September 30th is always a special day for the Kiwanis Club of Valparaiso. It is the last day of the old year when the club officers step down from their positions for the inductees of the new year. Each member who took the podium gave a bittersweet speech about their pride and hope for the next chapter in the Kiwanis history. They also gave their thanks.
The Governor-Elect of the Indiana District of Kiwanis board is not a usual face at the Valparaiso club meetings, but an invite to the new officers’ induction is too important an opportunity to pass up. So Kris Bowers of Indianapolis came to the Strongbow Inn to join in honoring her fellow officers.
“We’re all volunteers,” she explained. “Throughout the organization, we are all volunteers. We can’t pay (the members) so all we have is the ability to say thank you. It really is important that we give that recognition.”
Governor-Elect Bowers oversees 187 clubs throughout Indiana. Her biggest project right now is called Eliminate, a fundraiser that fights maternal and neonatal tetanus around the world. MNT is being prevented with vaccines that the Kiwanis Club supplies. The Valparaiso Club itself has raised almost 19000 dollars. That is 68 mothers and babies saved.
It could not be done without the leadership, dedication, and organization spread throughout the entire Club.
This year’s new President of the Valparaiso Kiwanis, Susan Brychell, was “proud because of the impact we have on the community. I hope we have another good year.”
One of her many goals for Kiwanis is to increase membership by 10%. With the warm-hearted impression they give, it will be an easy goal.
Lieutenant Governor Erika Dutcher said, “I joined because I was asked, but I stayed because every one of these members has a big smile and a bigger heart.”
It was Lt Governor Dutcher’s job to install the new officers. She introduced Tim Ault, Jackie Gray, Val Quadlin, Bob Westfall, and Mark Zimmerman as the new Board Directors. Past President Walt Daiber, Treasurer Rich Serletic, Vice President Jodi Jackson, and President-Elect Jeff Clymer added a personal touch to their time at the podium. They shared inside jokes and moments of nostalgia.
Kiwanis has fought Iodine Deficiency Disorder, rebuilt Valplayso, and laid the foundation for a local Corn Roast. They parent other clubs through the school district so that students have the opportunity to help others and learn responsibility. High School student Shyam Raman is the Senior Governor of his district, and despite his age he coordinates over 6000 other members.
The Kiwanis officers are an inspiration not just to the other members but to the community. When you look at the numerous projects Raman and the other students are organizing, you get a firsthand look at what impact they are having on the community. Every member believes in the difference they are making.
Raman said it best: “When you get into a community, you cannot call it that unless people are helping each other. You should be able to look to your right and your left and say You are here for me, and I am here for you.”