Your Governor is now an official World Traveler! June 22, I left Pittsburgh International Airport and flew to San Francisco, then to Manila, Philippines for Kiwanis International Convention. I arrived in Manila on June 23 after about 20 hour flight (basically 36 hours with the time change). This is the first time I have been out of the country (except for Canada…).
Kiwanis International Convention was held jointly with Asia-Pacific (AS-PAC) Conference. The blending of so many different and diverse cultures was stunning! It was wonderful catching up with people I know from the Kiwani-verse and to meet new people from districts all around the world. Opening Session had keynote speaker that climbed all 7 Summits! There were workshops that discussed Kiwanis Voices (pilot program launched this year for individuals 18-26); Leadership and Leadership Succession. There was the “Colors of AS-PAC” dinner and awards. Each district showed their culture through dance/costumes, etc. This was a spectacular event. Friday night, our district joined 7 other Kiwanis districts for dinner and show.
At Saturday’s House of Delegates, we elected Kiwanis International Board for 2026-2027:
President: Hope Markes, Eastern Canada and Caribbean District
President-Elect: Cathy Szymanski, Pennsylvania District
Vice-President: Trinidad “Toto” Gonzales, Philippines District
Trustees: Linda Ransey, La-MissTenn District
Valarie Brown-Klingenhofer, Cal-Nev-Ha District
Take Ogata, Indiana District
None of the 3 proposed bylaw amendments passed. There were also a few “surprises” announced at the House of Delegates, which will be announced at District Convention. Pennsylvania should be proud!!!!!
Kiwanis International Convention was from June 24-26. I took a couple more days for sight-seeing/touring and came home on June 30 (flew for 20 hours, but was home within 8 with the time change). Adjusting to the time changes has been a little challenging, LOL.
I continued my Governor’s Travels this past weekend as I went to Erie to volunteer at the Kiwanis Club of Erie’s 250 Carnival. My husband Jeff, friend Melisa (who is also a Kiwanian) and I served over 1200 hot dogs, water and freezy-pops throughout the carnival. They had over 2000 participants. I even got to ride the train! Thank you Erie for the invite! You truly Make a Difference!
Posted: July 13, 2026 by pennsylvaniakiwanis
GOVERNOR’S TRAVELS—INTERNATIONAL EDITION
Your Governor is now an official World Traveler! June 22, I left Pittsburgh International Airport and flew to San Francisco, then to Manila, Philippines for Kiwanis International Convention. I arrived in Manila on June 23 after about 20 hour flight (basically 36 hours with the time change). This is the first time I have been out of the country (except for Canada…).
Kiwanis International Convention was held jointly with Asia-Pacific (AS-PAC) Conference. The blending of so many different and diverse cultures was stunning! It was wonderful catching up with people I know from the Kiwani-verse and to meet new people from districts all around the world. Opening Session had keynote speaker that climbed all 7 Summits! There were workshops that discussed Kiwanis Voices (pilot program launched this year for individuals 18-26); Leadership and Leadership Succession. There was the “Colors of AS-PAC” dinner and awards. Each district showed their culture through dance/costumes, etc. This was a spectacular event. Friday night, our district joined 7 other Kiwanis districts for dinner and show.
At Saturday’s House of Delegates, we elected Kiwanis International Board for 2026-2027:
President: Hope Markes, Eastern Canada and Caribbean District
President-Elect: Cathy Szymanski, Pennsylvania District
Vice-President: Trinidad “Toto” Gonzales, Philippines District
Trustees: Linda Ransey, La-MissTenn District
Valarie Brown-Klingenhofer, Cal-Nev-Ha District
Take Ogata, Indiana District
None of the 3 proposed bylaw amendments passed. There were also a few “surprises” announced at the House of Delegates, which will be announced at District Convention. Pennsylvania should be proud!!!!!
Kiwanis International Convention was from June 24-26. I took a couple more days for sight-seeing/touring and came home on June 30 (flew for 20 hours, but was home within 8 with the time change). Adjusting to the time changes has been a little challenging, LOL.
I continued my Governor’s Travels this past weekend as I went to Erie to volunteer at the Kiwanis Club of Erie’s 250 Carnival. My husband Jeff, friend Melisa (who is also a Kiwanian) and I served over 1200 hot dogs, water and freezy-pops throughout the carnival. They had over 2000 participants. I even got to ride the train! Thank you Erie for the invite! You truly Make a Difference!
Category: Governor Blog
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