T-O Today Issue 3. 2018-2019

ISSUE 3

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01 T-O Cover Page

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03 Editor’s Notes

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03 Letter from the Governor 04 Fall Retreat

06 Day of Service 08 Governor’s Project 09 Fall Rallies

12 ICON Promotion 13 District Admin Updates 14 Executive Staff Updates

15 Lt. Governor Updates 17 Comm. Chair Updates 19 Regional Advisor Updates

20 District Goal Updates 21 DCON Promotion 22 Member Article 1

23 Member Article 2 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 Happy Holidays T-O!!!

I hope your break from school has been wonderful and continues being wonderful! I know I sure needed a break after a long semester at UTA. This year as your T-O District Editor has been amazing so far and I’m so blessed to have found CKI in my life, especially District Board. I am so excited to present the 3rd T-O Today to you all and I hope you enjoy it thoroughly.

Yahaira Arneros, UTA ‘19 editor@txokcki.org

LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR Hello Mighty Texas-Oklahoma District!

Where has the time gone? It has been flown by. I hope each and everyone of you are enjoying the time off from school and enjoying time with loved ones! I can’t wait to see everyone at the 65th annual District Convention in Austin, TX this year. It will be like no other! Please invite all your friends and CKI Alumni for the best conjunction convention that T-O has ever seen. I want to encourage all chapters to apply for awards that are now open. With that being said, it also time to start thinking about the CKI’s future and the your impact on it. If you are considering running for any office position, feel free to reach out to me. I would absolutely love to set up a meeting with you to discuss the ins and outs of each position whether it be a Committee Chair, Lt. Governor, or Staff position. We all start somewhere and YOU can create a lasting impact by stepping up into a leadership position. Again, one of the best decisions of my life has been able to serve this district in different capacities for the last three years. I am so blessed to have outstanding members who are creating change within our communities. Y’alll are my inspiration every day with your hard work. I am humbled to be your Governor this year for the best district in Circle K. Happy Holidays and I cannot wait to ring in the 2019 year with you!

Let's DO BETTER than ever, Dylann Lowery

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FR 2018!

Game of Service.

Fall Retreat 2018 was such an incredible experience for CKI members from all around Texas and Oklahoma. This year we changed things up a little bit and held Fall Retreat or FR in Arlington, Texas. This year we emphasized the Service tenant of CKI, we even had a day of service at Mission Arlington where our members racked up over 600 hours of community service!! Fall Retreat was held at the University of Texas at Arlington from Friday November 2nd to Sunday, November 4th. We had an incredibly fun Game of Thrones Theme which some of our members where very excited for.

Congratulations to House Greyjoy for winning the crown during our fellowship activities!! We’d like to send a big thank you to everyone who joined us at Fall Retreat 2018.

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FR 2018!

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FR 2018!

Some of the service projects we talked on Saturday included, transporting canned goods from one container to another while sorting them in order to help prepare for thanksgiving, transport several cases of food and water, help sort donated goods into select categories, help load furniture to cars, and even disassemble broken furniture in order for it to be recycled properly. Mission Arlington would like to thank everyone who helped out and wishes you the very best holidays!!

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Have you promoted our Governor's Project?

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Congratulations to our Metro division for buying the most D&E shirts!!

FALL RALLIES Heartland Fall Rally University of Central Oklahoma September 22nd

N. Outpost Fall Rally University of Tulsa September 23rd

Central TX Fall Rally Hardin Simmons University September 29th 9

FALL RALLIES Hill Country Fall Rally University of Texas at Austin September 30th

Metro Fall Rally The University of Texas at Arlington October 7th

Southeast Texas Fall Rally Lamar University October 13th 10

FALL RALLIES South Texas Fall Rally University of Texas at San Antonio October 14th

Red River Fall Rally Cameron University October 20th

Pan Handle Fall Rally West Texas A&M University October 21st

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Admin Updates

District Administrator Colleen Biggerstaff

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

It was actually the best birthday present – when my daughter, son in law and husband gave me my first little Pomeranian, Sir Rupert – he was the love of my life and with me way too short a time.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

Up With People – I saw them the first time at a Kiwanis International Convention. They are so full of energy and happiness and send a message of hope to unite people and communities.

Any updates on your position?

I am the CKI District Administrator year round and I am constantly working on everything, but in December I’m also known as Mrs. Claus. I love this time of year when I get to see smiling boys and girls!

District Assistant Administrator John Cano

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

My Lucchese UT-Austin boots from my mom. 100% of proceeds support the UT Co-op Student Gov Scholarship Fund. They’re a beautiful orange smooth quill ostrich leather and white goat leather boot with an embroidered longhorn silhouette as well as the UT seal.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

UNICEF because when we help, we’re making a difference across the entire world to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children & families.

Any updates on your position?

Websites are working, emails are going, dues income is continuing to come in, events are on budget, and it’s time to get to work on DCON. I’m super excited to welcome the whole district to Austin!

District Assistant Administrator Allison Macias

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

The best Christmas gift I ever received is my engagement ring (My husband proposed on Christmas Eve!) Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

STUFH. I have always been very passionate about hunger & food insecurity relief & awareness. It offers a range of ways to participate and the impact made is one that truly makes an impact on the lives of individuals.

Any updates on your position?

The events team has been hard at work planning out DCON! We have a lot of new opportunities and we’re excited to present fresh ideas while keeping the spirit of service, leadership and fellowship at the forefront of the weekend. Registration is open so go register bc “There’s No Place Like T-O!”

District Assistant Administrator Marcelo Urieta-Bravo

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

A Texas-shaped gold ring that my grandmother gave my dad but after her passing, he kindly gifted it to me.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

Better World Books or BWB. I am passionate about supporting and promoting literacy initiatives. When I was in CKI I took my passion and I even served as the 2015-2016 BWB Ambassador.

Any updates on your position?

LTGs are planning Spring Rallies that will begin in January. I encourage all members to attend. LTG elections as well as district and international endorsements will take place at these rallies. So don’t miss the chance to elect your new LTG and endorse candidates for district convention.

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Executive Staff Updates

District Governor Dylann Lowery

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

My mom customized some Nike Shox shoes for me in the 8th Grade. They were bright colors (I still have them el oh el) and had my name on them!

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

STUFH because we take for granted that food is always there. Food scarcity and poverty happens in our neighborhoods and communities. Being partnered with STUFH has given us the opportunity to make a better impact in much larger issues than hunger.

Any updates on your position?

Serving as your TX-OK District Governor has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am excited be visiting your divisions at Spring Rallies and meeting the upcoming leaders of the board during election season.

District Secretary Sean Dempsey

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

I had my bicycle stolen on campus after getting it. I was pretty sad about losing it, but I was in luck because my gf had bought me a bicycle. It was a little toy plastic one and I have never laughed so hard. Best gift ever.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

UNICEF, I believe their mission towards helping children through WASH, ELIMINATE, & other projects is astonishing/admirable. I’ve been a supporter since high school and I am glad to continue giving back to their cause!

Any updates on your position?

Keep up the great work with reporting secretaries! Reporting is going well, numbers are looking good, and just be on the look out from updates from me. Y’all are killing it!

District Treasurer Lane Marsh

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

A silver tiger statue that my mom got me a couple years ago.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

My favorite CKI partner is Better World Books, because I absolutely love to read myself. and the idea that every purchase through Better World Books allows someone greater access to books is something I can truly support.

Any updates on your position?

Dues season is officially at its end, but a Treasurer’s work is never done!

Winter time offers a chance to plan and execute some unique fundraisers.

Also keep an eye out for spring dues updates; this will be an opportunity to get any new members the spring brings paid and registered with International so they can enjoy the rest of our year!

District Editor Yahaira Arneros

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What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

A play room when I was 8, going downstairs and seeing no presents under the tree was heartbreaking until I went back upstairs upset and found that an empty room had been refurbished with toys like a dream!

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

UNICEF. Fighting neo-natal tetanus with Eliminate is so important since these mothers have incredibly limited resources and the Trick-or-Treat donation boxes were one of the first fundraisers I did in CKI at my university!

Any updates on your position?

I can’t believe the year has flown by, please make sure to share my T-O Today and read it. Do people even read my magazines? If you do please send me a text or something because I feel like people don’t read them…

Lt. Governor Updates

Central Texas Lt. Governor Hunter Dentino

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

A replica of the sword of Gryffindor! I got it from my parents when I was in middle school.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

If I had to choose one service partner out of all the service partners, I would pick STUFH. I really like STUFH because I love that you’re able to help your local community and do so many different types of activities with it.

Any updates on your position?

I’ve been having a great time trying to get some chapters started in Central Texas! We are making some great progress and I think the future for the division is bright.

Heartland Lt. Governor Joseph Pham

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

The best Christmas gift I have ever received is a mug with several pictures of my friends and I. Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

I would actually say that Dylann’s Governor’s Project- Destination Empowerment is my favorite because it has really opened my eyes to sexual assault/domestic abuse that I hadn’t really payed much attention to before. It also has given me a resource that I can spread to those in my community that are experiencing these issues.

Any updates on your position?

My chapters are working super hard in the community and I'm proud of them!

Hill Country Lt. Governor Viana Phan

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

My most memorable gift is a 72 set of Prismacolors from my parents in 8th grade, and I still have them today!

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

We have so many service partners, each with a unique mission, that it’s hard to pick favorites. However, I would say UNICEF comes in slightly above the others because of my longer familiarity with the ELIMINATE project and trick-or-treating with the little orange boxes.

Any updates on your position?

The Hill Country Division is on track to accomplish their service, Interchapter and K-family goals this year with UT being our powerhouse! Watch out for us at DCON awards!

Metro Lt. Governor Kim Dinh

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

The best Christmas gift I have ever received, was my Nintendo DS I got when I was a little girl. My favorite thing ever was playing Nintendogs, my poor doggos are probably very malnourished and dehydrated from being neglected for 10 years but iT’s fInE. Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

If I had to pick one service partner I’d pick WASH, because I think it is such a great initiative to help promote clean water which is a luxury that many people in first world countries take for granted Any updates on your position?

Metro is working hard and I am so proud of them. I’m especially proud we won the Destination Empowerment t-shirt contest. GO MONARCHS!!!

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Lt. Governor Updates

Northern Outpost Lt. Governor Bay Bolen

Red River Lt. Governor Hector Perez-Aponte

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

A visit from my grandparents.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

UNICEF and the WASH Project. Personally, I’ve always been someone who has wanted to make a difference in the world and I was always so intrigued by the United Nations. I found it interesting how they are so willing to be involved with student orgs and entrusting them to make that difference.

Any updates on your position?

Slowly but surely things are falling apart. Kidding. This position has really given me the ability to assist leaders in making a difference in their communities. I’m grateful my division is constantly teaching me new things about myself. Shout out to Red River and a big thanks to all its presidents.

Southeast Texas Lt. Governor Kristin Iannello

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

The best Christmas gift that I have ever received was when I was 10, my parents surprised my brother and I with a Disney Cruise vacation.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

My favorite service partner is UNICEF because I love the message that they help bring to people’s attention. As well, ever since I joined CKI I have enjoyed participating in events like Trick or Treat for UNICEF, and the ELIMINATE Project.

Any updates on your position?

SOUTHEAST!!! I am working on planning on Spring Rally! Get Hyped! Theme and dates will be posted soon. I will also be sending out a special edition Southeast Texas News Fix, so be looking out for that too.

South Texas Lt. Governor Cody Kiefer

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What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

The best Christmas gift I have ever received is a MacBook Laptop, especially as a college student who needs a good computer!

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

My favorite service partner is March of Dimes because I love seeing how big of an impact individuals can have in the lives of families affected by premature babies or birth defects.

Any updates on your position?

Oklahoma State and the University of Tulsa are wrapping up their semesters with a service project and new member ceremony, while Tulsa Community College is nearing the final stages of chartering!

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

The best Christmas I received is all the love from my family during Christmas day. The presents don’t matter, but the thought and love we have for one another does.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

My favorite service partner is the Eliminate Project. I supported this project throughout my 9 years in the K-Family. So, I’ve seen the process and the amount of service the K-Family has done for this project.

Any updates on your position?

South Texas is growing every day and members and officers done a lot this fall semester. I love serving them and I am looking forward to the rest of my term. Stay tuned for the South Texas Spring Rally which is our next event.

Committee Chair Updates

Awards Taskforce Hannah Varghese

District Events Chair Jalilah Davis

Fall Retreat Chair Jordan Eilers

Governor’s Project Chair Brittney Handoko

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

Fuzzy socks and random small goodies my mom puts in my stocking.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

UNICEF. I like how they set goals and have unique project fundraisers like Trick or Treat for UNICEF and the #6Kfor6K WASH project for Haiti we did with all of Circle K International.

Any updates on your position?

Awards are available for your chapter to view on our website. I encourage every chapter to apply to as many awards as possible. Winter break is a great time to get a head start on awards on gathering your Rec Letters and Essays for some of the lengthier applications. Feel free to shoot me a message if you have any questions!

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

When I was 12, I got a pink mp3 player that had all my favorite Jonas Brothers, Hannah Montana, Beyoncé and Usher songs.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

I love STUFH, growing up my family struggled a lot with being able to afford food and the fact that this is an organization where young people team up to help families makes it 100 times better!

Any updates on your position?

After wrapping up on Fall Retreat, we jumped right into working on District Convention. Since it’s our 65th anniversary we are planning some big this year in Austin, TX. What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

Spending time with my family in one place!

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

STUFH. We always see the advertisements and things about starving children in other countries, but we tend to look over it when it’s in our own communities. Particularly, where my school is located, there is a huge amount of kids that do not know where their next meal is coming from so I'm glad CKI helps with that.

Any updates on your position?

The Events team is hard at work planning DCON. We are so excited for this event! It is going to be a great time for everyone. We can’t wait to ease on down the yellow brick road with you!

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

My favorite gifts are things that are warm and fuzzy, like cozy socks and blankets!

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

If I had to pick a favorite CKI service partner, it would be St. Baldrick’s Foundation. I love that they emphasize that having a cure is simply not enough- they perform research centered on preventing lifelong damage and improving supportive care for patients.

Any updates on your position?

October was a great month for Destination Empowerment and domestic violence prevention awareness. Now, we are gearing up for our next campaign in February!

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Committee Chair Updates

Kiwanis Family Relations Chair Daniel Boorman

Laws and Regulations Chair Hunter Dentino

MD&E Chair Janine Arounyaranth

PR and Marketing Chair Yahaira Arneros

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What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

The best Christmas gift I have ever received in my life is a trampoline when I was 5 years old.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

I am so lucky to be in an organization that has so many wonderful and empowering service partners. I mean we work with really cool service partners like STUFH, Better World Books, and UNICEF, so I can’t just pick one. I choose them all.

Any updates on your position?

The Kiwanis Family continues to improve and expand every day. I am proud of everyone in our K-Family striving to make the world a better place.

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

A replica of the sword of Gryffindor! I got it from my parents when I was in middle school.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

If I had to choose one service partner out of all the service partners, I would pick STUFH. I really like STUFH because I love that you’re able to help your local community and do so many different types of activities with it.

Any updates on your position?

I’ve been working pretty hard to update our bylaws and make sure our policies are up to date. It’s been a lot of editing, which is nice because I like fixing grammatical errors.

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

My favorite Christmas gift was a cute little dollhouse set that came with all of the Disney princesses!

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

March of Dimes has always been a favorite ever since my freshman year when a bunch of clubs in the Austin and San Antonio area got together to help out at a March of Dimes event at Sea World.

Any updates on your position?

I’m currently working on some more resources that will be released soon!

Membership, Development, and Education are super important so these resources will help you get new members. It’s never too late to recruit another member.

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

A play room when I was 8, going downstairs and seeing no presents under the tree was heartbreaking until I went back upstairs upset and found that an empty room had been refurbished with toys like a dream!

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

UNICEF. Fighting neo-natal tetanus with Eliminate is so important since these mothers have incredibly limited resources and the Trick-or-Treat donation boxes were one of the first fundraisers I did in CKI at my university!

Any updates on your position?

I feel as though our 26 Days of T-O went well and I hope you got to learn a little more about your district board members! Feel free to send me CKI memes and I’ll post them on our social media sites!

Regional Advisor Updates

Central Texas Regional Advisor Mark Crouch

Heartland Regional Advisor Paul Heinz

N. Outpost Regional Advisor Bryan Walker

Red River Regional Advisor Sarah Kircher

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

I cannot pick one Christmas gift, I have been given such priceless gifts over the years.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

My favorite CKI Partner would have to be UNICEF! They work for the children of the world, like I am trying to do with CKI. They are a great service partner that has accomplished so much and will continue to do so.

Any updates on your position?

I am so excited to serve as the Central Texas Regional Adv isor. I am thoroughly honored to be part of CKI alongside my Kiwanis responsibilities. I am working as hard as I can to be of any assistance I can, and I’m sure I will be able to help as much as I can.

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

The best Christmas gift I have ever received is a set of matchbox cars. They held sentimental value for me.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

We have so many great service partners to choose from, but if I had to pick my favorite it would be UNICEF, because they work for children of the world as well.

Any updates on your position?

As some of you may know, regional advisors are pretty new to CKI. This is a new and great experience for me because it has allowed me to see just how involved CKI is with community projects.

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

When I was 8 I wanted a .22 rifle and my grandpa secretly got me a 30.06 rifle. My grandpa died in 2001 and I haven’t turned into a deer hunter but I will treasure that rifle for the rest of my life.

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

UNICEF!! When I was a freshman in Key Club, the K-Fam was partnering with UNICEF to eliminate IDD. We’re still active with them today which is great.

Any updates on your position?

I was humbled to be asked to be one of the first CKI Regional Advisors. The best way I can describe what we do is to say that are a helping hand for the Lt. Governors. We are a resource for everyone from the CKI clubs and members to the Kiwanis clubs.

What is the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received?

This sounds silly, but a desktop coffee cup warmer. I tend to drink my coffee slow and so it always gets cold. My sister bought me a coffee cup warmer years ago that kept my coffee nice and hot. I need to find where it went!

Who is your favorite CKI Service Partner and why?

My Favorite CKI Partner is St. Baldrick’s because no child should have to battle cancer, so I love that they are doing what they can to find a cure.

Any updates on your position?

Being a Regional Advisor for the Red River division is very exciting, I’ve helped UNT as their advisor and I cant wait to help my other Red River universities!!

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

Membership Goal: 461/600 Members Goal Fall Retreat Goal: 110/80 Members Goal DCON Goal: 24 (So Far)/150 Members Goal

New Chapter Goal: 1/5 Chapters Goal Inter Chapter Goal: 58/300 Events Goal

Service Hour Goal: 4808.5/8500 Hours Goal K-Fam Relations Goal: 170/225 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 December 24th, 2018.

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DCON

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For the month of September, we devoted our service project to the STUFH initiative: Students Teaming Up to Fight Hunger. In doing so, we organized the Feeding Houston donation drive, placing Houston Food Bank bins around campus for the UH community to be involved. This effort, lasting from August to October 5th, extended to the UH Food Recovery Network, United Muslim Relief, and multiple Key Clubs around the Houston area. We promoted the collection of nonperishable foods to alleviate chronic hunger and food insecurity, as well as to provide a reserve for emergency relief, especially given the Houston Food Bank’s vital role in providing meals to Houstonians following the chaos of Harvey.

For the Key Clubs, we also hosted a competition for the local Key Clubs to see who could collect the most cans. Out of the participating Key Clubs (Dulles High School, James E. Taylor High School, Cinco Ranch High School, Cypress Creek High School), the winner, Harmony School of Innovation-Sugar Land Key Club, was announced at the Region 12: Regional Training Conference on October 12, 2018 and received a $100 prize!

On campus, we hosted a “STUFH Week” during the last week of September, with each day featuring a new activity to raise awareness regarding our initiative. We held a trivia contest, bake sale, scavenger hunt, a movie screening of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”, volunteered at the Houston Food Bank, and we collaborated with United Muslim Relief for their “Project Downtown”, preparing hundreds of sandwiches to distribute to the Star of Hope homeless shelter.

We hope that everyone who was able to participate in our service project has enjoyed their experience!

We additionally donated about 30 food items at Fall Retreat to the SETX Food Bank, and in total, throughout the Houston area, we raised over 1,300 cans and packages of food!

Submitted by, Joy Capellan, UH.

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According to one of our members, Alyssa Tran: "On October 13th, different Circle K chapters from the Southeast Texas Division met at Lamar University for Fall Rally. This annual district event serves as a great opportunity for UH Circle K members to meet other students that share the same love for service. This year’s Fall Rally was galaxy-themed, so UH CKI showed our spirit by participating in the costume contest and dressing up as out-of-this-world characters from Lilo & Stitch. The event kicked off with a small service project where we decorated paper bags for Meals on Wheels. Through this service project and various icebreakers, members from UH Circle K got to bond and mingle with Circle K members from other schools within our division, such as TAMU, Lamar, and TAMU Galveston. We also discussed the progress of each chapter and future district events. The day ended with a round of pictures to remember all of the great memories we’d made. Overall, Fall Rally was such a blast, and I can’t wait to spend more time with everyone at future district events!“ Submitted by, Glenda Cheng, UH.

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