Good Things

by Governor Tom Ganse

They say all good things must come to an end. As usual, "They" don't know what they are talking about. The Capital District had a year to be proud of, and even as my time as your Governor draws to an end, the good things that we did this year will continue into the future. In fact, I believe they will only get better as we continue to catch up to technology and social changes, and our younger leaders with their newer techniques accelerate their movement into positions of leadership and attract more, younger members.

As most of you know, we concluded our 91st annual District Convention in Dover, DE, last month. For those of you who were able to attend, thank you for making the time in your busy schedules to join us. I'm sure you will agree that Convention Chair Charles Marks, his loyal sidekick Walt Rudy, the Convention Committee and the entire DELMARVA Region did a fantastic job hosting us. We started on time and ended on time, and in between, we were treated to some outstanding training, truly inspiring speakers, great food and some incredibly energetic and enjoyable entertainment. Oh yes, we also got a heckuva lot of business done, passing eight bylaw amendments, conducting two elections, two Board meetings, official visits and installation/retirement ceremonies.

Speaking of closing ceremonies, I want to thank the many Kiwanians that stayed with us after the Sunday House of Delegates to thank their outgoing leaders and show their support for the incoming leadership team. I also used that occasion to offer my farewell address. Although attendance was beyond imagination, over six thousand Capital District Kiwanians were unable to hear these parting words, so I invite you now to read the text version of that address, or to click on the links below to hear an audio recording.

As a District, you have accomplished amazing things this past year. I hope you will take the time to listen to this two-part presentation to gain a deeper appreciation for just how much you've done.

PART ONE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ7Cetp6huE&feature=channel

PART TWO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmyk6zb9iSM&feature=channel

I quickly lost count of the many inspiring Kiwanians I met as I toured the District these last few years. All I can say is "Wow!" I am forever grateful to so many of you who went beyond simply sharing a Kiwanis vision with me to actually take your place beside me as we worked to make a positive difference. I am especially grateful for those of you who transcended the Kiwanis bonds to become loyal friends and prayer warriors on my behalf as I faced some exceedingly difficult personal challenges. Thank you, thank you, thank you - a thousand times over!   .

In closing, I thank you for the humbling opportunity to serve you as your District Governor. The only way I will ever be able to repay this privilege is to redouble my efforts to serve you in some other District-level capacity, and so I look forward to supporting the District Growth Team and taking the helm of the District Long Range Planning Committee.

Thank you, once again, not only for everything you do for Kiwanis, but for everything you do to make your communities better places to live!

With a Kiwanis Servant's Heart
Tom Ganse
tganse@earthlink.net