Happy Halloween!

Wow - where did October go?  I'm waiting for all the ghosts and goblins to stop by and get their treats!  Nestle Crunch bars!  Yum!  I sure hope more than 15 stop by (that's the count right now!)

It's been an exciting couple of weeks.  On Friday, October 22, we distributed 40 dictionaries to the 3rd graders at Red Cedar Elementary School. 

 

President Sylvester was in town, so what better place to take him than to the MSU Dairy Store for some pumking spice and butter pecan ice cream.  We even had the chance to watch the staff make some ice cream!   After ice cream, we stopped by Spartan Stadium and introduced Sylvester to Sparty!  Great pictures!

Thanks to Michael for giving us an unscheduled tour ;)   The busy weekend continued with a trip to Novi for the Fall Club Leadership Education session where Sylvester spoke on The Eliminate Project.  After lunch, we all spent the afternoon working the Kids Against Hunger food packaging.  We packaged 30,000 meals.  Thanks to all our volunteers.  And yes, MSU won its football game against Northwestern.  All that packed into Saturday, October 23.

 

On Sunday, October 24 we finished with the Governor's Banner Exchange at Walnut Hills Country Club with President Sylvester giving the Keynote Speech.  Governor Bill gave his remarks and "officially" the year was off to a great start.

A quote for your day:
"Leadership is most important when the stakes are the highest, but it must be continuously developed, patiently nurtured, and tested with uncertainty if it is to be fully ready for those unforeseen crisis."

---Frances Hesselbein

St Johns 707 Kiwanis Meeting

This morning MSU Circle K club president Andrew and I traveled to the St. Johns for their 7am! meeting.  International President Sylvester in making his official visit to Michigan this weekend and he was visiting the St. Johns club.  Governor Bill and First Lady Jean were also in attendance.  The club honored their "Student of the Month", a cello player from St.Johns High School.  It was a very welcome and vibrant club meeting!  A great way to start off any day :)

International Student Reception

For the 7th year the Kiwanis club of East Lansing hosted a reception for international students.  I had the opportunity to spend time with students from Malaysia, China and Russia.  MSU Circle K helped out at the event.  President Simon and Sparty made guest appearances.  Another great event!

Kiwanis club of Charlotte, NC - October 2010

Travel is on Vacation

Yes, I'm home.  Back in East Lansing.  I spent the week in Charlotte, NC for the ACUHO-I / APPA Facilities Conference.  It was a great week of workshops and talking with colleagues from other institutions.  You know when you think you have it not so good?  Just talk to someone else doing the same type of work!  It's great to compare stories :)  I had the chance to visit with the Kiwanis Uptown Charlotte club for dinner night.  Thanks to Melissa, Val, Jon, Kassandra and John for a great evening.  I also attended the Kiwanis club of Charlotte for lunch.  Great meeting!  Great fellowship! Congratulations on all you do for the children of Charlotte. This was my last plane trip for the year.  Time to unpack all the suitcases!

Charlotte, North Carolina

It's Tuesday and I've safely made it to Charlotte, NC.  I'm attending the ACUHO-I/APPA Housing Facilities Conference representing Michigan State.  Go Green!  You know I had to put that in there :)  After arriving at the hotel, I quickly registered for the conference and went for some lunch.  Back to the room and I caught up on a few more emails.  Dinner tonight was with my friends from the Kiwanis Uptown club - Kassie, Melissa, Jon, Val and Tony.  It was great to talk about life - and Kiwanis, of course.  K Gnome came home!  The conference starts bright and early tomorrow with breakfast at 7:30am.  I'm going to find it in me to get up early and go for a walk since I'll be sitting in workshops all day.  I believe I'll even have some time to relax while I am here.  Until next time, ....

Saturday, October 9

Wow!  Another great Spartan win against those Wolverines!  It's been 3 years since we lost to UM in football AND 1071 days...and counting... since they beat us in either football or basketball!  It's a great day to be a Spartan!!  Just like every other day of the year!  Go State!!

I returned home from my first board meeting as a Kiwanis International Trustee last Wednesday.  It was a great experience.  I enjoyed getting to know my colleagues - all who are dedicated to serving Kiwanis family members throughout the world.  I always kept the member - in my mind - as I made decisions and had discussions with fellow board members.  I'm sure they did as well.  So what happens at a board meeting?

Day 1 - orientation for the new board members
Day 2 - a strategic planning retreat with the Kiwanis International Foundation Board
Day 3 & 4 - committee work - I serve on the Education Committee and the Governance Committee.  A report is compiled of the consent, action and information items that will be presented to the full board.  After the report is written and typed, it is redistributed to the committee members for review and corrections, if any.
Day 5 & 6 - the full board meets to conduct business.  Each committee presents their report and action is taken as needed.

It's a full 6 days of activity.  Don't worry, we did get breaks to eat and sleep time!  President Sy ended the meeting with a charge to "Light the Kiwanis Fire".  I am.  Are you?

Thursday, September 30

Wow! I'm here in Indianapolis getting ready for my first board meeting as a Kiwanis International Trustee. I drove in from Lansing on Wednesday night and stayed with my brother, sister-in-law and nephews.  Today I visited with mom and dad. 

We started with a nice dinner tonight and a chance to get reaquainted.  An early evening for many of us before the schedule takes off on Friday.  Breakfast is before our first meeting at 8:30 a.m.   I'll update you later on Friday.  Go Green!

On the Road...Again

It's the ending of a Kiwanis year and time to start new.  Congratulations to our outgoing officers and thank you for all you've done to better your club and your community.  To our new officers, get ready to go! The countdown has begun. So with the new year, officially starts my three-year term on the Kiwanis International Board.  I'm leaving on Wednesday, September 29 for Indianapolis and the Kiwanis International Headquarters for my first board meeting.  Between training, committee meetings and the board meeting, I'll be busy, busy, busy.  And that's great!  I'm ready to get started.  I'll return to Lansing the weekend of October 8-10 just in time to unpack and pack for a trip to Charlotte, NC for the ACUHO-I/APPA Facilities Management Conference. 

Fall has arrived and I hope to work in a trip to the cider mill sometime soon.  Maybe I'll do that on the way to/fro Indianapolis.  Here's to a great trip!  See you all soon.

"Little Giants" Michigan State vs Notre Dame OT Fake Field Goal beats ND

Homeward Bound

The week has come to an end and it's time to go home.  It was a great week of learning and meeting new colleagues throughout APPA.  Yes, I saw some old friends as well :)  I'm heading home on the "redeye" from Phoenix to Lansing tonight in time to get home for the big football game!  That's MSU vs. Notre Dame for my fellow football fans!  Be sure to catch us on TV.  Go Green!!

Scottsdale...

Greetings from Scottsdale AZ!  It's been a busy week here at APPA training for MSU!  The weather is quite warm compared to Michigan.  105 degrees is 105.  Hot is hot!   Class is all day so by the time we get out it has cooled down to about 95!

I'm participating in my first board conference call this morning.  Several items on the agenda including Project Eliminate. Time to sign in. 

Catch up with you later!

It's Football Time!

Yes, it's finally football season!  For all of us college football fans, fall has arrived.  I'll be working the MSU game on Saturday as we host Western Michigan University.  I'll be in The Tower.  I'm looking forward to seeing all the Spartan fans and share in the excitement and pride for the great football team!  Go Green!  Go White!

We've been very busy here at MSU as everyone returned to school.  It's been great seeing the Circle K members and getting reconnected.  They have a busy year planned - like normal.  I'm ready!

I leave on Saturday, September 12 for an APPA Program in Scottsdale, AZ.  I know, I know... on the road again.  I'll be teaching a class on September 18 before I take the red-eye home so I can be back in time for the Notre Dame football game.  Did I tell you the game is at 8:00 p.m.?  Guess I'd better sleep on the plane this time!

Until next time, Go STATE!!

Home

Yes, I'm home for 2 weeks!  Do you believe it?  It's true.  I dropped off the clothes at the cleaners and there was no rush to get them back!  Exciting!  The Michigan District convention was so much fun!  It's the first time I've seen many of my friends since the election in Las Vegas.  I re-lived the convention over and over and over again.  WOW!  The convention was a great success.  Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen.  Traverse City was a great location and the weather was beautiful.  The staff at the Grand Traverse Resort was wonderful.  Congratulations to Bill Gohier from Haslett, our new Governor and Liz Luttrell-Wilson from Mason, our new Governor-Elect.  Governor Joan did a great job!  A special thanks to our executive director Al Dailey for all the coordinating and behind the scenes work.   Kiwanis Rocks!

Michigan District Convention

It's great to be home!  I'll be attending the Michigan District Convention this weekend. We'll be in Traverse City!  I'm excited to see all my Michigan Kiwanis friends - since it has been some time since Las Vegas!  Hope to see you there :)

Wisconsin - Upper Michigan Convention

Appleton, WI - a great little town for a District Convention of the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan District!  Congratulations to Governor Designate Lyle Plagenz and Governor Elect Fred Dietze on their election this weekend.  It was great to meet fellow Kiwanis members across the big lake and the Yoopers!  Workshop sessions included programs on leadership, membership growth, web pages and several more.  The opportunity to meet with Key Club and Circle K members was wonderful!  Key Club International President XieLi Wang was in attendance and did a great job speaking to the group.   Thanks for the Yooper candy bars and the Wisconsin Badgers blanket!  Keep up the great work!

New Orleans & Carnival Cruise

My first visit to the Louisiana, Mississippi, West Tennessee district was a blast!  How much more could you ask for when the District Convention is on a Carnival Cruise?  It was a wonderful, exciting, educational weekend.  Thanks to Charlie and Sharon Ford who treated me to breakfast at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans.  After breakfast, Charlie drove us to the dock where we all boarded the Carnival Triumph.  Checking in was a breeze and we were joined by LaMissTenn Kiwanis members for a quick lunch on the Lido Deck.  Over 170 K-Family members joined together in the Rio Lounge for the kick-off session.  Workshops were held on the second day and day 3 we spent in Cozumel.  All the normal Kiwanis business was conducted including the election of the 2010-2011 district board members.  Congratulations to the new officers:  Governor Linda, Governor-elect, Greg, immediate past governor Greg and Secretary/Treasurer Charlie.  Watch for more ifno.

Indiana Convention is Great!

Thanks to the Indiana Kiwanis members for a great weekend!  It was fun to spend the weekend meeting Kiwanians, Key Clubbers and friends and learning about Kiwanis in Indiana.  Governor Darwin did a great job leading the weekend's activities.  Past KIF President Jane brought a new excitement to the sessions!  Workshops were a success and well attended.  Congratulations to Governor-Designate Elaine and Governor-Elect Designate Mike on your successful campaigns.  It was good to see Past International President Don.  Great food!  Great friendships renewed and new friendships formed. 

After the convention ended, and a quick milkshake with friends Elaine, Jim, Jane and Gus, I headed to Champaign, IL for the Big 10 and Friendds Trainers Conference.  A great way to start the week! 

A quick trip home, laundry and packing for the next trip.  I leave Wednesday, August 11 for New Orleans and the LAMISSTENN District Convention.  We're off on a Carnival Cruise for 4 days with a stop in Cozumel.  I'll be back in Lansing on Monday. 

Once I get back home, I'll post all the pictures and the videos.  Have a great week!  I am :)

It's August

It's time to begin to pack for my trips this month. I leave on August 5 for the Indiana District Convention - my first trip as International Trustee.  Governor-Elect Elaine and I served on the Kiwanis International Foundation Board together.  I'm looking forward to her leading the Indiana District.  Our good friend Jane Erickson will be the keynote speaker for the weekend.  Jane served as the Kiwanis International Foundation President while Elaine and I served on the board.  It will be great to see Jane and her husbandd Gus.  You may remember that Jane nominated me for Trustee at the convention in Las Vegas.  Thanks Jane for a great nomination! 

I'm also working on the presentation for "The Eliminate Project.  I'm the speaker at my home club of East Lansing on Monday, August 2.

Watch for some videos and new pics to be posted after my visits.  I can't wait to try out my new FlipVideo Cam!

Have a great week!
Sue

Where has July Gone?

Do you know?  I don't.  I went to Boston, MA mid-July to attend the APPA (Higher Education Facilities) conference.  Our hotel was right across from the Harbor - it was beautiful.  One night we watched a thunderstorm roll in over the bay - lots of thunder and lightning.  We traveled the Freedom Trail - over 2 days - and I was reminded of our history.  Do you remember the Battle at Bunker Hill? 

We walked many, many miles.  Wish I would have had my pedometer!  Stopped at Cheers for lunch - haven't been there since Circle K International Convention in 1986!  Still the same great place!

Since I've been back, I've spent lots of time working - my real job - catching up from being out of the office between Kiwanis Convention, ACUHO-I and APPA. 

I'm also reading and learning about the 3 Kiwanis Districts I will counsel this upcoming year.  There definitely is lots of great things going on in the Kiwanis world!  My first visit to a District Convention is to Indiana the first weekend of August.  From there I will head to the Big 10 & Friends Training Conference in Champaign, IL.  Home for a day and then off to the LaMissTenn District for their first ever District Convention Cruise.  We're heading to Cozumel!  Once I return from New Orleans, I'll head to Appleton, WI for the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan District Convention.  And finally, the last week of August takes me to Traverse City for my home District Convention.  I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends - and making many new ones during my travels.

Signing off until next time...take care!

It's the Weekend!

Can you believe it's July 9 already?  I'm following the Key Club International Convention from Memphis, TN on the web!  Wow!!  Things sure have changed since I was in Key Club!  This is absolutely amazing.  Keep up the great work!

Kiwanis Counseling Assignments

Greetings to the districts of Indiana, Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee and Wisconsin-Upper Michigan!  These are the districts I will be working with over the next year.

I'll be visiting during the month of August for your District Conventions.  August 5-8:  Indiana.  August 12-16:  LAMISSTEN.  August 19-22:  WUM.  August 26-29:  I'll be home at the Michigan DCON in Traverse City, MI.

See you soon!

July 4th

Happy July 4th!  Did you know that it is the 234th birthday of the United States?  Happy Birthday USA! 

Wednesday June 30

Well, I'm home in Lansing.  Love the weather - much cooler than Austin!  It's back to work tomorrow July 1.  Working on catching up on email and laundry - quite the combo.  Starting to work on firming up travel plans for my visits to the districts.  August will be here before I know it.  Happy 4th of July!

Tuesday, June 29

It started out as a dry day here in Austin and that changed quickly after noon.  It has been raining and storming for about 4 hours.  I ran from the convention center to the hotel - no need for a shower now.  And the umbrella?  In the suitcase!

Attended workshops all day and had lunch at The Driskill.  Tonight's banquet ends the week's activities.  Tomorrow I fly home!  It's time to get my feet back on the ground in Michigan.  Good thing there are only 2 work days this week and then a long weekend.  Lots of email to catch up on.  That's ok :)

Monday, June 28

After an early morning arrival in Austin and a short night's sleep, I was able to get registered for ACUHO-I and attend a couple of sessions.  It was a great day.  Dinner with the rest of the MSU gang before calling it a night.

I have lots of email to read so I can get reconnected with life.  Another full day of activities on Wednesday before an evening banquet. 

Sunday, June 27

A wonderful week in Las Vegas is now done!  While I am tired, I am so excited about what the years ahead will bring.  A couple quick meetings this morning, a taxi ride to the airport and a few hours waiting for my 4:40pm flight to Austin, TX.  It was great to see Al and Chuck at the airport and I also met some other Kiwanis family members. 

I'm heading to an ACUHO-I Conference in Austin returning to Lansing on Wednesday.  It will be great to see some fellow MSUers...

I have some additional pictures to post - when I have a few minutes I'll do that.  The cable is in my checked luggage.

So, I'm signing off now...soon to fly away :)

Saturday, June 26

Good morning from Las Vegas!  Missed last night, but as you can imagine, it was pretty crazy!  So, let me start from the beginning yesterday.  The day started with our district caucus at 7:30am - well done and lots of excitement for the day's elections. The meet the candidates session followed.  Each candidate had 1 minute to introduce themselves, 1 minute each to answer (3) questions and then a 2 minute closing.  We were all sequestered while the other candidates were speaking so we couldn't hear the questions.  I was pretty happy at the end - the questions were very simple for me to answer:  tell us what you've done with one of our service leadership programs over the last year...hmmmm...

Then is was off to a quick lunch before the house of delegate session and the elections.  The session started with the amendments so we had to wait until near the end for the elections!  Nerves were fine until they put the microphone on and then it hit - but only for a second.  Once I walked out on stage, it felt wonderful!  My speech went very well - I was so happy.  Ever think you'd speak in front of 6,000+ people with cameras and lights all around?

Once all the votes were tallied - now done electronically - KI's Executive Director Stan pulled all the candidates together to give us the results before they were announced.  Chuck K - one of my campaign co-chairs was with me.  Al D was out in the audience with the MI delegation.  And when the results were announced, I was so excited!! I was elected! Congrats to Oscar and Johnny who will also join the board.  Thanks to Steve for running a great campaign. 

Then it was time to leave the convention center.  It was so humbling to have fellow Kiwanians expressing their congratulations and best wishes!  Lots of hugs, handshakes and picture taking!  I have a big responsibilitlly ahead and I'm here to give it my all.

It was great to talk with my mom and dad for a few minutes afterwards.  Thanks to Al, my phone was on speaker phone and they were able to hear the announcement!  Mom, Dad, I did buy the dvds from the week so you'll be able to see it - live :)  Thank you for all your love!

After a quick break, Al, Margie, Chuck, Ken, Joan, Bill and I headed to the casino buffet for dinner.  Great food, fun and fellowshp!  Good thing we did all that laughing - it was the exercise we needed for all the food!  Al, Margie, Chuck, Ken and I then went to the old Vegas - Fremont St.  Wow - what a sight.  Much different than the strip.  Cool - I'll go back there.

So the end to one and the beginning to another beautiful, exciting day.  Today starts with a few meetings, closing session and then a chance to come home and relax before another celebration dinner at Lawrys.

I can't express enough thanks to all my supporters and my campaign co-chairs Al and Chuck.  I couldn't have done it without you! 

Signing off now - talk to you all later!

Thursday

Another great convention day!  Started off with the final meeting of the 2009-2010 Education committee.  Lunch with 400+ KI Foundation supporters and the Opening Session.  Colin Powell's remarks were very good.  Typicall you hear him speak about world events; today while he touched on a little of that, he spoke about his family and projects he is working on for our children and their future.

The new Global Campaign for Children was announced.  Tea Leoni is the celebrity spokesperson for The Eliminate Project - Kiwanis eliminates maternal/neonatal tetanus.  I was able to meet her and have my picture taken with her.

Had dinner with Al, Chuck, Ken and Margie at the hotel buffet.  The crepes were wonderful!  So were the strawberries dipped in the chocolate fountain!  You missed this one Judy :)

Thanks to my brother John, Mary, Andrew and Lauren for the beautiful flowers and the inspirational words. It was a nice surprise.

I'm calling it a night - tomorrow is the big day.  I'll update the blog tomorrow night.  See ya!

Wednesday, June 24

Started the day having breakfast with Margie Ballheim, our fantastic travel agent for Michigan Kiwanis members.  I took the monorail over to the Hilton where the international board was meeting.  As a candidate I had the opportunity to observe the meeting.  It was good to see the board members - many who I have worked with other the last couple of years - when I served on the Foundation board.  I also had a chance to catch up with the Foundation Board and see some friends I served with last year. 

Today Al and Chuck arrived and met me for my speech rehearsal.  The rehearsal - on stage - went well.  I had time to make the speech 5 times which gave me the opportunity to work on my timing and presence on the stage.  I'm not going to use a podium. My speech is about 2 minutes 36 seconds - according to Chuck - well within the 3 minute time limit.  I was put to the test when during my last presentation the teleprompters went completely blank and I had only said 2 paragraphs.  I made it through the entire speech based on memory alone!  Great news.

Dinner with my fellow classmates - the Governors from the 2001-2002 year with President Brian at McCormicks and Schmicks.  It was great to see everyone.

Time to sign off for the night!  It's been a busy day and I need my sleep :)  Until tomororw,

Vegas - Day 1

It was a 45 minute wait to get my luggage.  And the airport didn't even seem crowded.  5 minutes in the taxi line - quick ride to the Flamingo.  I quickly was reminded of the noise and lights of the casinos once I walked in the door.  I was able to get checked in and in my room to unpack and get set for the afternoon meeting.  Candidates' meeting to review the rules and draw for speaking order at the Meet the Candidates Session and the Business Session where the elections will take place.  I drew #3 for both sessions.  Tomorrow brings the board meeting that we're invited to watch and on-stage rehearsal of my speech.  My class of governors dinner ends the day.  Hope all is well.  Until tomorrow... :)

Flying High in the Sky

Wow!  WiFi in the sky!  This is pretty neat.  Makes a 4 hour and 34 minute flight go by just a little bit quicker.  Now if the battery in my laptop would last just a little bit longer.  Is there an electrical outlet on the plane?  Guess I'll need to find out!  We're about 2 hours from Vegas and then it all begins.  Safe travels!

Monday, June 21

It all begins tomorrow and well, I think I am set to go.  Finished packing this afternoon.  It's hard to believe that this is the week!  I know that everything is all set to go.  The t-shirts, brochures and post-its are in Las Vegas already.  Thanks to Mom & Dad for shipping them last week.  That's one thing off my mind.  Spent much of the day running errands - a few things off of my to-do list.

I leave Lansing at 7am tomorrow to arrive in Las Vegas about 10:20am.  It's supposed to be over 100 degrees this week.  I'll be looking for the air conditioning!

Thanks for everyone's support - the East Lansing Kiwanis club, everyone at work who is covering for me this week, and all my friends!  Here's to a great week :)

Happy Fathers' Day

Happy Father's Day to my dad, brothers John, Frank, Rob and Jim and to my brothers-in-law Jim and De'Angelo!  And Kyle my nephew :)

Time is quickly running away!  I need to finish packing today for Las Vegas as my flight leaves Tuesday!  Monday will be a last day running around town taking care of the last minute errands.  I have my speech ready and memorized.  Finishing up a few last minute things and work and I'll be good to go.

Enjoy the day!