T-O Today - Volume 28, Issue 2

CIRCLE K INTERNATIONAL

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 2, NOVEMBER 2005

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE TEXAS-OKLAHOMA DISTRICT CHAPTERS

FALL RETREAT: THE ADVENTURE IS YOURS!

IN SID E T H I S I SSU E :

By: Carl Thomas DISTRICT BOARD ADDITIONS

2

CKI DECALS

2

FALL TRAINING CONFERENCES

3-

UNT INITIATION

5

TREASURER’S REMINDER

5

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

6

GOVERNOR’S CORNER

7

MESSAGE FROM JENNY KELLY

7

4

UPCOMING EVENTS •

November is Kiwanis Family Month and Small Things Month

•

DRIVE for November is toys/games/stuffed animals

•

Divisional Spring Rallies—January and February

•

District Convention— March 3-5, 2006 (Galveston, TX)

On October 21-23, we had ten chapters represented at our annual TexasOklahoma Fall Retreat in Lindale, TX. I have to tip my hat to the University of North Texas who had fourteen members attend.

We started off Friday night creating team flags, and playing capture the flag. We had a total of seven teams that played and in the end there was a winner. One team gave up to another team. I finally went to bed around 2 am and there were still people up playing games, chatting and just relaxing.

The next morning came too soon. As we walked to breakfast the cool damp air was invigorating. Breakfast (scrambled eggs, sausage, and biscuits and gravy) was just what I needed to get through the morning. Our morning activities consisted of three workshops. The first was communication, which was lead by our International trustee, Jenny Kelly. Then Sean Raich lead a time management and wellness workshop, which was interesting. For the last one, we had team building activities outside. There were two different outside activities for this workshop. The first one was the regular low ropes and the other one was called Huck Finn. In Huck Finn we had to build a boat out of wooden poles, 55 gallon barrels and rope. After walking from workshop to workshop and participating in the activities we needed to refuel. After lunch we went to play Kiwanis Family Jeopardy and of course Jose’s team won. Next, we had free time followed by dinner. During the free time, members had a chance to go horse back riding, participate in the high ropes courses or just enjoy the atmosphere. That night we had a treasure hunt in the dark woods. It was so much fun especially for the team that won, the “Insomniacs”. Every member of their team will be receiving a discount to District Convention. Overall it was a great weekend filled with service, leadership and fellowship. After the fun I had this weekend, I can hardly wait for District Convention so I can see all the friends I made at Fall Retreat. I will see you in Galveston on March 3, 2006 and always remember in CKI The Adventure is Yours!

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 2, NOVEMBER 2005

Page 2

ADDITIONS TO THE DISTRICT BOARD EDITOR: ZACHARY JOHNSON

Years in the Kiwanis Family: 4 Year: Freshman, Agriculture Development School: Texas A&M University Background: I enjoy hunting, fishing, watching TV and long walks on the beach. I am in the Corps of Cadets, Aggie Fish Club, and Young Life.

I am also a Weekend Service Chairman at Texas A&M CKI. After graduating I plan on working on the Hill in Washington D.C. Goals for Year: I hope to develop the most informative and creative T-O Today CKI has ever seen. I hope to inform members what all is going on in the district while keeping ya’ll entertained.

HILL COUNTRY LTG: ALLISON MILLION

Years in the Kiwanis Family: 7 School: Baylor University Year: Senior, Accounting Background: A couple of my hobbies include swing dancing, college sports (esp. football), service, and traveling. After I graduate I will move back to Austin to take some time off, study for the CPA exam, travel aboard, and hopefully continue working with CKI. In June I will start working at a big four accounting firm in Houston.

Goals for Year: I am looking forward to working with and getting to know you this year. I want to develop new chapters, help members find service projects that they care about, and start new clubs.

CKI WINDOW STICKERS ARE IN! Promote our great organization with a 3 x 6 window decal. It’s simple white letters that read CKI. For more information, or to order for you or your club, contact: Mallory Smith , TAMU CKI mallie_moo@yahoo.com

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FALL TRAINING CONFERENCES The Oklahoma Division Goes to the Doghouse

By Rowynn Ricks

The University of Central Oklahoma hosted the Oklahoma Division Fall Training Conference on September 17, 2005. The ten members in attendance were joined by two special guests, our distinguished District Governor, Jose Arteaga, and the Edmond Kiwanis President, Ernest McCollum. Everyone enjoyed a day full of leadership, fellowship and service. The day began with the divisional meeting where we discussed topics from new charters like Frank Phillips Community College in Borger, TX, to upcoming events, including Fall Retreat and DCON. We then had some entertainment with the Moo Game which is one of my favorite icebreakers. Next we broke up into groups for our leadership forums. Then Jose shared his speeding ticket story with us as well as his update on district happenings. Following the morning leadership sessions, we all enjoyed some food, fun and fellowship over lunch at the local CiCi’s Pizza. We then went to Free to Live, a local animal shelter, where we walked dogs for a couple of hours.

Since so many of us were there we got to walk and play with some of the dogs who hadn’t gotten to get out and play for a while. I don’t know who had more fun, us or the dogs, but at the end of the afternoon we were all, including the dogs, tired but happy.

Red River/Metro FTC Wrap-up

By Julie Bily

The day began with a brown-bag lunch and candy game so that we could all meet and learn something about each person attending.

Next Joe Holland, from the Denton Breakfast Kiwanis, dazzled us with an account of his journey through the Kiwanis Family. After that, we broke into leadership workshops where we learned about Public Speaking and Diversity, taught by Helen Schenk from Toastmasters and Dr. Johnny Sue Reynolds from UNT’s School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management, respectively. Then Kim, Angela, Adriana, and Carl from the District Board refreshed us on our chapter positions and gave us tips to be more effective. Finally, we wrapped up with a Divisional Meeting, and then relocated to South Lakes Park. At the park we grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, played games, and had a personal scavenger hunt.

FALL TRAINING CONFERENCES Page 4

Hill Country and Southeast/Gulf Coast Collide

By: Allison Million

This year's Hill Country Fall Training Conference was combined with to make it twice as much fun and exciting. Sam Houston, Baylor as well as Texas A&M attended the FTC which was held at Baylor University. The afternoon began with fellowship over lunch. We had a teambuilding activity that got everyone tied up. During the training, Jose shared his experiences with CKI. The sessions that followed promoted team building, gave useful fundraising ideas, and built a foundation for resolving conflicts and concerns. All in all the event encouraged members to think outside the box, experience some CKI fun, and build relationships at the same time. I look forward to the next division event, the Hill Country Spring Rally which will be held February 4th at Baylor University. Come get to know your fellow Hill Country members and elect next year's Lt. Governor. More information will be coming soon.

CKI VS. Key Club: South Texas FTC

By: Richard Willis (CKI LTG) and Monica Claudio (Key Club LTG)

This is Richard Willis the South Texas LTG. Monica couldn’t be here tonight due to homework. (Typical Key Clubber). This years FTC was a joint effort with Key Club Divisions 4 & 6, the CKI South Texas Divisions and was carried out successfully and competitively. Here’s a look at the play by play: The Pre-game Show: The Victoria College and Corpus Christi A&M CKI clubs got out to an early start by folding and sorting cloths for a grand total of 27 service hours at the one of the Hurricane Relief Centers in Corpus. After a brief and interesting drive, the two CKI clubs met up at Miller High School for the actual FTC where they were reinforced by their sister club UT Pan American just in time to go head to head with the two Key Clubs that showed up, Miller the host club, and Victoria Memorial. Now it’s game time! 1st Inning: CKI had the upper hand by having all my clubs present but regardless the Key Club got the first punch by screaming their pledge far louder then CKI could manage. This would be one of those disadvantages of being the visiting team and having to go first. Key Club up 0 to 1. 2 nd Inning: Hoping for a turn around CKI member then went into their “Human Knot” positions. This team building Icebreaker actually had CKI and Key Club members in each team, so this inning fell to everyone, it was fun! 3rd Inning: A little bit more relaxed now as CKI and Key Club split completely for some divisional updates and regrouping from the first two innings, or were at least supposed to! Key Club goes around the agenda and throws a wild change up. By stealing UT Pan American’s bell which then forces the CKI Governor and all CKI Club Presidents to sing and do the motions for “I’m a Little Tea Pot” in order to get it back. Great entertainment for everyone but CKI is now in the hole 0 to 2. Going into the 4 th and forums: Talk about getting taught a thing or two, you could see the light bulbs come on above these chapter officers heads. And who was doing the teaching? Only the finest board members from each group! & CKI Board members outnumbered Key Club 4 to 2! CKI takes it back a notch 1 to 2. Key Club just got schooled, literally! 5th: Moving on to the K-Family Scavenger Hunt, this was a Project that Monica put together trying to get all the clubs in the K-Family to interact by asking each other questions “who’s the President?”. Victoria College was the only one to have anything turned in. CKI takes the 5 th now tied 2 to 2! 6th and due to time constraints it will be the last: Top of the Order due up for both sides. Key Club strikes out the side! None of the CKI members entered the Costume Contest. Key Club takes this one 2 to 3. Well there you have it. That’s what you missed at the South Texas FTC. We’ll rematch in Edinburg on February 4th for the Spring Rally. Until then this is Richard Willis saying, “Thank you Astros for the memorable season! And yah! I get to wear socks again!”

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UNT INITIAION TRADITION CONTINUES

By: Angela Ragan

This fall, the University of North Texas CKI recruited 21 new members. Initiation day began like any other Friday. However, to the new members, the events of the night were a mystery. They were told to meet dressed up at a certain time and location on campus. They were also told to bring a change of clothes and running shoes. Meanwhile, the returning members met with Governor Jose and our sponsoring Kiwanis President Mary Harris to get ready for the ceremony. As all the members and distinguished guests came together as one unit in the outdoor gazebo, it was clearly evident to see all the friendships you make while being in CKI. The new members received their pins and a new chapter in their lives and at UNT began. After the beautiful candlelit ceremony, everybody had a delicious dinner together and then it was off to the rest of the mysterious events. It started out as a normal get-together, with only the returning members knowing just what was about to happen. Everyone was split into three teams, and each team was given a list containing twenty odd and random activities. It was the annual video scavenger hunt!

Teams had roughly an hour to do all (or as many as possible) of the tasks listed and they must perform them on camera. Some of the tasks include sizzling like bacon on the ground, having grocery cart races, singing happy birthday to a complete stranger in a made up language, doing a Chinese fire drill, trading random people CKI pens for something good, playing leap frog, and many more. There was one task that never got completed this year, and that was convincing someone to rent the movie Glitter or Waterworld. That may never be done! The most fun task seemed to be making out with the giant eagle statue on the middle of campus, that’s always a classic one to watch people do. After the time was up, everyone came together again and we all watched the videos we had just made. It was a fun way to work together, achieve a common goal and have a great time! Doing something wacky and crazy like this enabled all the members to create bonds and get to know everyone. It also helped get the year off to a great start, not to mention interesting pictures and videotape!

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, reveal to them their own.”

--Benjamin Disraeli

ATTENTION TREASURERS

By: Angela Ragan, District Treasurer

The new year has finally come! It’s time to bring in the new members and the new money! So, where does the money go? First, the chapter treasurers must input all the member information online at circlek.org using the chapter password that should have been mailed to them. Once you finish putting all the information online, you can print out an invoice. Since international dues are $25 and district dues are $12, the invoice will calculate $37 per member. However, if one of your members participated in the Freshman Leadership Incentive Program (FLIP), they get half off their district dues. In that case, after you print the invoice out, print out a roster and make note which members will get that discount. Then recalculate the total and send in a check for that amount (along with the FLIP voucher, invoice and roster) to the International office in Indiana. Please don’t forget that dues must be submitted before December 1st!!! It’s very important to turn in your dues on time because that keeps your chapter in good standing.

Being in good standing enables your chapter to receive the T-O Today and District Mailings, have the opportunity to go to District events, and be eligible for District awards and scholarships! Dues from chapters received after December 1 will be put on suspension. Also, it’s a great idea to make copies of everything you mail in for your own records. As always, if you have any trouble or questions, let me know!

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 2, NOVEMBER 2005

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Page 6

By Julie Bily

Before I left for Europe at the end of May, I looked up the Kiwanis clubs in Caen, France. I was going to be studying French at the University of Caen for six weeks and thought I would try to stop by some of the Kiwanis’ meetings. It turns out there are two clubs in Caen: the Kiwanis Club of Caen and the Kiwanis Club of Caen Memorial.

Once in France, studying French made me realize that I sound like a toddler when I speak the language. So I kept putting off going to one of the meetings because I felt too self-conscious. All too soon, it was the last week of classes; my last chance to attend one of the Kiwanis meetings. The night of the Kiwanis Club of Caen Memorial meeting, I lost track of time hanging out with friends who were also studying French, and missed the meeting. I still had one more chance though: the Kiwanis Club of Caen meeting. The night of that meeting, I went up to my room to get ready and almost backed out of going because my confidence faltered. I gave myself a long pep-talk, reminding myself that I would regret it if I did not go, and then started walking to the meeting.

It was about a fifteen minute walk to the hotel restaurant where the meeting was held. I walked in and, in my poor French, asked the receptionist about the Kiwanis. After she understood what I was asking, she pointed me to a couple who was waiting in the lobby. I introduced myself and explained that I was a student from the United States studying French over the summer and that I was a member of CKI at the University of North Texas. The couple was very nice and the husband talked with me about the club. He was one of the founding members of the Kiwanis Club of Caen, which began in the 60’s. Currently they have seventeen people in their club. However, this particular night was during the week before everyone was leaving for vacation, and thus only six or seven members, with their spouses, showed up to the meeting—the rest had already begun their vacations. As each member arrived, I was introduced as “the student from the United States.” I found it funny because I am not used to my most important quality being the fact that I am from the United States.

After everyone arrived, we were seated in a private room. I had come on the night of their end-of-year banquet! To make me feel more comfortable, the Kiwanis had me sit between the couple who knew the most English, but everyone used more French than English throughout the night.

We all enjoyed a four course meal. During the conversation over dinner, I only understood about a tenth of everything that was said amongst them. They would talk so fast, at least it seemed fast to me, and use all sorts of words and tenses that I did not know. However, when they addressed me, they made an effort to slow down and simplify their speech, and they would work with me when I did not understand some of the vocabulary. I had to explain what CKI is, which was a rather interesting task given my inadequate vocabulary in French.

One of the Kiwanians finally said, “Oh, like Kiwa-Juniors,” during my explanation, and, remembering that Sean had mentioned Kiwa-Juniors to me before, I agreed. Then I tried to explain that I was a lieutenant governor in the T-O District, and vocabulary proved to be a limiting factor again. Their response was that I was Kiwanis VIP, which I figured was as close as I was going to get at explaining the concept of a lieutenant governor.

At the end of dinner, the club and I exchanged addresses. Going to the Kiwanis Club of Caen meeting was a really neat experience. Despite the language barrier, I enjoyed talking with them and making new friends.

They really proved to me that where ever you see a Kiwanis K, you can go in and be welcome.

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GOVERNOR’S CORNER

By Jose Arteaga

Hello everyone. I hope your semester is going along well. It was great getting to see many of you in the past couple of months. I had a great time attending all of the Fall Training Conferences. It’s always great getting to do visits because I get such a warm welcome everywhere I go. I leave wanting to stay longer and wanting to transfer schools just so I can see you everyday. I had the opportunity to attend Corpus Christi, Edmond, Denton and Waco. All of the FTC’s were well run and I had a great time during social time, icebreakers and service projects.

It was also great seeing a lot more of you al Fall Retreat. If you couldn’t attend, you really missed out on a great time. Every9one had such a great time bonding and doing teambuilding activities. So, don’t let another district or divisional event go by. You should really consider attending divisional Spring Rallies and District Convention in March.

On to other things, I want to remind you of a couple of projects going on in November. Don’t forget that November is Kiwanis family month. This is a great opportunity to organize projects with Kiwanis and Key Club. This is a chance for you to help us reach our district goal for interclubs. Also, the DRVIE for November is toys, games and stuffed animals. Please participate in this project. Last, November is also Small Things Month. This is a chance to make a difference with small projects each day of the month. The calendar with the projects has been sent to all chapter presidents via email. If you didn’t receive it, please email me.

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”

-Henry Ford (1863-1947)

MESSAGE FROM INTERNATIONAL TRUSTEE

By Jenny Kelly

Texas-Oklahoma District, I want to thank-you for an amazing Fall Retreat weekend. My first visit to Texas was very memorable.

What made it that more amazing was you, the membership. I was thrilled to have gotten to meet so many of you and to experience a little bit of Texas in your company.

My weekend had many highlights. I went horseback riding and canoeing for the first time. My horse “Yella” and I made the perfect team. I made smores with Governor Jose, tried to capture the flag and chased down buried treasure. I also had the privilege of presenting a communication workshop. It was nice to be able to lead this workshop, to meet you each on an individual basis and share with you some interesting facts about communication.

Each member of T-O should be very proud to be a member of this district. The weekend showed me how exceptional your leadership truly is and how dedicated your members are. I want to thank each one of you for making me feel so welcome in an unfamiliar place.

As your International Trustee I am the liaison between you and the international level. Please utilize me as a resource but remember there are several other ways to learn about this great organization. You can browse our website at www.circlek.org, or join one of the most beneficial resources, the CKI Business Reflector. The business reflector is the fastest ways to receive important information. This option of receiving information directly from the board and office staff is under-utilized. I strongly encourage you to promote this information outlet. Joining the mailing list is simple and easy. Send an e-mail to ckibusinesssubscribe@yahoogroups.com Just include your name, home club, and district to verify membership.

ACROSS 2 What members do to promote interclubs 6 The District’s goal is for every chapter to have 3 Kiwanis, 2 Key Club and 1 CKI ______ per chapter 8 One of the three tenets of CKI 10 Where LT. Governors are elected 12 For the Governor’s Project your club should be collecting _______ for the month of November.

13 CKI is the world’s largest ________ service organization worldwide.

14 What CKI members get as a result of spending time together.

15 Fund available to chapters to help fund projects.

17 A long time ago, CKI used to be a ________ DOWN

1 Jenny Kelly is our International __________ 3 One of the states in our district 4 The Texas-Oklahoma district was _________ in 1954.

5 Red River, Southeast/Gulf Coast, South Texas, Oklahoma and Hill Country are all _________ 7 CKI’s motto for 2005-2006 11 There are plenty of opportunities for ________________ development in CKI 16 The 2005-2006 Governor’s Project

www.txokcki.org

HOW TO CONTACT THE DISTRICT BOARD

www.circlek.org

Governor—Jose Arteaga, 1604 A Holleman Dr., College Station, TX 77840; C: 713-906-5865; governor@txokcki.org Secretary—Kim Hardy, 4719 Catalina Dr., Wichita Falls, TX 76310; C: 940-224-7443; secretary@txokcki.org Treasurer—Angela Ragan, 1023 Fannin, Denton, TX 76201; C: 214-663-7170; treasurer@txokcki.org Hill Country LTG—Allison Million, 1800 Primrose Dr. 348U, Waco, TX 76706; C: 512-694-1676; hillcountryltg@txokcki.org Oklahoma LTG—Rowynn Ricks, 100 N. University Box 387, Edmond, OK 73034; C: 405-623-2379; oklahomaltg@txokcki.org Red River/Metro LTG—Julie Bily, 1023 Fannin, Denton, TX 76201; C: 940-390-2023; redriverltg@txokcki.org Southeast Texas/Gulf Coast LTG—Denise Braun, 555 Bowers Blvd. #1817, Huntsville, TX 77340; C: 713907-2958; southeasttexasltg@txokcki.org South Texas LTG—Richard Willis, 108 Greenway, Victoria, TX 77904; H: 361-649-9568; southtexasltg@txokcki.org District Editor—Zach Johnson, PMB C417, Commons Lobby, College Station, TX 77840; C: 956-648-4853; editor@txokcki.org District Events Chair—Carl Thomas, 4719 Catalina Dr., Wichita Falls, TX 76310; C: 940-642-8925; districtevents@txokcki.org Membership/Kiwanis Family Chair—Adriana Casas, 1023 Fannin, Denton, TX 76201; C: 214-537-3655 District Administrator—Sean Raich, 5109 Karen Dr., North Richland Hills, TX 76180; H: 817-577-4619; administrator@txokcki.org Asst. Admin.—Anna Ethridge, 2140 Shady Grove Dr., Bedford, TX 75021; H: 817-685-8039; ethridga@michaels.com Asst. Admin.—Hunter Faubion, 1227 FM 1791, Huntsville, TX 77340; H: 936-438-8293; Hunter_Faubion@yahoo.com