Kiwanis Installs Malcolm Gainey as New President, September 29th, 2009

At the weekly club luncheon on Tuesday, September 29th  Malcolm Gainey was installed as president, Garrett Martin as vice president, Todd Abbott as treasurer, and Laura Joiner was re-elected as secretary.  The new president-elect is David Corbin and David Darrow becomes the immediate past president.  New directors joining the board are: Rick Davis, Sam Fowler, and Kathy Rudd, who will be serving along with returning directors Mark Collins, David Corbin, Vickie Williams, Frank Cumbaa, LaMerle Feitsma, and Tommy Smith.

David Darrow, out-going president, presented a special award to Catherine Nelson (photo at right) in recognition of her late father, Farrell Nelson, for his 35 years of Kiwanis membership and 32 years of perfect attendance. 

Mr. Nelson was very active in Kiwanis Club projects and for many years was the top fruit sales member, which helped the annual fruit sale to become the largest fund raiser for Kiwanis.  Farrell Nelson’s personal efforts over many years made a significant contribution to the betterment of youth programs throughout Washington County.

Outgoing committee chairs recognized for their service by president David Darrow were: LaMerle Feitsma (Community Service), Patsy Justice (Young Children/Priority One), Bill Howell (Scholarships), Andy Andreasen (Programs), Dell Corbin (Youth Services), Jim Town (Publicity), Elaine Chadwell (Membership), Tommy Smith (Meetings), Colin Adcock (Interclub), Gene Halley (Sponsored Youth), and Price Wilson (Spiritual Aims).

Fund raising event chairs recognized by president Darrow were: Dinner Theatre – Vickie Williams, Fruit Sales – David Solger, Golf Tournament – Colby Peel, and Pancake Breakfast – Jim Town.

Membership awards were presented with Bruce Christmas being recognized for 44 years of membership.  Gerald Holley received the Kiwanis International Legion of Honor pin recognizing 40 years of membership.  Others recognized for 5 or more years of membership were David Solger (17 yrs), Chuck Yates (12 yrs), Laura Joiner (10 yrs), Joe Johnson (9 yrs), Gene Halley (8 yrs), Todd Abbott (8 yrs), Dell Corbin (7 yrs), and Darrin Wall and Henry Stone (5 yrs).

Laura Joiner was recognized as the Kiwanian of the Year in recognition of her great personal efforts on behalf of the Kiwanis Club during the past year, and to also recognize her 14 years of active membership.

To be eligible for the award, the person must have provided outstanding leadership in a position of responsibility, had perfect attendance during the year, recruited new members, actively supported local club activities and personify the Kiwanis mission of “Changing the world, one child and one community at a time”.

Joiner has served the club as president and in officer positions, as a director, and has been secretary for several years.  She was also a key person in the establishment of the Washington County Scholarship Foundation in 2009 to operate the “Take Stock In Children” scholarship program in Washington County, which is an extension of local club initiatives in service to youth.

During the meeting, the club also presented a donation to Daryl & Shannon Foor (photo at right) to help support the Pee Wee Football and junior cheerleaders programs.  This program is for ages 6 to 12 with football teams, cheerleader squads, and a league organization that involves both home and away games.

In recognition for her work with the Chipley High School Drama Club summer program, which resulted in the highly entertaining show for the Kiwanis Dinner Theatre on August 27th, Kristi Hinson was presented a special plaque by Dinner Theatre Chair Vickie Williams.