Last Saturday’s meeting of the Cicero Kiwanis drew a strong attendance and a number of special guests, including featured speaker and long-time friend of the club, Sharon Canaday, and her husband, Ret. Brigadier General Don Canaday, past president of Kiwanis International; Martyn Furnish, 2020-21 Indiana District of Kiwanis Governor, and wife, Joyce, Cicero Kiwanis Club; and Sycamore South Lt. Governor, Ted Mahnensmith, past president, Sunrisers Kiwanis Club in Noblesville.
Canaday, who has a long and proud history with the Kiwanis organization, revisited the role of servant leadership and the impact it has on organizations, those served, and the community. She shared that going from a “good to great” leader involves the ability to share a common vision, truly believe in the organization, and knowing when to step out of the way.
Furnish led the installation ceremony of the club’s 2021 officers. They include:
- Officers: Jan Unger (president), Dr. Derek Arrowood (president-elect), Emily Holt and Earline Gibson (secretary) and Rhonda Gary (treasurer).
- Board of Directors: Keith Ecker (one year), Al Wilson (serving out the remainder of Perry Williams’ term, one year), Nick Barger (two years) and Tony Heath (two years).
Special thanks to Mitch Russell and Perry Williams for their service and contributions to the club during their tenure.
In other club business, the Cicero Kiwanis Club will hold its annual Christmas Parade in collaboration with Our Town Cicero. The parade will begin at 2:30 p.m., followed by local community holiday activities and the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Collection boxes for donations to purchase $25 gift cards to Walmart in lieu of the annual Kings Treasure are being set up around the community. The club will purchase and distribute cards to local families in need.
Currently, there has never been a better time to join Kiwanis. The annual membership fee is discounted through the end of the year. To learn more about membership, email CiceroKiwanis@gmail.com.