to share their knowledge. The topics are: Making Your Club a Better Place Through Servant Leadership Making Your Club A Better Place Through Membership Growth Making Your Club A Better Place Through Service Leadership Programs Making Your Club A Better Place Through Global Impact Making Your Club a Better Place Through Financial Stewardship and Fundraising Making Your Club a Better Place Through Brand Visibility Making Your Club a Better Place Through Physical and Psychological Safety. Workshops will be repeated so if you miss a speaker one day you can catch them the next. Sessions will be 90 minutes with multiple speakers. Hope To See You in Tahlequah!
Workshops
Brad Boyd
Convention shirts
Bobby Quinten
OUR DISTRICT KIWANIS TEXAS-OKLAHOMA DISTRICT
The Edmond Kiwanis Club is hosting their 13th Annual Sporting Clay Event: AIMING for MIRACLES. Held at: Silverleaf Shotgun Sports | Guthrie Funds raised go to support the Children's Hospital Foundation.
On Saturday April 27, The Kiwanis Club of Lockhart will have its 5k Stampede. Their course will start at 8 AM and is set throughout Lockhart's neighborhood area.
April is Autism Acceptance Awareness Month. The brand-new Key Club of Weatherford High School (Texas) has partnered with the Weatherford High School Public Safety Club to highlight Autism Acceptance Awareness month by presenting the First Annual Luke Perry Fetterolf Autism Awareness Dinner and Fundraiser. The clubs have already secured donations of food and supplies. After other expenses are paid, the funds raised will be used to support individuals with Autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The Autism experience is different for everyone. This dinner will feature a panel discussion of the effects of ASD on the families impacted by it. We are excited to hear first-hand from families about their individual experiences and how we might participate in improving the quality of life for families in our communities. The Weatherford (Texas) Kiwanis Club is providing treasury and advisory services for this event. Tickets are $20. To purchase tickets, please use the QR code. For more information, E-Mail RFLETCHER@WEATHERFORDISD.COM.
Changing the World One Child and One Community at a Time. Many of you may recognize this as a portion of the Kiwanis Mission Statement. In Jones, Oklahoma not only are we a dedicated group of individuals working to do just that but we also have another mission; Changing the World of One Child. Near our community is a group foster home called “The Genesis Project”. This home serves boys aged 8-12 who have been in several other foster care locations. Needless to say these boys have not received much in the way of love and care prior to arriving at Genesis. 20 plus years ago, the Key Club Advisor for Jones HS arranged for the Key Club to interact with the Genesis Project by hosting a Christmas party as well as attending sporting events. This relationship continues today. Recently, the Jones Kiwanis Club became involved with more than just partial funding of the Key Club interactions. In February, the Jones K-Kids held a sock drive, the Key Club held an “essentials” drive and the Kiwanis Club installed basketball goals on their property. We look forward to our upcoming events with the Genesis Project of a Fishing Derby, planting a garden, crafts and more. So how can your club Change the World OF One Child? Take a look, I'll bet you can find a child and a way to be that change. You can keep up with the Genesis Project via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GenesisProjectOK
The Kiwanis Club of jones, Ok Changing the World Submitted by Kelly Poland
Creating massive impact one project at a time.
A Look at Clubs
Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene Candles & Cards Submitted by Lyndel cook
The Aktion Club of Texarkana worked in the dining area bussing tables for the 66th Annual Pancake Day for the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana on March 2, 2024.
Featuring The Kiwanis Club of Texarkana
Gabe Gallegos, Builder’s Club Advisor at the T.J. Jones Boys & Girls Club said the Builders Club made three different scented candles for their fundraiser. They are selling the candles for $5 each. Gabe sold 14 at the regular meeting of the Kiwanis club of Greater Abilene. The kids also made Valentines Cards for Veterans and Kiwanian Shelley Drennan handed out the cards to serveral veterans. Way to go Builders Club!!!!
Kiwanis Club of Texarkana Aktion club helps out Submitted by Tanya Dunlap
Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene DITTOS FOR KIDDOS CLOTHING Submitted by Lyndel Cook
Many Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene members worked together to donate clothing to children in need. Kiwanian Cameo Harvey shopped for the clothes at Dittos for Kiddos. Kiwanians Debbie Taubert and Nancy Baker unloaded and delivered the articles of clothing to Stafford Elementary School and Long ELC. This project was able to serve over 125 Stafford Elementary and Long Early Learning Students.
At its weekly meeting on Wednesday, March 27, the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana awarded Lauren Layne with the “Women in Kiwanis Award.” The award celebrates 35 years since women were first allowed to join Kiwanis, and is awarded to women in the Texas-Oklahoma District who have shown exceptional service and dedication to Kiwanis, their club, and community. Lauren served as the Club’s President in 2010-2011 and has served as its Secretary for the past 20 years. She sponsors numerous SLPs, including Redwater Key Club, Redwater K Kids, Redwater Builders Club, and Texas Middle School Builders Club. The award was presented to Lauren by Lieutenant Governor, and Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation Trustee, Monty Murry.
Kiwanis Club of Arlington Cause for celebration Submitted by Kay Lancaster
Kiwanis Club Of Lakewood Great Community Impact Submitted by Amy Durant
Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene MORNING EDGE WAS A SUCCESS! Submitted by Lyndel Cook
The purpose of Kiwanis is to empower communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. The Kiwanis Club of Lakewood has taken that purpose to heart. The club has been responsible for the City of Dallas Park Department's creation and development of Samuell Park, including the community center , swimming pool, and lighted baseball diamonds. The club also organized the Boys and Girl's Club of East Dallas as well as the East Dallas branch of the YMCA. The club then funded the purchase of a bus for the YMCA to transport its youth. SInce 1999 the club has donated a total of $14,300 to the East Dallas/White Rock YMCA. The club is blessed to be able to contribute to their communities by pertnering with organization such as the White Rock YMCA because it is one of those places that is making a difference in the lives of children.
At one of the club's latest meetings the Kiwanis Club of Arlington celebrated the success of their 2024 Pancake Day. They made $41,000. Aside from this great achievement the club had even more to celebrate. They celebrated the awards won by UTA’s CKI at their convention last week. Along with this there was excitement surrounding the club's BUG program. Herman Duh, one of the club's most active members, described the recent BUG awards at local elementary schools and the enthusiasm of the bike recipients. During this meeting members also recieved an update on the selection of the 2024 Teachers of the Year by the project coordinator Jeanette Workman. Members can't wait to see what is in store for the club's next meeting.
Past President Lyndel Cook said the club had a very successful “Morning Edge” meeting Wednesday, March 6th. The ‘Morning Edge’ is an Abilene Chamber of Commerce event that is conducted on the first Wednesday of every month from 8 AM to 9 AM. Different chamber businesses sponsor the event. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene is a member of the Abilene Chamber and hosted the event on March 6. About 100 chamber members usually attend the event and allows everyone to participate in business networking. There were more than 20 Kiwanis members there and met many Chamber members. There were door prizes and a drawing for a 4-person Chamber ‘Morning Edge’ Golf team drawn from Chamber members in attendance. The four winners will play in the Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene “Kids Need Kiwanis Golf Tournament” April 18th. All the chamber members at the event were invited to visit the club meeting the next day. The club saw a great turn out the next day as approximately 10 chamber members chose to attend. Several of the visitors expressed interest in becoming a Kiwanian and member of the club.
Shop Now
KIWANIS WAREHOUSE POWERED BY DOLLARDAYS
"Kiwanis Warehouse is an important resource available to Kiwanians in the United States to help increase their organization’s buying power. Operated by our partner, DollarDays, this premier online distributor provides club access to over 30,000 goods at wholesale prices, typically only available to large enterprises. Find the products you need most, like backpacks, school supplies, blankets, apparel and personal care items to stretch your donation dollars and support your outreach programs." -Kiwanis International
The countdown to this year's Kiwanis International Convention in Denver continues! Current registration prices will last through May 31, after which everything will go up $100. Why not register now and gift that extra Benjamin to a fellow member to help him or her join you this year? There is no limit to the number of members from each club who can attend the education sessions! Our joint-district reception will take place Friday evening, 6-8 at the convention hotel. Tickets are available from district secretary Al Richard for $40 per attendee. To make our district stand out that day, be sure to wear your red Women in Kiwanis t-shirts! Visit txokkiwanis.org/wik to order a t-shirt, and contact Al if you have questions about the social. In case education, fellowship, and elections aren't enough to revv you about traveling to the Rocky Mountain District this summer, here are a few fun facts about our host state. Colorado is the only state completely above 1,000 meters of elevation. Natural resources include coal, oil, and uranium. Denver was Colorado's capital even before it became a state in 1876. Denver has more than 200 public parks, and the city is surrounded by mountains. Must-try foods include Colorado-style pizza, green chile, and local peaches. Coloradoans love the outdoors, and summertime is great for hiking and whitewater rafting. Hurry to kiwanis.org/members/kiwanis-convention to register, then pack your bags!
If your club is interested in hosting the 2026 District Convention, it starts with a download of the new Convention Manual. Your main contact during this process is your District Meetings Coordinator, Marshall Kregel. He is available to answer questions and travel to your club or DCM meeting to explain convention details or look at the facilities that you have chosen. His email is mkregel@hotmail.com. There are lots of benefits to the clubs that host these huge events including new member possibilities and fund-raising opportunities. But there is a lot of hard work and does require a good number of club members to achieve excellence in hosting a DCON. You are encouraged to get other local clubs to pitch in on the committees and host duties. You will be asked to make a presentation at the upcoming convention in Tahlequah and share your vision for the 2026 convention!
HOSTING DCON 2026
KI Notes submissions can be emailed to txokkiwanis@gmail.com.
Month
Division
Club
Name
February
5
Alamo, San Antonio
Harry Newman
30
South Oklahoma City
Betty Blasdel
January
24
Austin-Northeast
H Davis
18
Vernon
Jerry Spears
31
Tahlequah
Kirk Boatright
All listed with sympathy and memory.
In Loving Memory
"It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District Editor's Message Evelyn Herrera
The sun is shining and days are brighter, spring is here! Spring is the season of growth. All of the flowers start to bloom, the color returns to the fields. This is also a great time for new projects to blossom. Take your clubs outside! Venture out into your local parks and start a park cleaning program. Check out your local youth organizations that encourage physical activity and fun for kids. Perhaps you find they are starting up with new programs that need help to get going. Don't wait, now is the time for action! As you make your mark this spring, remember, time flies. This is also a great time to prepare for your summer programs. Start reaching out and collaborating wih your local YMCAs or public libraries. They always have something in store for the warmer months.