Time to Convene   7/1/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair, District Governor
As I write this, Phyllis and I have just returned from the International Convention in Las Vegas. What a convention it was! Nearly 7000 Kiwanians from all over the world came together to celebrate our successes and exchange ideas for more ways to serve our communities and meet the needs of children throughout the world. I (more)

July 2010 Update   7/1/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Sec/Treas
A total of 92 Minnesota-Dakotas Kiwanians and 28 guests represented our district at the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas, June 24-26. If you were not able to join us at the International Convention, you can see, hear, and read about all the action on the Kiwanis International Convention’s Web pages at  (more)

Minnesota Dakotas Education Foundation...An Opportunity Fund   6/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bill Lardy, Foundation Board Member
The Minnesota Dakotas Education Foundation this spring awarded 54 scholarships to deserving students in our 3-state District. These students were chosen to receive the scholarships based on their superior applications and recommendations from 3 references. For these 54 students the funds represent additional support of (more)

93rd Annual District Convention   6/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat and Larry Rittgarn
Early registration will continue until July 15. $110 until July 15. After July 15 registration will be $140. Register Now!! The 93rd annual Kiwanis District Convention is headed to Fargo on August 13-14-15, 2010 and will convene at the Fargo Doublewood Inn and Conference center at 1:00pm sharp. This year the (more)

District Convention Service Project   6/29/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Mary Sieling, District Service Director
This year’s Service Project will be collection of the items below for delivery to the Fargo-Moorhead YWCA. Please bring all donated items with you during the Saturday afternoon’s Service Project Time Frame 2:00 to 2:45 or look for collection container at the Convention. CLICK HERE for printable flyer Most Urgent (more)

Hendricks Kiwanis Pedestrian Bridge Enjoyed by Many   6/24/2010 - Club : Hendricks - Submitted by : Julie Hogie
The Hendricks Minnesota Kiwanis Club provided funds for the Lake Hendricks pedestrian bridge as seen in the attached picture.  The bridge allows children and adults a pleasant walking path connecting the boat docking and beach with the park and playground area.  The bridge is located over the lake outlet which (more)

HOW IS YOUR CLUB DOING IN MEMBERSHIP GROWTH   6/23/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Chuck Schroder
It's not to late for your club to be on the positive side on membership growth. Did your club have a new member drive in the month of May as requested by president Paul? If not, why not do it now? It is never to late to bring in a new member into the worlds greatest service organization. I'm sure that each of you (more)

Hibbing Kiwanis...90 Years Young   6/23/2010 - Region : 03 - Submitted by : Scott Mescher, Lt. Gov -Region3
Our Kiwanis club in Hibbing began 90 years ago on June 23, 1920. That's 90 years of Hibbing Kiwanis volunteers making a difference in the lives of their friends and neighbors and especially the youth of our community. Today our 30 Hibbing Kiwanis members work on fun annual projects like our pancake feed, our fishing (more)

Thief River Falls Kiwanis Picnic in the Park Fundraiser   6/22/2010 - Club : Thief River Falls - Submitted by : Paulette Odette
Thief River Falls Kiwanis hosted its annual picnic for the community on (more)

Picnic Shelter Completed for Northrup Park in Thief River Falls   6/22/2010 - Club : Thief River Falls - Submitted by : Paulette Odette
Thief River Falls Kiwanis donated Picnic Shelter for the Northrup Park to compliment the Playground equipment previously donated.

BOOK-BOOKS-BOOKS   6/20/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry & Pat Rittgarn
Yes, there will be another used book sale at this years District Kiwanis Convention, so start sorting them now.  Bring all of your books, paper backs, hard covers, etc., to the District Convention at the Doublewood Inn, in Fargo, ND on August 13-14-15, 2010. Plan now to bring a load of books and also to take home a (more)

Builders Club - Building relationships, building community   6/2/2010 - Club : Brainerd - Submitted by : Jean Collins
The "Brainerd Dispatch" newspaper recently published an article about the The Forestview Builders Club, sponsored by the Brainerd Kiwanis Club.  The Builders Club has about 28 members this year, mostly seventh- and eighth-grade students.  You can view the story and a photo on the (more)

June 2010 Update   6/1/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Sec/Treas
It is Kiwanis Convention time again! Both the District and International Conventions will provide some great learning and fun times this summer. To date 6040 registrations have been received for the 95th Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas. So far we have 88 members and 27 guests attending from our (more)

Time to Reflect   6/1/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair
It is hard to believe that our Kiwanis year is two thirds gone, and that I have only 4 short months left in my year as Governor of the MNDAK District. For Phyllis and me it has been a busy time, and we look forward to even more opportunities as we complete our year. I look at the beginning of June as somewhat of a turning (more)

Revised Interclub Award Due Date   5/31/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : S. Handegaard
Reminder…..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 must have a minimum of 8 different clubs visited. (more)

International Convention Delegates: Be informed before you vote   5/31/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : S. Handegaard
Whose names are on the ballot? What bylaws changes are being proposed? It’s best you know what you’re voting on before you enter the Business Session—so read up on the amendments and resolutions (http://community.kiwanisone.org/media/p/18324/download.aspx) and learn more about the candidates ( (more)

Coming Soon- Online Club Billing Roster Processing   5/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Sec/Treas
Week of August 23  Traditional billing roster (paper) will be mailed to clubs, with instructions for filing online.  After October 2010, all club membership rosters will be filed electronically.  No more “group billing cycles”… all clubs will now be billed annually, effective October 2010. Updated (more)

Kiwanis International Foundation   5/25/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Chuck Schroder
HELP-HELP-HELP-HELP-HELP Dear fellow Minn/Dak KIwanians, We are in need of your club's help by contributing to the international Foundation annual clubs gift campaign. At the present time 69% of our clubs have not participated in the program. This means that we will not be able to give out the scholarships to the Key (more)

K-Kids Activities 2009-10, Prairie Elementary School, Worthington, M   5/25/2010 - Club : Early Risers, Worthington - Submitted by : Dale Carlson
The K-Kids Club at Prairie Elementary School, Worthington, Minnesota just completed another successful year.  This is the tenth year of the K-Kids Club at Prairie Elementary School.  Approximately 60 students participated in this year's K-Kids Club.   Here is a listing of the activities for (more)

What has your club done to promote membership?   5/25/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Ann Backes Dodge
May was Kiwanis Membership Month.  So, what did your club do to promote membership?  What also happens at the end of May through the middle of June?  College Graduation. If your Kiwanis club sponsors a Circle K Club, do you know where your graduates are going?  Are they staying in the (more)

MARCH OF DIMES MONEY MADNESS   5/24/2010 - Club : Fridley-Columbia Heights-Golden K - Submitted by : Ali Sandberg, Co-Chair
On the week of May 10-14, 2010, the Fridley High School Key Club sponsored a new project called “March of Dimes Money Madness.” Key Club has a long standing relationship with the March of Dimes Foundation, an organization which improves the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births and infant (more)

Kiwanis Khorale 2010   5/22/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry & Pat Rittgarn
The Kiwanis Khorale will once again be performing at the 2010 District (more)

93rd Annual District Convention Friday Night event   5/22/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat and Larry Rittgarn
Kiwanians get out the saddle shoes, poodle skirts, and all of that gear that was so popular in the 50's because we are going to rock to the 50's on Friday Night at the 93rd annual Kiwanis District Convention.  The Fargo Doublewood Inn will be the place and all of you will be rockin' to the 50's music and enjoying a (more)

District Convention Key Note Speaker   5/22/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn
This year you want to be in the convention center when it opens at 1:00pm on Friday afternoon, August 13th, 2010, at the Doublewood Inn, in Fargo, ND. Our Key Note speaker this year will set the pace for an exciting and motivational convention of sharing and learning. Shortly after the convention opens we will be (more)

Bag up your BOOKs for the 93rd annual Kiwanis Convention   5/22/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry & Pat Rittgarn
BAG UP YOUR USED BOOKS!  At the 93rd annual Kiwanis Convention in Fargo, on August 13, 14,15, 2010 we will once again have a used book store, so watch for more details, and save those books.  Bring your books and plan to take a bag of "NEW TO YOU" books back home. All proceeds will go to charities in the Fargo (more)

Time to Build   4/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair
As you know, May is membership month, and I know many of you are already busy with your membership committee exploring ways to bring more people in your community to share the Kiwanis experience.  If your club doesn't have a plan in place, there is still time to do so.  Develop a plan to engage all club members (more)

Kiwanis International President Visits Minnesota-Dakotas District   4/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Dawn Fairbrother at the Request of Mary Dierbeck
The Minnesota-Dakotas District was honored to have Mr. Paul Palazzolo, Kiwanis International President, come for a Minnesota-Dakotas Official Visit to our District and take part in the “Kiwanis Family Celebration” and “Kiwanis One Day” activities.  April 10th was a fantastic day for all those who joined in the (more)

May 2010 Update   4/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Sec/Treas
Following are some important reminders and updates: Call to Minnesota-Dakotas District Kiwanis Convention, August 13, 14, 15, 2010 in Fargo, ND. 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)

Past Governor Deaths   4/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : S. Handegaard
Our Kiwanis Family lost two great friends and leaders this past week. We mourn the loss of Corlayn Dahl, Past Governor 2006-2007 and James Bekken, Past Governor 1991-1992. James Bekken – 1948-2010 James M. Bekken, 61, New Rockford, died May 3, 2010, in Rochester, Minn. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, (more)

Ortonville Kiwanis Club Golf Outing   4/29/2010 - Club : Ortonville - Submitted by : Richard Ash, Past President, Ortonville Kiwanis
Registration form     Ortonville Kiwanis Golf registration.pdf The Ortonville Kiwanis Club invites you to join us for another Annual “Golf Outing” on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 to be held at the Ortonville Golf Club. We are blessed to have a beautiful 18-hole golf course which provides challenging (more)

93rd Annual District Kiwanis Convention   4/29/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Pat & Larry Rittgarn, District Convention Director
As we prepare for the 93rd annual District Kiwanis Convention we are becoming very excited, and hope that you and your club will make sure to have a number of delegates and members in attendance. The convention will be August 13,14,15, 2010 in Fargo, ND at the Best Western Doublewood Inn and Conference Center. This year (more)

Educational Foundation Scholarships   4/27/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Jack Zierdt
The scholarship applications have now been read by judges throughout the Minnesota-Dakotas Kiwanis District.  On behalf of the students that applied for a scholarship and the Kiwanis Educational Foundation I would like to say thank you to all of the Kiwanis members that helped us in this process by reading and judging (more)

Goodbye Coralyn....We Will Miss You Greatly   4/25/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Stewart Ross, Kiwanis International Trustee
Coralyn Dahl passed away on Friday, April 23, 2010.  A simple sentence that means little to those who did not know her.  However, to those who were friends with, worked with, and knew her, it is a fact that needs to be read over and over to sink into our minds. I first met Coralyn at a Kiwanis function, what (more)

Convention FIRST TIMER'S Luncheon and reception   4/24/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry and Pat Rittgarn, District Convention Direct
At this years Kiwanis District convention in Fargo, ND on August 13,14,15, 2010 there will be another First TImer's luncheon and reception for all of the first time attendees at the convention. Each year for the past 4-5 years we have greeted the First Timers with this reception and luncheon, to help them become more (more)

District Leadership sessions (CLE)   4/24/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn, District Education Director
Club president-elects, secretaries, treasurers and all interested members, you are soon going to be attending your Club Leadership Education CLE session in your region. Be sure to watch for the information when it comes to your  club by mail, and make your reservations to attend the one nearest to you. The (more)

K-Kids Sponsor Easter Party   4/16/2010 - Club : Rapid City - Submitted by : Tom Allen, President Rapid City Downtown
On Tuesday, March 30th, 11 K-kids from General Beadle Elementary in Rapid City visited the Golden Living Center in Rapid City with boxes of Easter bags for its 67 residents.  Jean Clarie Hamblin, Community School Coordinator, Larry Meagher, Dean of Students at General Beadle, and Becky Fisher, Rapid City Downtown (more)

West Middle School Builders Sponsor Egg Hunt   4/16/2010 - Club : Rapid City - Submitted by : Tom Allen, President Rapid City Downtown
On March 31st the West Middle School Builders held an Easter egg hunt for the children of an Early Headstart Program located on the grounds of Soo San Hospital in Rapid City.  The Builders constructed baskets from recycled milk jugs. They placed some grass and candy inside each.  They had raised the money (more)

Region 2-Kiwanis ONE DAY-Kids Against Hunger   4/12/2010 - Region : 02 - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn
Region 2 came together on Kiwanis ONE DAY on April 10, and packaged 28,948 (more)

April 2010 Update   3/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Sec/Treas
Just a reminder! Graduated New Member Fee Schedule Goes Into effect April 1st: The International Board has adopted a graduated enrollment fee schedule for new members. The new rates go into effect on April 1, 2010. This means clubs will no longer pay a flat fee of $50 no matter when the new member joins. The fee will be (more)

Time to Make a Difference   3/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair, District Governor
There is no other way to put this, we need more members in Kiwanis. The need is so great. There are not enough eyes to see the needs of our communities or hands to meet those needs. There are so many people in all of our communities that just need that extra word of encouragement to come to the first meeting and see what (more)

Denis Cornell Announces Candidacy for Governor Elect for 2010-2011   3/30/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Denis Cornell
After receiving encouragement from a number of Kiwanians around our district and after a great deal of consideration, I am announcing my decision to seek the position of Governor Elect for the Minnesota-Dakotas District of Kiwanis International for the Kiwanis year 2010-2011. When I joined Kiwanis in 2003, I saw this (more)

K-Kids Charter Night   3/29/2010 - Club : Rochester Day Makers - Submitted by : Jack Zierdt
The second K-Kids Club in Rochester, MN sponsored by the Day Makers Kiwanis Club was chartered on Thursday, March 18th at Harriet Bishop Elementary School. Governor Bruce Klair and Region 7 Lt. Governor Denis Cornell were present to install the officers of the K-Kids.  They both helped with the induction of the (more)

Circle K District Convention   3/29/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Kacy Haatvedt
What do you get when you combine service, leadership and fellowship, with a bombdigity 80's theme? A very successful 2010 Minnesota-Dakotas Circle K District Convention! In early March, over forty Circle K members, representing all nine clubs of the Minn-Dak district attended DCON at Ruttgers' Sugar Lake Lodge in Grand (more)

Club Bulletin/Newsletter and Club Brochure Contests   3/29/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Colleen Hyde, District Administration Dir.
Click here Contest 2010.pdf to view the details for the 2010 Club Bulletin/Newsletter and Club Brochure Contests.  Entries are due June 1st.

Vantine Life Fellowships- Nominations Requested   3/29/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Jack Zierdt
We have an opportunity to recognize and thank some of our fellow Kiwanians.  We just learned that we will be receiving another donation from Past Governor Jeff McKinney to award a number of Vantine Life Fellowships, at our District Convention, again this August, in Fargo.   We would like to receive nominations (more)

Club Leadership Education    3/27/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry Rittgarn, District Education Director
CLE -Club Leadership Education sessions are starting to be scheduled, so club secretaries be sure to watch your mail for the registration information for sessions in your region. These sessions are meant for ALL newly elected Presidents and all officers that wish to attend. Many clubs have secretaries that have (more)

The CONVENTION is COMING AGAIN!   3/25/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Larry & Pat Rittgarn, Convention Co-Directors
August 13,14,15, 2010 will be the annual District Kiwanis Convention. This gathering of Kiwanians and their families will be at the Fargo Doublewood Inn, in Fargo, ND This convention will again give all of the Kiwanis delegates the opportunity to elect the new officers for the 2010-2011 Kiwanis year. (more)

Connections!   3/24/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Lionel Muthiah(Past Governor)
Marion and I moved to Newberg,OR last August and soon joined the local Kiwanis Club. We were welcomed by the leadership as well as the District Governor who sent us a note soon as he heard of our presence in Oregon! We also had a note of welcome from International President-elect Sylvestor Neal who was in the same (more)

DOUBLE YOUR GIFTS TO THE KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION   3/23/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : E. Chuck Schroder
Here is a chance for your club to get your gift to the Kiwanis International Foundation matched by Kiwanis International. By sending in your Clubs annual club gift or if you have already done so, your Skip a Meal contribution by April 30th 2010, Kiwanis International will match it. This is the first time I have seen this (more)

Citizenship Award   3/11/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Dale Carlson
TO ALL KIWANIS CLUBS IN THE MINNESOTA-DAKOTAS DISTRICT: Each year the Past District Officers Association (PDOA) selects a person or persons 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)

CENTURY CLUB- Minnesota-Dakotas Educational Foundation   3/10/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Dale Carlson
Century Club donations to the MN-DAK District Kiwanis Educational Foundation are currently lagging far behind the usual pace of giving during the Kiwanis year.  As of this date we have 10 clubs that have donated $100.00 or more to the Century Club Fund for this Kiwanis year.  We have two other clubs that have (more)

Hendricks Kiwanis sponsors Kids Against Hunger   3/7/2010 - Club : Hendricks - Submitted by : Harvey Buchholz & Julie Hogie
On February 27th, the Hendricks Kiwanis Club sponsored the "Kids Against Hunger" program, which brought in a huge truck loaded with raw materials to fill into bags which will be shipped to Haiti to feed the hungry children. The food consists of fortified soy, rice, vegetables, chicken flavoring, vitamins and minerals. The (more)

Love Kiwanis Style   3/2/2010 - Club : Vikingland, Moorhead - Submitted by : Vikingland Kiwanis
I know people fall in love and get married every day, so that's normally not big Kiwanis news.  But when was the last time that a Past President (Roger Willers), falls in love with the new President (Carlene Paulson).  I would guess not very often.  Their wedding is set for April 10th.  Please help in (more)

Time to Invite   3/1/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Bruce Klair, District Governor
Recently a Kiwanis Club asked me to write an article for their newsletter relating what Kiwanis means to me and how it has influenced my life.  It started me thinking about the first time I walked into a Kiwanis meeting and how my life has changed since that day. It was over 20 years ago when I was asked to do a program (more)

Goldfish and Hotdogs and Pies   2/28/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Paul Palazzolo, Kiwanis International President
What do cream pies, goldfish and hot dogs have in common?  They can all be elements of a successful effort to increase your club’s membership strength!  The answer seems peculiar, but I’ll explain.   As we highlight MAY as MEMBERSHIP MONTH, I hope your club is already planning something special that encourages Kiwanians (more)

Kiwanis Club of Baxter Minnesota Acquires Lakes Country Triathlon   2/28/2010 - Club : Baxter Lakes Area and Friends - Submitted by : Karl Samp, Club President
Highly Successful Event Held Annually on the Fourth Sunday of August in Baxter, MN The Kiwanis Club of Baxter Lakes Area and Friends has acquired all rights to the Lakes Country Triathlon. The Lakes Country Triathlon, held annually in Baxter Minnesota, has developed into one of the premier triathlons in the state, with (more)

Joining Diversity Kiwanis Club the Round About Way   2/27/2010 - Club : Sioux Falls Diversity - Submitted by : Duane TeWinkel
We have a recyled Kiwanis member.  I e-mailed her about some of her background and how she came to Diversity Kiwanis.  What follows are her own words. Hi Duane.  My journey to joining DKC started 20+ years ago.  I had been a member of the Mitchell, SD Kiwanis Club in the late 80’s and early 90’s.  I thoroughly enjoyed (more)

March 2010 Update   2/27/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Steve Handegaard, District Sec/Treas
Kiwanis International Board locks in the new Graduated New Member Fee Schedule: The International Board has adopted a graduated enrollment fee schedule for new members. The new rates go into effect on April 1, 2010. This means clubs will no longer pay a flat fee of $50 no matter when the new member joins. The fee will be (more)

Region 2 Governor's Visit   2/26/2010 - Region : 02 - Submitted by : Colleen Hyde, Region 2 Administrative Director
The Region 2 Governor's Visit will be held on Saturday, March 27 from 9:00-3:00 p.m. at Eide Bailly LLP in Fargo, N.D. An agenda and registration details can be found at the following link: Region 2 Governor Visit.doc

New Builders Club in Rapid City, SD   2/26/2010 - Region : 04 - Submitted by : Tom Allen, President of Rapid City Downtown
In late spring of 2009 then president Leo Zaug of Rapid City Westside Kiwanis and president-elect Tom Allen of Rapid City Downtown Kiwanis approached principal Doug Foley of West Middle School regarding the possibility of starting a Kiwanis Builders Club at the school. His response was positive, especially when the name of (more)

Region 3 Governor's Visit   2/26/2010 - Region : 03 - Submitted by : Scott Mescher, Lt. Governor, Region 3
To: Region 3 President’s and Secretary’s • The Region 3 Governor’s visit will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Amelia’s Family and Cuisine and Catering, 2601 First Avenue in Hibbing. Registration will be from 9:30 to 10:00 A.M. with coffee and doughnuts served. Lunch will be buffet style at noon. • All (more)

Kiwanis Stroller Donation   2/26/2010 - Club : Rapid City - Submitted by : Tom Allen, President Rapid City Downtown
At the beginning of the new Kiwanis year in October 2009, the board of directors of the Rapid City Downtown Kiwanis decided to specify where the monthly donations to Cornerstone Mission would be directed. Since the Kiwanis mission is to improve the lot of children and to change the world one child and one community at a (more)

Minnesota Governor Pawlenty Speaks at Hibbing Kiwanis Club   2/26/2010 - Club : Hibbing - Submitted by : Scott Mescher, Lt. Governor Region 3
Gov. Tim Pawlenty fielded questions from area residents concerned about the state’s budget, healthcare, education and more, during the Hibbing Kiwanis Club luncheon.

Fund Raising Fun   2/26/2010 - Club : Sioux Falls Diversity - Submitted by : Duane TeWinkel, Sioux Falls Correspondent
On the evening of February 22, 2010 12 members of the Diversity Club gathered at the Pizza Ranch on E 10th Street here in Sioux Falls to do a fund raiser.  It was a great opportunity to not only raise funds for two of projects but to also meet and greet with customers and talk about Kiwanis.  We netted $305.21 for our (more)

Guatelmalan Shoe Drive   2/26/2010 - Club : Sioux Falls Diversity - Submitted by : Duane TeWinkel, Sioux Falls Correspondent
The month of February has been a busy one for our own Carla Cooey.   In addition to family and church duties and responsibilities she has been busy getting things organized for the Guatemalan Shoe Drive which kicks off next week.  In addition to the $205.21 raised this past Monday night she has a received a commitment (more)

Local Jackson Kiwanis Club and Jackson Lions Club Kolaberate   2/23/2010 - Region : 06 - Submitted by : Mary Lou Drahota Region 6 Lt. Gov.
Two community organizations come together to help the needs in their community. On November 19, 2009 the Jackson Lions Club challenged the Jackson Kiwanis Club to a Chili Cook off to raise money for the local food shelf. With a little time and a lot of fun and great workers these two organizations put together a great (more)

MANDAN, N. DAK. BUILDERS CLUB RAISES FUNDS FOR HAITI   2/22/2010 - Club : Mandan - Submitted by : DARLENE VANDER VORST OF THE MANDAN KIWANIS CLUB
When the Mandan Middle School Builders Club began to think about a short term project that they could do for Valentines Day the ideas came in waves. Everything from the sublime to the ridiculous was suggested. Earlier students had thought about a party that involved a lot of good clean fun but when one of the students (more)

Recognition with Benefits   2/22/2010 - District : Minnesota-Dakotas - Submitted by : Allen Herrboldt, Board Member of Kiwanis Education
Five months of the 09-10 Kiwanis year has passed.  Many clubs may be looking at ways to recognize members for their service to children in their communities, leadership on a project, for recruitment of new members, or for many years of dedicated service.  I encourage you to look to the Kiwanis Educational Foundation, Inc. (more)

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 y