Governor Tom and First Lady Lin Varner Make Their 'Official Governor's Visit' to Division 17!

A Brief Photo Essay by Past Governor Bob Cressy

 

Friday, January 14

 

Governor Tom Varner and First Lady Lin Varner (shown with Dale Kane on the left) made their Official Visit to Montgomery County, Maryland, and Division 17 on a cold, clear, but not snowy night. The event was held at the home of the Leisure World Kiwanis Club in Silver Spring and was hosted by Lt. Governor Joyce Sharon.  "Official Governor's Visits" are a tradition throughout Kiwanis International with the purpose of having an occasion to meet Kiwanians on an informal, personal basis at a dinner in the Governor's honor. 

 

Our Capital District Governor and First Lady met with twenty one Kiwanis divisions in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia during their year.   The Governor first meets with the club presidents and others to hear reports on club activities, successes and concerns.  He shares his ideas to improve our service to our communities.   Then, it's on to the social hour, a nice dinner and a program recognizing Kiwanis member's achievements and inducting five new Kiwanians. 

 

Governor Tom shared his message on the importance of sharing Kiwanis personally, that is through direct eye to eye contact, and through direct conversation, person to person, rather than letting the electronics of cell phones, i-phones, i-pads, droids, face book, twittering, el al.  People are social beings and it's important to maintain a high level of personal interaction.  Kiwanis meetings and doing 'hands on' service projects keeps the human spirit alive.

 

Division 17 has eight clubs and an Aktion Club, plus a new club nearing completion.  The clubs sponsor eighteen, that's right, eighteen Key Clubs.  There was a Key Club President's Council Meeting (PCM) held by Key Club Lt. Gov. Tripti Soni that evening as well.  Both were held at the Leisure World Club House.

 

Well, the best way to get a view of the highlights is to see the brief photo essay pictures.

Thanks Tom and Lin for your visit.  Thanks to all of you for your service to your communities and Service Leadership Program sponsored clubs.  Enjoy our photos!