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Going Strong Since 1965
The Manhattan Solar Kiwanis Club celebrated their 40th Anniversary on Sunday, October 16, 2005, at the K-State Student Union Ballroom. What a celebration it was. Many unique historical memories and activities were highlighted during the evening.
Manhattan Solar
The Manhattan Solar Kiwanis Club celebrated their 40th Anniversary on Sunday, October 16, 2005, at the K-State Student Union Ballroom. What a celebration it was. Many unique historical memories and activities were highlighted during the evening.
The Solar Kiwanis club was sponsored by the Manhattan Kiwanis Club and its Charter Banquet was held November 15, 1965. Since that time the club has been extremely active in providing Kiwanis service to its community and especially the needs of children. The club helps sponsor the K-State Circle K and the Manhattan Key Club.
The main emcee of the celebration was Steve Logback, 2005-06 club president. Circle K members assisted in the opening program.
In attendance were several charter members along with Lee W. Doyen the chartering Lt. Governor in 1965. Charter club secretary, Gerald Bergen and wife Betsy were present and shared written comments. Other past presidents and members were also present to help the current members and their guests look at their Kiwanis past.
Official District officers present to help the club celebrate their successful existence were Governor John Fajen and his wife Pam from the Manhattan Solar Club, Immediate Past Governor Dick McCall from Pratt, Past Governor and District Secretary Dot Leakey and her husband Don from Berryton, 2004-05 Lt. Governor Jim Mitchell and wife Wally from Junction City, 2005-06 Lt. Governor Ron Williams and his Vera from the Manhattan Solar Club, Past Governor Rusty Thomas from Lawrence, and Past Governor and International Foundation Chair Dick Bills from Shawnee Mission.
Several Manhattan Solar Club members were honored during the evening. Perfect Attendance Awards and three Hixsons were presented. The Hixsons were awarded to Charter and current member Horace “Jim” Sharp, Charter and current member Fred Freeby, Jr., and Charter and current member Frank Bernasek.
The Manhattan Solar Club feels they are blessed to have had devoted and loyal Kiwanians through the years to keep the club strong and successful.
Pittsburg Sunflower
The Sunflower Kiwanis of Pittsburg celebrated a milestone of achievements and service to the community September 29 at its 40th anniversary banquet. The Club welcomed numerous guests, including two founding charter members, David Huffman and Dick Hunt; Lt. Governor Bob Abbott; Larry Weaver of the Pittsburg Kiwanis Noon Club; and other former officers and members. Glen McLaren, Treasurer of Sunflower Kiwanis, received the distinguished George F. Hixson award for outstanding leadership and contributions to Kiwanis.
President Robert Wood hosted the evening’s festivities and highlighted the club’s achievements of the past year. The barbershop quartet 2 + 2 For Harmony provided entertainment and led in singing Happy Birthday to the club. New officers were inducted: President, Dean Cortes; Vice President, Bob Hurt; Vice President-elect, Shelly Gromer; Secretary, Bob Backes; and Treasurer, Glen McLaren.
As a chapter of Kiwanis International, Sunflower Kiwanis works to help children in Pittsburg by funding pocket parks, scholarships, and other community services. Its main fundraising activities include the annual spaghetti dinner and the Gorilla Village hot dog concession.