Annual installation dinner
Along with the formality of leadership change and challenges of a new year, St. Johns Kiwanis’ annual installation dinner offered other exciting news when members learned that International President Sylvester Neal from Auburn, WA will be visiting the club during its weekly meeting Thursday Oct. 21. Michigan District Governor Bill Gohier, attending the September 26 Clinton Commons gathering, made the announcement during his time at the podium, reminding Kiwanians of the special honor corresponding to a visit by an international officer.
President Neal has selected the St. Johns stop in recognition of the club’s history of vigorous programs and projects and its outstanding record of community service. The event is a befitting entry into a new Kiwanis year, anticipated to be as eventful as past periods.
Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of Jan Havlik as Kiwanian of the Year. Ms Havlik is a past president of Kiwanis. She was recognized not only for her leadership, but also for the personal involvement she displayed through membership recruitment and participation in numerous projects and activities. Outside the club, Ms Havlik is a vice president of Firstbank of St. Johns.
A second special honor included the announcement of the club’s selection of “Lay Person of the Year.” Chris Bouck, Human and Spiritual Values Chair, introduced Rick and Sandy Wong, adding that it was the first time that a couple has received the honor of “lay person of the year.” Mr. and Mrs. Wong are members of the Grove Bible Church and received the Kiwanis recognition for their commitment to the church and personal involvement in the activities of the congregation.
Finally, honors were bestowed identifying Kiwanis members accumulating perfect attendance records. They were: Rod Fuller, 31 years; Joyce Crosby, Theresa Fedewa Wells and Jim Gunther, 21; Laura Mullaney, 20; Marilyn Thelen, 16; Tony Hufnagel and Dave Hunt, 9; Hal Rice and Mike Zigler, 7; Brenda Terpening and Carol Wooley, 5; Ken Perrin, 4 and Nan Simons, 3. Each of the following have one year perfect attendance; Tyler Barlage, Connie Burgess, Gary Carpenter, Marianne Harris, Jeanne Irrer, Paul Opsommer, Bill Richards and Denise Uribe.
Kiwanian of The Year- Outgoing President Ken Perrin, congratulates Jan Havlik on her selection as Kiwanian of the Year for 2010. Havlik is past president of the club and has been instrumental in recruiting members as well as other club initiatives during her term.
A New Slate- Officers and directors of St. Johns Kiwanis struck a pose following their recent installation for the coming year. From left, Jim Gunther, Treasurer; Marianne Harris, Secretary; Bill Gohier, Michigan Kiwanis District Governor; Gary Carpenter, Director; Ken Perrin, Outgoing President; Denise Uribe, Incoming President; Pam Fraley, Kiwanis District Lieutenant Governor; Marcia Peterson, President Elect 2012 and Sue Lounds, Director. Directors missing from photo include Tyler Barlage, Theresa Fedewa Welles, Nan Simons and Rhoda Hacker. Officers and directors were officially installed by Ms Fraley.