Kids who don’t get enough to eat — especially during their first three years — begin life at a serious disadvantage. Hunger hinders brain development. The brain develops rapidly from conception to age 5. Without the right nutrients, the brain cannot develop properly, resulting in long term effects on learning abilities.When they are hungry, children are more likely to be hospitalized and they face higher risks of health conditions like anemia and asthma. And as they grow up, kids struggling to get enough to eat are more likely to have problems in school and other social situations.
Children facing hunger may struggle in school — and beyond. They are more likely to:
• Repeat a grade in elementary school
• Experience developmental impairments in areas like language and motor skills
• Have more social and behavioral problems.
• Hunger has been observed to cause depression, anxiety and withdrawal, all of which are obstructions to a child trying to focus on education.
(Feedingamerica.org)
I would like to share with you the most recent information on Food Insecurity the U.S.and New England.
FOOD INSECURITY
(the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food every day)
Statistics:
1 out of 6 Americans are food insecure
1 out of 4 American children suffer from hunger and food insecurity
provided by feedingamerica.org
For each state in New England, if you compare pre-pandemic food insecurity to now,
here are the numbers:
Pre-pandemic
Now
Increase
CT
396,000
483,000
22%
MA
569,000
689,000
21%
RI
112,000
126,000
12%
NH
117,000
130,000
11%
ME
170,000
182,000
7%
VT
67,000
70,000
4%
1,431,000
1,680,000
17.5%
Here’s the current average childhood food insecurity by state:
ME
21.8%
CT
16.9%
RI
15.4%
VT
15.3%
NH
14.6%
MA
13.0%
I hope you will consider doing more projects to help fight food inadequacies in your communities. Support your local food pantries, backpack food programs, organize a food collection, and most importantly, support programs which supply food to children during school vacations and during the summer when food pantries are at their lowest supplies. HUNGER NEVER TAKES A HOLIDAY!
Finally, have you considered holding a meal packing event? This is a great Division Project. Outreach, Inc, offers 10 different meals: tomato basil pasta, apple cinnamon oatmeal, minestrone soup, cheesy rice, Spanish rice, raisin cinnamon oatmeal, apple cinnamon rice, raisin cinnamon rice, Mac and cheese, and rice and beans.
Each serving contains a fortified protein supplement making it more nutritious than store bought packaged food.
Each serving costs $.33 or $1.96 for a packet feeding 6. Meals are assembled on a line with 10 people working on each line. 36 meal packets fill a carton which costs $71.00. Minimally $3300. must be ordered for the activity. Matthew Martin is the Regional Manager and New England Coordinator for the Outreach Program.
The Portland Kiwanis Club hosted a meal packing event for Kiwanis One Day on Oct. 27, 2018 held at a local church. I was fortunate to be able to participate.
Over 17,000 servings of apple cinnamon oatmeal were packaged in about 2 hours with much laughter and enthusiasm. The cartons were delivered to local food pantries in the greater Portland area. All participates left with a smile knowing that hungry families would be receiving nutritious food because of our efforts! I hope you will consider organizing a meal packing project!
Great News from KFNE!
The Kiwanis Foundation of New England Board of Directors has approved grant money specifically to support this meal packing program. Each Division may apply for up to $2000 to complete a meal packing event. The Division must have a minimum of 2 clubs participating and must raise $1300 or more towards the project. Each Division may only apply once annually for a grant.
The grant application can be found at kfne.org and can be submitted to [email protected]. All questions must be completed on the application.
If you have concerns or questions, please contact me. And if you do arrange a food assembly project, please invite me. I would love to participate!
It’s amazing how quickly the first month of the new Kiwanis year flew by! I was happy to attend club installations and other club events in-person this month.
I am so happy to see all the clubs working to recruit new members and grow their clubs. I am happy to say we are on the right track to increase our membership this year. As you can imagine, coming out of a pandemic with two years of no club building does take a toll on the district. It is even more important to grow our clubs and continue to build new ones for our organization to continue to grow and thrive.
I am excited to announce that our district membership committee has both a plan to support clubs in increasing their membership and to build clubs in communities without Kiwanis currently. This will enhance our Kiwanis reach and service within the New England and Bermuda areas. Thinking of new ways to attract new members and retain current members has always been a challenge; I am inspired by the creativity that so many of you have shown to continue to grow Kiwanis in your clubs.
I am hoping to see many of you in November at the Fall Conference in North Conway, New Hampshire. The deadline to register is November 10, 2021. There are several educational sessions, service projects, and hospitality time for all members to enjoy. I’d like you to consider bringing someone with you that has never been to a conference or convention before. I remember attending my first convention in Mansfield, MA when I joined Kiwanis and I was hooked. Meeting people from all over the district is empowering; we should encourage members to attend whenever we can.
I am also looking forward to engaging in hands-on service projects that your Lt. Governors are planning for Governors visits to the divisions this year. As we head into the holiday season, please think of ways your clubs can help those in the community with the most need. From a mental health perspective, please remember the holidays can be a difficult and emotional time for people as well. Make sure to show extra compassion and lead with your Kiwanis Heart!
Always remember, YOU are the Sparkle in Kiwanis!
Governor Gayla
Putting the Sparkle in Kiwanis
MY KIWANIS MOMENT
By Ava Adams, District Chair, Committee on Young Children
I visited my doctor in July 2020, and she told me she was pregnant with her first child. She and her husband were obviously excited. They knew the baby would be a girl expected in February. About a month later I had a follow up appointment, and I brought her an Early Childhood Injury Prevention Kit. She was grateful for the information especially the water sensitive duck.
I saw her again this past May and asked how she and her baby, Piper, we’re doing. Of course she had to show me pictures and a video of the adorable baby. As I was leaving she said to me; “You know, I think of you every day when I give Piper a bath, and I put that duck in her bath water to test the temperature!” I was speechless. And she made my day! We never know how many lives we touch when we complete service projects or do an act of kindness. But we definitely do. Kiwanians do make a difference in this world.
LOOKING FOR A HANDS-ON SERVICE PROJECT?
EARLY CHILDHOOD INJURY PREVENTION KITS (available from Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute, KPTI,) include Bath Safety Duck to test water temperature, Car seat information sticker, Car seat and seat belt information card, Shaken baby information card, “Keeping the Promise” window safety brochure, Burn prevention brochure, Home safety checklist booklet, Electric outlet covers(24 pk).
These materials are available to ALL Kiwanis Clubs and need to be put together in a plastic bag which is also included with the materials. Then the Kits need to be delivered. Possible distribution to: Day Care Centers, Day Care Homes, Mother’s Groups, Hospitals with Birthing Centers, Health Clinics, Pediatricians’ offices, Obstetricians’ offices or any facility that provides prenatal classes or care for expectant mothers. This is a perfect project for ALL Clubs…large or small! I encourage your Club to complete this project which can save lives and prevent traumatic injuries to infants and toddlers.
EACH CLUB IS ALLOWED 200 KITS ANNUALLY FOR DISTRIBUTION.
For more information:
Go to kpti.org and click on Community Programs tab, (order form available)
MANCHESTER, NH TURNS 100!
The Kiwanis Club of Manchester celebrated their Centennial on September 24, 2021 at the Millyard Museum. Joining in the celebration was Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig, Governor Denis Murphy, Governor Elect Gayla Bartlett and representatives from division clubs.
Special thanks to the Kiwanis of Hooksett for presenting Manchester with a new club banner. It was a wonderful night looking back on the history of this great club and looking forward to what great things they will be doing in the future for our community.
CONGRATULATIONS HAMILTON, BERMUDA!
From left to right: Kiwanian Patricia Swan, President Lionel Swan, LTG Leleath Bailey, Director Romon Lovell, LTG- elect David Burgess and PDLTG Gary Dowling Sr.
The Kiwanis Club of Hamilton celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Wednesday, 2nd June 2021 which was the date when the Club was chartered. The club also recognized the charter on Saturday, 18th September 2021 when the first Board of Directors were formally installed.
Due to the Pandemic their plans to have a Gala Banquet this year had to be scaled down considerably. So on Friday, 17th September 2021 at 7.00 am (Bermuda time), they arranged a meeting with the Royal Gazette newspaper for a photo shoot and displayed a banner at Crow Lane Round-A-Bout in Paget, highlighting 50 years of service to the Bermuda community. The club members waved to people on their way to work. Several people sang out to the Kiwanians and honked their horns. It was a lot of fun and the Kiwanis Club of St. George’s joined in for the celebration.
I am the New England District Chair for YOUNG CHILDREN. This program focuses on the needs of young children with an emphasis on infants and youngsters ages 0 to 8.
I have been your District Chair for 10 years, and I am passionate about educating new parents to promote optimal health and brain development in their babies along with preventing trauma in their lives.
This month I am focusing on materials available from:
KIWANIS PEDIATRIC TRAUMA INSTITUTE (KPTI) at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Materials for Young Children projects will be provided from KPTI at no charge to your club. More information and an order form can be found at: www.kpti.org
A valuable project available from Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute (KPTI) in Boston is:
First Aid/ CPR Chart
This chart is provided by the American Association of Pediatric available to KPTI. One side provides Choking/CPR for INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR and another section covers CPR/CHOKING for children ONE TO EIGHT YEARS. The First AID/CPR Chart is a large 11″ x 17″ wall chart includes first aid guidance on one side – choking/CPR guidance on the other. Topics include burns, scalds, fractures, sprains, head injuries, poisons, skin wounds, stings and bites, and infants/child CPR. For Kiwanis clubs to be distributed to pediatrician’s offices, parenting groups and also can be handed out at club events for the public.
Many more materials are available online at KPTI.org under Community Programs and an Order Form is also available on this website.
And if your Club is currently using materials from KPTI consider making a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) which supports KPTI which pays for these materials.
I am YOUR District Chair. Please feel free to contact me with questions. And please share with me any Young Children projects you are doing this year.
Finally, I hope to see you at Fall Conference and other District happenings once in the near future. I have a Young Children table in the exhibit hall with lots of educational materials and project ideas which I hope you will share with your Kiwanis Club. I look forward to meeting each of you in the near future!
Ava Adams, District Chair Young Children Committee
Member, Kiwanis international
Committee on Young Children
Scarborough Maine Kiwanis Club New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis
I am honored to be sharing with you the first edition of the “Sparkle Gazette,” my monthly newsletter. In each edition, I will share information from different committee chairs and important district information. It will be sent to all club members to their email addresses listed with Kiwanis International. This newsletter is an opportunity for me to share ideas, highlight service projects and provide regular information to all the New England and Bermuda members.
I am excited to be working with a fantastic board I affectionately call “the sparkle squad.” We are all ready to have a year full of service and education. We will continue to make an impact in the communities that we serve.
When I come to visit the clubs in our district, I will have my Governors pins with me. The pins are $20 each and the funds from both the pin sales and the first daughters auction at conferences will be split among the following four groups (which are my preferred charities this Kiwanis year):
Children’s Friend & Family Services www.jri.org (my Mental Health Awareness cause)
Kiwanis International Children’s Fund
Kiwanis Foundation of New England
I am looking forward to seeing everyone in North Conway NH in November for Fall Conference. This will be an event full of education, service, and fellowship. Don’t forget we will be next door to the outlets, so plenty of shopping! For more information and to register, go to newenglandkiwanis.org.
As we continue to give to our communities and our fellow Kiwanis members remember to always lead with a “Kiwanis Heart.”
Governor Gayla Putting the Sparkle in Kiwanis
LET’S GROW OUR MEMBERSHIP!
Your brand new Dynamic District Membership Team of Six is ready to help any clubs, particularly those below charter strength (less than 15 Members), who are looking for assistance either in growing membership or community service/ fund raising all in the name of the Kiwanis mission of “Improving the World One Community and One Child at a Time”.
Watch for exciting news coming soon about new clubs we will be opening as well as a District Wide Membership promotion we will be starting in January.
Your membership committee representative will be reaching out to the Lt. Governors and or clubs soon to set up a plan for the year. If you have any questions related to membership please contact Membership Chairperson Bob Willey here:
The Leadership Development & Education Committee is coordinating monthly virtual workshops so you can participate in free Kiwanis learning from home!
Monthly workshops will take place on the first Wednesday of each month for one hour at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time / 8:00 p.m. Atlantic Time. All sessions will be held via Zoom.
Why are logos important? Logos are an organization’s identity. The logo, in one small image, conveys the dynamics of a brand and when used well, breeds the most important thing… Familiarity and memorability.
The best logos are simple, versatile, and timeless. The Kiwanis logo is no different. As we work together to promote our clubs, we also work to promote Kiwanis as an organization. And as we promote the overall organization, that logo provides our individual clubs with the benefits of a brand that is more than 100 years old.
How many times do you drive into a town and notice the signs on the side of the road promoting the charitable entities in that town? The K has become, over generations, a symbol of service. The more we can use it, the more we identify with our past and the more we grow towards the future.
Using the logo allows us to extend the Kiwanis brand. As you continue to do the incredible charitable efforts in your community, whenever possible, include the logo. That means in your newspaper ads, flyers, mailers and most importantly in your social media. The more you use it, the more we can solidify our identity of service.
Yours in Kiwanis
Adam Wright District Marketing Chair
PAST LT. GOVERNORS – YOUR JOB’S NOT DONE!
Join the Past Lt. Governor’s Committee!
Membership in the PLGC is open to any Kiwanian who has served as a Lieutenant Governor of any Kiwanis International District and who is an active member in good standing of a Kiwanis Club in the New England District.
The PLGC meets during each District conference and convention. Members are available to assist current Lieutenant Governors and their clubs. A great deal of Kiwanis expertise exists among these former Lieutenant Governors and you can access their help by clicking here:
WILL YOUR CLUB OR DIVISION BE DISTINGUISHED THIS YEAR?
Distinguished Criteria 2021-2022
(All entries must be submitted via a web-based Google form at the end of the Kiwanis year)
Kiwanis Divisions: Must have completed:
Visit each club in your division (in-person or virtually)
Plan a Governor’s visit that is a multi-division service project
Complete monthly reports by the 10th of the following month
Organize 2 division council meetings (1 can be the caucus)
Hold the division caucus no later than the second week in April
Attend all District board meetings
Complete 4 out of 7:
Net gain in membership in the division
Build a new club in the division
Support clubs within the division with fewer than 15 members to increase 50% of those clubs to above 15 members
Promote brand awareness in the division (encourage clubs to use the Kiwanis Brand guide and help them to create or find resources for public-facing content)
Attend a club building day in another division
Support one of Governor Gayla’s preferred programs / projects through organizing a service project or fundraiser
Publish one Yankiwanian article about your division events
Clubs: Must have completed:
Increase in membership by the club by 10% (for clubs over 50 members, plus 5)
Sponsorship/support of Service Leadership Programs
Training & Compliance for Youth Protection (all sponsored SLPs have a Kiwanis Advisor appointed with a background check and Praesidium training complete)
Complete 5 out of 7:
Participation by the club president-elect and officers-elect in Club Leadership Education training
Financial support of the Kiwanis Foundation of New England or the Kiwanis Children’s Fund
Club attendance at Fall Training Conference, Midwinter Conference, District Convention, or International Convention
Completion of a signature project
Attendance at one inter-club event
Attendance at a multi-division service project
Publishing 4 Kiwanis project-related posts either on social media, Yankiwanian, or in local publication
Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children.
Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development.
Play is an essential and critical part of all children’s development. Play starts in the child’s infancy and ideally, continues throughout his or her life. Play is how children learn to socialize, to think, to solve problems, to mature and most importantly, to have fun. Play connects children with their imagination, their environment, their parents and family and the world.
Play supports the development of self-control which is critical for success later in life. Children play because they have a deep desire to understand the world. Play allows opportunities for them to regulate their feelings, delay gratification, and negotiate with others, all important aspects of developing self-control.
WHAT CAN KIWANIANS DO TO HELP?
Build or renovate/update a playground in your community park or at a local school.
Kiwanis International has a partnership with LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES INC. which has been creating innovative playground equipment since 1971. Think of the impact your club could make in your community with a playground “build” as a signature project. Ask your members if giving children a place to play is the right project for your club.
For information go to:
landscapearchitect.com
Provide educational games at your community center or donate them to teachers of preschool programs or kindergarten classrooms.
Become at advocate for free, quality preschool education in your community.
Every child deserves quality preschool opportunities for maximum brain development enabling them eventually to become successful functioning adults in society.
For more information on the importance of play in early childhood go to:
Last month I addressed the importance of swimming lessons for young children to help prevent drowning. This month I continue to promote
DROWNING PREVENTION
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death among children between 1 and 4 years of age, with almost 400 cases reported in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the US, an average of 3,500 to 4,000 people drown per year. That is an average of 10 fatal drownings per day.
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children. Young children aren’t the only ones affected. Overall, it ranks fifth for unintentional injury death in the United States. More than 50 percent of drowning victims who are treated at emergency departments require extended hospitalization or long-term care.
WHAT CAN KIWANIANS DO TO HELP?
Sponsor a Life Jacket Loaner Station.
This program began in 1997 in Alaska to reduce the number of drownings on boats. It has expanded to beaches, lakes and anywhere where families and children gather near the water. Families borrow a life jacket, use it, and put it back when done. The station costs approximately $1,500 unless donations are received to reduce the cost. Many of these stations have lumber donated by Lowe’s or Home Depot with private builders donating their labor. Some of the stations have been built by the parks and recreation departments of the county. West Marine gives a deep discount on the life jackets, costing approximately $14 per jacket with 20 jackets per station. They are replaced approximately every 7 to 9 months.
The sign above the station indicates that “Kids Don’t Float, Give Them Something That Does.” An additional sign lists the donors of the station.
Kids life jacket are available in three sizes…infant(0-30 lb.), child (30-50lb.), and youth (50-90 lb.) at $19.99 available at West Marine.
This new project provides an excellent opportunity for your
Kiwanis Club to apply for a Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) grant for up to $1000. This is a new and innovative project. You can find the application at www.kfne.org. You must complete the specific questions as indicated in the application.
I hope you agree that this is a valuable and relatively easy project to complete. For a small investment many lives may be saved.
Ava Adams, District Chair
Young Children Committee
New England and Bermuda District
Member, Kiwanis International Young Children Committee
Every day about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury/death in the United States.
From 2005-2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States — about ten deaths per day. An additional 332 people died each year from drowning in boating-related incidents.
About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.
More than 50% of drowning victims treated in emergency departments (EDs) require hospitalization or transfer for further care (compared with a hospitalization rate of about 6% for all unintentional injuries). These nonfatal drowning injuries can cause severe brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning (e.g., permanent vegetative state).
The Florida District of Kiwanis has established EVERY CHILD A SWIMMER PROGRAM . (ECAS) The “Every Child a Swimmer” program teaches children 5-11 years of age the basics of swimming over the course of 4 weeks. This program is best suited for children that do not have much swim experience.
The link below has specific information and videos explaining the program and how Kiwanis Clubs can help promote swimming education to young people in our communities. http://everychildaswimmer.org/contact.shtml 10 REASONS WHY EVERY CHILD (in the U.S. and the global community)SHOULD LEARN TO SWIM ( modified from ECAS)
As a part of the recreational sports spectrum, the ability to swim is a basic right for all citizens.
During their grade school careers, our school systems provide students the opportunity to learn various forms of sport; no other sport can save a person’s life throughout their entire life.
The time to learn to swim is early in each person’s life since child drowning is an ever-present threat. Bodies of water are literally everywhere so this life-skill is a necessity, just like wearing seat belts while traveling in a car!
Throughout every person’s life, there will be frequent occasions where water in some form will be nearby. Accidents of this type happen daily. Swimming is a life-skill that once learned, is never forgotten.
Globally there are many lakes, ponds, rivers, swimming pools and watering holes. Giving children this basic life skill is a responsibility, not an option.
In every state families have backyard swimming pools. While there are all types of regulations requiring barriers to entry, done of them are foolproof.
The only secure way of minimizing accidental drownings in the 0-4 age group is by preventative measures, not mechanical devices or barriers which can provide a false sense of security.
It would be rare for an accidental drowning to occur when the child or adult already knows how to swim and has competent water safety knowledge.
Aquatic exercise for people of all ages and abilities generally is not an option unless the person has basic swim skills.
Swimming is a fun, healthy form of exercise and is a family-style form of sharing happiness together!
DEFINITION OF SWIMMING: “To be as comfortable and to move as easily in deep water as on land.”
I encourage you to take the time to investigate the ECAS link above.
Kiwanis Clubs can partner with the Red Cross, YMCA, United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other community groups to establish this program. No child deserves to drown or be harmed because they do not have access to basic water safety and swim lessons.
Ava Adams, District Chair Young Children Committee New England and Bermuda District Member, Kiwanis Young Children International Committee [email protected]
Posted: March 13, 2022 by aadams
March 2022 Young Children Newsletter
Good morning fellow Kiwanians!
What happens when a child is hungry?
Kids who don’t get enough to eat — especially during their first three years — begin life at a serious disadvantage. Hunger hinders brain development. The brain develops rapidly from conception to age 5. Without the right nutrients, the brain cannot develop properly, resulting in long term effects on learning abilities.When they are hungry, children are more likely to be hospitalized and they face higher risks of health conditions like anemia and asthma. And as they grow up, kids struggling to get enough to eat are more likely to have problems in school and other social situations.
Children facing hunger may struggle in school — and beyond. They are more likely to:
• Repeat a grade in elementary school
• Experience developmental impairments in areas like language and motor skills
• Have more social and behavioral problems.
• Hunger has been observed to cause depression, anxiety and withdrawal, all of which are obstructions to a child trying to focus on education.
(Feedingamerica.org)
I would like to share with you the most recent information on Food Insecurity the U.S.and New England.
FOOD INSECURITY
(the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food every day)
Statistics:
1 out of 6 Americans are food insecure
1 out of 4 American children suffer from hunger and food insecurity
provided by feedingamerica.org
For each state in New England, if you compare pre-pandemic food insecurity to now,
here are the numbers:
Here’s the current average childhood food insecurity by state:
I hope you will consider doing more projects to help fight food inadequacies in your communities. Support your local food pantries, backpack food programs, organize a food collection, and most importantly, support programs which supply food to children during school vacations and during the summer when food pantries are at their lowest supplies. HUNGER NEVER TAKES A HOLIDAY!
Finally, have you considered holding a meal packing event? This is a great Division Project. Outreach, Inc, offers 10 different meals: tomato basil pasta, apple cinnamon oatmeal, minestrone soup, cheesy rice, Spanish rice, raisin cinnamon oatmeal, apple cinnamon rice, raisin cinnamon rice, Mac and cheese, and rice and beans.
Each serving contains a fortified protein supplement making it more nutritious than store bought packaged food.
Each serving costs $.33 or $1.96 for a packet feeding 6. Meals are assembled on a line with 10 people working on each line. 36 meal packets fill a carton which costs $71.00. Minimally $3300. must be ordered for the activity. Matthew Martin is the Regional Manager and New England Coordinator for the Outreach Program.
Cell: 857-939-3459
email: [email protected]
for more information: visit The New England. Outreach Program
https://www.endhungerne.org/
The Portland Kiwanis Club hosted a meal packing event for Kiwanis One Day on Oct. 27, 2018 held at a local church. I was fortunate to be able to participate.
Over 17,000 servings of apple cinnamon oatmeal were packaged in about 2 hours with much laughter and enthusiasm. The cartons were delivered to local food pantries in the greater Portland area. All participates left with a smile knowing that hungry families would be receiving nutritious food because of our efforts! I hope you will consider organizing a meal packing project!
Great News from KFNE!
The Kiwanis Foundation of New England Board of Directors has approved grant money specifically to support this meal packing program. Each Division may apply for up to $2000 to complete a meal packing event. The Division must have a minimum of 2 clubs participating and must raise $1300 or more towards the project. Each Division may only apply once annually for a grant.
The grant application can be found at kfne.org and can be submitted to [email protected]. All questions must be completed on the application.
If you have concerns or questions, please contact me. And if you do arrange a food assembly project, please invite me. I would love to participate!
Ava Adams, District Chair
Committee on Young Children
New England and Bermuda District
Posted: February 4, 2022 by aadams
February 2022 Young Children Update
Posted: December 3, 2021 by Will Bradford
December 2021 Sparkle Gazette
Posted: November 1, 2021 by Will Bradford
November 2021 Sparkle Gazette
Hello New England and Bermuda Kiwanians
It’s amazing how quickly the first month of the new Kiwanis year flew by! I was happy to attend club installations and other club events in-person this month.
I am so happy to see all the clubs working to recruit new members and grow their clubs. I am happy to say we are on the right track to increase our membership this year. As you can imagine, coming out of a pandemic with two years of no club building does take a toll on the district. It is even more important to grow our clubs and continue to build new ones for our organization to continue to grow and thrive.
I am excited to announce that our district membership committee has both a plan to support clubs in increasing their membership and to build clubs in communities without Kiwanis currently. This will enhance our Kiwanis reach and service within the New England and Bermuda areas. Thinking of new ways to attract new members and retain current members has always been a challenge; I am inspired by the creativity that so many of you have shown to continue to grow Kiwanis in your clubs.
I am hoping to see many of you in November at the Fall Conference in North Conway, New Hampshire. The deadline to register is November 10, 2021. There are several educational sessions, service projects, and hospitality time for all members to enjoy. I’d like you to consider bringing someone with you that has never been to a conference or convention before. I remember attending my first convention in Mansfield, MA when I joined Kiwanis and I was hooked. Meeting people from all over the district is empowering; we should encourage members to attend whenever we can.
I am also looking forward to engaging in hands-on service projects that your Lt. Governors are planning for Governors visits to the divisions this year. As we head into the holiday season, please think of ways your clubs can help those in the community with the most need. From a mental health perspective, please remember the holidays can be a difficult and emotional time for people as well. Make sure to show extra compassion and lead with your Kiwanis Heart!
Always remember, YOU are the Sparkle in Kiwanis!
Governor Gayla
Putting the Sparkle in Kiwanis
MY KIWANIS MOMENT
By Ava Adams, District Chair, Committee on Young Children
I visited my doctor in July 2020, and she told me she was pregnant with her first child. She and her husband were obviously excited. They knew the baby would be a girl expected in February. About a month later I had a follow up appointment, and I brought her an Early Childhood Injury Prevention Kit. She was grateful for the information especially the water sensitive duck.
I saw her again this past May and asked how she and her baby, Piper, we’re doing. Of course she had to show me pictures and a video of the adorable baby. As I was leaving she said to me; “You know, I think of you every day when I give Piper a bath, and I put that duck in her bath water to test the temperature!” I was speechless. And she made my day! We never know how many lives we touch when we complete service projects or do an act of kindness. But we definitely do. Kiwanians do make a difference in this world.
LOOKING FOR A HANDS-ON SERVICE PROJECT?
EARLY CHILDHOOD INJURY PREVENTION KITS (available from Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute, KPTI,) include Bath Safety Duck to test water temperature, Car seat information sticker, Car seat and seat belt information card, Shaken baby information card, “Keeping the Promise” window safety brochure, Burn prevention brochure, Home safety checklist booklet, Electric outlet covers(24 pk).
These materials are available to ALL Kiwanis Clubs and need to be put together in a plastic bag which is also included with the materials. Then the Kits need to be delivered. Possible distribution to: Day Care Centers, Day Care Homes, Mother’s Groups, Hospitals with Birthing Centers, Health Clinics, Pediatricians’ offices, Obstetricians’ offices or any facility that provides prenatal classes or care for expectant mothers. This is a perfect project for ALL Clubs…large or small! I encourage your Club to complete this project which can save lives and prevent traumatic injuries to infants and toddlers.
EACH CLUB IS ALLOWED 200 KITS ANNUALLY FOR DISTRIBUTION.
For more information:
Go to kpti.org and click on Community Programs tab, (order form available)
MANCHESTER, NH TURNS 100!
The Kiwanis Club of Manchester celebrated their Centennial on September 24, 2021 at the Millyard Museum. Joining in the celebration was Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig, Governor Denis Murphy, Governor Elect Gayla Bartlett and representatives from division clubs.
Special thanks to the Kiwanis of Hooksett for presenting Manchester with a new club banner. It was a wonderful night looking back on the history of this great club and looking forward to what great things they will be doing in the future for our community.
CONGRATULATIONS HAMILTON, BERMUDA!
The Kiwanis Club of Hamilton celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Wednesday, 2nd June 2021 which was the date when the Club was chartered. The club also recognized the charter on Saturday, 18th September 2021 when the first Board of Directors were formally installed.
Due to the Pandemic their plans to have a Gala Banquet this year had to be scaled down considerably. So on Friday, 17th September 2021 at 7.00 am (Bermuda time), they arranged a meeting with the Royal Gazette newspaper for a photo shoot and displayed a banner at Crow Lane Round-A-Bout in Paget, highlighting 50 years of service to the Bermuda community. The club members waved to people on their way to work. Several people sang out to the Kiwanians and honked their horns. It was a lot of fun and the Kiwanis Club of St. George’s joined in for the celebration.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS – Join us every Wednesday!
Posted: October 26, 2021 by Will Bradford
October 2021 Young Children Update
Download the newsletter from the Kiwanis International Committee on Young Children below:
Posted: October 4, 2021 by aadams
October 2021 Young Children Newsletter
Good morning fellow Kiwanians!
I am the New England District Chair for YOUNG CHILDREN. This program focuses on the needs of young children with an emphasis on infants and youngsters ages 0 to 8.
I have been your District Chair for 10 years, and I am passionate about educating new parents to promote optimal health and brain development in their babies along with preventing trauma in their lives.
This month I am focusing on materials available from:
KIWANIS PEDIATRIC TRAUMA INSTITUTE (KPTI) at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Materials for Young Children projects will be provided from KPTI at no charge to your club. More information and an order form can be found at: www.kpti.org
A valuable project available from Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute (KPTI) in Boston is:
First Aid/ CPR Chart
This chart is provided by the American Association of Pediatric available to KPTI. One side provides Choking/CPR for INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR and another section covers CPR/CHOKING for children ONE TO EIGHT YEARS. The First AID/CPR Chart is a large 11″ x 17″ wall chart includes first aid guidance on one side – choking/CPR guidance on the other. Topics include burns, scalds, fractures, sprains, head injuries, poisons, skin wounds, stings and bites, and infants/child CPR. For Kiwanis clubs to be distributed to pediatrician’s offices, parenting groups and also can be handed out at club events for the public.
Many more materials are available online at KPTI.org under Community Programs and an Order Form is also available on this website.
And if your Club is currently using materials from KPTI consider making a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) which supports KPTI which pays for these materials.
I am YOUR District Chair. Please feel free to contact me with questions. And please share with me any Young Children projects you are doing this year.
Finally, I hope to see you at Fall Conference and other District happenings once in the near future. I have a Young Children table in the exhibit hall with lots of educational materials and project ideas which I hope you will share with your Kiwanis Club. I look forward to meeting each of you in the near future!
Ava Adams, District Chair Young Children Committee
Member, Kiwanis international
Committee on Young Children
Scarborough Maine Kiwanis Club New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis
email: [email protected]
Last Updated: October 2, 2021 by Will Bradford
October 2021 Sparkle Gazette
Hello Kiwanis Family:
I am honored to be sharing with you the first edition of the “Sparkle Gazette,” my monthly newsletter. In each edition, I will share information from different committee chairs and important district information. It will be sent to all club members to their email addresses listed with Kiwanis International. This newsletter is an opportunity for me to share ideas, highlight service projects and provide regular information to all the New England and Bermuda members.
I am excited to be working with a fantastic board I affectionately call “the sparkle squad.” We are all ready to have a year full of service and education. We will continue to make an impact in the communities that we serve.
When I come to visit the clubs in our district, I will have my Governors pins with me. The pins are $20 each and the funds from both the pin sales and the first daughters auction at conferences will be split among the following four groups (which are my preferred charities this Kiwanis year):
I am looking forward to seeing everyone in North Conway NH in November for Fall Conference. This will be an event full of education, service, and fellowship. Don’t forget we will be next door to the outlets, so plenty of shopping! For more information and to register, go to newenglandkiwanis.org.
As we continue to give to our communities and our fellow Kiwanis members remember to always lead with a “Kiwanis Heart.”
Governor Gayla
Putting the Sparkle in Kiwanis
LET’S GROW OUR MEMBERSHIP!
Your brand new Dynamic District Membership Team of Six is ready to help any clubs, particularly those below charter strength (less than 15 Members), who are looking for assistance either in growing membership or community service/ fund raising all in the name of the Kiwanis mission of “Improving the World One Community and One Child at a Time”.
Watch for exciting news coming soon about new clubs we will be opening as well as a District Wide Membership promotion we will be starting in January.
Your membership committee representative will be reaching out to the Lt. Governors and or clubs soon to set up a plan for the year. If you have any questions related to membership please contact Membership Chairperson Bob Willey here:
LEARNING NEVER STOPS!
The Leadership Development & Education Committee is coordinating monthly virtual workshops so you can participate in free Kiwanis learning from home!
Monthly workshops will take place on the first Wednesday of each month for one hour at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time / 8:00 p.m. Atlantic Time. All sessions will be held via Zoom.
Find out more here.
MARKETING CORNER – LOGOS ARE IMPORTANT
Why are logos important? Logos are an organization’s identity. The logo, in one small image, conveys the dynamics of a brand and when used well, breeds the most important thing… Familiarity and memorability.
The best logos are simple, versatile, and timeless. The Kiwanis logo is no different. As we work together to promote our clubs, we also work to promote Kiwanis as an organization. And as we promote the overall organization, that logo provides our individual clubs with the benefits of a brand that is more than 100 years old.
How many times do you drive into a town and notice the signs on the side of the road promoting the charitable entities in that town? The K has become, over generations, a symbol of service. The more we can use it, the more we identify with our past and the more we grow towards the future.
Using the logo allows us to extend the Kiwanis brand. As you continue to do the incredible charitable efforts in your community, whenever possible, include the logo. That means in your newspaper ads, flyers, mailers and most importantly in your social media. The more you use it, the more we can solidify our identity of service.
Yours in Kiwanis
Adam Wright
District Marketing Chair
PAST LT. GOVERNORS – YOUR JOB’S NOT DONE!
Join the Past Lt. Governor’s Committee!
Membership in the PLGC is open to any Kiwanian who has served as a Lieutenant Governor of any Kiwanis International District and who is an active member in good standing of a Kiwanis Club in the New England District.
The PLGC meets during each District conference and convention. Members are available to assist current Lieutenant Governors and their clubs. A great deal of Kiwanis expertise exists among these former Lieutenant Governors and you can access their help by clicking here:
WILL YOUR CLUB OR DIVISION BE DISTINGUISHED THIS YEAR?
Distinguished Criteria 2021-2022
(All entries must be submitted via a web-based Google form at the end of the Kiwanis year)
Kiwanis Divisions:
Must have completed:
Complete 4 out of 7:
Clubs:
Must have completed:
Complete 5 out of 7:
Download a PDF copy of the Distinguished Criteria.
Posted: September 5, 2021 by aadams
September 2021 Young Children Newsletter
The Importance of play in early childhood
Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children.
Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development.
Play is an essential and critical part of all children’s development. Play starts in the child’s infancy and ideally, continues throughout his or her life. Play is how children learn to socialize, to think, to solve problems, to mature and most importantly, to have fun. Play connects children with their imagination, their environment, their parents and family and the world.
Play supports the development of self-control which is critical for success later in life. Children play because they have a deep desire to understand the world. Play allows opportunities for them to regulate their feelings, delay gratification, and negotiate with others, all important aspects of developing self-control.
WHAT CAN KIWANIANS DO TO HELP?
Kiwanis International has a partnership with LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES INC. which has been creating innovative playground equipment since 1971. Think of the impact your club could make in your community with a playground “build” as a signature project. Ask your members if giving children a place to play is the right project for your club.
For information go to:
landscapearchitect.com
Every child deserves quality preschool opportunities for maximum brain development enabling them eventually to become successful functioning adults in society.
For more information on the importance of play in early childhood go to:
https://www.ndehs.udel.edu/play-in-early-childhood/
Below is a link to an informative article on early childhood learning.
https://hub.jhu.edu/2021/06/28/curious-babies-become-curious-toddlers/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=emai
Ava Adams, District Chair
Young Children Committee
New England and Bermuda District
Member, Kiwanis International Young Children Committee
email: [email protected]
Posted: July 6, 2021 by aadams
JULY 2021 Young Children Newsletter
Good morning fellow Kiwanians!
Last month I addressed the importance of swimming lessons for young children to help prevent drowning. This month I continue to promote
DROWNING PREVENTION
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death among children between 1 and 4 years of age, with almost 400 cases reported in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the US, an average of 3,500 to 4,000 people drown per year. That is an average of 10 fatal drownings per day.
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children. Young children aren’t the only ones affected. Overall, it ranks fifth for unintentional injury death in the United States. More than 50 percent of drowning victims who are treated at emergency departments require extended hospitalization or long-term care.
WHAT CAN KIWANIANS DO TO HELP?
Sponsor a Life Jacket Loaner Station.
This program began in 1997 in Alaska to reduce the number of drownings on boats. It has expanded to beaches, lakes and anywhere where families and children gather near the water. Families borrow a life jacket, use it, and put it back when done. The station costs approximately $1,500 unless donations are received to reduce the cost. Many of these stations have lumber donated by Lowe’s or Home Depot with private builders donating their labor. Some of the stations have been built by the parks and recreation departments of the county. West Marine gives a deep discount on the life jackets, costing approximately $14 per jacket with 20 jackets per station. They are replaced approximately every 7 to 9 months.
The sign above the station indicates that “Kids Don’t Float, Give Them Something That Does.” An additional sign lists the donors of the station.
Kids life jacket are available in three sizes…infant(0-30 lb.), child (30-50lb.), and youth (50-90 lb.) at $19.99 available at West Marine.
https://www.westmarine.com/stores/portland-me-84
This project is popular in Florida, especially in Collier County. To learn more about Collier County’s life jacket loaner stations, go to
https://watersmartcollier.com/lifejacket-loaner-program
This new project provides an excellent opportunity for your
Kiwanis Club to apply for a Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) grant for up to $1000. This is a new and innovative project. You can find the application at www.kfne.org. You must complete the specific questions as indicated in the application.
I hope you agree that this is a valuable and relatively easy project to complete. For a small investment many lives may be saved.
Ava Adams, District Chair
Young Children Committee
New England and Bermuda District
Member, Kiwanis International Young Children Committee
email: [email protected]
Posted: June 7, 2021 by aadams
June 2021 Young Children Newsletter
Good morning fellow Kiwanians!
Every day about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury/death in the United States.
www.cdc.gov
The Florida District of Kiwanis has established EVERY CHILD A SWIMMER PROGRAM . (ECAS)
The “Every Child a Swimmer” program teaches children 5-11 years of age the basics of swimming over the course of 4 weeks. This program is best suited for children that do not have much swim experience.
The link below has specific information and videos explaining the program and how Kiwanis Clubs can help promote swimming education to young people in our communities.
http://everychildaswimmer.org/contact.shtml
10 REASONS WHY EVERY CHILD (in the U.S. and the global community)SHOULD LEARN TO SWIM ( modified from ECAS)
DEFINITION OF SWIMMING: “To be as comfortable and to move as easily in deep water as on land.”
I encourage you to take the time to investigate the ECAS link above.
Kiwanis Clubs can partner with the Red Cross, YMCA, United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other community groups to establish this program. No child deserves to drown or be harmed because they do not have access to basic water safety and swim lessons.
Ava Adams, District Chair
Young Children Committee
New England and Bermuda District
Member, Kiwanis Young Children International Committee
[email protected]
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