Time to Re-Energize   1/31/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair
As I write this, the winter landscape outside my window looks bleak. I can recall my dad saying we must have half our hay and half our firewood left by the end of January if we were going to make it through the winter without problems. This only means that we still have a bit of winter ahead of us. I googled "Beating (more)

2008-09 Distinguished Clubs   1/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Immediate Past Governor
Congratulations to 29 clubs for receiving the Distinguished Club Award for the year 2008-2009!  This is a tremendous achievement for the district but even more it is a tremendous achievement for the 29 clubs, their officers and members.  This distinction recognizes the great work done, the attention to detail and the (more)

February 2010 Update   1/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Secretary/Treasurer
Lt. Governor Elect Candidates: We are still in need of Lt. Governor Elect Candidates for 2010-2011 in some regions. Contact your current Lt. Governor if interested. The Lt. Governor Education program will take place April 30-May 2 in Fergus Falls. Governor Elect Candidates: If you are interested in running for Governor (more)

HELPING HANDS SERVING CHILDREN IN NEED   1/29/2010 - Club : Sioux Falls - Submitted by : DUANE TEWINKEL, Sioux Falls Correspondent
This past Wednesday night I joined in with over 20 members of Sioux Falls South Kiwanis Club in packaging 8,645 meals to be sent to Haiti.  The program we were supporting that night is Kids Against Hunger.  Bill and Arlyce Daugherty thought that this would be a much meaningful way of celebrating their 42nd wedding (more)

HELP   1/29/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Chuck Schroder, District Chair KI Foundation
Friends of the Minnesota/Dakotas District.  The Kiwanis International Foundation is in need of our help.  The contributions of the annual club gift campaign are far behind last year and the demands are much greater than last year at this time. With the disaster in Haiti and and the mud slides in California and other (more)

93rd Annual District Convention   1/29/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat and Larry Rittgarn
Mark your calendars August 13-14-15, 2010 Doublewood Inn, Fargo, ND 93rd Annual District Kiwanis Convention Lots of good activities for everyone, so plan now to attend this convention and help to make Kiwanis policy, have some Kiwanis fun and meet and greet all of your Kiwanis friends. First Timers to the (more)

Kiwanis Educational Foundation Scholarship Information   1/28/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Jack Zierdt, District Educational Foundation
As of this date the deadline for submitting scholarships for this year is now over. We have received 240 applications from students as of this time.  The scholarship applications are being packaged up and will be sent out to the Regional Service Directors for judging.  There will be three judges in each Region doing the (more)

Reveal Your Growth Potential.....   1/28/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Vickie Walters, District Membership & NCB Chair
Walk the talk - Show your club and members of your community what Kiwanis is all about.  Try to talk about Kiwanis to someone once a day.  Not hard.  Let them know what service projects you are doing for your community and ask them to join you! Stay Flexible - The more flexible you are, the more attractive your club (more)

WOULD YOU BELIEVE? A BEAR WITH A HEART?   1/4/2010 - Club : Sioux Falls Daybreak - Submitted by : KATHI HERREID, PRESIDENT
The Spinoza® Bear is a talking teddy bear that speaks and sings to the fears, insecurities, and physical and emotional challenges faced by the children who receive him. In the broad sense, however, the family (if there is one) becomes the secondary beneficiary as they share in their child’s gift and gain strength and (more)

Time to Stay Flexible   1/1/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair, District Governor
I hope everyone had a great holiday season and is looking forward to the new year with hope and anticipation. Now is the time when we can re-dedicate ourselves to our Kiwanis mission and explore new ways to making our Kiwanis experience even more meaningful and rewarding. It is time to expand our club's influence in our (more)

Boxes and Boxes of Cheer   12/31/2009 - Region : 07 - Submitted by : Chloe Johnson, Fridley Key Club
The Fridley High School Key Club donated a record setting 214 Operation Shoeboxes making its Operation Christmas Child Project a great success this year. The Key Clubbers filled the gaily decorated boxes with special toys, candies, school and art supplies and toiletries this past November. Many boxes were so jam-packed (more)

January 2010 Update   12/31/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Sec/Treas
Happy New Year! Governor Elect Candidates: If you are interested in running for Governor Elect for 2010-2011, please submit a picture and a short biographical sketch not to exceed 600 words, along with an endorsement from your home club, to the District Kiwanis Office, P.O. Box 735, Dalton, MN 56324 no later than (more)

Would you Believe 1197 Fleece Blankets Tied?   12/31/2009 - Region : 05 - Submitted by : by Bill Zortman
In August 2011 – Minnesota-Dakota Kiwanians will bring their first 3 state convention to Sioux Falls in 17 years.  Each convention does service work. What could be better than tying fleece blankets for all three states?  Unless it was done as part of the Sioux Empire Fair that is done each August as well at the Kiwanis (more)

District Scholarship Deadline Looms   12/31/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Immediate Past Governor
The deadline to submit scholarships to the District Foundation Secretary/Treasurer Jack Zierdt is January 22, 2010.  That means each original application, along with 3 copies must be received by the secretary/treasurer by that date in order for the applicant to be considered for one of the scholarships. If your club has (more)

International President Paul Palazzolo to visit MNDAK   12/30/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair, District Governor
Mark April 10, 2010 on your calendars and plan to meet our International President, Paul Palazzolo. President Paul will arrive in Mankato about mid-day on Saturday, April 10, which by coincidence is also Kiwanis One Day. We are planning an ambitious District service project which will include the Palazzolos on Saturday (more)

Two More Builders Clubs Join our Family   12/30/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair, District Governor
We have chartered two more Builders Clubs in the past month! We are pleased to welcome the Builders Club of the West Middle School in Rapid City, SD, and the Builders Club of the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, MN. The West Middle School is co-sponsored by the Rapid City Kiwanis Club and the Rapid City West Kiwanis (more)

Time to Reach Out   11/30/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair, District Kiwanis Governor
Two months of our Kiwanis year are already past, and what a great two months it was for Phyllis and me.  We have already visited five of the seven Regions of MNDAK, and we have been inspired by the work that all the clubs are doing to make their communities a better place.  We are humbled to serve with such a great (more)

Kiwanis Education for Club Leaders   11/29/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn, District Education Director
The new Kiwanis year has opened many doors to new ways of obtaining much Kiwanis education. The webinars that you can sign up for have been providing some wonderful educational information for various leaders in your clubs. If you have not signed on to attend these sessions right in your home or office, I would (more)

Update from the District Secretary/Treasurer- December 2009   11/28/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
Greetings! The holiday season is upon us and it is a great time to get involved in Kiwanis service and help others in your community! We wish all of you and your families a very happy holiday season. Governor Elect Candidates: If you are interested in running for Governor Elect for 2010-2011, please submit a picture (more)

Minnesota-Dakotas District Convention   11/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat & Larry Rittgarn, District Convention Director
We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the the 93rd District Kiwanis Convention. The Doublewood Hotel, in Fargo, ND will host this years convention on August 13-14-15, 2010. Many fun things are being planned, as well as good food, good accomodations, and a host of wonderful events to make this next (more)

Diversity Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with Month Long Campaign   11/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Zortman, Region 5 Correspondent
Sioux Falls Diversity Kiwanis Club celebrated its 3rd Anniversary with a month long campaign that took members out of the twice a month meeting setting to hands on support of 5 community projects.   The month will be completed on December 12th with Project Warm-up. It started November 11th with Lutheran Social Services (more)

Region 7 Education Day and Governor's Visit   11/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Denis Cornell, Lt. Governor, Region 7
On Saturday, November 14, Region 7 Annual Education Day, Governor's Visit and Silent Auction was held at the Mississippi National Golf Club in Red Wing.  The theme for the day was "Spotlight on Service".  There were 81 participants present representing 22 Kiwanis Clubs, Key Clubs and Aktion Clubs. Mike Lloyd, Executive (more)

REGION 5 GOVENORS VISIT   11/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : BILL ZORTMAN
By Bill Zortman Region 5 Correspondent   Minnesota-Dakotas District Governor Bruce Klair made his maiden voyage into South Dakota as chief executive with a stop at the Region 5 Governor’s Conference in Brookings on Halloween Day.   While there was no trick or treating during the morning-afternoon session – (more)

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY   11/27/2009 - Region : 05 - Submitted by : Duane TeWinkel, Sioux Falls Correspondent
We do not believe in letting grass grow under our feet and in that spirit we prepared childrens dental packs during the meeting. The dental packs were to be given out at the Mobile Food Pantry held at the Center of Hope on November 12, 2009.  The Mobile Food Pantry provides food stuff to families that need a hand up to get (more)

HELPING REFUGEES STAY WARM   11/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Duane TeWinkel, Sioux Falls Correspondent
We had a very busy and enjoyable month starting with our November 10, 2009 (more)

PROJECT BACK PACK   11/27/2009 - Club : Sioux Falls Daybreak - Submitted by : DUANE TEWINKEL
November 22rd saw 5 Diversity members join with the all Kiwanis work crew at the Sioux Falls Food Bank. Joining us were members from Sioux Falls Down Town, South, East and Daybreak.  In a very fast paced 2 1/2 hours we filled 2500 packs.  These packs were given out on November 23rd so that the students could have them for (more)

Lake City AKtion Club Chartered and Officers Installed   11/25/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Sonnek
A new club entered the Kiwanis family in Lake City, MN.  The Lake City Kiwanis Club sponsored the formation of an AKtion Club on the evening of Nov. 19 at the Lake City High School Auditorium.  Lake City, the home of water skiing, sits on the Mississippi River at picturesque Lake Pepin.  The chartering of the club and the (more)

NOW IS THE TIME   11/24/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Chuck Schroder
With all of the problems around the world today, we as Kiwanians need to be there more than ever to help those who are in need. How can I help you say? You and your club can help by contributing to the annual gift campaign. Five dollars ($5.00) per member is what has been suggested and is the goal of the Kiwanis (more)

Time to Share   10/31/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair, District Governor
It's hard to believe that one month of this new Kiwanis year is past and we are already into November. The month of October brought some rather disturbing news to our MNDAK District. Our membership is down 217 members from where we were a year ago. This means that there are 217 less Kiwanis members in our District to meet (more)

Service Hits Home   10/30/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Coralyn Dahl
This month I am going to talk about service a bit more personally.  Many of you know that I have been going through a personal illness recently and through that illness I have witnessed a great flood of service inside and out of our Kiwanis Community.  Within a few hours it seemed, cards were sent, messages delivered, (more)

Celebrating 50 Years of Service   10/29/2009 - Club : Columbia Heights-Fridley - Submitted by : Kathy Welle, Secretary
Columbia Heights/Fridley Kiwanis Club will be celebrating on October 29, 2009 at The Seasons at Bunker Hills, 12800 Bunker Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55448.  A fellowship social starts at 4:30pm with dinner at 5:30pm. Everyone is welcome.  For more information contact Kathy Welle. Ph: 612-910-1988 or kwelle@yahoo.com  (more)

November 2009 Update   10/29/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Secretary/Treasurer
Monthly Club Reporting: Special thanks to the club secretaries for their excellent monthly reporting this past year. The information submitted is very valuable. Monthly Reports are submitted online by the 10th of each following month. Remember that this is not just the Club Secretary’s job. A club secretary needs (more)

2009 Key Leader Event   10/29/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Clover Ellingson, District Key Leader Chair
The Minnesota-Dakotas Key Leader event had 43 participants this year and 15 adults. Many Kiwanis clubs sponsored or offered to sponsor students to attend. Notable attendance and probably the farthest distance away was by Ely Key Club who sent 5 students to the event. Henry-Sibley Key Club sent 6 students and Fargo (more)

FIRST GOVERNOR'S VISIT   10/22/2009 - Region : 01 - Submitted by : DARLENE VANDERVORST, IMMED PAST LT GOV -REGION 1
GOVERNOR BRUCE KLAIR AND FIRST LADY PHYLLIS MADE THEIR FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT WITHIN THE MINNESOTA DAKOTAS DISTRICT FOR THE 2009/2010 YEAR. THE VISIT WAS MADE TO REGION ONE AND WAS HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 AT THE RADISSON HOTEL IN BISMARCK. SUSIE KAPELOVITZ, LT. GOVERNOR HOSTED THE SOMEWHAT INFORMAL MEETING WHICH BEGAN (more)

Partners Breakfast Books Presented   10/15/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Immediate Past Governor
Theodore Jamerson Elementary School (TJES) is located on the campus of United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) in Bismarck, ND. TJES offers educational services for Native American Students grades K-8 from the surrounding area with preference given to children of UTTC students. UTTC is an NCA accredited institution offering (more)

MEDTRONIC ASKED, FRIDLEY KEY CLUB DELIVERED   10/13/2009 - Region : 07 - Submitted by : Justine Beran
Medtronic, Inc. invited the Fridley High School Key Club to volunteer at the Mile 19 Medtronic Plaza Water Station of the October 4th Twin Cities Marathon held in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Led by Justine Beran, 82 Key Club Members and Advisors gathered at 5:15 am to prepare for the Marathon. Dressed in blue Medtronic (more)

LAKE AGASSIZ KIWANIS – FARGO, ND. CELEBRATES 50 YEARS   10/6/2009 - Club : Lake Agassiz, Fargo - Submitted by : Bob Monson/Norma Swanson
Lake Agassiz Kiwanis of Fargo celebrated its 50th Anniversary on September 15, 2009 with a banquet at the Fargo Country Club, Fargo, ND. Fifty-seven members, former members, and spouses attended the gala event. A social hour preceded the dinner of prime rib or lemon chicken. The after dinner program, with Duane (more)

Sioux Falls East Kiwanis Club Peanut Day   10/5/2009 - Club : Sioux Falls East - Submitted by : Chuck Schroder
On October 3rd Sioux Falls East Kiwanis Club held peanut day in Sioux Falls during the festival of bands. The Key Club members helped our club raise almost $2,000 that will be used to help the children in our community. Kiwanians were able to meet the members of Key Club as well. Fun was had by all.

Past District Governor's Son Installed   10/4/2009 - Club : Fargo South Point - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn
Newly elected Joel Hektner of the Fargo South Point Kiwanis club was installed as the 2009-2010 President on Tuesday October 6th. Joel is the son of Past Governor Vern Hektner of Wahpeton, ND. Vern and First lady Leona served as Governor of our District in 1971-72. The members shown in the photo are from L to R Joe (more)

2009 Fairmont Early Riser Kiwanis - Kiwanian of the Year - Dave Olson   10/4/2009 - Club : Fairmont, Early Risers - Submitted by : Gene Tonne
This past year Early Risers Kiwanis established a new form of recognition called the Kiwanian of the Year to honor a member who has committed much time, effort and dedication to the club and community. Club members were offered the opportunity to nominate a member for exemplary service. Names of nominees were submitted (more)

Time to Grow   10/1/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair, District Governor
Happy New Year!  The start of a new Kiwanis year always brings new enthusiasm, fresh ideas and a chance to rededicate ourselves to Kiwanis service.  I want to wish everyone enjoyment and success as we start this new Kiwanis year. Congratulations and best wishes to those of you who are embarking in a new position within (more)

Who Was Your Kiwanis Sponsor?   9/30/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Paul Palazzolo, International President
Can you name the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize last year? Who was the most valuable player in Super Bowl XLII? Who asked you to join your Kiwanis Club? The reason the last question is easier to answer is simply because that person made a difference in your life. If I could meet your Kiwanis sponsor, I’d proudly shake (more)

Update from the Minnesota-Dakotas District Secretary-Treasurer   9/29/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
October is the start of another Kiwanis year. Welcome to our new Governor, Bruce Klair and the great team of Lt. Governors and other district leaders. They will be working hard to promote and support Kiwanis in your area. They are there to help local clubs at any time. Just give them a call. A directory of all of the new (more)

Small in numbers....not in determination   9/29/2009 - Club : Buffalo - Submitted by : Jean Hafften
The Kiwanis Club of Buffalo, Minnesota may be one of the smallest clubs in the Mn-Dak District but don't let their small size fool you. With only ten members they find that determination, imagination and friendships overcome most obstacles they encounter. Membership is the bane of every club and so it has been with (more)

Distinguished Award Criteria for 2009-2010   9/28/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
Distinguished Member To qualify, a club member must: • Sponsor two (2) new members. • Attend either a midyear conference, International convention, or district convention. Equivalent meeting may be Kiwanis University, Zone or Regional Conference, or other district event. • Participate in six (6) Kiwanis service (more)

2009-2010 Interclub Award Criteria   9/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
…..Please note the timeline change beginning 2009-1010…..                         Minnesota-Dakotas Kiwanis District                                   INTERCLUB AWARD CRITERIA To qualify for an interclub award banner patch, a club must: 1. Have a minimum 2 club members attend each visit. 2. Club (more)

Volunteer Sioux Falls   9/27/2009 - Region : 05 - Submitted by : Bill Daugherty
On Saturday, Sept. 26th the South Sioux Falls Kiwanis club volunteered at the Sioux Falls Visitation Center during an all city volunteer day sponsored by the Help Line Center.  The Theme for the day was "One Day. One Community. Hundreds of Hands." Our project involved collecting teddy bears for the children passing (more)

Past District Officers Association (PDOA)   9/26/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Dale Carlson
Past Lieutenant Governors, Past Governors, and Past District Secretary-Treasurers of Kiwanis International in good standing in a Kiwanis Club of the Minnesota-Dakotas District are eligble for membership in the Past District Officers Association. The following is taken directly from the first part of the Bylaws of the (more)

Kiwanis International Foundation   9/22/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Chuck Schroder, District Chair, KI Foundation
I first want to thank all Kiwanians in the Minnesota Dakota's district for your contributions to the foundation this past year. Because of you, we have reached an all time high for our district and we have been able to reach out and help the children of the world. We have raised over $24,000.00 and hoping to reach (more)

Leading to Serve...Reaching the Finish Line   9/1/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Governor
Minnesota Dakotas Kiwanis leaders continue racing to the finish line, the end of the Kiwanis year, September 30. Many goals remain within reach. I encourage club presidents, club membership chairs and other club committee chairs to make one last valiant effort to attain the goals set last year. With many needs unmet we (more)

Key Leader Develops Leaders For Our Future   8/31/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair
School is starting, the Minnesota State Fair is in full swing, there is a nip of fall in the air, and our Kiwanis year is nearly over and another is set to begin.  There is still a lot of work to do before we complete this Kiwanis year, and not the least of these is getting our teens to attend the Key Leader program. (more)

Update from the District Secretary/Treasurer   8/31/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
Official District Convention Minutes: The official minutes of the following meetings held during the District Convention can be viewed on our Minnesota-Dakotas District webpage (find District Leadership on the menu) or click on the following link: http://www.mndak-kiwanis.org/public_district/pub_Content.aspx?Page=74 (more)

Trustee from MN-DAK counselor for New York and Central America   8/29/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Stewart Ross, Kiwanis International Trustee
Stewart Ross, recently elected Kiwanis International Trustee from MN-DAK was assigned three districts, serving as counselor for the 2009-2010 Kiwanis year.  The first was MN-DAK, his home district.  “I must say that returning to my own, wonderful district was a gift from Kiwanis International.  This year they decided that (more)

KIWANIS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF THE MN-DAK DISTRICT   8/28/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Dale Carlson
Actions at the District Convention, Watertown, SD July 31-Aug. 1, 2009 At the Friday afternoon convention session Jack Zierdt, Executive Secretary of the Educational Foundation, presented the Foundation report. The endowment fund currently has about $850,000 in the investment portfolio. This is about $50,000 less than (more)

92nd Annual District Convention   8/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat & Larry Rittgarn
The 92nd annual convention of the Minnesota-Dakotas District of Kiwanis is now history, and we want to thank all of the delegates, members and partners that attended this years convention in Watertown, SD. The location of the convention and the agenda kept everyone involved, and gave us all a chance to be together (more)

School supplies for Madison School   8/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn
Fargo South Point Kiwanis club members present school supplies to Madison elementry School. The members of Fargo South Point Kiwanis club, delivered their annual supply of school supplies to the Madison Elementary School in Fargo. This year over $700 dollars worth of school supplies and back packs were delivered to (more)

Past District Officers Association - Minutes   8/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Dale Carlson
The Minnesota-Dakotas Past District Officers Association (PDOA) held their annual meeting during the District Convention at Watertown, SD on July 31, 2009.  The meeting was called to order by President Joe Hesch at 8:30am.  Sixteen people were in attendance.  The following business items were acted on: 1.  The (more)

KIF Foundation   8/24/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : E.C.Schroder, KIF District Chairman
I want to first thank all of you who help make the raffle at the KIF booth at the district convention the huge success it was. Without your support we would not have been able to raise over $1,400.00 and this is without the Leadership Society sign ups and the Hixson's sold and the Heritage Society sign ups. If anyone has (more)

Leading to Serve ... District Convention: A Class Act   8/4/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Governor
What a fantastic weekend!  There is so much to be said about the overall convention yet so little time and space.  Several congratulations and thanks must be given: Congratulations to the 7 Region Star Award recipients: Dr. Mark Hildahl, Region 1, Minot Sara Piekarski, Region 2, Fergus Falls Jerry Benson, Region (more)

Update from the District Secretary/Treasurer   8/3/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
District Convention: Our District Convention in Watertown is now history. It was a great time with lots of Kiwanis education and fellowship. Thanks to all that played a part in making it such a successful convention. Registrations for the convention included: 264 total participants; 84 clubs and 155 voting delegates. Plans (more)

Fairmont Early Riser Pre-Prom Dinner a Huge Success   8/2/2009 - Club : Fairmont, Early Risers - Submitted by : Gene Tonne
April 25th, 2009, found the Fairmont Kiwanis Club, Early Risers extremely involved in implementing the preparations they had been making for the Pre-Prom Dinner for Fairmont Area High School students and their guests. As the guests began to arrive around 5:00 P.M. they were first attended to by Kiwanians valet parking, and (more)

Key Club International Tour June 29-July 7, 2009   7/23/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Mary Beth Townsend, Dist. Key Club Administrator
This year, the Minn-Dak District teamed up again with members from the Nebraska-Iowa District to travel down to Dallas, Texas for the Key Club International Convention.  Fifty-three of us traveled by coach bus and our first stop was Kansas City, Missouri, where everyone participated in sorting food at Harvester’s.  Before (more)

What is the Kiwanis Outreach Program   7/23/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Ann Backes Dodge, District Circle K Administrator
WHAT IS THE KIWANIS OUTREACH PROGRAM?     The Kiwanis Outreach Program was started in the early 1980’s to provide a closer relationship with the Kiwanis Youth Sponsored Programs of Key Club and Circle K and Kiwanis.  The funds are split equally unless otherwise noted by the donating Kiwanis club.   (more)

Stewart wins & Averts Tragedy!   7/4/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Coralyn Dahl
What excitement and what a win!  The delegation from Minnesota-Dakotas erupted with shouts, whistles and "kazzoing" as Stewart Ross's name was posted on the screen as a new trustee of Kiwanis International.  And they were not alone-so many of our friends across the nation showed their excitement over his election with (more)

Leading to Serve ... Minnesota Dakotas District Shines!   7/3/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Governor
What a great International Convention it was for the Minnesota Dakotas District! Delegates to the 2009 Kiwianis International Convention elected Past Governor Stewart Ross to the International Board of Trustees! The delegates recognized, as our district did almost 4 years ago, that Stewart has great capability and capacity (more)

Update from the District Secretary/Treasurer   7/3/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
Congratulations to Stewart Ross on his election to the position of Kiwanis International Trustee.  It has been many years since we have had someone from our district on the International Board of Trustees.  Special thanks and congratulations to all of the committees and individuals that helped with the very fun, exciting (more)

Kiwanis International Convention Update   7/2/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
Kiwanis ICON Update The convention in Nashville was a huge success!  For details on new Kiwanis officers, trustees and amendments passed go to www.kiwanisone.org.   You'll also find under "Announcements" you can learn a little more about registration information for next year's convention in Las Vegas!  Jay Leno is (more)

KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PURSUING SECOND WORLDWIDE SERVICE PROJECT   7/2/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : sh
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PURSUING SECOND WORLDWIDE SERVICE PROJECT   NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 27, 2009) – Kiwanis International, in 1994, made a pledge to help protect children from the scourges of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in its first Worldwide Service Project. Now, with the majority of the world’s children protected (more)

Service for the Children - District Service Project   7/1/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Coralyn dahl
Several months ago, I told you of a service project for children at a new camp for children which caters particularly to those with disabilities.  The camp is called Joy Ranch and is seven miles from Watertown, SD.  We will not be able to have a "hands on" experience, but each of us in our clubs can gather items to be used (more)

Designated Scholarships   7/1/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Jack Zierdt, Secretary/Treasurer Educational Found
The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota-Dakotas Kiwanis District Educational Foundation took action at their annual meeting on Saturday,  May 16, 2009, that new Designated Scholarships will no longer be accepted in to the program.  All of the present 40 Designated Scholarships will, however, continue to be honored and (more)

ST. CLOUD KIWANIS AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS    6/30/2009 - Club : Saint Cloud - Submitted by : Art Grachek, St. Cloud Publicity Chair
The St. Cloud Kiwanis Club awarded scholarships to graduating seniors from six area high schools. Recipients of the $600 scholarships are students who participated in the St. Cloud Kiwanis Club’s Junior Kiwanian program and were selected by their respective schools based on their record of service to their peers and/or (more)

K-KIDS HELP MAINTAIN KIWANIS GARDENS    6/30/2009 - Club : Saint Cloud - Submitted by : Art Grachek, St. Cloud Publicity Chair
Students from Lincoln Elementary School relax after helping maintain the Kiwanis Lake George flower gardens. The students are members of the K-Kids Club, a Kiwanis International program for children and sponsored by the St. Cloud Kiwanis. Nicole Borgstrom, Lincoln teacher, is the club advisor. K-Kids is a "student-led" (more)

Past Governors Lionel and Marion Muthiah Recognized   6/28/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
The Past District Governor's Association held their annual meeting in (more)

Stewart Ross Elected Kiwanis International Trustee   6/26/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
Stewart Ross was elected to the position of International Trustee on Friday, June 26 at the Kiwanis International Convention in Nashville.  Congratulations Stewart!

92nd District Kiwanis Convention Tours   6/22/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat and Larry Rittgarn
Tours, tours and more tours. Yes, the 92nd annual District Kiwanis Convention in Watertown, SD will again offer a great variety of tours for partners and Kiwanis members. Tours will include: Friday afternoon - the tour will be to the MELLETTE HOUSE The private home of South Dakota's first Governor, Mellette House was (more)

Workshops and Forums at the 92nd Annual District Convention   6/22/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat and Larry Rittgarn
FORUMS and WORKSHOPS at this years annual convention will include: Communication in the 21st Century (repeated) Guidelines for Working with Youth What is a Club Satallite, and how do I place it in Orbit What are the Kiwanis Foundations Lets look at our new District Web-site Panual Discussion on Sponsored Programs (more)

Kiwanis District Convention Golf Tournament   6/22/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn
PRAIRIE WINDS GOLF CLUB at 555 South Lake Drive, near Watertown, SD will be the location of the Kiwanis District Golf Tournament. The Golf outing will take place on Thursday Afternoon July 30, 2009. Tee off will be 1:30pm so plan to attend. There will be a shotgun start, and we will be playing best ball, so get (more)

Check list for this years 92nd annual Kiwanis convention   6/22/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat and Larry Rittgarn
Check List for the 92nd annual Kiwanis District Convention Books - Hard covers and paper backs for the book sale Western gear for Friday nights Family night Golf clubs for the Thursday afternoon Golf Tournament An open mind and the desire to have fun Shopping list for the Kiwanis Store

Charter Night for Baxter Lakes Area & Friends   6/18/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Marwin Bogue, Lt. Governor, Region 3 2008/09
The Kiwanis Club of Baxter Lakes Area & Friends held their charter dinner and program on Thursday June 18, 2009 at the Northland Arboretum in Baxter MN. Twenty five members had joined the club at the time of the organizational meeting on May 12 with one additional member joining on the Charter Night which was Baxter (more)

Kid' Fishing Clinic   6/10/2009 - Club : Coon Rapids - Submitted by : Lance Raygor, Public Relations Chair
Close to the Coon Rapids Dam near the Mississipi River a man made lake was created. It serves as a picnic area but also an event that happens every year called Kids Fishing Clinic. Certain stations are created on the grounds and near the water and kids between the ages of 5 and 14 register and then proceed to about nine (more)

Outstanding Year for St. Anthony Village Key Club   6/9/2009 - Club : Saint Anthony - Submitted by : Barb McIntyre, St. Anthony Kiwanis Advisor
The St. Anthony Village High School Key Club has had a terrific 2008-2009 year taking part in a variety of service projects and fundraising efforts. Some of the projects include Huskies Paw Project, NE Kiwanis Christmas Party, raking leaves for the elderly, Villagefest, ECFE Halloween Carnival, Wilshire Park Fun Fest, and (more)

Has your club participated in the annual Club campaign for the Kiwanis International Foundation   6/8/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : E."Chuck" Schroder
Has your club taken advantage of participating in the Kiwanis International Foundation Annual Club Gift program? If not, Why not? Each year, the Kiwanis International Foundation conducts its Annual Club Gift Campaign from October 1 Through September 30, to provide the Foundation with an unrestricted source of income. (more)

Leading to Serve ... Maximizing Summer Sunshine   5/31/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, District Governor
Summer is really here, it seems. With it comes all sorts of relaxing activities, including for, many, growing a garden. That should include every Kiwanian and every club planting seeds for membership growth. Last month I met with Past Governors of the Minnesota Dakotas District.  Each one present signed a memo and (more)

Update from the District Secretary/Treasurer   5/30/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
We still have 4 months left in the 08-09 Kiwanis year. You and your clubs have been doing many great things in the name of Kiwanis. Keep the momentum going! We also need to continue to open the Kiwanis door to new members. We need new members to share in this important service work and to share the fun as well. It is (more)

92nd Annual District Kiwanis Convention   5/28/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn
The Watertown Convention Center, in Watertown, SD will be the headquarters for this year's 92 annual District Convention. There are so many things planned for this convention, and the facility is probably the finest that we have ever had for our convention. You will be treated to some of the best entertainment, (more)

2009 Kiwanis District Convention SPECIAL EVENT   5/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn
Have you driven south on I-29 and on you way though Watertown, SD wondered what was inside the very beautiful building right next to the highway? Well this year when you attend the 2009 District Kiwanis convention, you will be treated to a tour of the TERRY REDLIN ART MUSEUM and have an opportunity to spend time there (more)

K-KIDS ACTIVITIES - Worthington, Minnesota   5/27/2009 - Club : Early Risers, Worthington - Submitted by : Dale Carlson, K-Kids Advisor
K-KIDS ACTIVITIES - 2008-2009 PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WORTHINGTON, MINNESOTA The K-Kids Club at Prairie Elementary School, Worthington, Minnesota just completed another successful year. This is the ninth year of the K-Kids Club at Prairie Elementary School. Approximately 90 students participated in this year’s (more)

Hats and Mittens for Needy Kids   5/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat and Lary Rittgarn
At the 92nd annual District Convention you can help to support a very needy cause and enjoy reading at the same time. This years used book sale at the District convention will be operated by the Watertown Key club members, and they will be raising money to provide Hats and Mittens for needy kids in and around Watertown. (more)

AKTION is EXCITING   5/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Carole and Dwain Petersen
Forming AKTION clubs in this District is an opportunity right in our own communities.  Many AKTION clubs have already been organized and are up and running.  The Mankato Downtown Kiwanis Club sponsored an ATKION Theater club that currently has 40 Developmentally Delayed talented actors.  In mid May, they performed a (more)

District Convention Service Project   5/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Coralyn Dahl, District Service Director
I hope you had the opportunity to look at the list of things we hope to gather for Joy Ranch in Watertown, SD.  I put a list in the May Minnekotan, so look back for ideas.  We need board games, balls, outdoor games, and even some music to share with the children, many of whom are disabled to come to the camp.  I hope you (more)

48th Birthday Celebration for Sioux Falls Kiwanis East   5/24/2009 - Club : Sioux Falls East - Submitted by : John Landegent, Pres.
Sioux Falls Kiwanis East had its 48th Birthday Celebration on April 25, 2009.   We had our party with spouses as our guest at the Cherry Creek Lounge which is the same place we have our regular meetings.  We were honored to have in attendance our past District Governor, Bill Daughtery and his wife Arlyce, our present Lt. (more)

Port of Duluth Kiwanis Awards $1,000 Scholarship   5/8/2009 - Club : Port of Duluth - Submitted by : Anna Tanski
The Port of Duluth Kiwanis Club recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Kacy Haatvedt, a junior at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.  Kacy is majoring in elementary education.  (Pictured: Monte Wittmann, Port of Duluth scholarship committee presents check to Kacy Haatvedt, CSS Circle K.)

Port of Duluth Kiwanis Sponsors Summer Youth Program   5/8/2009 - Club : Port of Duluth - Submitted by : Anna Tanski
Port of Duluth Kiwanis has sponsored the Kaleidoscope program at the Duluth Public Library for the past 28 years.  Kaleidoscope offers FREE entertaining and educational programs for children every Tuesday in July. Top performers from around the Midwest provide a valuable message through a variety of entertaining methods (more)

May is Membership Month   5/4/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Tadao Oda, International Trustee
Kiwanis International Trustee, Tadao Oda extends a special message and challenge to our district during May Membership Month.  Please click here to view his message.  Tadao Message.pdf

Start Registering Key Leader Participants Now   5/1/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Clover Ellingson, District Key Leader Chair
Register students for the Minnesota-Dakotas District Key Leader event the first weekend in October at Inspiration Point.    Click here to go to Key Leader website:       www.key-leader.org Consider sponsoring a few graduating 8th graders this spring and hand them out at their ceremonies. It is a great way to (more)

Leading to Serve ... Making the Next Five Months Count!   4/30/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Governor
With 5 months remaining in the Kiwanis year can we make them the best 5 months of the year?  Yes, we can!  I know we can! International President Don Canaday has declared May as Membership Month. Let's show him what the Minnesota Dakotas District can do by each club recruiting no less than 3 new members!  That is a high (more)

Update from the District Secretary/Treasurer   4/29/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
Following are some important reminders and updates: Call to Minnesota-Dakotas District Kiwanis Convention, July 30-Aug. 2 in Watertown, SD.  The Official Call to Convention letter will be sent by U.S. Mail to all Kiwanis Club secretaries the first week in May.  The mailing contains registration forms and also your (more)

Club Bulletin/Newsletter and Club Brochure Contests   4/28/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Colleen Hyde, District Administrative Director
CLUB BULLETIN/NEWSLETTER, 2009: A club bulletin/newsletter is a periodical document that informs club members and others of news and happenings from within the club, region, district, and international organization that would be of interest to the reader. It will be judged in a number of areas, such as appearance, (more)

Entertainment Headliner for District Convention   4/28/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat and Larry Rittgarn
Greg Hanson and the "Backroads" country western group will headline our (more)

District Convention Saturday Key Note speaker   4/28/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat & Larry Rittgarn
BILL ZUBKE, retired teacher, Motivational Speaker, and Fudge Maker Extraordinaire will be our featured Key Note speaker. Bill was born in Webster, SD - lived and went to school in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota (isn't that convenient for our group?) - Graduated from Moorhead State in 19XX -Taught at Fargo (more)

Lowell Disrud Announces Candidacy for Governor Elect 2009-2010   4/28/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Lowell Disrud, Candidate for Governor Elect
In March of 2000, a long time good friend, Don Peterson, invited me to join Fargo Rough Riders Kiwanis.  Since then I have enjoyed the friends and fellowship of Kiwanis as well as the many opportunities to join in providing service to our community, especially the children.   I have had the opportunity to serve as (more)

New District Shirt Selected   4/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy
Pictured wearing the prototype of the new Minnesota Dakotas District shirts are Governor Bill Lardy (wearing men's large) and Past Governor Jean Collins (wearing ladies' medium).  The shirts will have the Minnesota Dakotas logo on them. It has been a few years since we have had District shirts available for sale.  These (more)

Scholarships Awarded   4/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Jack Zierdt, Sec/Treas Educational Foundation
The judging has been completed for the 2009 Scholarships from the Kiwanis Educational Foundation.  As of this date we have notified 53 scholarship winners for the 2009 - 2010 academic year.  As this is being written half of the winners have sent back their acceptance form for their $850.00 scholarship. The Port of (more)

READY TO RUN    4/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Jodi Isert, Kiwanis Interntional
Ready, set, recruit! May has been deemed membership month for Kiwanis and it's time for us all to do our part. Every one of us know people who have Kiwanis hearts-who have time, talent and treasure to share to help make a better world for children. Every one of us know men and women whose work with children-as (more)

Region One Growth Summit and CLE – June 6th in Bismarck    4/27/2009 - Region : 01 - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn, Dist. Education Director
This is an opportunity of a life time for you and your Kiwanis club members. On Saturday June 6th, 2009 you are all invited to attend a combined CLE (Club Leadership Education) program along with a Growth Summit session. This total Education day will be led by Stewart Ross, certified instructor from Mankato, MN. (more)

"Kazoo for Stew" Don't Miss the Deadline!   4/26/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Coralyn Dahl
Have you registered for the Kiwnais International Convention yet?  Don't miss out on this historic convention.  We have a top notch candidate for International Trustee, Former Governor Stewart Ross - and we need everyone possible from the Minnesota-Dakotas District to be there. You might say, "Someone else from my club (more)

Kids Against Hunger-Kiwanis One Day, Stewartville, MN   4/26/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Denis Cornell, Lt. Gov. Elect, Region 7
Kiwanis One Day, April 4, 2009 found 315 volunteers at the Stewartville, MN Civic Center to support Kids Against Hunger and package 109,728 highly nutritious meals to be shipped world-wide in the battle against hunger and starvation.  The record number of meals packaged eclipsed the previous record of 82,416 meals packaged (more)

District Convention 2009 will soon be here   4/26/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry & Pat Rittgarn
The 92nd annual District Convention for the Mn-Dak District will be coming very soon, and you can now read all about in this issue of the Minnekotan. We have so many fun things planned and the City of Watertown, SD is preparing to welcome you all to their city on July 31, August 1st & 2nd, 2009. There will be (more)

CLE (Club Leadership Education)   4/26/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn
Club leaders, you are urged to get registered for the CLE (Club Leadership Education) sessions that are scheduled for your region in May and June. Registration information was mailed to all club secretaries in early May and you must register and prepay for the session that you plan to attend, so check with your (more)

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY K-KIDS OBSERVE EARTH WEEK   4/26/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Dawn Fairbrother, District K-Kids Administrator
Riverside Elementary K-Kids, sponsored by the Rochester Day Makers Kiwanis Club, observed Earth Week by cleaning up the planters at the front entrance of the school.  They also picked up litter from the school ground and neighboring streets. Earlier in April, they decorated grocery bags with ideas for conserving energy (more)

Citizenship Award   4/24/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Joe Hesch
To All Kiwanis Clubs in the Minnesota-Dakotas District: Each year the Past District Officers Association (PDOA) selects a person or person(s) from within the Minnesota-Dakotas District to receive the “Citizenship Award.” Nominees are submitted by Kiwanis Clubs of the Minnesota-Dakotas District. The award (more)

AKTION IS IN ACTION!   4/24/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Carole & Dwain Petersen, Aktion Club Administrator
Kiwanis International can be most pleased with their innovative plan for AKtion clubs. The MNDAK district is catching the fever and finding the sponsored AKtion clubs are now enhancing the motto of WE BUILD. In talking with club members at the Region 6 conference in Hutchinson, we heard comments and questions regarding the (more)

Joy Ranch is this year's District Service Project   4/23/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Coralyn Dahl, District Service Director
This month I am presenting a new service project for all of us - and we don't have to have it completed until the end of July - at the district convention to be exact!  Our district convention will be in Watertown, SD this year and seven miles out of Watertown is an area that will be soon completed as "Joy Ranch."  (more)

My Kindergarten Book: a New Resource for a Service Project for Young Children: Priority One   4/23/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Ann Backes Dodge
This past February I presented at the MnSACA Conference in St. Paul.  This conference is for daycare providers, Head Start educators,and preschool teachers.  I met Angele Sancho Passe, author of My Kindergarten Book at the conference when she attended my workshop.  I received a copy of My Kindergarten Book and have had a (more)

KEY CLUB INTERNATIONAL TAPES FRIDLEY KEY CLUB   4/22/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Will Earley, Publicist & Sara Schuefftan, Pres.
A Key Club International crew from Indianapolis taped the Fridley High School Key Club in action Thursday, April 16.  They taped a 150 member Focus meeting conducted by Past President Kate Parrott and President Sara Schuefftan.  They also interviewed Past President Kate Parrott, Minnesota-Dakota Key Club Governor Emmi (more)

6 Sioux Falls Kiwanis clubs unite with One Day project to accomplish food pack preparations    4/20/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : John Landegent, president of Sioux Falls Kiwanis E
To accomplish the annual Kiwanis One Day Project, 50 plus members from the six Sioux Falls Kiwanis Clubs met at the Community Food Banks to assemble food packs to be distributed to needy children in the Sioux Falls elementary schools. On Wednesday evening at 6 PM we formed a double assembly line to fill food packs with: 2 (more)

The Joy of a Child   4/8/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Chuck Schroder
Around the world, more than 1 billion children need shelter, food, healthcare, education, and LOVE. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to reach them all. But we are trying, and we have helped. Kiwanis Service Leader-ship Programs are leading the way-growing by leaps and bounds - and making immeasurable positive (more)

Spiritual Aims - Ten more ideas   4/3/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Rodger Wetzel, Chair, District Spiritual Aims
Kiwanis - Spiritual Aims Projects                 by Rodger Wetzel, Chair, District Spiritual Aims Below are examples of 10 additional potential spiritual aims projects for consideration by your club's Human and Spiritual Aims Committee.  Choose one or two to implement this year or next club year.  The original 10 were (more)

Leading to Serve ... Opportunities for Service   4/1/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Governor
Kiwanians in the Red River Valley, and along other swollen rivers, unfortunately have had many opportunities to serve.  My wife, Dixie, and I extend our heartfelt concerns to those whose lives have been disrupted by flooding rivers.  We hope that soon things will be back to normal and damaged property restored.  Residents (more)

Update from the District Secretary/Treasurer   3/31/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Secretary/Treasurer
Monthly Club Reports: Thanks again to all club secretaries that submit their club reports online each month.  Their reports provide very valuable information to the district officers and Kiwanis International. (Reminder to club secretaries: Be sure that your club monthly reports are submitted online by the 10th of each (more)

Kiwanis International Distinguished Member Awards for 2007-2008   3/30/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard
Dave Curry, Immediate Past International President recently announced the recipients of the 2007-2008 Kiwanis International Distinguished Member Award. The criteria for the 2007-2008 awards were as follows: • Recruit two (2) new members. • Attend either a Mid-Winter Conference or District Convention. Equivalent (more)

Volunteers hit the Fargo/Moorhead Area Just as Hard as the River   3/29/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Clover Ellingson
Volunteers came from all over the nation.  Classes at school were canceled.  National News came to report.  Our community was praised by Obama for our service to our community.  But to be here to live and see it, that's another story.      Last week Monday and Tuesday, students from the high schools were let out to go (more)

Merald Enstad Guest Speaker at Alexandria Kiwanis   3/29/2009 - Club : Alexandria - Submitted by : S.Handegaard
Merald Enstad, Past Kiwanis International President and current member of the Fergus Falls Noon Kiwanis, was guest speaker at the Alexandria Kiwanis Club on Monday, March 23.  As a thank you and token of their appreciation the Alexandria Club presented Merald with a framed proclamation from the mayor of Alexandria (more)

CLE (Club Leadership Education)   3/24/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn, District Director of Education
The Minnesota Dakota Certified instructors are prepared to begin the education programs for all of the 2009-2010 class of leaders, including all of the President-elects, Secretaries, and Treasurers, plus any other members that would like to attend and see what it is like to become a leader of your Kiwanis Club. Sessions (more)

District Education Foundation Century Club Donations Needed   3/18/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Dale Carlson, Dist. Educ. Found Board Member
CENTURY CLUB Century Club donations to the MN-DAK District Kiwanis Educational Foundation are currently lagging behind the usual pace of giving during the Kiwanis year.  Economic times are difficult for all individuals and clubs but our students need our scholarship help more than ever.  Please encourage your club to (more)

Kiwanis One Day   3/14/2009 - Region : 07 - Submitted by : Kathy Welle
KIWANIS ONE DAY MN-Dakotas Region 7, Kiwanis Clubs will recognize Kiwanis One Day, April 4, 2009. Several Kiwanis Clubs are bringing the spirit of service alive by hosting "Kids Against Hunger" food campaign on April 4, 2009.  The event will take place at Fridley Middle School, 6100 W. Moore Lake Drive, Fridley, MN  (more)

Stewart Ross for International Trustee   3/1/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Coralyn Dahl
The committee to elect Stewart Ross as Kiwanis International Trustee has begun sending out brochures around the world.  We hope that by the time you read this, each club president will have one to share with his/her club and that all the district leaders will also have one to share.  We thank all who helped in getting this (more)

Leading to Serve ... Aware of the Past, Concentrating on the Future   2/28/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Governor
February is transition month: The weather is cold one day, warm the next. Spring seems just around the corner but winter won't let go.  That seems to be the case for our District, too.  The District Office received a letter of termination from the New Rockford, ND club. It is disappointing news.  But even so, we must (more)

Immediate Past Governor Bill Daugherty Announces 2007-2008 Distinguished Clubs   2/27/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : sh
We are proud to announce that the following clubs met the necessary Kiwanis International criteria to qualify for the 2007-2008 Distinguished Club Award. Region 2 Fargo South Point Region 3 Brainerd Grand Rapids Region 5 Sioux Falls Region 6 Albert Lea Early Risers, Worthington Jackson more)

Update from the District Secretary/Treasurer   2/25/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard,District Sec/Treas
Just a reminder that your club can submit articles to appear on the District Website and the Monthly MINNEKOTAN. We are especially looking for unique and successful hands on service projects. You can also submit one photo with each article. To submit an article go to “News” on the district webpage and click on “News Story (more)

A "Vantine Life Fellowship" As a Recognition   2/19/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Allen Herrboldt, Dist. Educ. Found Trustee
When our clubs recognize a fellow Kiwanian for outstanding service, we tend to give a plaque to the recipient.  The plaque is a visual representation of the recognition.  What tends to happen with the plaques and trophies that are received from the workplace, athletic groups, Kiwanis Clubs, and other organizations we may (more)

District Dinner & Cruise at International Convention   2/19/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy
------------DINNER CRUISE SOLD OUT-------------- The Minnesota Dakotas District Board decided in January at the Tri-K Winter Meeting in Fergus Falls to accept an invitation from the Nebraska Iowa District for a joint dinner during the International Convention in Nashville.  Subsequent discussions have (more)

2008-2009 Interclubbing   2/18/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Joe Hesch
It's nearly spring time already after a pretty cold winter as we all know. It's time to get out and enjoy the warm weather by visiting your Kiwanis friends or making new friends. One the best ways of doing that as well as learning valuable tips and gaining experiences is through visiting other K Family club meetings. (more)

Kiwanis International Foundation   2/17/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Chuck Schroder, KIF District Chair
Last year at the district convention held in Moorehead, MN, many of you got to see a first for our district. Ryan Jorgensen was at the convention to receive the District Past Officers Associations Citizensship Award. What Ryan didn't know was that he was also going to receive the Kiwanis International's Robert P. Connelly (more)

The Value of An Interclub   2/16/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Allen Herrboldt. Lt Governor Region 5
An interclub is the act of at least two members of a Kiwanis club visiting another K-Family club.  This is an excellent way to build a relationship with other Kiwanis members and Kiwanis clubs.  The interclub can serve as a source of rejuvenation of a club by the visitors observing how meetings are conducted at other (more)

Leading to Serve ... Planning to Lead   1/31/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Governor
With two-thirds of the year left there is still much time to get your club on track to lead the District, and your community, in service. Here are just a few suggestions that, if implemented, will help. >Membership Growth:  Schedule a Growth Summit now.  Arrange with District Membership Chair Stewart Ross for a (more)

KAZOO FOR STEW!   1/30/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Coralyn Dahl
The campaign committee to elect Stewart Ross as Kiwanis International trustee is going "full steam ahead."  We have met, emailed and agreed on shirts, colors, slogan, brochure, buttons and bags.  In the months ahead you will all be hearing a lot concerning this campaign, but the important thing to do right now is to make (more)

Update from the District Secretary/Treasurer   1/29/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Sec/Treas
Lt. Governor Elect Candidates: We are still in need of Lt. Governor Elect Candidates in some regions. Contact your current Lt. Governor if interested. The Lt. Governor Education program will take place May 1-3, 2009 in Fergus Falls. Governor Elect Candidates: If you are interested in running for Governor Elect for (more)

Kiwanis International Dues Task Force Recommendations   1/26/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, Dist Sec/Treas
The Kiwanis International Dues Task Force was asked to examine all revenue sources and recommend how the organization could best adjust and simplify our dues and fees structure to support the growth and service objectives of the organization.   Some of the changes will be be considered as bylaw amendments at the Kiwanis (more)

Region 7 Growth Summit   1/24/2009 - Region : 07 - Submitted by : Denis Cornell, Lt. Gov. Elect
The first of two Growth Summits in Region 7 was held on January 10, 2009 (more)

Service & Young Children:Priority One   1/21/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Coralyn Dahl, District Service Director
This month, I am combining Service and YCPO to remind all of us that Kiwanis' continuing service emphasis is called, "Young Children: Priority One." Some of you may say, "Well, we know that," but our new members may not know of our work with these very young children.  So just to remind you all, and quoting from the YCPO (more)

Circle K is the Kiwanis life line   1/21/2009 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Ann Backes Dodge
Circle K members are the life line to the Kiwanis organization.  They have proven they are dedicated, they have shown they have leadership skills and we know they are EXCELLENT prospective Kiwanis members.   Below are some facts from ten years ago, unfortunately there has not been much change. ·         43% of sponsoring (more)

Kiwanis Clubs Working Together   1/20/2009 - Region : 03 - Submitted by : Marwin Bogue, Lt. Governor, Region 3
Hello fellow Kiwanians.  I would like to visit with all of you about Kiwanis clubs working with each other.  One of the personal satisfactions in Kiwanis that I have is when I am working on a service project not only with my own club but when my club is sharing the service project with another club. When I have visited (more)

First Kiwanis Club Satellite Formed   1/13/2009 - Club : Saint Cloud - Submitted by : Art Gracheck, Public Relations Chair, St. Cloud Ki

A Kiwanis club satellite was formed on January 7 with the induction of 13 members into the Crow River club satellite.  The St. Cloud Kiwanis Club is the host club for the new satellite that is located in the Albertville-St. Mich