Governor Gary with Lieutenant Governor George Flavell.

Division 10:

Peterborough, Ontario

Sitting on the banks of the Otonabee River, Peterborough serves as the gateway to the Kawarthas: Cottage Country. Rolling hills and a river system complete with old-world locks and canals, make Peterborough truly unique in this part of the world.

Division 10, led by Lieutenant Governor George Flavell has seven active clubs; all of whom have pledged their support in our upcoming District Convention (2013). LG George proudly toured us through his city and showcased a number of memorable Kiwanis achievements. Of particular note was our stop at the Riverview Park and Zoo. The zoo features 27 exhibits with over 40 species including pythons, cougars and two of the largest bats I have ever seen. Free to the public, the park covers 55.5 acres of fun for the family. A number of years ago The Kiwanis Club of the Kawarthas struck a deal with the City that allowed them to build and maintain the only paid concession in the park. Today, the Snack Bar continues to be a chief fundraiser for the thriving club.

Governor Gary and Lieutenant Governor George with members of the Division 10 leadership team.

Our well attended Caucus Meeting, held at the Kiwanis Club of Scott's Plains Senior Home, included a number of success stories and examples of Kiwanis Clubs Marketing All that the Do. The Kiwanis-branded Christmas Cake, sold by Cobourg Secretary Howard Cassells for $15 a cake, was a good example of Kiwanians becoming MAD about Kiwanis.

That evening a gala dinner was held at the Princess Gardens. This beautiful converted hotel now serves as a retirement living centre and home to the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough.

One of the highlights of every Governor's visit is the opportunity to reconnect with life-long friends. Our stay in Peterborough was no exception. Julia and I had an opportunity to stay with Past Lieutenant Governor Frank Konopaski and his wife, Lana. I served with Frank, as a Lieutenant Governor, both in 2003/2004 (Governor Joanne Murray) and in 2004/2005 (Governor Dr. John Button).

Past Lieutenant Governor Frank Konopaski and Lana.

Lana Konopaski used to work as a professional tour guide. We can attest that her insightful, enthusiastic commentary of Peterborough past and present, will make her an ideal Chair for the 2013 District Convention's "Partner's Tours". With Lana at the helm the tours will be ones we will all want to take.

Peterborough will make a great convention destination. We drove by the Holiday Inn hotel, scheduled to serve as our convention hotel. It sits on the water's edge with a beautiful panoramic view of the Otonabee River.

If Host Committee Chair Kiwanian Wimpy has his way, this will be a convention to be remembered for years to come.

Click her for Division 10 slide show