Edmonton Kinette Club Traditions

The Kinette Song: The Kinette song, which is also printed in your Bulletin, is sung at the start of every general meeting. The song starts the meeting off on a positive note and reminds us all of our purpose and the work we do together in the family of Kin.

Kinette Song
Here we are together once again,
happy in the family of KIN.
We’ve forgotten cares and worries too,
Kinettes we’ve work to do.
Each of us will help to bind the tie,
so the Heart of Kin will never die.
One and all let’s raise our voices high,
Kinettes, Kinettes, Kinettes!

Grace: The Kinette grace is said before each general meeting meal. The president will choose a Kinette to say the grace but don’t worry about being put on the spot! The Kinette grace is always printed in your Bulletin.

Kinette Grace
May the Lord make us true Kinettes,
In our thoughts and deeds.
And make us truly grateful,
For the food we receive

Madame X and the Handshake: Prior to the start of the meeting, the president will choose a Kinette to be Madame X. Her identity will remain secret until the end of the meeting. When each Kinette arrives, they are to shake hands with everyone as a gesture of greeting and fellowship and because no one except the president knows who Madame X is! Meanwhile, Madame X is writing down all the names of Kinettes who do not shake her hand. At the end of the meeting, Madame X will reveal herself and fine anyone who did not shake her hand.

Fines: Levied by Madame X and the Sergeant at Arms, the fines usually do not exceed $ .25 per infraction. Fines can be given for not shaking Madame X’s hand upon arrival at the meeting or for Rules of Order infractions. You can also be fined for not wearing your name badge. The fines are usually donated to the Convention Promotion budget. Sergeant at Arms: This Kinette is appointed by the president prior to each meeting and her identity is also kept secret until the end of the meeting. Her job is to make note of any Rules of Order infractions or anything else that is, in her opinion, out of order or just plain bothersome. At the end of the meeting she will reveal herself, read off her list of infractions and fine the guilty parties.

Rookie Night: This is a very important night for rookies. The June dinner, venue and entertainment is organized by the “rookies” who work hard to present something very special for the rest of the Club. Help and advice is available for the asking from your president and other “seasoned” Kinettes.

Lady Sunshine: This Kinette ensures that our club celebrates special occasions and extends condolences and support during times of loss. Members report any knowledge of sickness, injury, death or birth to Lady Sunshine. Appropriate acknowledgment of the event may include for example: the gift of a sleeper with “Kin Kid” embroidery for a new baby, a fleece throw with Kinette Club of Edmonton embroidery for a wedding or, in the case of bereavement the Kinette Club will make a $25 donation to the charity of choice. To become “Lady Sunshine” simply put your name on the sign up sheet at the first meeting in September.

Kin Kids Christmas Party: In keeping with the Kin principal of “Family First”, a party is planned each year for the children and grandchildren of Kinette members. A committee is struck to organize a Christmas party for the children which includes games, food and Santa. Santa gives a present to each child which has been provided beforehand by the parents. As a new Kinette, this is a committee you can sign up for in September.

Good of Kin: At the end of each meeting any member can rise and give some “Good of Kin” news about another Kinette. Good of Kin news could be a graduation, a birth, a good deed, a new job or a job well done, an accomplishment such as participating in a run or any number of reasons for giving a “pat on the back” or recognition to one of our own. The Good of Kin time could also be used to tell a good joke! Also, a Club picture is taken at Christmas with prints being made available to each member for purchase. The Club will present a Kin oriented gift to any member resigning or transferring from our Club.

Birthdays: Kinette Birthdays are celebrated all at once in June with Birthday cake, song and every good wish for many more!