Kee-Notes

Weekly Newsletter of the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda, Maryland

Serving the Community Since 1945

Meeting Date: September 24, 2009

President Jeanne Smith opened the meeting.  Harry Lowe led us in the Pledge and Bob Gradle led us God Bless America.  Rev. John Walker gave the prayer.  It's always good to see Harry Lowe at a meeting and he always has  many stories to tell.

Announcements:

·        September 25 – Friday – Golf Tournament @ Bretton Woods

·        September 27 – Sunday – Kiwanis Potomac Redskin Tail-Gate Party

·        DUES ARE DUE SEPTEMBER 30!!!

·        October 1   -      Thursday - No lunch Meeting -  Induction Dinner - 6:30 pm

·        October 8   -      Thursday - Speaker from Suburban Hospital

·        October 15 –     Thursday - Speaker Eric Latham - You won't want to miss this one

·        October 18 –     Sunday    - Children's Inn Dinner - 5:30 pm - A great service project

After announcing the candidates, the group elected the following officers:

*Asterisks indicate change in the previous slate voted on by the members on April 30, 2009.

Ken King has submitted his resignation so we are still in need of another board member.  We are sorry to lose Ken and wish him well.  Any member interested in leadership in the club, please contact Jeanne Smith.

Happy Dollars:

Pat Tiede HD for Bob Gradle who will be taking a leave of absence from October through April to live in Florida.  Bob Cressy HD for the Potomac Kiwanis Club and the Tail Gate party they are hosting this weekend and for their recent trip to Canada.  Harry Lowe HD for the Ocean Downs Race Track that won state approval to offer slots.  Located in Berlin, MD the new casino is expected to be completed by Memorial Day 2010.  The Race Track has live harness racing and is the first in the state to have slots.  Jeff Morrison HD for his parents who downsized from their big house (where they lived for 45 years) to move into a condo where life is easier.  Another HD for his family who moved into the big house leaving his three toddlers perplexed as to where their grandparents are now living.  Jeanne Smith HD for the upcoming golf tournament and for all the people who worked so hard on it.  Bob Gradle HD for the group discussion.

Discussion ensued on why we join Kiwanis and why the membership is shrinking.  Random thoughts and comments:

• Enjoy social interaction and developing friendships that last for years.

• We need the baby-boomers and early retirees who are searching for meaningful community service.  They have the time to spend.  We also need the young professionals.

• Most of our current members have been long-time members, have held all offices and are facing burnout because they are doing e v e r y t h i n g!!

• Have fun events as well as meaningful service projects.

• Starting in November, Board meetings will be held at the first Thursday lunch so everyone will have an opportunity to participate.

• Besides our weekly luncheons, we also have District Council Meetings, leadership training, District conventions and national conventions--also monthly board meetings.  We meet, we eat, we do a lot of eating!

• Inter-clubbing with other clubs in the area is a good way to make friends and see what other clubs are doing.  This year we were able to inter-club with all the Kiwanis groups.  But it was the same few people that do everything else.

• Important for everyone to read the Kee-Notes which is our newsletter and the calendar which is constantly being updated. We do interesting and fun projects and hopefully we can double our membership in 2010!!  Add this site to your favorites www.bethesdakiwanis.com and join us!!!

When people ask you "what does Kiwanis mean?"  The answer is:  "The name Kiwanis stems from a North American Indian phrase, which, like many aboriginal terms, had a variety of meanings, including; “We have a good time,” “We make a noise,” or “We trade.”

The 50/50 was won by Bob Gradle who returned it to the House Fund.

Patricia Tiede, Editor for the day.