Kiwanis Club of Roanoke Celebrates 90th Anniversary
by J. Andree' Brooks
Ninety years of service was the theme of the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke's ninetieth anniversary celebration on January 28, 2010, the club's birthday. One hundred sixty-two members, guests and dignitaries attended the gala event which was held at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center.
The keynote speaker was the Honorable Nicholas F. Taubman, former U. S. Ambassador to Romania and retired CEO of Advance Auto, Inc. Nick is a former member of the club and his father, Arthur Taubman, was a long-time club leader. He spoke about attending the Kiwanis club meetings as a boy with his father and the impact that had on his life. He revealed many stories and anecdotes about his time in Romania while serving our country as an ambassador.
Past President and Past Lt. Governor John Montgomery served as emcee for the event. The City of Roanoke Police Department Color Guard, arranged by Kiwanian Chief Joe Gaskins, presented the colors. Ellen Brown, historian who wrote the history of the club for the occasion, prepared a Power Point presentation which was shown during dinner. A display of photos and artifacts was viewed by attendees. Kiwanian Andy Stone, grandson of founding President Charles McNulty, brought two tables of family members to witness the historic event.
Capital District Governor Don Dudey and his wife Jan were the guests of the club. Also in attendance were Southwest Virginia Trustee David Heppner from the Lynchburg Club and Division 2 Lt. Governor Bill Piper from the Roanoke Club. Two Past Capital District Governors, Art Riley and Fred Terrell, helped celebrate the birthday as well as interclub visits from four clubs, Bedford, Farmville, Fort Hill, Radford and Lynchburg. The recently elected President of the Phoenix Star Aktion Club, Steve Garrison, and Division 2 Key Club Lt. Governor, Chantal Johnson also attended.
The club's Hixson Fellows were honored and seven new ones were presented by the club to honor members who have made significant contributions to the club: Past President Manly Aylor, Past President and Past Lt. Governor Jackie Bledsoe, Past President Rupert Cutler, Santa Claus Sam Lionberger, Past President and Past Lt. Governor John Montgomery, pancake ticket salesman extraordinaire Billy Vincent and Past President Don Wilson. President Ken Briggs presented the Legion of Honor Awards. The meeting concluded with a serenade by the Virginia Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus.
As part of the year-long celebration the club is actively involved in developing a strategic plan that will carry the club into the next phase of service to children and community.
