My dear fellow Kiwanians, the wonderful Holiday Season we have just passed through has allowed us to serve the children and young people of our Utah-Idaho District in many ways.  Some of our members have used their time and talents to knit caps and blankets for newborns and their mothers.  Some have used this season to bring useful gifts and even Christmas to children and families in need. Some have spent time visiting with and cheering young people suffering from ailments in hospitals and care centers.  Some of you have taken the time to provide a book and read to a lonely child. I hear many reports of your wonderful caring, exercised on behalf of the less fortunate, especially our needy young, in many ways.  These reports have inspired us and made us each want to do more.

As we begin a new year and decade, I believe we might reflect and focus on the great service opportunities that lie ahead in our Utah-Idaho District. Today, we live in perilous economic times, fraught with many unknowns ahead.  However, I agree with the great humanitarian, Albert Schweitzer, who said, "I don't know what your destiny will be; but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve".  He added, "What the world lacks most today is men who occupy themselves with the needs of other men. In this unselfish labor a blessing falls on both the helper and the helped".

Our Utah-Idaho District Kiwanians know how to serve.  In 2010 may we again move forward, seeking new opportunities to help those in need, especially our young children and youth, who will become our future.  As Richard L. Evans once said, "We can't do everything for everyone everywhere, but we can do something for someone somewhere". As our International President Paul Palazzolo, has encouraged us, may we each add our resolve and lend our hand to do that something "right now".

In Kiwanis fellowship,

Brent F. Ashworth

Governor, Utah-Idaho District

Kiwanis International