Working moms prove prominent, key members
When Kiwanis magazine announced it was looking for working mom Kiwanians to showcase in its April issue, it was overwhelmed with responses nominating coworkers, fellow Kiwanians, wives, moms, and friends. Celebrating Kiwanis’ working moms, here is a complete list of those nominated for the article:
Allen, Leanne
Anderson, Sandra
Bajorek, Eugenia*
Baker, Tammy
Banks, Patricia Anne
Basciano, Michelle*
Beasley, Ellen
Beem, Christine
Bell, Ruby
Black, Mary Gray
Boudreau, Nancy*
Breiding, Diane
Bryant, Reneé
Bunten-Cross, Terri
Cain, Victoria*
Cooper, Le Ann
Danner, Kelly Hudson*
Doran, Laura
Downing, Tracy*
Folsom, Stephanie
Gebhardt, Sandra
Gosdin, Linda
Hagen, Jeanne*
Hartman, Kathleen
Hansen, Patricia
Heins, Arlene
Hickman, Barbara
James, Cindi
Johnson, Alicia
Joiner, Laura
Jolley, Lisa
Komori, Leanne
Larson, Janet
Leva, Gale
Luttrell-Wilson, Liz
Mader, Michelle
Martin, Benita*
McKnight, Karin Day
Medina, Karen
Mosher, Barbara
Nye, Henrietta*
Perkins, Adele*
Pflasterer, Deb
Poland, Susan
Reinhart, Karla
Robinson, Ann
Rodgers, Emmy
Sanchez, Sherrie*
Shelton, Dedra
Shreiner, Debbie
Sienkiewycz, Heather
Snowball, Linda
Steck, Kelly*
Stewart, Linda*
Strout, Cecile*
Swanson, Kathy
Taylor, Lynn
Tellinghuisen, Sandy
Traver, Lisa
Turner, Amber*
Waite, Peggy
Walker, Anne
Wallace, Julie*
Wallin, Martha
Wells, Kathleen
Whittaker, Chris
Leanne Allen, Kiwanis Club of Lucasville, Ohio
Kiwanian since: 1991—current TAG Team member
Children: 2—plus many exchange students
Occupation: Librarian at West Portsmouth High School
Other: According to her nomination, “(Leanne) is the one who keeps the Kiwanis club going.”
Sandra Anderson, Kiwanis Club of Longview, Texas
Kiwanian since: 1996
Children: 2
Occupation: Human services technician
Other: Says Sandra’s nominator—and husband, “(Sandy’s) professional duties involve working with ‘kids,’ and it was a natural attraction that helped lead her to Kiwanis (in addition to being the wife of a Kiwanian). She has been very involved with combining her volunteer work with the youth in the communities and her profession. Both complement each other and enhance each program. She has brought several Kiwanis programs into her workplace and used Kiwanis programs to reach many kids served by her job duties.”
Tammy Baker, Kiwanis Club of Loganville, Georgia
Kiwanian since: 1998—current club treasurer/secretary
Children: 2—ages 7 and 10
Occupation: Certified CPA and partner in her own firm, Byrd and Baker LLC
Other: “For Kiwanis, I am most passionate about what Kiwanis stands for—serving the children. It is great to be involved with an organization that’s main goal is benefiting children around the world. We sponsor a great Key Club, and it is so wonderful to see those students involved in service projects.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I joined when our club was initially organized. I found out what Kiwanis stood for and what it did, and those were the same things I’m interested in.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I just make time, because it is important to me. When we have a service project or fundraiser, I just take my children with me. They look forward to participating in events with Kiwanis. And they may have many memories of Kiwanis activities. I am hoping my children will then want to serve their community as well.”
Patricia Anne Banks, Kiwanis Club of Spring City, Tennessee
Kiwanian since: 1992
Children: 3, grown; 5 grandchildren
Occupation: Owns and operates “Pat’s Catering”
Other: According to Patricia’s nomination: “In 2005, Pat served as our president and revitalized our club and boosted membership by six new members—which was a nearly 40 percent increase! She has made it ‘hard to hide’ leading by example.”
Ellen Beasley, Kiwanis Club of Florence, Alabama 
Kiwanian since: 2006
Children: 3
Occupation: Certified nurse practitioner
Other: Ellen first became directly involved in Kiwanis as the pianist for husband David’s club. But after attending the 2006 Kiwanis International Convention in Montréal, Québec, with David, she decided to become a member.
(To read more about Ellen, “Convention Converts Guest to Member.” )
Christine Beem, Kiwanis Club of Byron, Illinois
Kiwanian since: 1999—current club treasurer
Children: 3 grown
Occupation: High school English teacher
Other: Husband (and nominator) Ronald says Christine twice was responsible for bringing the circus to Byron—once, immediately after the 9/11 tragedies. He says: “As a result of that circus, one teacher said: ‘It’s nice to hear the children laugh again.’”
Ruby Bell, Kiwanis Club of Magic City, Barberton, Ohio
Kiwanian since: 2002
Children: 1 teenager
Occupation: Principal of Santrock School
Other: Ruby encouraged her club to become active in tutoring one hour each week at her school.
Mary Gray Black, Kiwanis Club of Largo-Mid-Pinellas, Florida
Kiwanian since: 1990
Children: 2 grown; 4 grandchildren
Occupation: Elected city commissioner for the City of Largo
Other: “I take my grandchildren to service projects, which provides them the opportunity to learn about caring for others and serving their community.”
Mary is also a member of Rotary.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “As a child, I remember my uncle’s Kiwanis club was very active in the community. The Kiwanians were there for my family when my father died. I was thrilled to become a Kiwanian when membership opened to women.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “Because I believe in the Objects of Kiwanis, I don’t have to work at making time for it. Kiwanis is a way of life for me. I enjoy serving others and helping to make my community a better place in which to live, work, and play.”
Diane Breiding, Kiwanis Club of Magic City, Barberton, Ohio
Kiwanian since: 1999—current club treasurer
Children: 2
Occupation: Director of Downtown Barberton and manager of Snowball Bookshop
Other: Diane runs the club’s annual art auction, her club’s largest fundraiser.
Reneé Bryant, Kiwanis Club of Weatherford, Oklahoma
Kiwanian since: 2004—current Key Club faculty advisor
Children: 2 teenagers
Occupation: High school teacher—honors geometry and algebra
Other: Reneé was named Teacher of the Year in 2004. She loves Key Club so much that she spent a birthday chaperoning Key Clubbers at a rally. Her children are both members of Key Club.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I love Key Club and Kiwanis because of the opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives by serving them.”
Terri Bunten-Cross, Kiwanis Club of Marietta, Georgia
Kiwanian since: 1995—current club president
Children: 2 sons
Occupation: Community executive for Bank of North Georgia
Other: Terri is a former Mrs. Georgia winner.
Le Ann Cooper, Kiwanis Club of Northside Evansville, Indiana
Kiwanian since: 1999
Children: 2 teenagers
Occupation: Assistant vice-president and manager of Heritage Federal Bank
Other: Le Ann serves on four boards in her community and has been in banking for 29 years.
Laura Doran, Kiwanis Club of Quincy, Illinois
Kiwanian since: 1998
Children: 3 grown; 5 grandsons
Occupation: Teacher, former speech/language pathologist, past program director for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She says, “My career allowed so many families to touch my life, for which I am grateful.”
Other: Says Laura’s nomination: “Every club needs a dynamic leader, who leads by example, is always willing to help others, and always has a positive attitude. Laura is our dynamic leader.
“She says she is most proud of her 90-year-old mother, ‘who taught me the real meaning of life and giving back to the community as a volunteer.’”
Stephanie Folsom, Kiwanis Club of Austin, Minnesota
Kiwanian since: 2005
Children: 2—ages 2 and 1
Occupation: Personal banker
Other: Stephanie’s nomination notes: “Stephanie is a single parent of two adorable children. She is able to juggle the demands of her children, the role of two parents, work, and volunteer her time. As chairwoman of the Young Children: Priority One committee, she has taken the position and run with it. She had a kickoff project event to promote the ‘amber stick,’ which gained publicity for our club and recognition for developing our community to be a better place.”
Sandra Gebhardt, Kiwanis Club of Tsawwassen, Ladner, British Columbia
Kiwanian since: 1991—current club treasurer
Children: 2 grown
Occupation: Executive Director of Boys and Girls Club of Delta/Richmond
Other: According to her nomination: “Sandra hails from South Africa and has maintained financial involvement with her mother in South Africa and continues to support her mother. She has been a strong proponent of new membership in Kiwanis and is responsible for introducing a number of new members to our organization.”
Linda Gosdin, Kiwanis Club of Meriwether County, Greenville, Georgia
Kiwanian since: 1998
Children: 2 grown; several grandchildren
Occupation: Office manager for AgSouth Farm Credit
Other: Linda enjoys hunting and swimming in her spare time. She will retire in June.
“I am most passionate about helping children and the elderly. There is something special about each and every child and much wisdom to gain from the elderly—we just have to listen.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I joined as a way to serve my community and help children.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “By setting aside that time for me. (Kiwanis) is a time of joy and relaxation when I feel that I am accomplishing something that will last forever. If I can help one individual live a better life, then I have used my time wisely for myself.”
Patricia Hansen, Kiwanis Club of Rupert, Idaho
Kiwanian since: 1999
Children: 4
Occupation: Grant writer for Minidoka Health Care Foundation
Other: When Patricia was club president in 2005-06, she was known to call herself “queen”—and occasionally wore a tiara. And not without reason. According to Patricia’s nomination, she led the club in increasing meeting attendance by implementing fun agenda segments. In addition, she increased success for the club’s fundraisers and helped forge a partnership with another club to assist baby supplies collection.
Kathleen Hartman, Kiwanis Club of Uptown Riverside, California
Kiwanian since: 1996
Children: “We are a ‘multicombinational family.” Kathleen lists in her family, three grown daughters and five granddaughters; two teenage nephews she and her husband have raised, plus the boys’ older brother (who now has his own daughter—“who is like a granddaughter to us”) and three sisters.
“The nice thing is we all get along, and, in fact, are vacationing together.”
Occupation: Chief operating officer at Riverside Personnel Services
Other: “Kiwanis is very near and dear to my heart. What we do collectively is amazing. I belong to a club that is very active and caring. We give so much back to our community—especially children. But we also give a great deal back to each other. I constantly give the club a hard time, because Kiwanis didn’t allow women to join until 1987—just 20 small years ago—but boy do we make these guys work!”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I have been very blessed in my life. I have worked hard and had some very lucky breaks. In turn, I believe that because of these blessings, I must give back. We are all given many roads that we can choose to travel, and I, fortunately, chose one that has given me a very nice life. I believe we should help those who are not given the opportunities that we have been given—especially children. And that is what Kiwanis means to me.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “The boys especially have been a big part of my Kiwanis life. I started a Casino Night 11 years ago, and the boys have helped set up, clean up, and wrap gifts—along with dealing with my stress level when the event nears.”
Arlene Heins, Kiwanis Club of Carrollton, Missouri
Kiwanian since: 1997—Key Club advisor
Children: 2 grown
Occupation: High school special education teacher
Other: “I love Key Club and really believe in teaching young people about service. It is so important—all of us can always do more.
“My husband is a member of Lions Club. We still get along quite well.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I joined, because I am the Key Club faculty advisor... and I have been doing that for 18 years.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I have no children at home anymore, so I have lots of time for teaching and Key Club.”
Barbara Hickman, Kiwanis Club of Pocomoke City, Maryland
Kiwanian since: 1999—current club secretary
Children: 2 “grandchildren” (ages 8 and 4) she is helping raise
“I have become the primary female figure in their lives and participate fully in all their daily activities at home, school, daycare, and elsewhere. I take them for haircuts before school pictures are taken, dispense hugs when needed, bake cupcakes for special days at school, teach manners, care for them when they are sick, sit at the table with them every night to help with homework, and read bedtime stories, celebrate their successes, and comfort them when they are sad. They know they can depend on me.”
Occupation: Secretary and accounts payable manager for a large commercial building construction firm; and part-time Certified Nursing Assistant at a nursing home
“I originally trained as a CNA to learn how to better care for my aging mother who lived with me. I grew to love working with (elderly patients) and enjoy making their lives more comfortable.”
Other: Barbara also volunteers at a state residential facility for mentally and developmentally disabled people, donating homemade crafts (including her “specialty,” handmade Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls) for the residents’ “canteen boutique.” She also enjoys needlework, reading, and participating in a quilting group.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “My father was a dedicated Kiwanian. At a very early age, I observed his love for the organization. When I was younger, I was right by my father’s side at all of the fundraisers and service projects. He inspired me to continue his legacy for working to help others and to make the community a better place. My two brothers also are Kiwanians.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I will always make time. Perhaps you have heard the old saying: ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person.’ If something is really important and meaningful, somehow you find a way to do it. After seeing all the good things Kiwanians have done over the years, I am determined to always be a part of it.”
Cindi James, Kiwanis Club of Great Bridge-Chesapeake, Virginia
Kiwanian since: 2006
Children: 2 daughters, ages 17 and 10
Occupation: Business developer officer for Bank of Hampton Roads
Other: Cindi’s husband is deployed overseas in the United States Navy. Says her nomination: “While he is away, Cindi takes care of the children, works a 40-plus hour a week job, and volunteers with Kiwanis.”
Alicia Johnson, Kiwanis Club of Chelsea, Alabama
Kiwanian since: 2000
Children: 2 daughters, ages 13 and 11 (they nominated Alicia)
Occupation: Pharmacist
Other: Alicia plays first base on a softball team called the “Cleanup Crew” and takes Karate classes (currently, she holds a green belt with a brown stripe). In addition, she is a Chelsea citizen Observer Patrol member (the community does not have a police force) and a Girl Scout Troop leader. She became a certified lifeguard to defray the troop’s expenses when it goes to Girl Scout camp.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I joined because my husband was interested. And, when I was in college, I was an active member of the Circle K club.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “We meet on the first and third Monday at 11:45 a.m. Everyone needs to take time to eat and for fellowship. I enjoy meeting with the members of our club, so I reserve that time every month.”
Laura Joiner, Kiwanis Club of Chipley, Florida
Kiwanian since: 2001—current club president
Children: 2 grown; 3 grandchildren
Occupation: Project manager for the Florida Department of Transportation
Other: In addition to “day job,” hobbies, family, and Kiwanis, Laura works with her husband operating and managing their family dairy farm.
Lisa Jolley, Kiwanis Club of Columbus, Ohio
Kiwanian since: 2001
Children: 1 daughter (age 3)
Occupation: Attorney and director of donor services and development for Columbus Foundation
Other: Lisa organized a relationship between the Kiwanis club, Volunteers of America, and Scholastic Books to give books to underprivileged children. Scholastic Books donates the books, which are stored by Volunteers of America. The club cleans, sorts, and distributes “tens of thousands of books.”
Leanne Komori, Kiwanis Club of Kelowna, High Noon, British Columbia
Kiwanian since: 2005
Children: 2, ages 4 and 6
Occupation: Executive director of the Central Okanagan Foundation
Other: Says Leanne’s nomination: “She is a dedicated, willing, and enthusiastic volunteer who not only participates in the vast majority of our club’s service activities, but also puts her wonderful personal creativity and marketing contacts to great use by helping us visualize and promote new ideas for getting our club on the map.”
Janet Larson, Kiwanis Club of Westown, Knoxville, Tennessee
Kiwanian since: 1990—current club treasurer and serves on the Kiwanis International Committee on Elections and is the club development chairwoman
Children: 1 grown daughter
Occupation: “She has had a variety of careers—museum program director, academic contest coordinator, conference planner, finance officer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and tax preparer”
Other: Janet’s most recent career adventure? She has applied to law school.
Gale Leva, Kiwanis Club of Hoosick Falls, New York
Kiwanian since: 2003—current club secretary
Children: 3 grown; 1 grandchild (who is a K-Kid)
Occupation: Owns real estate business
Other: Gale has “reinvigorated her club to become more fun.” To read about the zany fundraisers and other antics Gale has introduced to the club—bringing in new members and enthusiasm—read “Fun Meetings have Kiwanians in Hog Heaven.”
Liz Luttrell-Wilson, Kiwanis Club of Mason, Michigan
Kiwanian since: 1996—current club vice-president and assistant administrator for Circle K’s Michigan District
Children: 4 grown; 4 grandchildren
Occupation: Vice-president of human relations and security for Mason State Bank
Other: Liz established a scholarship program, known as the Promise Scholarship, between the club and a local community college.
“Liz is actively involved in the mentoring of the selected students as they progress through the school system. These are middle-school students who have been selected by the school district and classified ‘at risk.’”
Michelle Mader, Greenville, Ohio
Kiwanian since: 2004
Children: 2 teenagers
Occupation: Director of member services for the Darke County Chamber of Commerce
Other: Besides her dedication to Kiwanis, Michelle volunteers with the Darke County United Way, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Darke County Outdoor Drama, and the Darke County American Red Cross.
“The laundry list of organizations Michelle is actively involved in does not do justice to describe the spirit and dedication she brings to everything she touches. She touches every heart she meets with her smile and caring devotion to making Darke County a better place to live, work, and play.”
Karin Day McKnight, Kiwanis Club of Lakeland, Florida
Kiwanian since: 1994—current club president-elect
Children: 2 grown
Occupation: Stockbroker/financial advisor with Allen & Company
Other: Karin was one of the first women to join what was then an all-male 180-member club
“Karin possesses that rare combination of intelligence, energy, enthusiasm, positive attitude, and good humor.”
Karen Medina, Kiwanis Club of Great Bridge-Chesapeake, Virginia
Kiwanian since: 2005
Children: 5
Occupation: Assistant financial center manager, Gateway Bank and Trust
Other: Among Karen’s Kiwanis activities, she is involved in the club’s Civil War Days, golf tournament, and Christmas gift wrap fundraisers; attends Key Club meetings; and serves the club’s Priority One Youth and Children committee.
Barbara Mosher, Kiwanis Club of Sierra Vista, Arizona
Kiwanian since: 1994—current club vice-president, K-Kids advisor, and K-Kids district administrator. She is on the Kiwanis International Committee for Service Leadership Programs.
Children: 1 daughter, age 13
Occupation: Social studies teacher; part-time contractor with United States government as an interrogation role player; commercial and construction cleaning business owner
Other: Barbara is an avid sports fan. Her teams: baseball—Yankees; college basketball—Notre Dame and Duke; football—Colts and Cowboys. Her hobbies range from catering to decorating, crafts, and gardening to motorcycle riding.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “To take an active part in bringing about change and making a difference in the community in which I grew up.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “With the incredible love and support of my daughter. Before I commit to any long-term project, I ask her how she feels about it and if it will interfere with our relationship (time) or plans.
“Also, my work schedule is very flexible, and the support I receive from my principal is amazing. I also am very fortunate to have family and friends who support my interest in Kiwanis and help in any way they can.”
Deb Pflasterer, Kiwanis Club of Carthage, Illinois
Kiwanian since: 1993—current club president
Children: 4—2 boys, ages 9 and 16; and 2 girls, ages 11 months and 23 months (Deb and her husband are foster parents to the girls)
Occupation: County Extension director, University of Illinois Extension
Other: “Deb has a demanding job, and she is raising two boys. She and her husband are trying to adopt the two little girls for whom they currently serve as foster parents.”
Susan Poland, Kiwanis Club of Sun City-Kachina, Arizona
Kiwanian since: 1988—current Key Club assistant district administrator and district youth administrator
Children: 2 grown (daughter Taryn, who is a college student, has joined Kiwanis while she builds a Circle K club at her college)
Occupation: High school physics teacher
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I joined as soon as women were allowed to join. I had been working with Kiwanis for seven or eight years as a Key Club faculty advisor and was impressed by everything Kiwanis did for the community and the children in the community. To me Kiwanis was the perfect fit for me and my own commitment to children.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “Balancing Kiwanis with being a mother, teacher, Key Club faculty advisor, and advisor for two other high school clubs, and being a member of a couple other community organizations is not easy. I guess the big thing is not to over-commit—to know when to say ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t make that my responsibility.’ I have been able to turn down opportunities to be a club officer—but I’m a sucker when it comes to helping kids.
“One thing that made a difference was that I have always brought my children with me to Kiwanis events—where they always were welcome. They truly grew up in the Kiwanis family. Having them help at Kiwanis events has helped me to balance motherhood and Kiwanis and has helped them become better individuals.”
Karla Reinhart, Kiwanis Club of Kalispell, Noon, Montana
Kiwanian since: 2000—current club president
Children: 1 daughter, age 16
Occupation: Registered nurse coordinator and clinic manager of a pain clinic—plus going to school full time pursuing a nurse practitioner degree
Other: Karla spearheads a bike rally for kids.
“It’s totally free to anyone participating. We do bike safety, a bike ride, and a barbeque, and give away a small item to every participant—with one boy and girl each winning a new bike.
“I so enjoy the looks on their faces as they get a prize. There is so much poverty in the area, they do not often get these special items.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I joined originally in California, because I wanted to join a service organization that focused on the youth of the community—and Kiwanis did this. When we moved to Montana, the first thing I did was look up the local Kiwanis club, go to a meeting, and join that club.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I fit this into my schedule because I make it a priority in my weekly schedule.”
Ann Robinson, Kiwanis Club of St. Stephen, New Brunswick
Kiwanian since: 1992
Children: 1 son—vice-president of his Builders Club
Occupation: Lawyer with her own firm; justice of the peace
Other: Watch upcoming issues of Kiwanis magazine to learn more about Ann!
Emmy Rodgers, Kiwanis Club of East San Diego County-Kiwanianne, California
Kiwanian since: 1998—current club president, Builders Club advisor
Children: 2 grown
Occupation: Teacher
Other: “Along with her husband Dan, Emmy can be found at almost every activity in which our club participates—and there are many.”
Dedra Shelton, Kiwanis Club of North Little Rock, Arkansas
Kiwanian since: 2003—current club secretary
Children: 1 daughter, age 2
Occupation: Office manager for chiropractor
Other: “I love the leadership aspect of Kiwanis.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I had never been a member of a civic club before, but I loved to do volunteer work. I thought this would be a great way to volunteer in a structured atmosphere.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I have learned to take a little time each day to focus on my Kiwanis duties as secretary of the club.”
Debbie Shreiner, Kiwanis Club of Magic City, Barberton, Ohio
Kiwanian since: 2003
Children: 2 grown; 1st grandchild “on the way” at the time of writing
Occupation: Realtor
Other: In 2004, Debbie worked with several other individuals to create a “reverse raffle” to benefit the family of a city worker killed on the job in Barberton.
Heather Sienkiewycz, Kiwanis Club of Massena, New York
Kiwanian since: 2006
Children: 3, ages 9, 7, and 3
Occupation: Billing department for Rose Hill adolescent drug and alcohol in-patient rehabilitation center
Other: Husband and nominator James says Heather incorporates family into everything she does: “I have witnessed her do many art activities, cooking projects, and hiking adventures. She organizes these things just so the children can learn about the joys of the simple things in life.
“This past year, we stood at our local grocery store together, as a family (to ring the Salvation Army bell). She arranged for us to have not just one bell, but for every one of us to have a bell.”
Linda Snowball, Kiwanis Club of Magic City, Barberton, Ohio
Kiwanian since: 1996
Children: 1 grown; 5 grandchildren
Occupation: Consultant with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co; owner of Snowball Books
Other: According to her nomination: “Snowball Books is a pivotal headquarters for our club’s fundraisers. Further, Linda sells merchandise at her store for other nonprofits, such as the library. She is a patron and sponsor for nearly any event any club holds in Barberton and donates many books and collectibles baskets.
Kathy Swanson, Kiwanis Club of Carroll, Iowa
Kiwanian since: 2004—current club treasurer
Children: 5—3 grown, 2 teenagers; plus 6 grandchildren
Occupation: Self-employed massage therapist
Other: From her nomination: “Managing her own business, keeping books for the Kiwanis club, and spoiling her grandkids is a huge job and responsibility. Kathy makes it look easy.”
Lynn Taylor, Kiwanis Club of Rockland, Maine
Kiwanian since: 1995—current lieutenant governor and on New England District Foundation Board
Children: 1 daughter, age 11
Occupation: Owns and operates (with her husband) two Texaco Quick Lube facilities
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I joined when I first moved back to Maine after 10 years. Most of my friends were gone, and I wanted a way to meet new people in the community. We had just opened a Dunkin’ Donuts, and I also thought this would be a great way to network. I enjoyed the hands-on projects the club was doing, and I have been hooked ever since.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “It takes a little discipline. Fortunately, I own my own business, so flexibility is possible. But the most important thing I did was to involve my daughter in Kiwanis from the time she was born. She has gone to Kiwanis functions her whole life. By doing this, I was able to participate at a higher level. Most of all, she is proud to be a ‘Kiwanian’ also. The proudest moment I have had was when Lindsay became a K-Kid in a chartered club this past year.
“This is something we can do together, and that is why I can balance all of my activities.”
Sandy Tellinghuisen, Kiwanis Club of Sac City, Iowa
Kiwanian since: 1989
Children: 5—2 grown, 3 teenagers and younger
Occupation: Executive secretary for the city of Sac City
Other: From Sandy’s nomination: “Sandy has held almost every office in the Kiwanis club. She helps with every fundraiser and every year finds volunteers from our group to work at track meets and volleyball games and to take tickets at football games.”
Lisa Traver, Kiwanis Club of Wabash, Indiana
Kiwanian since: 1999
Children: 2, ages 15 and 18
Occupation: Dental hygienist
Other: From Lisa’s nomination: “Lisa has volunteered over many years to help with the several sports teams on which her older daughter has played, from T-ball through high school. She has also had many parental responsibilities with Special Olympics, in which her younger daughter is a participant.”
Peggy Waite, Kiwanis Club of Batavia, New York
Kiwanian since: 2002—current club president-elect
Children: 1 daughter, age 13
Occupation: County nurse for State of New York
Other: From Peggy’s nomination: “Peggy is a great role model for her daughter (Leanne), as Leanne is an enthusiastic participant at many functions and service projects. Peggy and Leanne also are very involved with the 4-H program.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “To feel good about myself; to get involved.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “It’s not really hard to do, because it is so enjoyable. A lot of the activities my club does are family oriented—so we all can work together on projects.”
Anne Walker, Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, Michigan
Kiwanian since: 2004—current Key Club advisor
Children: 3
Occupation: Occupational therapist
Other: From Anne’s nomination: “She was instrumental in getting a levy passed for the local library and currently serves as president of the board of trustees. Wherever help is needed in our community, Anne finds a way to lend not one, but both of her hands. She believes in making Tecumseh a better place.”
Martha Wallin, Kiwanis Club of Oak Harbor, Washington
Kiwanian since: 1994—current Key Club and K-Kids advisor
Children: 2 grown
Occupation: Service coordinator for a funeral home
Other: Martha serves as the Community Resources Coordinator for the Oak Harbor School District, monitoring 1,500 volunteers and tracking nearly 60,000 hours of service.
Kathleen Wells, Kiwanis Club of Rocklin, California (PHOTO)
Kiwanian since: 2004—Treasurer
Children: 3 grown
Occupation: Human resources manager for Audio Book Distribution
Other: Kathleen’s father, who also is a Kiwanian, must have had an influence on her decision to join Kiwanis. Before Kathleen joined, she visited the Kiwanis clubs of Hills, Adelaide, Australia and Northwest Christchurch in New Zealand.
Chris Whittaker, Kiwanis Club of Bradenton, Florida
Kiwanian since: 2004
Children: 2, ages 13 and 15
Occupation: Assistant manager/office manager/marketing director of Golden Corral
Other: Through her work at Golden Corral, Chris organizes an annual Veteran’s Celebration, feeding about 1,000 veterans free of charge during the month of November.
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: Says her nomination: “Chris says she has a very full and fulfilling life. She makes service a family affair, often bringing her daughters to help with Kiwanis service projects and social activities.” |
