Welcome to Cal-Nev-Ha Division 42!

Greetings to all of our great Division 42 Clubs.

We are now in the final stretch of our year, with just a couple of months remaining, and it has truly been a wonderful year.

I would like to share a few words about my experience at the Kiwanis International Convention in Manila, which I attended with our Trustee, Katy Porter.

It was a pleasure to reconnect with many international friends we have met over the years—people we typically see only at gatherings like this. The convention brought together a warm, like-minded group for a truly special occasion. We also had the opportunity to meet this year’s International President Michael Mulhaul and incoming International President Hope Markes who is from the beautiful island nation of Jamaica. Also elected was Trinidad “Toto” Gonzales as International Vice President. He is from our host country of the Philippines. We are confident Kiwanis International will have another successful year under their leadership.

I attended the House of Delegates, where we voted for three new International Trustees: Valarie Brown-Klingelhoefer, Taka Ogata, and Linda Ramsay. We look forward to their support and leadership as they serve their three-year term.

A resolution allowing remote voting instead of requiring in-person voting was brought forward but was voted down. Additionally, there was a resolution to amend the word, “aggressive” from the bylaws and policies. It, too, was voted down.

At home, it’s a pleasure to report about our recent DCM in Ventura. We learned that the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley had a tremendous and highly successful Fourth of July celebration and fundraiser. Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make this special event such a great success. Your dedication and effort are truly appreciated.

Speaking of congratulations, let’s give a big round of applause and welcome to our incoming Lieutenant Governor Elect, Allen Grizzard-Paul, from our Camarillo club. He is stepping up to fill the position that will be vacated in September, when we welcome Margaret Sigurdsson, from the Santa Susana Club, as our new Lieutenant Governor for Division 42. Congratulations to both.

It has been a great and rewarding year for the clubs in our division, and I am confident that with Margaret at the helm we will enjoy another successful year.

As you know, we will not have an August DCM, but we will return in September and meet at the Presbyterian Church in Moorpark. At that time, we will introduce our new Lieutenant Governor, Margaret Sigurdsson, and our new Lieutenant Governor Elect, Allen Grizzard-Paul. I look forward to seeing many of you at that DCM on September 10th. The opportunity to meet and present the new leadership is an honor. Thank you in advance for your support to all!

We are fortunate to have several members that will be attending the upcoming District Educational Convention in Sparks, Nevada. They will be voting for our new Governor Elect. I know that you will all appreciate and enjoy the fellowship among all Kiwanians. Thank you for your commitment.

Remember, Kiwanis serves the children of the world—one child and one community at a time. Thank you again, for the opportunity to serve as your Lt. Governor this year.   

Paul Lopez