T-O Today Issue 4. 2018-2019

P L E

D

01 T-O Cover Page

G

03 Editor’s Notes

E

03 Letter from the Governor

04 Governor’s Project

05 ICON Promotion 06 District Admin Updates 07 Executive Staff Updates

08 Lt. Governor Updates 10 Comm. Chair Updates 12 Regional Advisor Updates

14 District Goal Updates 15 DCON Promotion

16 Member Article 1 2

I pledge to uphold the Objects of Circle K International, to foster compassion and goodwill toward others through service and leadership, to develop my abilities and the abilities of all people, and to dedicate myself to the realization of mankind’s potential.

EDITOR’S NOTES Bonjour T-O!!

I can’t believe that its almost been a year since I decided to embark on this crazy T-O District Board Journey, and I am ever so grateful for it. The friendships I’ve made and the beauty I've found in service has changed my life. If you are thinking about joining District Board, DO IT!! I'm so blessed to have done it, and with that I present the 4th Edition of the T-O Today.

Yahaira Arneros, UTA ‘19 editor@txokcki.org

LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR Hello Mighty Members of the T-O District!

I am ready to see all your wonderful faces in Austin in LESS THAN A MONTH! I am ready to celebrate all your accomplishments, attend the networking luncheon, and dance the night away after awards ceremony. As always, I am here for any questions or concerns you may have. Keep impacting your communities and making the world a better place! As I am finishing up my third term as a District Board member, I reflect on the amazing people I have met, the laughs I have had, and how my love for service has grown. I have gained leadership skills and I have met my biggest supporters during the last three years. If you are wanting to serve in any capacity next year, please consider running for an Executive Staff position, Lt. Governor position, or applying to be a Committee Chair! My decision to serve on the district level has been one of the best of my life. I am so humbled to have served you this year as your Governor. I am grateful I get to serve the best District in all of International!

Let's DO BETTER than ever,

Dylann Lowery

3

Happy February! This month, we will be doing our Kiss Sexual Assault Goodbye Campaign. It is a red lips challenge, so grab your red lipstick and join us! Post your picture blowing a kiss at the camera, or take a video sharing a statistic. Be sure to use the hashtag #KissSAGoodbye so we can see those Below are the rules: • If you are nominated, you must either accept the challenge within one (1) week or donate.

• You may do the challenge alone or with a group of friends (these friends CAN be the ones you nominate as long as they each nominate at least one person of their own). Your photo or video may be posted on any social media platform of your choice and you must nominate at least one friend to do the challenge.

• If you do not accept the challenge within one week, it is recommended that you donate $5 to No More. Link to donate is: https://donate.nomore.org/give/215046/#!/donation/checkout • Participants may also donate to other organizations raising awareness for sexual assault and domestic violence.

Please feel free to nominate friends or family that are not in CKI as well to promote awareness!

4

5

Admin Updates

District Administrator Colleen Biggerstaff

Favorite memory of the year?

DCON 2018 – my first DCON as Admin– I was sad to say goodbye to those leaving, and happy to begin the new year with the new board members!

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

Each and every one of you! I look forward to seeing all you will accomplish as you go out to live the rest of your lives and change the world, and I hope you all will consider joining Kiwanis. That will be CKI’s greatest accomplishment!

Update related to your position?

One year gone so quickly – many more (hopefully) in the future! Relations with Key Club and the District Kiwanis board have improved immensely this year, thanks to a wonderful group of Admins and Governor!

District Assistant Administrator John Cano

Favorite memory of the year?

Walking 30 min to Navy Pier in Chicago to see fireworks, missing them, and then getting caught in rain as we walked back, ruining my fav white pants, navigating the flooded streets, and getting drenched. CKIx was fun though!

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

Working with this board. They've been such a fun, talented group, and I'm going to miss getting to see them regularly. I'm sure we won't lose touch as the seniors graduate into Kiwanis and our younger members step up to take new leadership roles at the club, district, and international level!

Update related to your position?

The budget looks good, websites are doing well and getting good traffic, and we've got an exciting new year already in the works - stay tuned!

District Assistant Administrator Allison Macias

Favorite memory of the year?

My favorite memory from this year was our summer board meeting! It was so productive and fun, plus dressing up as “fineapples” at summer board with Marcelo was the best.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I’m going to miss seeing the district board working together. This year has been incredibly successful because of everyone putting in the effort to #dobetter and it shows that we are one of the strongest districts in all of CKI. Update related to your position?

DCON planning is still our main priority right now to ensure that every member in attendance has the best time! The events team has been hard at work getting everything finalized, and we can’t wait for you all to join us!

District Assistant Administrator Marcelo Urieta-Bravo

Favorite memory of the year?

My favorite memory is 2018 Fall Retreat; I will never forget the atmosphere CKI members created while volunteering at Mission Arlington, especially the words of encouragement and fellowship seen while transporting donation boxes from one side to the other.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

Attend Spring Rallies! You’ll be electing the 2019-20 LTG for your division and endorsing candidates for district and international positions.

Update related to your position?

I will miss working with this board, especially the LTGs. They have gone above and beyond to ensure all chapters and members have the necessary resources to be successful and grow as leaders.

6

Executive Staff Updates

District Governor Dylann Lowery

Favorite memory of the year?

My fav. memory of the year was getting to meet members during Fall Rallies. I left the rallies knowing what amazing chapters/leaders we have in T-O. Your passion and dedication inspire me.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will miss my board so much they have the biggest hearts and the best jokes. I will really miss my Kiwanis admins. They’ve encouraged me so much during my time in CKI and I am thankful for their support in my next chapter.

Update related to your position?

I have been finalizing things for the new board that will be elected at this year’s DCON! I am excited for District Convention and celebrating this year's accomplishments and to recognize all the hard work you have put in.

District Secretary Sean Dempsey

Favorite memory of the year?

Kicking off the year at Alley Cats with my fellow board members. It was a wonderful night bringing together the best team I could ever ask for. Also, POP THE LOCK. What will you miss most after the CKI year ends? The members bc meeting new people is the most rewarding thing about CKI to me. I'll miss members from around T-O and the friendships/rivalries formed at district events. There are so many golden hearts in CKI and I hope I get to work with each of you in the future somehow.

Update related to your position?

KEEP SENDING IN THOSE SMRFs and PMRFs! Let's finish out strong and make sure our numbers are as big as possible!

District Treasurer Lane Marsh

Favorite memory of the year?

My fav memory of the CKI year were the Fall Retreat games. I have never laughed so hard in my life!! I loved watching all of the houses' different skits (I still have nightmares of Colleen getting killed by her mom).

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I’m going to miss my CKI fam; because of the inc. demands of school, I won’t be able to be as active in CKI next year. I will miss all of the friends and connections I have made here. Long live the MIGHTY T-O District!!

Update related to your position?

We’ve seen a huge inc. in district donations, which go towards providing resources that can be used to enhance our major events , a massive thank you to our supporters and the members who actively sought those out.

District Editor Yahaira Arneros

7

Favorite memory of the year?

I have so many it’s unreal. CKIx was incredible and even a bit surreal to say the least. I really bonded with board at Summer board, I had great talks with people, played Dance Dance Revolution, and became the ultimate CKI ping pong champion.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will sorely miss hanging out with board frequently; I’ve created some amazing bonds with board members that I’ll always cherish. I’ll also miss having the scoop on T-O CKI events beforehand. LONG LIVE OVAL J!!!

Update related to your position?

I put a little hint in this section last time and I legit only got one text :(. This is your last chance to send me T-O Today articles for the Fifth edition so do it!!

Lt. Governor Updates

Central Texas Lt. Governor Hunter Dentino

Favorite memory of the year?

My fav mem. was Fall Rally, when we played the rock-paper-scissors game.

It was super intense and was the event that gave my team 1 st place!

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I'll miss having the opportunities to see all of the friends I've made on the District Board and from other schools. I won't have as many opportunities to see them all at once after I graduate in May. Update related to your position?

Angelo State has officially chartered in Central Texas! They are now officially part of Circle K International and will hopefully be attending District Convention for the first time as well. I look forward to seeing them grow as a chapter.

Heartland Lt. Governor Joseph Pham

Favorite memory of the year?

My favorite memory would have to be any District Board meeting. We are always laughing and having fun and I will cherish those memories forever. (we still get work done though!)

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will miss the people, especially all those on board with me. We are a family and it's hard to see everyone go their separate ways but no one will be forgotten.

Update related to your position?

My position is still unfilled for 2019-2020 term but hopefully not for long. I have a lot of left to do with my position such as chapter visits and K-Fam outreach.

Hill Country Lt. Governor Viana Phan

Favorite memory of the year?

My favorite memory of the year has been watching members play the rock paper scissors hula hoops game at Fall Retreat! It was absolutely hilarious to watch everyone get so intense!

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

Getting to know the people of T-O from District Board to chapter members at Fall Retreat! I’ll especially miss hanging out with my fellow board and late night meals and talks.

Update related to your position?

Hill country is on track to achieve and surpass its service hours, interchapters and k-family relations goals! Also, my chapters will be in good hands next year with our Lieutenant Governor Elect, An Tran.

Metro Lt. Governor Kim Dinh

Favorite memory of the year?

My favorite memory of this year so far is when we had Fall Retreat at Ut Arlington and we were all fighting for the crown. My favorite skit was the Tinder date skit and playing the extreme rock paper scissors. Go House Martell :-) What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will miss all the friendships that I have made through CKI, I will also miss being on board and going to all of the events and getting no sleep during all of our events.

Update related to your position? We have elected a new lieutenant governor for the Metropolitan division, Davis Nguyen, and endorsed Taylor Maddox for District Treasurer. We hope to have the biggest turnout for DCON ;-)

8

Lt. Governor Updates

Northern Outpost Lt. Governor Bay Bolen

Red River Lt. Governor Hector Perez-Aponte

Southeast Texas Lt. Governor Kristin Iannello

South Texas Lt. Governor Cody Kiefer

9

Favorite memory of the year?

The service project at Fall Retreat. My love for CKI was initially sparked at my first Fall Retreat, so I think it will always hold a special place in my heart!

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

Since I am graduating, I will miss everything about CKI! However, I think the thing I will miss the most are the long drives and late night conversations I have with other board members or members from my division.

Update related to your position?

Spring Rally was a success, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone at DCON! Oklahoma State and the University of Tulsa are doing great, and we will soon be adding another chapter (Tulsa Community College) to the Northern Outpost division!!

Favorite memory of the year?

So, favorite memory definitely has to be the trips I take with Admin Allison Prisco-Macias to Panera Bread. After every board meeting/district event we ALWAYS manage to go and its always a great time. #Tradition. There are these people we recruited in my chapter early 2018 that have stuck by us through rough waters. Seeing them grow, to me, will forever be one of the most important moments in my life. So thanks CKI. What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will certainly miss my time at board meetings. It was always a pleasure to go to the District Office and learn so much about Kiwanis International.

Update related to your position?

So far Red River looks to be in great shape. We’re close to accomplishing our goals and honestly it has probably been one of Red River's best years.

Favorite memory of the year?

There are so so many that I can pick from, but if I had to pick one, my favorite memory would have to be winning the hula hoop game at Fall Retreat! We were so happy to have won first place!! #TEAMGREYJOY What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will miss my division! I have loved every aspect of serving you, we had our fair share of ups and downs but I know we can come back stronger and better than ever! Look forward to seeing what you are able to accomplish in the future!

Update related to your position?

Spring Rally is on Saturday February 9th! Be on the lookout for my information email with all the details! I hope to see many of your smiling faces there!

Favorite memory of the year? My fav memory of the year was Fall Retreat. It was the best Fall Retreat I have been to. I enjoyed volunteering at Mission Arlington and playing all the games we did together as a District.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will miss all of the District Board Members. We have done a great job this year and we have made a lot of progress within the District. We have bonded and grown as a team. I have learned a lot from them and they have helped me grow as a servant leader.

Update related to your position?

I hope everyone is going to the District Convention in Austin, Texas. I am looking forward to being reunited with my CKI Family. South Texas Spring Rally is Feb. 10th at 2pm. I hope to see you there!

Committee Chair Updates

Awards Taskforce Hannah Varghese

District Events Chair Jalilah Davis

Favorite memory of the year? My most memorable CKI moments have always been bright and early. My fav memories this year have been seeing CKI friends after a long time at Fall Retreat and the post-UT CKI member induction karaoke session we had till 2 in the morning.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will miss road trips to events and seeing everyone in the district frequently.

CKI has been an integral part of my personal growth and college experience, and I will miss it all when I graduate.

Update related to your position?

All the Phase I awards have been graded and re ready for DCON. A big thank you to everyone who applied!. Don't forget to apply to the Phase II awards and if you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a message.

Favorite memory of the year?

If I had to choose one favorite memory I would say that my favorite memory was going to Steak and Shake super late at night at Fall Retreat with some members and board.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

Most of all, I will miss spending long weekends with this year’s district board members. It was such an honor to work alongside of each and everyone of them!

Update related to your position?

We are finishing up on some of the final details for District Convention and I am super excited for it. I hope to see many members there and I am sure you will never forget that “There’s No Place Like T-O”!

Fall Retreat Chair Jordan Eilers

Favorite memory of the year?

My favorite memory this year has to be at Summer Board when we all played Just Dance and DDR. It was such a great way to bond with board that I didn't really know yet as well as seeing a different side of our Admins.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will definitely miss seeing my friends as often. CKI has brought me so many new relationships and while I know that we will see each other again, it isn't always set in stone.

Update related to your position?

The Events team is READY for DCON. We can't wait to see all of our fabulous members on March 1. It's going to be a great time! We'll see you somewhere over the rainbow soon!

Governor’s Project Chair Brittney Handoko

Favorite memory of the year?

I don't have any one particular memory that stands out, but I am very grateful to have made many memories throughout this year as a district board member.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I am going to miss being able to see all of the board members in one roomit won't happen again, and I will miss the late night runs to Taco Bell with my favorites.

Update related to your position?

I'm really excited to have our Kiss Sexual Assault Goodbye campaign this month just to get everyone re-energized and passionate about the project right before DCON.

10

Committee Chair Updates

Kiwanis Family Relations Chair Daniel Boorman

Laws and Regulations Chair Hunter Dentino

Favorite memory of the year?

My fav mem. was Fall Rally, when we played the rock-paper-scissors game.

It was super intense and was the event that gave my team 1 st place!

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I'll miss having the opportunities to see all of the friends I've made on the District Board and from other schools. I won't have as many opportunities to see them all at once after I graduate in May. Update related to your position?

Angelo State has officially chartered in Central Texas! They are now officially part of Circle K International and will hopefully be attending District Convention for the first time as well. I look forward to seeing them grow as a chapter.

MD&E Chair Janine Arounyaranth

Favorite memory of the year?

Volunteering as a district during Fall Retreat was super fun! I loved that we were able to get everyone involved in such a huge project to help out Mission Arlington.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I'll miss all the friends! This is my last year in CKI, so it's sad that I won't have as many opportunities to see everyone, but I still have lifelong friends and memories to take with me.

Update related to your position?

All of the resources that have been made have been distributed! I hope they were of some help to you all this year and provided some inspiration for rocking recruitment and retention for the following years!

PR and Marketing Chair Yahaira Arneros

11

Favorite memory of the year?

All of Chicago (but that was before I was on board) Summer board playing DDR and staying up late and having fun. Sting pong.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I’ll miss hanging out with everyone, making memories and just making conversation. I look forward to seeing everyone again in one way or another.

Update related to your position?

I am currently creating more resources for helping members create relationships with their local Kiwanis and Key Clubs. Also working on a guidebook for Kiwanis clubs to help them understand how to sponsor a CKI club and what that all entails.

Favorite memory of the year?

I have so many it’s unreal. CKIx was incredible and even a bit surreal to say the least. I really bonded with board at Summer board, I had great talks with people, played Dance Dance Revolution, and became the ultimate CKI ping pong champion.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will sorely miss hanging out with board frequently; I’ve created some amazing bonds with board members that I’ll always cherish. I’ll also miss having the scoop on T-O CKI events beforehand. LONG LIVE OVAL J!!!

Update related to your position?

Make sure to send in articles for the T-O Today and always feel free to and possible social media post to the T-O page! You can be T-O CKI famous.

Regional Advisor Updates

Central Texas Regional Advisor Mark Crouch

Favorite memory of the year?

My favorite memory of the CKI year so far would have to be when we volunteered at Mission Arlington and when we ended up charting the Angelo State CKI Chapter.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will miss the acquaintances I have made with the “retiring” district and regional officers. Even though I haven’t spent much time with Board I have made some great memories.

Update related to your position?

Quite honestly, I am still trying to figure out what my geographical and advisory responsibilities are at the moment. I am excited and looking forward to helping the Texas-Oklahoma CKI District in any way that I can.

Heartland Regional Advisor Paul Heinz

Favorite memory of the year?

My favorite memory of the year so far was learning to paint. After working hard on our duties at board meetings we have board bonding. We had a board member teach us how to paint for our last board bonding event and it was great!

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I will miss the great people I have been privileged to have joined on service.

Update related to your position?

As of now my position on board remains the same and I cannot wait to help the Heartland region and all of the Texas-Oklahoma District in any way I can!

N. Outpost Regional Advisor Bryan Walker

Favorite memory of the year?

My fav memory this year is having the honor to work with all of the amazing leaders on the District Board! SnapCup is a great time at Board meetings.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

Each board has its own identity and this board was definitely a very fun board. While we knew how to work hard and accomplish our goals we always had fun while doing work! I love each one the Board members and am so proud of the leader each one of you has become.

Update related to your position?

The Regional Advisers are new this year and we are still in many ways finding out how we fit in on the Board. One of my biggest jobs is educating Kiwanians and Key Clubs about CKI every chance I get.

Red River Regional Advisor Sarah Kircher

Favorite memory of the year?

The Fall Retreat day of service has been my favorite memory of the year. It was truly amazing to see so many CKI’ers come together to make a difference in the Arlington community, (where Fall Retreat was held this year). You guys are awesome!

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I think every year is the same for me. I know that some students will move on from CKI and I always know I will miss the ones that I’ve had the chance to get to know.

Update related to your position?

I’m looking forward to seeing all of our amazing CKI members and even Kiwanis members at District Convention. The Red River division is on the hunt for the next Red River LTG. Could it be you?

12

Regional Advisor Updates

S.E. Texas Regional Advisor Greg Samford

13

Favorite memory of the year?

As a Kiwanian, I always enjoy awarding scholarships to our CKI members at their Award Banquet. Events are always fun and memorable to me as well.

Awarding members for their service accomplishments is always fun.

What will you miss most after the CKI year ends?

I haven’t been on board too long, but I will miss the board members that are graduating or stepping down from district board. I know they will go on and do great things and I wish them the very best in their successful lives.

Update related to your position?

I am new to this year’s board but I am excited to help out CKI members all around the T-O District. I’m excited to see what our individual chapters can accomplish and how they become citizens of their communities.

District Goal Updates Here is our progress so far on the District Goals we have set for the 2018-2019 CKI year!!

Membership Goal: 497/600 Members Goal Fall Retreat Goal: 131/80 Members Goal DCON Goal: 123 (So Far)/150 Members Goal

New Chapter Goal: 2/5 Chapters Goal Inter Chapter Goal: 73/300 Events Goal

Service Hour Goal: 5060.5/8500 Hours Goal K-Fam Relations Goal: 162/225 Events Goal

CKIx 2018 Goal: 12/10 Members Goal District Project Goal: 11 signature projects.

2 Signature Projects per Chapter Goal.

Governor’s Project Goal: 12 Projects.

3 Signature Projects per Chapter Goal

*These numbers are as of February 5th, 2019.

14

District Convention 2019

DCON Registration ends: February 9th

15

“A White Cougar Carol” Submitted by Joy Capellan *sung in Jingle Bells tune*

[Verse 1] Dashing through the store To buy some potluck food O'er the shelves we go Looking for some goods We put backpacks aside And clear out all the space We sit down in a circle and steal someone else’s place!

[Chorus] Live to serve, Love to serve service everyday leadership and fellowship is what we always say, HEY! Live to serve, Love to serve That’s what we live by Oh what fun it is to see My UH family!

[Verse 2] A day or two ago I was looking for a toy To bring to the white elephant that could bring someone joy We ate and we shared memes Then we talked about next year We got a lot of things in store To make DCON-ners cheer: [Chorus] Live to serve, Love to serve That’s what we live by Oh what fun it is to see My UH family, HEY! Live to serve, Love to serve We’ll win all the rewards You best believe that U of H Will take home 10 awards!!

16

Thanks for Reading rd the 3 edition of the T-O Today 2018-2019!!